Passage 4 Gap Year

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Gap Year

A gap year is a period of time, usually an academic year,

when a student takes a break from formal education.

It is often spent travelling or working.

Taking a gap year between school and university is quite common in Britain.

People used to think taking a gap year was negative.

But now, universities positively encourage a gap year,

and employers are happy to recruit students who take a gap year.

A year out can give young people useful learning experiences,

help them pick up new skills

and make them more independent.

Young people in formal education usually take a gap year

when they are about eighteen, before going to university.

Many gap year students choose to do voluntary work.

There are also many popular gap year activities for those looking for adventure

such as surfing, diving or water-skiing.

Indeed, lots of gap year students just want to see more of the world.