Taking a year off before going to university seems to be a growing trend among Nepali students. Some seem to be utilizing their time wisely by volunteering, traveling and self-development activities. At the same time, many seem to be exploiting this time due to various factors, such as confusion with subject selection, ignorance and conflict between students and parents.
Gap year is also inevitable because it is now mandatory for students to submit their qualification test results, such as SAT and IELT in order to apply for studies abroad.
“I didn’t intend to take a gap. But due to delays in my exam results and SAT tests, I had to let go for six months. Nevertheless, I taught in my previous school which was a tough yet a learning experience,” stated Nilisha Pokhrel, who currently enrolled in Bachelor’s degree at Sharada University in India.
Similarly, Prapti Gurung, 17, adds, “I’ve been taking IELTS classes and also doing Thangka lessons, as it’s something I love and I’m planning to practice fine arts next year.” These activities, she believes, will be a plus point in her career.
At the onset, the idea of taking a gap year may be worrisome and sounds like a waste of time for many parents and teachers, as they find students involved in leisure activities or simply inactive most of the time.
If students are sincere, they should be able to manage to start further education without wasting a year. But if they have genuine reasons, for instance, if one is trying to do well in SATs or IELTS to get into a reputed university abroad, says Jeetu Gurung, coordinator of Chelsea International Academy. Some parents understand the need for the break for their children and encourage them to do so.
“I’m happy that my son is taking break and working in a magazine. I believe this will sharpen his abilities further and he can make a mature decision regarding college,” stated Indu Acharya Prasai whose son is working in his break.
However, Parents’ high expectations from their children may cause hindrance in their career. Sahansila Bhujel, 19, who just started her classes in B. Tech Biotechnology at Kathmandu University, said, “I got very good results in HSEB. So my parents wanted me to take up MBBS. But I was interested in humanities. Due to pressures from family and conflict of my own interests, I ended up losing one year giving various exams. I didn’t involve myself in social services and youth activities. I had recreation, watching movies and reading novels.”
Another major factor resulting in the gap year is students sticking to their desire, or maybe due to their “social status,” to aim for the Western Hemisphere. Many assume that studying in western countries will raise their status, and local colleges don’t provide them with such status.
Mukesh Ghimire opines, “Nepal and India don’t really have provisions that equal to such developed countries like the USA, and I feel that since I have a great potential, I need to go to an institution that has the best teachers and equipment.”
This justifies the idea of taking time to hunt and choose colleges wisely. Also, given the kind of political instability in Nepal, it is difficult for students to carry on with their studies smoothly. Ghimire adds, “Good education needs good environment.”
Indeed, planning to take a break seems to pay off since many students make the most of it. But the concerns of teachers and parents are also valid since there are various supplementary grounds for this drift.
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