Taking a year out from studying gives you the opportunity to experience something different like travelling the world or volunteering in a developing country.
Young people embark on gap years for a wide variety of reasons, according to Tom Griffiths, founder of www.gapyear.com.
Mr Griffiths said that interest in gap years has grown as a result of the recession — "many 18-year-olds’ parents are saying that the bank of mum and dad is a bit stretched".
He continued: "Other students want to earn some money before going to university — which can cost as much as £20,000. And it can also be a good idea to test drive your career on a gap year before going off to university.
"Graduates are also finding it hard to get a job after completing their courses so many of them are taking gap years. If you are unemployed it is better to do something constructive with your time.
"Others are heading off after being made redundant from their jobs. It is cheaper to live in Thailand on £5 a day than it would be to stay at home."
Gap year growth areas are work experience relating to degrees and earning money before going to university. However, travelling is still the most popular option.
"Many young people head out to Australia or on a round-the-world trip," Tom said.
"Many save before they go, some put it on their credit card and pay when they get back and others fundraise before going off to volunteer.
"Quite a compelling case can be made for a constructive gap year. If you have, for example, two identical students going for veterinary science and one has spent a gap year working with a lion project in Kenya, it is obvious which one you are going to interview.
"The days of going to university and then getting an incredible job and career are over.
"You have to show that you have a life plan and are focused and a gap year gives the perfect opportunity to get experience.
"Many people who go on gap years make an incredible network of friends and learn a lot."
For more information on travel planning, volunteering and things to do on a gap year, go to www.gapyear.com
ktorney@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
