UntitledUntitledWe've offered plenty of advice throughout the past few weeks on how to save
money for school: part-time jobs, selling your body, deferring student
loans…just to name a few. But here's something you never thought you'd hear:
save money by skipping out on school for a year.
Gap year: defined as the increasingly popular option to forego college or
graduate school for a year and take up an internship, study abroad, or
volunteer. With the economy in the state it's in, a gap year is a very tempting
alternative to paying thousands in college expenses. Why don't you just wait out
the Dow downfall?
Taking a gap year doesn't have to be major drama between you and your
parents. In fact, more and more high school and college seniors are applying for
college just as their peers do and deferring enrollment for a year. Not only do
they get great experiences (and it's less expensive!) during their gap year but are
better prepared for the schoolwork ahead of them. So what can you do to bide
your time?
Get an internship. Bonus points if you get an internship that pays.
Regardless of pay or no pay, however, it's great to get some work experience
before college. Getting the right kind of internship can keep you motivated as
you configure a major and career path throughout school. And you don't have to
stick to just one internship-you can dabble in several areas! After all, you
have an entire year.
Study/work abroad. Granted, this is going to cost you. But you may be
able to find opportunities that are cheaper than the tuition you'd be paying in
school. Even better, there are plenty of prospects to work abroad. And in some
countries, a high school degree is all you need to teach English as a second
language.
Volunteer. It may not be cool to live in your parent's basement for a
year, gainfully unemployed and unschooled. But volunteering is enough to fung
shui your coolness. Whether you're working for a non-for-profit or simply
performing a hodgepodge of service, you are sure to be commended.
Obviously, a break from school doesn't just feel good; it looks good too! And
we mentioned it saves you money, right?
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