The Benefits of a Gap Year for Your Child
Watching your child set off on a long-term trip can be daunting… or even terrifying. However, the advantages of a gap year away from home significantly outweigh the negatives. Whether your kids choose to work abroad, volunteer, or simply travel the world, they’ll gain skills and knowledge that will set them up for life, while also boosting their CV.
Problem Solving Will Become Less of a Problem
With a gap year comes numerous benefits for your child’s personal development and skill base. Travel provides varied opportunities to develop independence, maturity, and confidence through daily problem solving, which is exercised each day spent beyond the comfort zone.
- From booking train or plane tickets
- Finding a place to stay
- Identifying suitable dining options
- Coping with missed trains, swallowed bank cards, or lost luggage
Each problem solved contributes to an increase in adaptability and self-assurance, which can help your child tackle challenges back at home in the long run.
They’ll Gain New Perspectives
Traveling is one of the best ways to break down preconceptions and foster a better understanding of different cultures. Consequently, this increased exposure fosters compassion and empathy—vital lessons for a young adult.
Encountering the challenges faced by various communities, including homelessness and poverty, may inspire your child to take action and contribute positively to a world larger than their own.
Language Skills May Be Enhanced
Traveling often presents the chance to pick up another language. Understanding the vernacular of a place plays a significant role in gaining meaningful insights into local culture. Even a basic grasp of key phrases can lead to deeper connections between visitors and locals.
Moreover, this desire to properly pursue language learning often emerges from time spent overseas, offering substantial benefits when your child returns home and enhancing their employment prospects.
They’ll Explore Their Passions
Traveling can help young adults discover hidden passions they may not have encountered otherwise. This exploration may include:
- New instruments
- Sports
- Art practices
- Interests in wildlife, food, fitness, or photography
Such experiences also allow them to clarify what they truly enjoy or dislike, aiding their decisions about future studies or career paths.
An Attitude Shift May Occur
Minor crises that once seemed overwhelming are likely to appear trivial when your child has navigated adversities overseas. Life lessons learned while traveling carry substantial weight, promoting reflection and appreciation of home comforts, fostering a greater sense of gratitude.
Tips on How to Manage When Your Child is Away
Stay Connected
In today’s digital age, staying virtually connected is more accessible than ever. Wi-Fi is reaching even the most remote corners of the globe, and convenient mobile applications simplify communication. Consider downloading apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, and Facebook Messenger.
Moreover, receiving photos and videos can offer reassurance, helping parents feel connected to their child’s journey. It’s wise to discuss communication expectations prior to your child’s departure.
Ensure Their Health is in Good Hands
It’s essential that your child is well-equipped health-wise, which includes getting necessary vaccinations and purchasing travel insurance. Numerous health apps can be recommended to enhance the travel experience:
- My Travel Health: Offers health information and a space to store immunization records.
- TravelSmart: Helps translate first-aid terms and includes a ‘drug dictionary’ for medication names in different languages.
Moreover, consider the mental health advantages that travel can provide. Taking a break during prime years can significantly benefit mental well-being, allowing your child to create cherished memories that will last for years.