While gap years have been popular in the UK for some time, American students are only just waking up to the possibilities that gap year travel holds.

American website Examiner.com explains: “Previously frowned upon as a risky, wasted year, distracting the student from his education, the gap year is now understood as an excellent opportunity to actually enhance a student’s eventual college education and help form solid values and a strong foundation for the future.”

University or college can be a big investment so “it makes more sense to optimize that experience”. Those who aren’t quite ready for college can find “time to grow and mature”, while more self-directed students can find “time to regroup…and pursue special interests that can be studied further at a more advanced level in college”.

To make the most of their time off students need to plan their gap year carefully. This could mean applying to college before they travel, but it’s worth bearing in mind that a gap year can influence a student’s goals, so in some cases it may be worth delaying application.

While the number of college-bound US students who take a gap year is small, as both students and parents begin to recognise the benefits, it is likely to grow in popularity.

Volunteering abroad is one of the best ways to make the most of your gap year travel. Find out where you can volunteer abroad with Inspire.