As Hong Kong students receive their results in the city’s two major university entrance exams – Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programme – this summer, they face many pressing choices that could shape their future.
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Most think about where to continue their studies and which courses to choose, while some consider taking a gap year. The Post examines the pros and cons of such an unconventional option.
1. What is a gap year?
A gap is a period during which people, often students, temporarily pause their education to pursue other interests or opportunities.
It typically lasts for about 12 months, which is why most students refer to it as a “gap year”. Alternatively, university students may choose to take a gap semester.
These gap years often take place when students transition from secondary school to higher education or during their time at university.
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“I think gap years are getting more popular in Hong Kong, especially among Bachelor’s degree students,” Ng Po-shing, a student guidance consultant at Hok Yau Club, said.