The British English term Gap year is given to a prolonged period (often, but not always, a year) taken off full-time education by a student leaving high school and (ideally) before matriculating in college or university.

Some students spend the time travelling, others working, and many combine these into international working holidays.

Gap years, which became prevalent in the 1990s, could be considered a modern equivalent of the Grand Tour.

In New Zealand and Australia it is known as OE or The Big OE meaning Overseas Experience but is more commonly undertaken after completing University.

See also

• Sabbatical year

External links

• BBC News Online Article about gap years
• GAP Activity Projects A not-for-profit charity specialising in organising gap years