[ID:7597] So, what is a gap year anyway? In short, a gap year can be whatever you want it to be. While most people still think of a gap year as twelve months of travel or volunteer work between high school and college, you can actually take a gap year at any time in your school or work life – and it might last anywhere from a few months to a few years.

Why Take a Gap Year?

Gap years are more than just a break from the routine, they’re an exciting way to build your CV, connect with other cultures and to refresh your perspective on your future. They’re about taking conscious and constructive time out from your routine in order to clear your mind, challenge yourself and discover the world. The range of reasons for taking a gap year is almost as broad as the options available:

School Burnout

In North America, high school, undergraduate and graduate study can be intense and lead to major mental exhaustion. Running away from one’s problems is generally never a great reason to go abroad, but in the case of academic burnout, an invigorating experience abroad can be just...