Why Americans Don’t Take Gap Years (and Why They Should)

Do you dream of traveling the world after high school, or taking time between college semesters to try new things? A gap year may be the perfect path for you! Take advantage of a time in your life when you may have less responsibility in your personal and professional life, are healthy enough to try adventurous and physically demanding activities, and are open to a world of possibilities.

Unlock the adventure of a lifetime when you sign up to take a gap year.

You’re not alone if you’re wondering why Americans don't go on gap years. Students in the United States face a lot of pressure when they consider this less-traditional path. But chances are, if you’re thinking “should I take a gap year?” the answer is yes!

What is a gap year?

A gap year is a period of time, typically a semester or year, taken to study, work, intern, volunteer, or participate in other activities prior to starting post-graduate education or a specific career path. Exploring new places, immersing yourself in another culture, learning new skills, and meeting new people are all things you can expect when taking a gap year.

While programs and opportunities look different for everyone, a gap year is typically a way to learn more about yourself and the world around you before starting the next stage of your life. It may give you perspective on where you’d like to live, what you want to do, and who you want to become.

READ: How Do Gap Years Work? It’s More Simple Than You Think

I’m American—is a gap year a good idea for me?

Financials, family and peer pressure, stigma, and chosen course of study are all reasons why Americans don’t go on gap years. Only around 3% of Americans take gap years, a very small amount compared to Europeans and Australians.

While gap years are becoming more familiar and accepted in the U.S., you may still get some questioning looks when telling people of your plans. Knowing the challenges, and how to overcome them, is key to understanding the purpose and value of a gap year.

8 reasons Americans don’t take gap years

Don’t let hometown FOMO hold you back. A gap year opens the door to all sorts of new experiences.

1. Not seen as a common “next step”

In the U.S., during graduation ceremonies, parties, and events, high schoolers are often asked where they’re going to college. That’s the most traditional and accepted next step for most Americans.

Even at a young age, children are asked where they’d like to go to college, what they want to do with their life, and gee—they’d better get going! To Americans, the earlier you start trying to “get ahead,” the better. Gap years are not an established tradition, and there is stigma around not going into the workforce or on to university directly after high school.

• Why it’s a bad reason: Going against the norm in this case will be highly rewarding. Putting off college for a year won’t make a difference in the grand scheme of things—in fact, it most likely will give you a huge leg up in the long run. After a gap year, you’ll have a better idea of what you’d like to study or what kind of work you’d like to do. The experience will also look great to admissions officers—you may get into a school or program you wouldn’t have without your gap year experience!

2. Peers may be going to university (FOMO)

Many of your friends will be excited to jump right into the American college experience, which may make you doubt taking a gap year. Some may have secured work right out of high school, while others may have social activities lined up in your hometown that you don’t want to miss out on.

• Why it’s a bad reason: While you’ll be on a different track than your peers, taking a gap year offers incredible new and unique opportunities. You’ll make plenty of new friends and still be able to participate in a traditional experience after your time abroad (if you choose to). You could also decide to take a gap year while in college and be able to earn credit during your experience.

3. Expense

Instead of looking at expenses as a roadblock, consider how a gap year can help you make better financial decisions.

Many Americans believe gap years are too expensive—you need to get a degree and get a job to make a living! A common misconception is the idea that the “American Dream” doesn’t happen unless you follow the typical ladder to success.

• Why it’s a bad reason: Gap year participants report they made better decisions about their future after taking time to discover new perspectives, make new connections, and try new things. This includes decisions about finances—should I take out a massive loan or apply to a community college or university abroad (which are often less expensive)? Many gap year goers work while abroad, saving money while experiencing the world and adding something worthwhile to their resumes.

4. Family or counselor pressure

Many high school guidance counselors in the U.S. don’t present a gap year as an option for graduates. They may not know about gap year programs and opportunities, or they may think it’s not a viable option for students.

Your family may also ask tough questions about your choice to take a gap year: What’s it going to cost? Won’t this set you back? Don’t you want to do what everyone else is doing?

• Why it’s a bad reason: Understanding the value of a gap year program will help you convince your counselor and family that it’s a step forward, not a step back. Students around the world choose to take gap years to set themselves up for a successful future and expand their horizons. Explore gap year program options with your loved ones to show them what a life-changing experience it will be!

5. Chosen career path

American students who are looking to study medicine, science, law, and more may wonder if taking a year or semester abroad will delay their graduation. These fields often take years of study and any time away may feel like further delay in achieving set goals.

• Why it’s a bad reason: Many gap year programs include internships or work experience which may count toward these fields of study. You’ll also discover if you truly want to pursue the career path you’ve chosen. Even a gap year after college, prior to entering the workforce, is worthwhile to determine which types of jobs you’d like to apply to, make yourself a stronger candidate, and network on a global level.

READ: How to Set (and Achieve) Gap Year Goals

6. Fear of the unknown

In Europe and other parts of the world, traveling in general is more popular and international opportunities to work, study, and volunteer are easier due to the proximity of other countries. You only have to hop on a train for a few hours to hear multiple other languages and be fully immersed in another culture!

You may not know what to expect, but discovering what’s out there makes gap years so rewarding.

Americans often don’t have the resources, knowledge, or time to travel internationally and therefore may fear long-term globetrotting. While it’s becoming more accepted, taking a year to live and work abroad may sound scary to the average American.

• Why it’s a bad reason: Fear of the unknown is natural, but it’s also why a gap year abroad is so important. By traveling and sharing your own perspective with others, participating in cross-cultural dialogue, and learning another language and way of life, the world becomes less scary for all. As a global citizen, you’ll be promoting intercultural understanding and be better prepared for today’s interconnected world.

7. Unaware of what programs exist

As a high schooler in the U.S. you may not have heard about taking a gap year since it’s still not mainstream. Many may not know, or misunderstand, what a gap year is.

• Why it’s a bad reason: Knowledge is power! If you know someone who has gone on a gap year program, ask them about it. Read about the best gap year programs available online and seek out opportunities that may interest you. A gap year program isn’t just for those graduating high school—you can take time to study, work, volunteer, or intern abroad at any point in your life.

8. Accessibility

Those that have a disability, medical condition, or other barrier to travel may think that a gap year is out of reach. In many parts of the world there is strong bias against those in the LGBTQ+ community, which may make traveling to those countries intimidating or inadvisable.

• Why it’s a bad reason: While travel is sometimes exclusive, gap year programs are inclusive. There is a program for everyone, it’s just a matter of finding it. There are gap year providers skilled in matching you with the program that will most benefit you. By taking a gap year abroad you’ll be making the world a more understanding and peaceful place.

Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 gap year programs—it’s free!

Your gap year will be invaluable—even if it isn’t mainstream yet

Should I take a gap year? One word: YES! Future you will thank you.

Gap years offer an opportunity to develop personally and professionally, create memories that will last long after your experience has ended, and try new things you may have otherwise not explored! You don’t know what impact you’ll make on the world until you introduce yourself to it.

Where will you go? Who will you meet? What adventures lie ahead? A gap year is when opportunity meets desire and results in a clarity of purpose. While you may later regret not taking time in your life to have an adventure, you’ll never regret a year learning more about yourself and the world around you.

Explore ALL Gap Year programs on GoAbroad.com!