For several decades now, pre-university gap years have been a rite of passage for European students, serving as a welcome break for those wanting to travel, work and explore the ‘real world’.

However, the United States has been much slower to embrace the concept and many schools, colleges and particularly parents have resisted the trend.

Natalya Skjelmose, a senior at Greenwich High School in Connecticut, explains the advantages of the European model: “The gap year allows for these students to take a step back, see the bigger picture and continue their studies after that year with a much more mature and open-minded point of view – and a renewed enthusiasm.”

So what is it that American parents object to? According to Skjelmose, the negativity can be attributed to the American education system. In her mind, this is designed to build “good grades and statistics rather than sane teenagers who are ready – and mature enough – for college. We aren’t teaching for education’s sake anymore, but rather for the sake of statistics and data.”

For students the idea of total freedom to travel the world is exciting, but it’s important that any time off is spent wisely. “Too often, the gap year is about getting drunk, having fun and spending money.” Those who do something worthwhile, such as work experience or volunteer work, will find a range of longer-term benefits, and much more cooperative parents in the short-term!

Make the most of your gap year by volunteering abroad with Inspire!