Taking a Semester Off: A Personal Decision
Many individuals ponder whether taking a semester off from school is a good idea, and like many other life decisions, the answer isn’t always straightforward. It’s highly personal and varies depending on individual circumstances.
Shams Islam, a student at the University of Guelph, explains, “I had to return to Bangladesh because my father is ill, which is challenging right now, but it also gives me some time to unwind and recharge after studying full-time and working long hours in Canada.” I don’t think it will have much of an academic impact. The only downside is that I’ll graduate a bit later since I’m currently six months behind schedule, but I don’t mind that.
Undoubtedly, attending college is enriching, but it also comes with a lot of stress, from demanding academic requirements to social and personal challenges. In such a demanding environment, the idea of taking a break presents an enticing opportunity for respite. This break is not just a chance to step away; it’s also an opportunity to rejuvenate the mind.
According to Tasin Tayeba Khan, a student at North South University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree that spans four or more years with just a two-day break between years is excessively demanding. Two weeks off isn’t enough time to unwind and recuperate after a grueling semester, so this break was essential for me after about three years. It gave me the chance to focus on my mental health and even work on software projects.
The time spent outside of lecture halls creates opportunities for real-world experience, whether it’s volunteering in the community, interning at a busy business office, or even starting your own venture.
Ramisa Mustafa, a student at York University, says, “I worked on my passion project during my semester off. I dedicated all my attention to it and gained practical experience running a small business, which significantly enhanced my resume. If I hadn’t taken the gap semester, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to apply what I learned in Business and Economics classes to real-world situations at such a young age.”
A semester off can also be advantageous in light of the steadily rising cost of tuition and other associated expenses. It allows students to work, save money, and carefully consider their financial strategies for furthering their education.
“With the significant changes in the global and regional economy we’ve experienced, taking a semester off during the pandemic made the most sense to me as it helped me figure out a new path for my degree,” Ramisa continues. “I needed to devise strategies that fit within my budget.”
However, there are some considerations when contemplating taking a semester off. One of the primary concerns is the potential disconnect that students may feel when they return. Changes in the curriculum may make it challenging to catch up, and socially, one might feel “out of sync” with friends who have continued their education uninterrupted.
Taking a break may offer some financial relief, but it also carries the risk of forfeiting scholarships and financial aid. Additionally, the extended duration of study may result in higher tuition fees.
When it comes to academic hiatuses, most universities have specific policies in place. Therefore, individuals must be fully aware of these regulations before taking such a step, ensuring they are prepared for any potential issues with the re-enrollment process, program availability, or even alterations to degree requirements.
Shams shared, “My main challenge was leaving a good job on good terms while maintaining contact with my former employer to keep opportunities available. Additionally, it was challenging to manage my college scholarships, totaling over CAD 12,000, which are only scheduled to be disbursed during specific years. I had to contact the scholarship committee and provide documentation of my absence for one of the years in order to have my scholarship installment adjusted.”
Finally, in a context where academic progress is often equated with success, taking a break could inadvertently project a sense of slowness. In a competitive society, this perceived setback can be challenging and create psychological barriers, even though these feelings are unfounded.
One’s personal well-being and financial situation are just a couple of factors that can influence their decision to take a semester off. While it has many advantages, it’s important to remember that education is not limited to schools at a time when the definition of learning is constantly evolving.