Why Americans Dont Take Gap Years (and Why They Should)

May 2024 · 8 minute read

Do you dream of traveling the world after high school, or taking time between college semesters to try new things? A gap year may be the perfect path for you! Take advantage of a time in your life when you may have less responsibility in your personal and professional life, are healthy enough to try adventurous and physically demanding activities, and are open to a world of possibilities.

person taking photos on top of a mountain

Unlock the adventure of a lifetime when you sign up to take a gap year.

You’re not alone if you’re wondering why Americans don't go on gap years. Students in the United States face a lot of pressure when they consider this less-traditional path. But chances are, if you’re thinking “should I take a gap year?” the answer is yes!

What is a gap year?

A gap year is a period of time, typically a semester or year, taken to study, work, intern, volunteer, or participate in other activities prior to starting post-graduate education or a specific career path. Exploring new places, immersing yourself in another culture, learning new skills, and meeting new people are all things you can expect when taking a gap year.

While programs and opportunities look different for everyone, a gap year is typically a way to learn more about yourself and the world around you before starting the next stage of your life. It may give you perspective on where you’d like to live, what you want to do, and who you want to become.

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I’m American—is a gap year a good idea for me?

Financials, family and peer pressure, stigma, and chosen course of study are all reasons why Americans don’t go on gap years. Only around 3% of Americans take gap years, a very small amount compared to Europeans and Australians.

While gap years are becoming more familiar and accepted in the U.S., you may still get some questioning looks when telling people of your plans. Knowing the challenges, and how to overcome them, is key to understanding the purpose and .

8 reasons Americans don’t take gap years

four people laughing in the mountains

Don’t let hometown FOMO hold you back. A gap year opens the door to all sorts of new experiences.

1. Not seen as a common “next step”

In the U.S., during graduation ceremonies, parties, and events, high schoolers are often asked where they’re going to college. That’s the most traditional and accepted next step for most Americans.

Even at a young age, children are asked where they’d like to go to college, what they want to do with their life, and gee—! To Americans, the earlier you start trying to “get ahead,” the better. Gap years are not an established tradition, and there is stigma around not going into the workforce or on to university directly after high school.

2. Peers may be going to university (FOMO)

Many of your friends will be excited to jump right into the American college experience, which may make you doubt taking a gap year. Some may have secured work right out of high school, while others may have social activities lined up in your hometown that you don’t want to miss out on.

3. Expense

hands holding up a fan of american bills

Instead of looking at expenses as a roadblock, consider how a gap year can help you make better financial decisions.

Many Americans believe gap years are too expensive—you need to get a degree and get a job to make a living! A common misconception is the idea that the “American Dream” doesn’t happen unless you follow the typical ladder to success.

4. Family or counselor pressure

Many high school guidance counselors in the U.S. don’t present a gap year as an option for graduates. They may not know about gap year programs and opportunities, or they may think it’s not a viable option for students.

Your family may also ask tough questions about your choice to take a gap year: What’s it going to cost? Won’t this set you back? Don’t you want to do what everyone else is doing?

5. Chosen career path

American students who are looking to study medicine, science, law, and more may wonder if taking a year or semester abroad will delay their graduation. These fields often take years of study and any time away may feel like further delay in achieving set goals.

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6. Fear of the unknown

In Europe and other parts of the world, traveling in general is more popular and international opportunities to work, study, and volunteer are easier due to the proximity of other countries. You only have to hop on a train for a few hours to hear multiple other languages and be fully immersed in another culture!

wooden bridge over blue water leading to small, tree covered island

You may not know what to expect, but discovering what’s out there makes gap years so rewarding.

Americans often don’t have the resources, knowledge, or time to travel internationally and therefore may fear long-term globetrotting. While it’s becoming more accepted, taking a year to live and work abroad may sound scary to the average American.

7. Unaware of what programs exist

As a high schooler in the U.S. you may not have heard about taking a gap year since it’s still not mainstream. Many may not know, or misunderstand, what a gap year is.

8. Accessibility

Those that have a disability, medical condition, or other barrier to travel may think that a gap year is out of reach. In many parts of the world there is strong bias against those in the LGBTQ+ community, which may make traveling to those countries intimidating or inadvisable.

Your gap year will be invaluable—even if it isn’t mainstream yet

backs of three people facing landscape of trees, mountains, and clouds

Should I take a gap year? One word: YES! Future you will thank you.

Gap years offer an opportunity to develop personally and professionally, create memories that will last long after your experience has ended, and try new things you may have otherwise not explored! You don’t know what impact you’ll make on the world until you introduce yourself to it.

Where will you go? Who will you meet? What adventures lie ahead? A gap year is when opportunity meets desire and results in a clarity of purpose. While you may later regret not taking time in your life to have an adventure, you’ll never regret a year learning more about yourself and the world around you.

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