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Taking a Gap Year In Light of COVID-19

13 Aug 2020 By: Diane Gottsman

With universities around the country making every effort to make decisions on student’s safety, many kids are considering a gap year to weather out the storm. It is a good time to consider a gap year. A gap year is a planned break from their college work load to gain a different type of experience. Most often it would have included travel to other countries, volunteering abroad, foreign language immersion, working to earn skills or income or simply taking a break. COVID-19 has now changed the scope of what this will look like for many students and a gap year may look a bit different, as well.

gap year

According to a survey by Art & Science Group, of the 1,171 students surveyed, 16% were considering a gap year. College students are deciding whether or not to return to college due to potential health risks and exposure, tuition costs and travel issues. While there are pros and cons on each side, COVID-19 has definitely made an impact on returning to campus. According to a survey conducted by the Gap Year Association, a nonprofit that accredits gap year programs, taking a gap year fosters positive benefits.

Consider Travel Restrictions

With international borders closed and states not allowing residents of other states and countries to enter without a quarantine, travel is more complicated and there are significant travel implications. It has left many families discussing the idea of taking a break from studies until the pandemic has passed. It’s important to stay active doing something productive during the year so you don’t lose momentum or fall short of your long term educational goals.

Stay Focused on Your Goals

What will you do while you are on break from university studies? Reflect on what you want to do long term. The Gap Year Association suggests you ask yourself some questions such as:

  1. What school subjects do I like the most?
  2. Do these school subjects come naturally to me? Does it matter?
  3. What school subjects do I dislike the most?
  4. Do these school subjects come naturally to me? Does it matter?
  5. What type of work can I see myself doing for the majority of my waking hours?
  6. Besides money, what reasons do I want to go into this field?
  7. Does this type of work translate directly into a field of study or major?
  8. Where can I find out more information about this major? Do I know enough about this major?
  9. Is this the right – and only – major for my career path?
  10. If money were no object, what would I do for free, forever?

Then categorize your goals into five buckets. Follow their advice on what to do with the buckets here.

Ethan Knight, Executive Director of Gap Year Associations, offers his recommendations below:

“During these unprecedented times, my best advice is to connect with other peers and then download our planning guide to start building your ideal gap year. It turns out more than half of all students who take a gap year do it independently, but take the advice of us and our student alums to make the most of your time. Whether you end up on a program or chart your own course, there’s still plenty of great and productive things to do… yes, even if you’re quarantined!”

You may also like College Packing Checklist During COVID. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.