跨越那道「溝」：東西方青年實踐Gap Year的跨世代探討

Abstract

本研究始於探討「年齡」在Gap Year中的角色，西方多在上大學前，而在台灣卻從少年、青年到成年皆有，由此了解東西方不同世代青年在進行Gap Year時的考量與限制，在實踐過程中如何對其人格型塑及思維啟發產生深遠的影響，同時檢視國內與Gap Year有關政策的推行成效。 研究發現，東方青年Gap Year的年齡較為分歧，未如西方單一，其主要來自文化差異。在台灣，主要受重要他人影響，而家長的羈絆與社會的束縛亦造成出發的年齡落差，再者青年因經濟條件未臻理想或不夠獨立等因素亦造成限制。而國外青年多高度自覺於高中畢業後展開自我探索，將Gap Year視為進大學前的人生儀式。 本研究探訪18位曾在異國進行Gap Year體驗的東西方青年（台灣12位、外國6位），經過一年洗禮，有如下收穫：在人格型塑上，成為一個更接近獨立成熟的個體；在思維啟發上，開拓眼界也因此走向世界；在影響與獲得上，亦在當地汲取了不可磨滅的人生養分。 在Gap Year相關政策推行方面，發現參與人數雖然達標，但實不如預期；各方探討焦點多在職場體驗，而未多關注學習及國際體驗；政府宜思考政策推行後所帶來的影響及資源分配問題。 研究亦發現，台灣呈現有別於西方Gap Year的多元型式，諸如度假打工、壯遊、海外志工、打工換宿、在校內Gap Year等，除了政府亦有民間多方管道協助青年勇於自我探索。本研究鼓勵青年Gap Year要趁早，在尚未找到人生目標之際，透過不同的參與直探內心需求、看清未來方向。最後亦對相關政策、青年及家長提出若干建言。

This study begins with exploring the role of “age” in the gap year. Most of the young people take a gap year before college in the west, but they range from teenagers, youth to adults in Taiwan. The study tried to figure out the considerations and limitations of different generations of young people in the east and the west while taking a gap year. Furthermore, it tried to learn about the impact on personality shaping and thought enlightenment. The effectiveness of the implementation of relevant domestic policies were also reviewed. This study had the following findings： First, in terms of Gap Year age, the differences between eastern and western youth were mainly due to cultural differences. The Gap Year age of young people in Taiwan were influenced by some notable factors. They took a Gap Year at different ages because of social norms, constraint and the parents’ traditional thinking which were deeply rooted. In addition, young people were also restricted by factors such as unsatisfactory economic conditions or lack of independence. On the other hand, most foreign young people were highly conscious of self-exploration after graduating from high school. They saw Gap Year as a rite of passage before entering college. Secondly, this study interviewed 18 eastern and western youths (12 from Taiwan and 6 from foreign countries) who had experienced Gap Year in a foreign country. After one year, they had the following rewards：In terms of personality shaping, they become closer to independent and mature individuals. In terms of thinking inspiration, it broadened their horizons and connected to the world as a result. In terms of influence, they also gained a lot from different cultures. Thirdly, in terms of Gap Year related policies, the study found that although the number of participants achieved the goal, it was not as good as expected. Much of the discussion focused on the workplace experience, rather than on learning and international experience. The government should take into account the impact and resource allocation after the implementation of the policy The study also found that Taiwan presents a diverse pattern that is different from Western Gap Year, such as working holiday, grand tour, overseas volunteers, work exchange, on-campus Gap Year, etc. In addition to the government, there are also various non-governmental organizations or private sectors to assist young people in their self-exploration. This study encourages youth to take a Gap Year as early as possible. Before one finds his goal in life, it will be efficient to face one’s inner needs and see the direction of the future through different ways. Finally, the study also offers suggestions to policymakers, young people and parents.