Gap Year

Why doesn't the US promote this concept to our young people? So many other countries do, and it seems invaluable to see the world and open your eyes to what else is out there. They certainly promote it here in Australia.



Shannon and I have met people in different places around the world, who have come from many places, who are off on a gap year. Not only do they seem to be having a blast, but they have recounted great experiences to us. While my job has put us in a unique and fortunate position to travel more than most people our age, we both recognize how much we have not yet see.

Without sounding like a total celebrity fanboy, I happen to agree with Matt Damon on this issue:

Damon believes in the power of travel to transform people. He wishes that Americans were less insular, and quotes the fact that only 21 percent of Americans have passports. "I think many of our problems as a country would be solved if people had thick passports," he says. "There's just no substitute for actually going and seeing things."

Full article available here, if you want to have a read.