Which Gap Year should I choose?
A round-the-world trip, a humanitarian project, internships, or a Working Holiday Visa… Whether it's after high school, during your studies, or right after, a gap year abroad, whether in one or several destinations, is a real asset for young people who will know how to leverage it later. Languages and Travel explains what to do and how to make the most of it!
Erasmus is far from the only way to undertake a long-term stay abroad. A gap year , is increasingly popular with professionals who see it as an opportunity to stand out in an era where young people follow identical academic paths.
Gap Year: valuing one's personal initiative
The strength of a gap year lies in its being initiated by the young student, unlike a trip which is automatically part of a curriculum. This allows for the recognition of personal initiative at a time when, in addition to experience and skills, soft skills are increasingly important in recruitment. Mindset and personality will therefore have a decisive impact. And since many applications pit young people with similar academic levels against each other, the difference will often come down to what they undertake or have undertaken outside of their studies. This multifaceted transition year thus becomes a real asset, especially when validated by an official exam that certifies your progress in languages.
Around the world: putting the project first
Who hasn't dreamed of globetrotting from continent to continent? This adventure, however magical, can't be reduced to a simple travel journal. It's not about being seen as a traveler who simply drifted along. A trip around the world is a well-planned, carefully executed project with a clear objective. You can then emphasize the organization of the trip and the value of this experience in your cover letters, for example. On a CV, a gap year should be listed under "Interests," unless you worked at some point in the country, such as on a Working Holiday Visa. If you undertake a multilingual year to learn or expand your language skills in several countries around the world, you'll certainly have plenty of interesting and enriching experiences to fill the "Work" section.
Think of it this way: how has this interlude transformed you? Since most people embark on backpacking adventures, it's a year of confrontation. You will inevitably have greatly increased your self-reliance on the ground, as well as the open-mindedness you've gained, which will shape your adaptability, your ability to challenge yourself, and your capacity to face change
A humanitarian project makes sense naturally
After high school graduation, many students are searching for their path and prefer to postpone their university studies. A year away from the academic system is the perfect opportunity to explore new horizons and enjoy a unique break. By participating in a local community development project, a nature conservation project, or any other humanitarian project, it simply makes perfect sense. The very word "project" demonstrates a genuine desire to accomplish something. It's up to you to then connect this project with relevant elements in your oral or written presentation. This could include a desire to work in a collaborative economy setting, a vision of more responsible management, or even highlighting the challenges you encountered and what you learned from them.
After your final year of secondary school, a gap year will be useful when looking for internships or part-time jobs. After your studies, it will help you demonstrate your language skills and initiative. These are all important points to highlight when discussing your experience abroad in a constructive way and showing who you truly are.
Internship abroad: changing your view of the company
Completing one or more internships abroad during your gap year is another excellent way to enhance your academic record, especially for extended periods. A semester abroad will allow you to stand out. Recruiters are eager to hire candidates who can be operational quickly, and internships are a great way to gain experience. Beyond the advantage for your future career, it's also a fantastic way to see corporate life from a different perspective.
Around the world, internships, volunteer projects… Given the increasing popularity of these opportunities, your chosen destination(s) will also be significant: going to England or the United States remains a popular choice, but don't hesitate to explore other horizons. In any case, this period of living outside Belgium will guarantee you the chance to capitalize on language learning, professional skills, and intercultural understanding—an increasingly important aspect of professional life these days.
Also check out our article 5 reasons to go abroad after your final year of secondary schooland also our other article on the same subject Gap Year AbroadAnd our other articles How to make the most of a language stay abroad? And Jobs and sectors that value languages.