9 replies to this topic

[superassification]

Have you taken or do you plan to take a gap year? What plans do you have in mind?
I'm having a problem convincing my parents that a gap year is a good idea. How did you manage the same?

[Keel]

superassification, on Dec 09, 2011 - 16:55, said:

Have you taken or do you plan to take a gap year? What plans do you have in mind?
I'm having a problem convincing my parents that a gap year is a good idea. How did you manage the same?

I think it is very hard to convince parents that a gap year is a good idea until you have planned out in great detail what you are going to do. You also have to show that you are committed to these plans and will achieve or gain something from the plans. The last thing parents want to see is their child wasting a year of their life sitting around doing nothing productive when they could have gone to college or university.

So why don’t you tell us why you think having a gap year is good in the first place and maybe we will be able to come up with some suggestions on the most effective method of convincing your parents. I don't mean to sound unhelpful, but without your perspective on the issue we can't really help you.

Edited by Keel, Dec 09, 2011 - 17:11.

[Alessandra]

Look at this http://www.rusticpat...com/gap/gap.php, it's a great way to spend a gap year. I had a friend who did it and she loved it, because she learned another language and got to know another culture.

[sarahlouise]

I don't plan to take a gap year as such, but because I live in Australia and would like to go to university in England, I will have about 8-9 months or so between finishing IB exams and starting university.

I plan to do some volunteering abroad, probably in a country that speaks French, as I would like to become fluent.
I also wouldn't mind doing a bit of traveling, backpacking of course, so it's not toooooo expensive.
I'll also work a bit, raise money for university. I already have a little bit of work at a swimming pool, teaching little kids to swim. I plan to do a lifeguard course as well, so they are both pretty good jobs to do.

So yeah, they're my plans.
I would say that in terms of convincing your parents, tell them that(if?) you have specific plans, and that you're not going to spend it just partying and sitting at home doing nothing. Try to make it clear to them that it will be a year well-spent. Also one reason it may be good to take a gap year is that you are then more mature when you do go to university.

[Ishaan]

Why don't you work for a year?

Look online, as people get in touch with a local business/MNC who'd let you intern for a year.

Looks good on your resume as well.

[Fani]

I don't plan to after I finish high school but maybe after my undergraduate studies.

[Stein]

I don't think I'd ever take a gap year, knowing me once I'm out of school for too long I'd never want to go back! but hey if you think you're responsible enough then go for it!

[Babydolleyes]

superassification, on Dec 09, 2011 - 16:55, said:

Have you taken or do you plan to take a gap year? What plans do you have in mind?
I'm having a problem convincing my parents that a gap year is a good idea. How did you manage the same?

I can't even imagine having to convince my parents of the idea of taking a gap year; they initiated the conversation themselves years prior to IB. Are your parents fully aware of how demanding IB is? One would thinking completing and obtaining the IB diploma would be reason enough to take a little break. In my opinion you have definitely earned at the VERY least the right to decide what you want to do after IB. I think people in IB are sacrificing two (sometimes three) years of their life where normal teenagers go a little crazy, and I think it would be unfair if that person didn't get an opportunity to earn some of that lost time back.

[Harsh Agarwal]

It's a great idea to take gap year. Just explore the world and you in it..!!!!!

[Wide Eyed Wanderer]

I may take a gap year too, to figure out what really is it that I want to do in future. If I do, I'll probably join a 1 year course on something, or get an internship with a company. Let's see.