39 38 with a lot of situations that I wouldn't have come across at university. I think it definitely makes you mature a lot faster.” After their time on the yachts, they set off to explore Southeast Asia. They wandered through bustling markets in Thailand, hiked through rice fields in Vietnam, and relaxed on the beaches of Indonesia. There were plenty of challenges, but every experience helped her grow. Despite the ups and downs, Anja believes taking a gap year was the best decision she could have made. “I don’ t know anyone who regrets taking a gap year,” she says. “University will always be there, but the oppor tunity to take a year out like this might not come again.” So, what did Anja gain from her experience? Independence – From budgeting for food, transpor t, and accommodation to handling unexpected challenges, she learned how to take care of herself. Adaptability – Whether it was navigating new cultures, dealing with difficult yacht guests, or figuring out last minute travel plans, she became comfor table with the unknown. A new appreciation for University – “I’ve realized how hard working life actually is,” she laughs. “Now I’m grateful to have four more years of studying before fully entering the workforce.” Confidence – Having handled everything from language barriers to tricky financial situations, Anja feels much more prepared for the future. The Challenges of a Gap Year Of course, it wasn’ t all smooth sailing (literally). Some of the hardest par ts included: Budgeting – Learning to manage money wisely, especially when conver ting so many currencies between countries, was tough. Situations where credit cards weren’ t accepted and they didn’ t have cash were stressful. Logistics – Finding places to stay lastminute, dealing with unreliable internet, and navigating unfamiliar places weren’ t easy. Cultural Differences – Being in places where punctuality wasn’ t a big deal or dealing with tricky customers on the yachts took patience and flexibility. The Impor tance of Keeping a Journal One thing Anja wishes she had star ted earlier? Keeping a journal. “We thought keeping a journal was so lame at first,” she admits, “but now, I’m so glad we did. It ’s amazing to look back on all the little moments we might have forgotten.” Writing things down helped her capture funny encounters, unforgettable sights, and the highs and lows of the journey. “Journaling was also a great way to reflect,” she says. “On long bus rides or nights without the internet, it gave me something to do and helped me appreciate how much we had experienced.” Anja’s Advice for Future Gap Year Travelers Just go for It – If the idea excites you, seriously consider it. University isn’ t going anywhere! Have a Plan – “Sitting at home for a year isn’ t fun,” she says. “Make sure you have a purpose; whether it ’s work, volunteering, or travel.” Stay Open to Spontaneity – While planning is essential, some of the best experiences come from last-minute oppor tunities. Think About Your Budget – Different places have different costs, and thinking ahead can prevent financial stress. Document Your Journey – Keeping a journal or scrapbook will let you relive your adventures later on. Once she returned, Anja headed off to university in the Netherlands, feeling more confident and excited than ever. Her gap year gave her the space to grow, explore, and appreciate the next chapter of her life in a way she never imagined. So, if you’re feeling unsure about your future or just want a break before diving into years of studying, why not consider a gap year? It might teach you more than you think.
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