Gap Year and its' presence in India

'Gap Year' the term also denotes 'experiential semester or year on is hardly known in India, where conventional education has been given utmost priority to excel.

The Gap Year is associated with a pause taken between high school and college inorder to mull over the infinite career choices.

Gone are the days, when students were stuck to traditional academics but instead looking out to widen the horizons by following their passions.

The tremendous growth in the education system with varied choices, has left students in dilemma to choose their options.

Apparently, students have also learnt and realised that education is not something that is confined to classroom but lies in exploring and proving your skills

Thus, the concept of Gap Year is gradually gaining popularity in India as students are getting more serious about their career prospects.

Origin

Gap Years originally started in the United Kingdom in the 1970's as a way to fill the 7 or 8 month gap between final exams and the beginning of university with an intention to contribute to the development of the student.

Gap Years came to the United States in the early 1980's. Since its transition to the United States, Gap Years have taken on a life of their own. The reason behind the Gap Year was precisely meant to address academic burnout.

While in India, the first Gap Year College was started in Mussourie, Uttrarakhand , in 2007.

Universities in India offer Gap year programmes

Today, some of the institutes in India are offering gap year programmes, which enable students to strengthen skills.

Infact, students have varied options to choose from theatrics to creative writing and carpentry to ecology.

1. Udaipur-based Swaraj University offers a programme, which lays stress on self-directed learning, skill-development and green entrepreneurship.

2. Mahindra United World College , Pune, is offering an Experiential Learning Programme. Besides, several volunteer organisations offer programmes in the area of educating street children, volunteering, women empowerment and travel

Land in success

Taking a gap year can actually make students to explore within and find their true vocation. The right time to take break is after the completion of schooling and before joining the college.

The Gap year also provides you an opportunity to try out unconventional skill-building and career choices. During the year students will understand what he should pursue. Student can give up his interest if he did not prove lucrative and can open new doors for learning.

The Gap is useful for those students who have certain goals to reach. While in Indian context the notion of Gap Year among high school students does not yield any benefits .

It would be better if it is followed by a graduate students as it helps them to widen their horizon to choose the profession.

The Gap year is a crucial as well as challenging. At the same time it is rewarding since it leads you to hit the right path.