Gap years offer a 'pure living' experience

Recent high school leaver Daniel Taub says he experienced "pure living" during his gap year adventure.

A US citizen, and graduate of Princeton High School, he decided to set off for a year in Asia before heading on to university.

“I’ve seen and done things I never imagined I would see or do," Daniel said, reminiscing about his year overseas.

He explained how his adventures took him to the wilderness of the Mongolian grasslands, and how, during an extended stay in Beijing, he learned to ride a motorbike.

Speaking to the Princeton Packet, Daniel said he had "lived dangerously" during his gap year, and thrived on the experience.

But the main reason he decided to head to China was to improve his language skills and gain experience in teaching.

As well as backpacking around the continent, Daniel studied Mandarin and taught an English course to local people.

He said the experience - which saw him go without most of the usual home comforts for long periods of time - had humbled him.

Writing for the news provider, Marissa Delikouras said there are a number of reasons why people choose to take a gap year between school and university.

She explained that people reach an age where they are keen to explore the wider world, and many want to give something back by participating in voluntary work abroad.

Others are eager to take on an internship and boost their CV, Delikouras added, while some want to simply rest their mind from the demands of formal education.

Read about gap year stories.