A Gap Year Reflection From Logan ’21

Logan ’21
Ever since I was young, Neuchâtel Junior College has been a topic in my household. My dad attended NJC, my uncle followed soon after him and then fairly recently, both of my cousins enrolled. I could barely wait for it to be my turn since their years abroad had created amazing memories, stories and relationships for all of my family members. When it came time to apply for NJC, I knew right away that I would want to do it during my gap year. I was a person who wanted to graduate with my high school friends back home in Vancouver, but I also knew deep down that I wasn’t ready to throw myself into the next stage of life known as university. 

Neuchâtel Junior College is a very special program, especially because they offer it for gap year students. While there are many options for students who want to take a break after high school, the option to continue schooling while experiencing life and independence in a new country is not a common opportunity. Something that stood out to me when accepting my offer was that I would have quite a bit of freedom around choosing which classes I was interested in. Since I had already graduated and completed my necessary credits, I was able to pick courses that actually intrigued me rather than taking courses just because I was required to. I also had the chance to improve some of my grades by repeating courses I had already completed, which helped my average and enhanced my university applications and scholarship opportunities. NJC also had a massive impact on which universities I applied to. I went into the year thinking that I would end up at either McGill or Ryerson, but here I am writing this from my dorm room in England. Without my year in Switzerland, I don’t think I would have ever been brave enough to venture off to another country for first year university. Having more time to think about my options and future as a whole, I was able to pick the right university for me; one that I would have never considered otherwise. 

I think that gap years are not as common as they should be. Requiring an eighteen year old to pick a field of study that they are to pursue for the rest of their life is stressful and many people are not ready for that; just like me. My time at NJC allowed me to take the time to figure out my hobbies, as well as who I am as a person. With so many opportunities to meet new people, travel on our own and live so far away from our families, this time abroad through a gap year instilled a new found independence that is unique to other experiences. My year at Neuchâtel Junior College has definitely shaped a part of who I am today and I have made lifelong friends and memories that will stay with me for my many future endeavours.
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Neuchâtel Junior College offers the unique opportunity to study Canadian curriculum abroad. While living in Switzerland in a French community, students enjoy an international education through travel and experiential learning in Europe. Gap year and Grade 12  high school students gain international experience and develop independence and life skills that prepare them for university and the global workplace.

A Canadian high school in Switzerland | Grade 12 & Gap