Should You Take a Gap Year or Study While You Travel?

‘Travel whilst you are young’ is one of the most common pieces of advice that the older generation give to young people today. And, travel is one of the best decisions that you can make when it comes to what you do with your life as someone who is young, free and single. As you get older and make more commitments when it comes to your career and perhaps even start your own family, traveling the world can become more and more out of reach. But, for many young people, it’s a choice between traveling or getting a college education.

Gap Years

Taking a gap year is a great way to get some travel experiences and see the parts of the world that you’ve always wanted to, whilst you are still young and can do so. A gap year is usually taken after you finish high school, and many colleges will allow you to defer your entry so that you know your place on the program is secured for when you return from your travel adventure. A gap year can also be a great way to earn money, perhaps by teaching English as a foreign language abroad or even starting your own travel blog. A gap year that you spend traveling solo can also be an awesome way to gain more independence, something that will surely benefit you when you head to college.

Study and Travel

If you really want to travel but also can’t wait to get your degree and pursue the career of your dreams, there’s no need to panic. In fact, studying and traveling at the same time is becoming a very popular choice with many students who want to see the world AND get a degree. And, if there’s no need to choose between the two, then, why should you? Many colleges will take on international students, allowing you to move to the country of your choice to get an education. Or, you may want to enquire at the colleges that you’re considering applying to about any student exchange programs or overseas placements that they offer to their students.

Online Study

Lastly, online study is probably the best option for avid travelers who are hoping to earn a degree without being tied down to one specific place in the world. With almost all courses available, you can choose from diplomas and undergraduate degrees to advanced programs such as online doctoral nursing programs and DNP executive leadership programs online to study whilst you travel. Since online students have no physical classes to attend, it doesn’t matter whether you’re on home soil or on a tropical island; if you have an internet connection you will be able to get the work done and earn your degree or other qualification.

For many young people, choosing between travel and study is a tough decision to make. There is much to be learned from both traveling and attending college, but do you really need to choose between the two?