What are the costs?

The United States and the United Kingdom have been two very close nations for some time in many ways. They both have similar economies and ideals in government. Similarities eveninclude many of the students and young people. Many youth from the two nations exchange with each other and live in the others nation to experience the schooling of each other’s country. This similarity is especially important when considering the journey of a gap year. With the numbers of students in the U.S. who embark on a gap year rising, and the U.K.’s numbers are already high, this shows a strong similarity in the activities and abilities of the students. The encouraged use of this experience in the U.K. and their experiences with the value and monetary return of it shows that the U.S. should fund such practices as well.

It is true that the money provided by a Pell grant would have to come from somewhere, possibly reducing the funds for another student. It is also possible that the receiver would not even use the funds responsibly. However, this is why there would be strong requirements to receiving the grant. Such requirements would include; a limit to the maximum funds receivable (suggested about $3000), a plan made and executed through a third party organization which would include a working portion (such as the American Gap Association), and of course proof that financial aid is needed. The maximum amount a college bound student could receive is $5600, which is almost double the proposed max for a “gapper.” (Federal Pell Grant Program) While $3000 may not sound like a lot, many students in the UK have found that that amount could buy a round the world ticket, covering travel costs, plus some for other activities (Fitch). The suggested use for the grant, which would be decided on with the third party organization, would be to cover the travel costs of getting to places of interest. This is important to do because simply supplying living money would not be effective in developing the student. In addition to the travel portion, the student would have a working portion like the students in the UK (Baker). This would include a job or paid internship to give the student work experience as well as to save up more money for their return to college. During this time, UK gappers have found that they can make as much as £12,000 or almost $18,000 (Fitch). This amount would more that cover any initial grant plus the later support that would be received in the future, thus reducing the number of people needing Pell grants to begin with. Many students in the UK find that the money made during this year is very helpful in keeping lower debts and providing for their first years of college, and it can to the same for American students as well.

There are of course some differences between the two nations. While the cultures are very close, there are some things that differ, such as humor, personal values, and most importantly mindset (Cultural Differences). The common views, or mindset, of many things in America is quite different from those views in the United Kingdom. This is especially important when discussing a gap year. In the U.K., it is common practice to take a year off; however, in the U.S. it is not so common. This will lead many to view those who take a year off to be “slackers” (Olivier). This is an important difference because the view on students taking a gap year will affect those students. If they are seen as slackers, they may come to believe that it is true. Still, if they are supported, and when they show success, this view will change.

The United Kingdom and the United States are very similar. Therefore, it is very likely that what works so successfully for the U.K. will also work for the U.S. Furthermore, if the number of students in need of Pell grants can be reduced because they have the chance to earn money during a gap year, then the opportunity to provide more aid to those who need it can be expanded. Those who have explored on a gap year in the United Kingdom have had positive monetary returns that can easily be received by similar American students should they be provided with the chance. Many in the United Kingdom are able to collect returns on their gap year experience and this is a great possibility that should be capitalized on in America.