"GAP YEAR' GAINING POPULARITY AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Colleges in the US and UK are encouraging students to take a "gap year' in their academic careers in order to mature both emotionally and intellectually before beginning their first year of college. This gap year enables new high school graduates to take time to travel, work, and study abroad before experiencing the rigors of college.

Gap year is most common in the U.K., but is gaining popularity in the U.S.

According to the U.K. Independent, the number of students taking a gap year has doubled in the past seven years. In fact, one in eight U.K. incoming college students take a gap year before starting college.

U.S. colleges and universities encourage students to take the gap year, citing that employers and graduate schools look favorably upon students who seek worthwhile experiences away from the comforts of home.

On their website, Harvard University recommends that students take a year off before starting college. Other universities will defer admissions for students who desire to work, travel, or study abroad.

One such organization that encourages students to take time to study overseas is Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA), a study abroad provider that creates and facilitates opportunities for personal growth and global understanding through quality international education and cultural experiences.

Although graduating high school seniors are most likely to take a gap year, organizations like CEA encourage students of all academic levels to study abroad before their education is complete.

According to Brian Boubek, President and CEO of CEA, "Studying abroad during the gap year prepares incoming college students for the entire college experience, both on an academic and personal level. Not only that, students can transfer the academic credits they earn while abroad and be ahead of their studies when they start college at their home campus.'

While CEA organizes academic curricula, living arrangements and immersion activities, other organizations coordinate job opportunities for students requesting work during their gap year.

According to Gap Year Jobs, a U.K.-based organization, a variety of jobs are offered just for gap year students including part-time, full-time, paid or voluntary work.

To learn more about study abroad, visit:
www.GoWithCEA.com
To learn more about Harvard University, visit:
www.college.harvard.edu/admissions/time_out.html
To learn more about Gap Year Jobs, visit:
www.GapYearJobs.co.uk

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