College, majors, universities, high school graduation, internships and apprenticeships, jobs – a high school graduate in the last year of school has so many things to learn about that it can make one’s head spin.
High school graduation is a graduation exam that is a milestone in the life of almost everyone. It is the culmination of a certain stage of life and at the same time the beginning of another. High school, high school diploma, college, work – this is the natural train of thought for most people in Poland. A well-trodden path, but after all, not the only one, right?
If you are wondering about alternatives, this is the article for you. We’ll try to give you an idea of the pros and cons of whether it’s better to start studying right after high school graduation or take a so-called “gap year”.
How to choose a field of study?
Choosing a major is one of the most important decisions we face. Not surprisingly, it is a gigantic challenge. There are various factors that you can and should pay attention to when choosing a major.
First and foremost, passion! No one wants to be stuck behind a desk, experiencing a Groundhog Day while flipping through papers that you don’t even want to read. That’s why our interests and passions should be an important factor in choosing our future path in life. It’s worth considering what drives us to action and what we like to do in our free time.
Next, it is worth paying attention to opportunities for additional qualifications and development in the field. Are internships and apprenticeships available?
Depending on the chosen field of study, different subjects on the baccalaureate exam may be relevant for university admissions. Here are the most popular baccalaureate subjects:
- Mathematics – required for technical, economic and engineering majors.
- Polish language – required for all humanities majors.
- Foreign language – crucial for recruitment to philology and international studies.
- Biology and chemistry – necessary if you dream of medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy or natural sciences majors.
- Geography – required for majors in tourism and recreation, hospitality, sightseeing, cultural tourism, etc.
- Physics – sample majors include engineering, architecture, automation and robotics, physics, computer science, etc.
- History and civics – necessary for law studies and social science majors.
The most popular majors that offer a wide range of career opportunities are:
- Computer Science
- Law
- Medicine
- Psychology
- Management
- Engineering
- Economics
- Tourism and recreation
The most popular universities that attract thousands of students to various fields of study in Poland:
- Warsaw University
- Jagiellonian University
- Warsaw University of Technology
- University of Wroclaw
- University of Gdansk
- University of Physical Education
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan
- Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
- University of Economics in Cracow
- Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa
Where to look for reviews of universities? Before you decide on a university, it’s a good idea to find out the opinions of other students. It is best to check them on online forums, social media, as well as on specialized platforms such as:
- Opinionsouczelniach.pl
- Studia.net
- Facebook and thematic groups related to a particular field of study.
Choosing the right course of study should be carefully considered, so take the time to analyze your interests, opportunities and the job market.
Directions of study Tourism, Hospitality, Recreation – the most versatile and accessible majors
If you are a dynamic person, curious about the world, have a passion for exploring new places and do not lack language skills, it is worth going to studies such as Tourism, Hotel Management, Catering and Recreation. These studies are among the most popular and versatile educational paths for people who are interested in travel, management of tourist facilities or restaurants, and recreation.
Thanks to the booming tourism industry, the growing demand for professionals who operate in the field of tourism, these studies offer a wide range of career opportunities both at home and abroad. The opportunities are indeed many! Education in the field of tourism, hospitality, catering is very pleasant, it is worth it just to be active in the tourism/hospitality or leisure industry.
Requirements during recruitment
To get into tourism, hospitality or recreation studies, applicants must meet certain requirements and submit the required documents, which may vary depending on the type of study (full-time or part-time), first degree (bachelor’s degree) or second degree (master’s degree), how long the studies last, etc. In most cases, universities take the results of the baccalaureate exam into account in the rectoring process.
The baccalaureate results that are taken into account depend on the university (usually a foreign language and one subject of choice), but on average the results of such subjects must be between 50% and 70% at the basic level, for subjects at the extended level universities may require 40%-60%.
During recruitment, modern foreign language (knowledge of foreign languages, especially English, as knowledge of this language is extremely important in the tourism and hospitality industry) and one subject of choice: biology, physics, chemistry, history, Polish, mathematics or social studies are scored.
Recruitment rules and required documents
Each university may set its own recruitment rules, but in most cases students must:
- Submit an online recruitment form – available on university websites.
- Submit matriculation results – a copy of the matriculation certificate is essential.
- Attach documents proving identity – e.g. an ID card or passport.
- Additional documents – e.g. references or portfolio (if required by the university).
Some universities may also require an enrollment fee, which is usually around 85-150 zlotys.
Specialty – the key to the future
Tourism majors
Tourism, hospitality and recreation majors offer students many specializations, such as:
- Management in tourism
- Hotel management and catering
- International tourism
- Historical and cultural tourism
- Leisure time tourism
- Recreation and wellness
- Sports facility management and many other related majors.
These specializations allow students to choose a career path and work after graduation in the tourism, catering or hospitality industry, tailored to their interests and future career plans: various companies, government institutions, local government units, etc.
Why choose these majors?
Studying tourism, catering, hospitality and recreation offers not only theoretical, but also practical knowledge of the sciences, preparation for work in a rapidly growing industry. Students have the opportunity to learn how to manage tourist facilities, plan tourist events and organize various forms of recreation. Practical classes, field trips and contact with the industry are a great advantage of this course.
Post-graduation opportunities
Graduates of tourism, hospitality and recreation have a wide range of job opportunities both at home and abroad. They can find employment in such places as:
- Hotels and resorts
- Tourism agencies
- Airlines
- Recreation and spa centers
- Travel agencies
Thanks to cooperation with many international organizations, graduates of these majors also have the opportunity for overseas internships. Easy Travel Abroad agency supports students in finding suitable internship opportunities in various countries around the world, which is an additional advantage of these majors. Foreign internships are an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience and establish international contacts.
Choosing majors such as tourism, hospitality and recreation can prove to be the key to a rewarding career and an opening to a world full of opportunities.
Disadvantages of continuing education directly after school
The natural, well-trodden educational path of starting studies directly after high school has its advantages, but it also has disadvantages. The first of these can be learning fatigue and the burnout that comes with it. In a world that overwhelms with the amount of stimuli – it is extremely important to maintain mental balance. If we know exactly what we want Great – the traditional route may be the best, but in a situation where we are not sure what lurks around the corner – making a choice in the dark can be overwhelming, and continuing to study in a direction we are not sure about – even more difficult.
Another disadvantage of starting studies directly after high school graduation is the lack of any work experience. Despite high ambitions and top academic performance, lack of work experience is one of the most common reasons why graduates, have trouble getting started. It is not uncommon for the intensity of teaching and the level of difficulty of classes to prevent not only additional work during studies, but also to block further personal development in various directions.
It is also worth remembering that decisions made hastily, under pressure, are most often not the best for us. Sometimes it is better to stop and even take a step back than to hastily make the wrong decision.
Is a one-year break the right choice for me?
If you’re wondering what to do next, and are in doubt about what course of study to choose, a break from your studies may be something to think about. Invariably, however, deviating from the standard pattern is a subject of controversy. A year-long break is a time that can be spent thinking about what you really want. Let’s consider whether this is a good idea. In this way, you can combine gaining practical experience – whether professional, travel or life. Sometimes this type of rest from studying allows you to recuperate before taking on new educational challenges. Unfortunately, despite the many advantages, this type of step can have consequences, as it carries the risk of losing motivation to study. If you decide to take a break from your studies – whether to pursue yourself, gain work experience or travel – you may find that it’s not at all easy to get back into the student routine.
Benefits of traveling after college
Traveling is the most interesting possibility of what you can do if you are planning a year’s break from studying. The best school of life! First of all, they allow you to broaden your horizons, learn about other cultures, traditions, foreign languages, and in all of this also learn and understand yourself. Knowing what drives and attracts us is the key to a future happy life, and traveling shapes and allows you to get to know yourself like nothing else! It teaches self-reliance, management of yourself and your time, and confidence in yourself and your choices. A sense of self-responsibility, adds great layers of self-confidence. Without a doubt, travel is the best option for contemplating one’s future and taking a conscious approach to further career and life plans.
Disadvantages of traveling after graduation
Graduation exam, packing a suitcase and traveling – sounds like an idyll, travel backpack already packed? Wait! Don’t think that it will be so easy to go on a trip right away. After all, there is always the other side of the coin. You can’t demand that it be too easy. Knowledge and awareness is the basis for making the right decision. So what could be the disadvantages of traveling?
First of all, the cost. Even the most budget travel involves some costs. Even in the course of a very well-planned trip, unexpected situations can happen that could erode the planned budget. Then there are the risks associated with security and adapting to different cultures. It is also not easy to adapt to new conditions and cultural differences.
The bad reasons behind the decision to travel before starting college can contribute to a kind of sense of wasted time. Most will choose to follow the standard path, and this can result in a sense of falling behind peers and the possibility of entering the job market a year late.
How to plan for a gap year?
If you think a gap year before starting further education is something worth experiencing, let’s try to plan for it.
Let’s start with the budget. Money will be the biggest limiting factor. First, determine how much you can spend and what you want to spend the funds on.
Think through what the purpose of your trip is. Pick a place you want to visit and think about what kind of experience you want to have. What do you care about: seeing the sights, cultural development, personal growth, gaining experience that will help you in your future job, or maybe making some quick money so you can start college with a lighter heart? This will be a key factor in choosing the direction of your trip, and once you know it – you will be able to smoothly move on to planning the logistics: organizing transportation, accommodation and arranging the necessary formalities such as a visa. And remember! Be prepared for surprises – a Plan B is something you should always have in reserve.
How to make the right decision
There is no one right way to go, and neither is there one right decision. It’s worth remembering that the fate of our future is at stake, which is why we should do what resonates most with ourselves.
1. Answer the questions: what are my priorities, what do I want to achieve, or am I ready for the challenges?
2. Consult your parents, teachers and, if you have the opportunity, career counselors before making a decision. Don’t be afraid to take advice from experienced people. Each of them once faced a similar choice!
3. Think well about what your personal priorities and goals are- try to think about what is most important to you in life and career. While there are great benefits to consulting with other people about their experiences, don’t let yourself be persuaded to do something that doesn’t resonate with you.
The final decision on what to do with your future is always yours. Give yourself time! Krakow wasn’t built in an instant and there is a very thin line between a hasty choice and a quick decision.
FAQ:
What are the benefits and risks of traveling after graduation?
Benefits: Broadening horizons, personal development, learning independence.
Threats: Financial costs, possible career delay, security risks.
How can experiences in other countries help me make my decision?
They allow you to better understand yourself, your needs, and show you different possible life paths.
What is the best way to prepare for a year of travel and what to consider when planning?
Take care of your budget, logistical organization, learn the basics of the languages of the countries you plan to visit, and always have a backup plan.
