Gap Year

In Strait Times today, there is an article on young adults taking a gap year. A gap year is a year of break from school that high school graduates take before entering colleges/universities. It is an Australian/New Zealand tradition which can trace its history to the old English tradition. It is customary for well to do English young men to have a "Great European" tour-a trip around the continent Europe that can last between 9 to 12 months. Today, however, the Australians and New Zealanders, took gap year to travel and finance their travel by working part time where they travel.

Gap year are gaining popularity among the young in Singapore. It is mainly the privilege of only a few who have well to do parents to finance the venture. One girl is getting a $100,000 loan to start a small business. Another travel overseas under the banner of volunteer works -parents bear most of the travel expenses. As one girl who did not take a gap year puts it, gap year usually "zapped" the parents' retirement funds.

What's the rationale? Was it really to facilitate better self awareness and allow time for the young involved to shape up their future? Or is it more of a break from any cognitive and mental activities after a grueling 12 years of formal education?

In my opinion, if your child is the type who cannot bear the thought of another year of schooling after their 18th birthday, a gap year will just break the momentum of learning. If your child is not sure about what they want to do with their future, maybe a gap year, in which they are exposed to the adult working world, is a good idea. Otherwise it will just be a big drain off your retirement fund. As for my children, I've made it clear to them that after they turn 18, if they are not in school or serving National Service, they will have to pay room and board to live under my roof.