Taking Gap Years in Singapore

Written and Designed by: Dhanya Kumar (23-U1)

What is a gap year?

Gap years – taking a year off after graduating from secondary school or junior college before entering college or university  have become increasingly popular among Singaporean students in recent years. While gap years have traditionally been popular in western countries, it is becoming progressively common in Singapore as well, as more students are choosing to take a break from formal education to pursue their passions and explore their interests. 

In fact, according to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Education in 2018, around 3% of students who completed their GCE A-levels or polytechnic diplomas took  gap years before pursuing further education. 

Why do people in Singapore take gap years?

The traditional educational path in Singapore is to attend a secondary school, then proceed directly to tertiary education at a local university or college. However, the pressure to perform well in academic studies can be overwhelming, and many students may feel burnt out and unsure of their future direction.

Gap years offer students an opportunity to take a step back and reflect on their future goals and aspirations. There are several reasons why students may choose to take  gap years. For some, it may be a chance to explore their interests and passions before committing to a specific academic or career path. Others may choose to take gap years to gain full-time professional work experience, through which they make meaningful connections and gain networking opportunities in relevant industries. Whatever the reason, taking  gap years can provide valuable opportunities for personal growth and development. One of the main benefits of taking  gap years is the opportunity to gain real-world experience. Students who take a year off before college can gain valuable insights into the workforce, develop their interpersonal and leadership skills, and build their network. This experience can help students make more informed decisions about their future career path and give them a competitive edge in the job market. Furthermore, gap years can also help students to grow as individuals. By stepping out of their comfort zone and taking on new challenges, students can develop resilience and adaptability. They may also learn to appreciate diversity and become more culturally aware.

How do people spend their gap years?

One of the most popular ways for Singaporean students to spend their gap years is by volunteering abroad. Many organisations, such as Habitat for Humanity and World Vision, offer programs that allow students to volunteer in developing countries, teach English, or work on community development projects. By doing so, students not only gain valuable experiences, but also develop empathy and understanding for different cultures and ways of life. Another popular option is to travel independently. Some may even choose to backpack through multiple countries, gaining independence, self-confidence, and a sense of adventure along the way. Taking gap years can also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection. For some students, it may be a chance to overcome challenges and develop resilience. Others may use their gap years to learn new skills, pursue hobbies, or even start their own businesses. A relevant example to showcase the benefits would be content created and owner of tuition centre, Classicle, 20-year-old Brooke Lim. Despite taking the ever most desired perfect grades for her A-level examinations, Brooke decided to take a gap year to focus more on developing her tuition centre instead of diving deeper into an undergraduate degree which has gained much traction and is a highly sought centre amongst students in Singapore for its effective, concise and wide variety of high quality notes provided along with round the clock assistance from all the tutors. 

Brooke Lim also known as @sugaresque (Credits - Brooke’s telegram channel: @all the world’s a talking stage) 

So why don’t we all take a gap years?

As with other things, taking  gap years are not without its challenges. One of the biggest concerns for students is the potential loss of momentum and academic readiness. It can be difficult to readjust to academic life after a year away, and students may find it challenging to catch up with their peers. Additionally, taking  gap years can be expensive, particularly if students choose to travel or volunteer abroad. Not every student has the luxury to be able to take  gap years due to financial and family situations. Moreover, in a pragmatic society like Singapore, there are stigmas surrounding taking gap years and it can be frowned upon in some social circles. Sadly, in a judgemental society like ours, many are quick to make assumptions about things that are out of the norm - taking gap years. Many people believe that students will not return to further their education if they decide to take a semester or year away from school. Others assume that the student is merely taking a gap year due to less than stellar results which did not get the student admitted to prestigious and highly regarded institutions. Furthermore, steering away from the standardised path created by the Singaporean education system is perceived as falling behind in this face-paced world, as these students receive their degree later. Such students thus have wasted valuable time in their life during which they could have been earning an income. While gap years can be beneficial for some students, it is important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone. Students who are unsure of  what they want to do during their gap years or lack a clear plan may find the experience less valuable. Additionally, students who take  gap years may face challenges in readjusting to academic life once they return to formal education.

Final thoughts 

Despite these challenges, many Singaporean students still see the value in taking  gap years. To address some of these challenges, some universities in Singapore have started to offer structured gap years programs, which provide students with opportunities to gain real-world experience while maintaining academic rigour. These programs may include internships, service learning, or research opportunities, and may also offer academic credit. With proper planning and support, gap years can be a valuable opportunity for personal growth and development, allowing students to gain new experiences and skills that will serve them well in their future academic and career pursuits. In conclusion, gap years can provide students with valuable experiences and opportunities to develop their skills and gain new perspectives. While it may not be suitable for everyone, students who are considering taking  gap years should carefully weigh their options and develop a clear plan for their year off. As Singapore continues to evolve and adapt to changing trends in education, gap years may become an increasingly viable and attractive option for students seeking to broaden their horizons and gain new experiences.

Referenceshttps://www.ricemedia.co/tuition-teacher-content-creator-brooke-lim-classicle/https://www.lemon8-app.com/uksher/7158691936663028226?region=sg&page_name=search&logextra=%7B%22search_result_id%22:%227158691936663028226%22,%22media_type%22:0,%22author_id%22:%227129850886440748033%22,%22search_id%22:%227225241030029838593%22,%22request_id%22:%227225241030029838593%22,%22rank%22:0,%22channel%22:%22main%22,%22query%22:%22gap%20year%22,%22search_from%22:%22input%22,%22event_index%22:1682258289855%7D