Whether during or after school, college or an apprenticeship, going abroad for a year and living there apart from and independent of family and friends is always a big step. In the text below I'd like to bring up a few aspects of the topic of gap year pros and cons. In general, in my list I set aside the different ways of structuring a stay abroad and collect arguments that apply to longer school exchanges, work and travel, au pair service and volunteer service alike.

Gap year pros and cons: the downsides of a year abroad?

Leaving your familiar surroundings, and the family and friends you've been close to for years, for 12 months is a big step. Depending on your intentions for the stay abroad, this now independent movement can lead you into the unknown. Where will I end up? Will I find a job I like? Will I make friends? Can I communicate well enough? How safe am I in the country? Can I travel alone or do I always need someone with me? What happens if I don't like it? Will I dare to come back? What do I do if I don't like the food? What happens if I can't cope with the local culture...if I can't find a way in? How will the people in my new surroundings treat me? What happens if I get homesick?

In short, it's probably the doubts that hold us back. Being separated from the people who have helped and listened to you your whole life is definitely a downside. On top of that, it's no longer as easy to get help when problems arise. Especially across distances that span continents, you can't just get help from Mom. You're on your own. And everything you come across will be new and unfamiliar to you. But...

Gap year pros and cons


Gap year pros and cons: the benefits of a year abroad?

that's exactly what's special about traveling. Seeing something new and, with a longer stay, having the chance to dive in deeper. Not just a curious tourist, but an open-minded visitor. 12 months give you the chance to truly immerse yourself in a new culture, make friendships and gain experiences that no one can take away from you. You learn to become more independent, since you have to look after yourself. You learn to become braver, you recognize your personal limits and may be able to cross some of them. You learn to become more self-reliant, because you can no longer send someone else ahead to do the talking. You're in your prime.

Of course there are plenty more arguments on the topic of gap year pros and cons, but in the end it's about you. Now you have to write your own list.