In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studiesDiscuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

By and large, more and more graduates from secondary school spend a year abroad before starting higher education. Some people are of the opinion that travelling or working in another nation for a year can offer the student multiple advantages while others think that it might be not for the benefit of the late adolescent.

One can put forward that temporarily living in a foreign country could be beneficial for the development of these young people. Firstly this adventure will broaden the adolescent's view of the world, as they become inundated in different cultures. Furthermore, they will learn how to cope with different life situations or individuals with other cultural preferences or behavior. Secondly, travelling and working abroad will improve these young people's acquisition of different languages, what only can be for the benefit of as well their professional as private future. Thirdly, this adventure will give the young individual the opportunity to put their life in perspective. As those youngsters are able to compare the standard of living, cultural differences, educational possibilities, medical standards, etc of different countries.

Nevertheless, it can be argued that working and travelling in another corner of the world could have a negative impact on young people. A strong case in point is that these youngsters will be separated for a year from their peers and relatives.

Furthermore, as they become homesick, it will restrain them from the possible benefits. Another consideration that can be made is the risk of having an injury or becoming ill and to end up in an hospital with far less medical and hygienic standards.

In conclusion, from personal view I think that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages and that living abroad in a foreign country on an age of 19 years will be a life time experience.