GapYear/Gap _ Months

Recently a friend of mine posted this image on my Facebook timeline and I wanted to 'like' it a million times because I think this quote holds a great deal of truth. In in a previous blog post on my experience as an international student and advice to other international students, I stressed the importance of studying abroad. What's better than studying abroad than traveling on your own terms?

Even if you don't travel, one alternative route to life after graduation is taking a gap year. A gap year is basically sabbatical from structured life i.e school/work. Gap years are especially popular in the UK and Australia but... not so much in the US. I took time off after graduation to travel to Europe, California and a few other places. The four years I spent panicking by not knowing what I wanted to do after I graduated were in vain because everything was revealed in due time during my gap 5 months. Of course with most decisions they're pros and cons; I outlined some below.

Advantages to taking time off after graduation:

• The chance to volunteer
• Unlimited time to travel
• Take part in activities to learn more about yourself
• Time to figure out what you want to do for approx. the next 5 years +

Disadvantages to taking time off after graduation:

• Missed opportunities for internships/jobs
• Missed on-campus recruiting
• Potentially be set back behind peers

Whether you take time off to teach, volunteer, travel, self-study or take part in a cultural exchange program, be sure to make your experience meaningful. Keep a journal and make every moment count.

What are your thoughts on taking a gap year?
Sound off below.

Surviving College as an International Student

Apart from the first eighth and last eighth of my college experience I was considered an international student. My situation is a little unlike the average international student, yet, I offer some advice from my experience. 

1. You will miss home. Let me repeat that again. You will miss home. It doesn't matter how long you've been aching to spread your wings or escape your parents' 'tyranny.' There will come a time(s) when you will long to be back in the comfort of the place you call home. This is especially true when things aren't going so well and unlike most other college students who are able to go home for the weekend, Easter or Thanksgiving your home is most likely miles and miles and miles and miles away. Take each day at a time.


2. Skype (or ooVoo) is your best friend. Not your actual best friend but you will be able to communicate a whole lot more with that actual one, family, significant other, aunt, uncle, pet, neighbor, etc. Give them a tutorial on the necessary ins and outs of  your chosen application before you leave if you must. However, don’t let your roots prevent you from branching out. Make new friends; international and non-international.


3. Get to know International Student Services. Fish is to water as International Student Services is to international student. You may or may not want to obtain a driver’s license (to avoid carrying your passport to anywhere where you may have to prove your age), get a social security number, obtain permission to return to the US after your spring break trip in Mexico, and render a few other important services. 

4. Try to decide early whether you want to stay in the US after graduation or return home. The longer you wait, the quicker the decision is made for you. Sponsorship from companies is extremely difficult to obtain, especially in the present state of the economy. If your wish is to stay, networking will most likely be your passport. (Pun intended.) NGOs are much more likely to hire international students since they’re familiar with the extensive procedure.


5. Study abroad while studying abroad. This may be a little difficult due to a number of factors but try to take advantage of this opportunity. I truly believe that travel is a priceless experience. The more you travel, the more you learn about yourself and the world.


6.  Enjoy the experience. College in itself is a time of growth, learning, change and development. While education is the primary objective, the experiences outside of the classroom are just as enriching. Challenge yourself to take steps out of your comfort zone and share the valuable insights you have to offer. 

Are you or were you an international student? 
Sound off below with tips, questions or queries.