Forget College- I’m Going to Palau!

Not going to college right away? You’re not alone. Due to mounting tuition costs, many graduates have been deciding to take a gap year instead of going straight to college. A gap year, also called a bridge year, is a period in ones life (usually after high school but before college) when there is a break from school to either focus on working, traveling or volunteering. Colleges actually prefer students who take gap years over those who do not. It is considered a “right of passage” in countries such as England and Australia, but has recently taken hold of many young students in the United States. Here are a few options for those not seeking college right away:

– Work!

Are you part of the 95 percent of Americans who aren’t millionaires? If yes, it’s probably good to start save up money for school. Unfortunately, you need to work in order to earn money. If you have family in other parts of the country (or even the world) try to see if you could stay with them while you work. You’ll be in a new, more independent landscape, and you won’t have to pay rent! If you like staying home, then try finding a job closer to home. Make sure you have your resume in order. If you’ve never gotten a paycheck in your life, and you need a job? Read on.

-Intern!

If you have any motivation in you, then try applying for an internship. Internships are essentially unpaid labor. No, it’s not slave or child labor; it’s working at a business or organization that you want to work for later. May it be Vogue Magazine, or the American Civil Liberties Union, internships generally take homage to pretty awesome organizations. It’s definitely better than working at Wal-Mart, and employers and schools will also be impressed by your initiative and dedication to an unpaid position. It will show the ad-coms and the bosses and you aren’t just after the money.

-Travel!

Not many people have the luxury of having relatives living in other countries. But if you are one of the few lucky people, traveling and living abroad for a year may be an option for you. Traveling and living abroad has many advantages. It can also lead to new opportunities. The run-in’s on the street, or utilizing your talents, may it be technical or artistic, in new and expansive ways. If you stay with family, you will have more time to yourself because you won’t be working to pay the rent or for utilities; which means you’ll have more time to read at the coffeehouse.

– Volunteer!

Americorps; Peace Corps; World Wide Opportunities in Organic Farming (WWOOF); all are volunteer opportunities that you could try out during your gap year. Volunteering helps other people as well as educating yourself on real-world issues. There are many areas in the world that need assistance. Countries in central Africa especially need aid, as well as parts of Southern Asia and the Caribbean. Colleges will admire your dedication, and may take special consideration because of your selfless work. For volunteer opportunities, visit the United States State Department Website, www.state.gov .