Gap year. Part 2

Today you will read the text about students who take a gap year. So, what is a gap year? After reading the information and watching the video answer the question: What do you think is it possible for you to take a gap year next year? 1 point

Чи знаєте ви, що таке gap year та навіщо взагалі потрібен вільний від навчання рік?

Gap year – це рік перерви, що зазвичай беруть до, після або під час навчання в університеті. Під час цього року подорожують, займаються самоосвітою, волонтерством, працюють, шукають себе.

Головна мета – зупинитись та усвідомити, чи у правильному напрямку ви рухаєтесь, відпочити розумово та набратися натхнення.

Gap year є дуже популярною та поширеною практикою в США та багатьох країнах Європи. Там молодь бере gap year свідомо, готується до нього, вибирає волонтерства за кордоном, курси підготовки.

В Україні ж до останнього часу не існувало й самого явища. Для багатьох такий пропуск року, особливо після школи, є неможливим через тиск з боку батьків і загальне несприйняття. Чи справді, це лише втрата дорогоцінного часу, чи це корисна практика? Вирішувати тільки вам!

The article is taken from: https://educationusa.org.ua/articles/gap-year/

Read the first paragraph and answer the question: What did Barbara do in Australia during her study? 1 point

Barbara Khorvatova: “Studying abroad was easily the best decision I’ve made in my entire life. Ever since I was little I’ve wanted to go to Australia and I never thought it would actually happen. Some people might think it’s impossible to study abroad between the cost and all the classes they have to take, but if you plan properly it’s not hard to organize. My study abroad experience in Australia changed my life! I’ve learned to be more tolerant. I’ve learned to relax and enjoy what’s going on around me. Between studies, I’ve learned how to surf. I ate kangaroo meat and snorkelled in the Great Barrier reef. I’ve never felt so fascinated, it was the time of my life. I would recommend studying abroad to everyone!”.

Read the second paragraph and list all advantages of studying abroad (at least 3 advantages). 2 points

“Studying abroad experiences come in all shapes and sizes, and there’s one to fit every student”, says Johanna De Silvo, director of Study Abroad. Students can choose from more than 150 programs in more than 40 countries and earn CMU credit at the same time. Some parents are apprehensive about sending their children overseas. She says: “I’ve heard parents say, they never travelled, so this is all new to them.” But I reassure them that students get extensive orientation before they go, from how to exchange money to safety issues to how to get used to a new culture. And of course, parents’ top worry is the cost. The good news is there’s a program to fit every budget. Students can apply for most financial aid to study abroad costs. National scholarships also are available. Some parents say, “After they graduate, then they can travel”. But saying so they don’t realize all the skills their child will acquire. In this competitive job market, studying abroad is impressive on a resume. It tells the employers you’re adventurous and you’re curious. It really makes a difference. With the diversity of some countries, to be able to deal with different cultures – these are things that employers value. Studying abroad gives students opportunities to do courses that don’t exist on campus, such as marine biology in Australia, and theatre in Ireland. And for foreign language students, living language 24-7 is the best way to learn. Students return changed – for the better. Usually, it’s the longest time a student has to spend away from home. They have to be more independent and figure things out. They really learn about themselves”.

Read the third paragraph and answer 2 questions: - When did Oliver study? And what is a gap year for him? 2 points

Oliver Tirone: “I’ve spent three weeks studying in Denmark. I’ve faced my fears, gained confidence and grown as a person. Three weeks seems like a short amount of time, but it was enough to explore the culture, come out of my shell a little bit. Every day was a new adventure and a new story that could be told. You have no idea where things are, you’re in an environment you’re not used to – it has boosted my confidence. Studying abroad not only allows you to further your education, but it allows you to do so while also giving you the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful countries in the world. Studying abroad was the best decision I have ever made”, he says. “It makes you grow up faster, makes you realize what’s important in life. Here, you can get financial help, and you have the Study Abroad office to help you with everything. And it’s the prime of your life when you’re developing your sense of self, your identity. Things you had fears about – this helps you face them.”

Gap experience isn’t a year off. It’s an investment in your future as one of tomorrow’s leaders. It will truly set you apart from traditional students who go straight to college after high school. Your time away will make you more self-confident, self-reliant, and mature – ready for success in college and beyond. Adventure and life should always go hand-in-hand. Live your life, challenge yourself, grow as a person, and never stop seeking to discover more in our big world.

Do the test related to the text above. 5 points

Discussion. Answer the question about yourself. 1 point

If you were planning to take a gap year, how would you choose to spend your time?