To begin with, students who choose to take a gap year experience many benefits over those who go straight into higher education. For one thing, they have achance to see the world and mature somewhat. Many high school students lead sheltered lives and simply are not ready to deal with university, but taking a year to work or travel can help them to grow up and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. In addition, they may be able to earn some money by working for a year. University can be extremely expensive, and having earned a year’s salary might help to mitigate the worries that come with such a financial burden.