Taking a gap year is good for the students and doesn't weaken their chances of success. A study shows a year off to travel reduces their levels of stress, compared to those who go straight into university life after school - although the latter are more confident about achieving their dreams.
The study showed those who begin their further education directly after sixth do better in their studies and realize their goals. They also believe in themselves more. However, on the other hand they find studying and aiming for their ambitious more stressful than the students who take a gap year.
Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro said: “The demanding university admission tests take place close to the matriculation examination in Finland and require diligent studying from students. For many a gap year offers an opportunity to take a break and think about future choices while developing a positive view of the future.” This period from secondary education to further studies is an important time for the development of young people when young people think over important future choices regarding educational directions and career goals.
So researchers followed young people in Finland for several years. Prof Salmela-Aro said: “Our research finds a gap year between secondary education and further studies is not harmful - especially if the young person only takes one year off. When these young people are compared with those who continue their studies directly after secondary school those who take a gap year quickly catch up with the others in terms of study motivation and the effort they put into their studies.”
But if young people take more than one gap year they may have more difficulties coping with the studies. Prof Salmela-Aro said: “In the transition phase many young people are left quite alone which may make the transition to a new study phase quite challenging. The research results also suggest students who take a gap year are more likely to drop out of university later on than those who transfer to university directly after upper secondary school.”
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