Fill your gap year with a course from AU

Taking a year off, or a “gap year,” between school or degrees is a great time to hone your skills in areas where you want to improve.

You can take the time to volunteer, travel, or gain work experience. It also gives you a chance to make crucial decisions about the future of your career.

If you are concerned about maintaining your academic momentum throughout your gap year, a course from Athabasca University (AU) is a great solution. It challenges you to continue learning, while allowing you the flexibility you need to make the most of your break.

AU undergraduate courses start on the first day of each month. Register by the 10th of any month to start studying on the 1st of the following month! 

Here are some other reasons why taking a course during your gap year will benefit you:

Flexible schedule 

One of the reasons that many people take a gap year between high school and college or between their undergraduate and graduate school work is to have time to explore their interests. Taking an online class fits perfectly into this plan.

When you sign up for a course at AU, you do the work at a time that is the most convenient for you rather than having to stick to a set class schedule. You can learn from anywhere you have an internet connection, and once enrolled, you can log in at any time. 

Skill enhancement

No matter what career you’re considering, there is likely a course designed to enhance your capabilities. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a degree in business, taking an online marketing or management course helps you keep up with research in the field and teaches you specific ways to apply theory to produce practical outcomes.

Keep your current skills fresh while learning new ways to grow your repertoire of talents. 

Experience enrichment

For students who plan to travel during their gap year, online courses are a great supplement to their experiences.

You can study French while exploring the country in person. You can tour museums around the world at the same time that you are taking an art course. What you learn in class and what you do in real life combine to give you a unique learning experience.

Online courses give you the opportunity to take your coursework with you and turn the world into your classroom. 

Sharper focus

Perhaps you are planning to use your year off to explore your many interests and decide which one is the best career path.

You can do this through volunteer work, a part-time job, or an internship. Another way to explore different subjects is through online classes.

Choose subjects you would like to explore from a long list of AU course offerings. By the end of the class, you will have a better understanding of a particular field and whether or not you see yourself in it. 

How does it work?

Taking a course is a great way to continue to challenge yourself academically during your gap year. At AU, we have an open admission policy, which means if you’re 16 or older, you will be accepted as an undergraduate student.

You can still use your time off to reflect and refocus while gaining more knowledge and earn university credits. Explore our wide variety of undergraduate courses today to supplement your gap year and help keep you academically sharp.