[1.2nv]

Is anybody planning to take a year off after college to teach abroad, travel, etc.? Or HAS done this?
I'm hoping too (I graduate by 2009) but I don't know what do to/if it's a good idea.

I've looked into teaching in Japan for the year, but that would interfere with my Optometry applications for the year after, since in-person interviews are conducted.
Anybody know of anything else along these lines? Please share!!

[tinyvietpeach]

everyone i have talked to that studied abroad LOVED It. i honestly have not met anyone who had a bad experience. my friend studied abroad in japan over summer and he said he learned more in those 3 months than he ever did taking classes here. my roommate just graduated and started working right away, while studying for her lsats. she says she wishes she took the year off to travel.

i think it's an awesome idea to take time off to go travel or do what you want while you're still in college, because you're still young and can enjoy it. when you're older, it's not as easy to just get time off work, get time away from your family, etc....now's the time to do what you want because once you graduate, it's the REAL WORLD.

although i guess your situation is a little different because you have the optometry school stuff... = / you should look into that..

[1.2nv]

ooooo, thanks for the suggestions
i hadn't really thought about studying abroad, and it seems all too tempting now to do. i suppose i'll look into it.

[Clu3less]

i've considered it lol but i dont graduate till 2011 X]
my youth coordinator back in high school went abroad to teach in china for a year. she loved it there and had a great experience. however i think she was a sociology major and joined the peace corps after as well as a non-profit organization where i met her. she still works at the non-profit place and is also doing grad school now so it is different from you. lol not sure if that wouldve been of any help to you.

[binjoo]

My aunt's sister went to teach English in Korea for a year after she graduated.
The only bad thing was that since she didn't take the job she was offered after she graduated, it's harder for her to find a job now (she still hasn't found one yet and she came back in June).

I personally, would love to spend a year abroad, just not after graduating. I'd want a steady job first. But, it's entirely up to you.

[watcher]

My aunt's sister went to teach English in Korea for a year after she graduated.
The only bad thing was that since she didn't take the job she was offered after she graduated, it's harder for her to find a job now (she still hasn't found one yet and she came back in June).

I personally, would love to spend a year abroad, just not after graduating. I'd want a steady job first. But, it's entirely up to you.

how would you go about getting a steady job first and convincing your company to let you go abroad for a year? i think either you decide to prolong your career/job and go abroad, or just leave travelling to 2~3 week trips while u work.

[Prot]

I have studied abroad in Hong Kong and it was definately worth it. I gave up graduating a term early for the experience since I fell behind in credits due to the different credit system. As for interfering with your Optometry applications, can't you apply later? Though it isn't the same, my friend's brother decided to take time off and work before he applied to Med school simply for the experience.

[&endeavor.]

My boyfriend graduated this past spring and he's currently taking a year off before he applies for graduate school. He wants to become a physical therapist so as of right now he's working as a physical therapist technician to gain some experience before enrolling for PT school.


But I think it all depends on the individual. If you feel that it's going to best benefit you by taking a year off, then by all means you should do it.

[tofu plushie]

I originally wanted to travel after I graduated from college but, there was a change of plans because I am pursuing a 2nd degree after I graduate. So after I pursue my 2nd degree maybe I'll travel, if I even have time lol.

Do whatever is suitable for you. I would personally love to travel abroad

[binjoo]

how would you go about getting a steady job first and convincing your company to let you go abroad for a year? i think either you decide to prolong your career/job and go abroad, or just leave travelling to 2~3 week trips while u work.

I meant that I would love to spend a year abroad, but I probably won't since I will work after I graduate. I would only take a week or two off to travel to another country.

[4ever_sweet]

I think it really depends on your major/priorities. Most people I know who join PeaceCorps or teach abroad are those with liberal arts/education major.....though they love what they are doing now, I don't think I can do the same. I admit it sounds fun, but I feel that if I take off school for a year after graduation...then apply for jobs later, I won't have the same connection like I did at the Uni's Career Center. (Meaning, I will have to work twice as hard to land an interview) Plus the employers will be curious as to how I managed to stay "productive" throughout the year off.

One thing for sure though, teaching abroad is temporarily. I think it's worth trying....just don't be surprised if you decide to change your career.