With thousands of students failing to secure university places this year, gap year travel has become increasingly popular, both as a lifestyle choice for young adults and as a target for media criticism.

Boris Johnson is the latest figure to poke fun at the gap year phenomena, but many other commentators are quick to leap to their defence, pointing to the extensive benefits that gap year travel can provide.

Writing for www.helium.com, Sun Meilan says “Taking a gap year is seen as a waste of time by some. However, provided that the time is used constructively, it can be a very positive move to make.”

Many students and parents perceive greater benefit in progressing straight from school to university, however, Meilan claims that “there are a number of reasons to consider taking a gap year before going to university”.

Firstly, a gap year can help broaden a student’s horizons, giving them experience of other aspects of life that allows them to make more of their university experience. Gap year travellers learn to look after themselves and are less likely to suffer from homesickness than those who have never been away from home for long periods of time.

A gap year abroad can also help students to gain perspective and develop their interests, helping them to decide what course they want to study, or even if university is right for them at all. Pressure from parents can often lead students to believe that university is the only means to secure a job after education, but it is not always the best choice.

Another benefit of gap year travel is the potential to strengthen communication skills. Students who have travelled abroad and met people from different cultures and backgrounds are often more open-minded, allowing them to mix with a wider range of people. Ultimately, this enriches their university experience.

Those who volunteer abroad can also gain work experience during their year out. There is much more to getting a job than having a degree and employers place great value on students who have experience beyond the classroom. This is particularly true in today’s competitive job market and a gap year can help you stand out from the crowd.

Ultimately, a gap year is a personal decision and one that should not be influenced by negative media coverage or pressure from parents. By using your gap year productively you can in fact improve your prospects for future employment and enjoyment.

Find out about volunteer work and travel opportunities for gap year travel with Inspire.