The Department of Higher Education and Training has urged potential students to verify the accreditation of any private college or university before enrolling for studies. The department says citizens must ensure that institutions of higher learning are registered with government to avoid victimisation. “The department intensifies its fight against bogus institutions of higher learning. Many unsuspecting South Africans have fallen victim to these institutions that are illegally operating,” said the department. “As we are about to enter the critical phase of academic registration of 2015, many of these illegal operators will advertise themselves to attract more students. South Africans are urged to guard against these unscrupulous institutions.

“The department said it was aware of several colleges and institutions claiming to offer higher education programmes without registration by the department. It said the unregistered colleges use a range of methods to mislead the public. The recent trends identified by the department are the number of on-line operators committing internet fraud by pretending to offer degrees in 15 days using the name and logo of the department. “Most of the websites are based in the United States of America (USA),” said the department.

Are you considering taking a year off from school? If so, you are not alone. Gap years, as they have come to be known, are becoming increasingly popular, as well as highly debated. Supporters say it can provide students clarity and give them an edge when enrolling for studies. Opponents say it can be unproductive and actually make it harder for students to return to the classroom. Regardless which side of the debate you are on, one thing both sides agree on is a gap year needs to be well thought out and thoroughly planned with set goals.

Pro: Time for exploration.
Taking a gap year can be great if you’re not exactly sure what you want to do, which is of course how many people feel right after they’ve completed high school or even college. You can get a job or an internship in a field you’re interested in, take short-term courses to expose yourself to different subjects, volunteer at home or abroad, or just set out to travel the world. It’s a wonderful time to figure out what it is you are truly interested in and passionate about.

Con: Getting out of the school groove. For some, taking a year off can mean losing momentum and focus. After a year of exciting adventures and experiences, it might be hard to get back into the swing of classes, studying, and tests. This is something to consider if you’re thinking of taking your break between high school and college.
It’s important to remember that furthering your education is an investment worth making—even if it doesn’t seem like the most exciting thing to do after a thrilling year of no-homework-allowed freedom.

Pro: An opportunity to rejuvenate.
These days, students are pulled in a million directions with academic pressures and extracurricular activities all demanding attention, so it’s no wonder a lot of teens are burnt out by the end of high school. It’s exhausting! Doing something besides jump right into another four years of college, it can offer a much-needed break for the mind, body, and soul, leaving you rejuvenated and focused.

Con: The possibility of procrastination. A long period of time without school or work can mean a lack of structure, which can lead to procrastination for some. If you’re prone to laziness, a gap year is probably not for you. There’s no harm in catching up on some much-needed sleep, but spending hours in front of the television or computer is definitely not a productive use of your time. If you’re worried about wasting the year away, but really think you’d benefit from some time “off,” consider enrolling in a specific program that will keep you during the year.

Pro: The chance to mature before college.
College is a time to mature and be on your own, but taking care of yourself during a gap year is a great life-learning experience as well. Whether you’re travelling in a foreign country or working full-time, you can figure out a lot about doing things by yourself without the added pressure of school.

Con: Being a year behind your peers. Taking time off means starting college (or work) a year later than your peers, which can feel a bit like being left behind. And for professions that require a lot of schooling, like medicine or law, this may be a bigger issue. But, one year will not make or break your career.
Pro: Time to earn some money.

Time for yourself can be priceless, but there can be more tangible benefits, too. Higher education is becoming more and more expensive, and for those who have to pay for some or all of their college expenses, a gap year after high school can provide an opportunity to earn some cash. Whether you work part or full-time, you can be in the position to put away funds that can go towards tuition, housing, books, and more.

Con: It can be expensive. If you decide to travel or live in a new city/town or even a new country, costs can add up quickly. If this isn’t something you already have the money saved up for or your parents can help out with, you’ll definitely want to look at the long-term repercussions this could have on your financial situation. You don’t want to begin college or your career with heavy debt weighing you down. Look out for next week’s edition of #Fresh Take as it will take a look at the pros and cons of heading straight into the work place after completing matric.