To think this the most pointless, indulgent gap year possible

not sure what it will teach her about 'adulthood'?!

She might not know "how the other half live" because of the circumstances of her birth-not because she didn't backpack through sub Saharan Africa. I also think that people underestimate the sociological imagination. Everyone actually understands how "the other half live"..… the poor understand well enough how the affluent live, and the affluent understand how the poor live. Young people only have to walk through the towns and cities nearest to them to see poverty in glorious technicolour. They don't have to venture too far.

Op I think you have the wrong idea. The parents didnt create the company so the world can have jobs, they created it for their children and childrens children to have jobs or be secure. I think you don't understand the way the world works if you think otherwise. Personally, I really respect entrepreneaurs and creating wealth from a starting block is hard. If they were my friends I would be proud of them and their neuvo riche quirkiness would make me smile to see them enjoying what they created.

Sounds like the girl in Pulp's Common People. She may develop an appreciation for art and literature on her gap year (not a bad thing) but she'll never know "how the other half live" or work to achieve things on her own terms if her parents are buying her an apartment then going to make sure she gets a job in one of their businesses if she doesn't get anything else. Pretty cushy for her. I get that it's galling that some people just get everything handed to them. I feel the same. However, life is just inherently unfair, nothing we can really do about it.

It’s really none of your business, and your post reeks of envy and resentment.

Sounds like you don’t know their daughter very well. Who knows what she’ll do on her gap year? Her parents can plan all they like - she’ll be a grown up and will do as she pleases, with or without them knowing.

I’m sorry but your post screams jealousy. The trip sounds fantastic and I’m sure she will remember it forever, you don’t actually care whether it’s enriching for her, you’re not even good friends with the family

Indeed. It’s not at all unbelievable that someone with an interest in literature would have read through two well known classics at 19, or even younger. I think I was around 14/15 when I started reading Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. Tbf my dad is Russian, so they were and are considered standard reading, not a reason to brag. If one or both of her parents are from former Soviet countries/satellites then I imagine it may be the same for them.

Speaking of poverty tourism/ understanding the value of a simple ‘poor’ life though, if she made it through Tolstoy’s sermons then she’s at least got the idea.

Sounds amazing. You're being very judgemental, dare I say through jealousy. They obviously have enough money and quite frankly, life is far too short so if she wants to do this and they can afford it, how amazing an experience for her xx

None of your business.

I wonder if her parents are terrified of her potential to go off the rails and/or if they're worried about her MH and this plan is their way of redirecting her. I could be entirely wrong but that would be behind my motivation if I planned this for DD when she was this age. Otherwise it sounds like a great year.
Anna Karenina and W&P are really just well written, engaging and long soap operas and are easy to engage with.

Sounds lovely? The idea that gap years have to be somehow ‘worthy’ by being cheap-ish and somewhere exotic was always fairly silly anyway and gave rise to loads of problematic ‘volunteering’ schemes. Everyone knows they’re a year to have fun and gain independence before reality kicks in again and dressing them up as much more is fairly disingenuous in most cases.

Whats wrong with reading war and peace? I read the bible front to back when i was about 12 as I was not religious and wanted to know what all the fuss was about. Still not religious. i also read Lord of the rings and Shogun at that age. Both huge books. Some people like reading, my husband hates reading. We can live happily side by side with not an eyebrow raised between us for our reading habits.

I need this gap year. Sign me up yesterday. J feel like this sounds amazing. I did travelling but I took a suitcase, heels and stayed in hotels until I found a group I was confortable travelling with and staying in hostels. It was amazing. Gap year doesnt mean you have to wear walking sandals and carry a sleeping mat. Have a gap year however you like. I self finded mine,l through working three jibs while at uni but I would fund my childs if they wanted to and were showing me they can be sensible about it.

Sounds perfect.

I'm sure she'll get more out of it than spending a year back packing, working in a bar, getting wasted with dodgy strangers blah blah.

😂😂😂 🐸

@DonnaSummet this cracked me up!

Shes having a gap yahhhhhhh!!!

Sounds amazing! What an opportunity! She has the rest of her life to adult, if she has this chance now why not take it!

Have you posted about this girl before, with some of the details changed? There's someone else here who makes spiteful threads about a young woman who was largely educated in France, who is about to do a degree apprenticeship in finance. That MNer is also very envious, sometimes on behalf of her own DC, even though they too get plenty of support.

I think the gap year sounds fantastic btw.

I just read all your posts and you don't actually know this family well, and have only met the daughter for 20mins, yet you have such a strong judgy reaction?

You state she'll be underqualified for corporate jobs - how do you know that based on a gap year when she's, what, 19?

And the 'family reeks of privilege' although they come from ordinary backgrounds and have built their wealth and success? That's not exactly privilege in the usual usage of the word.

I don't think your issue is this family but something/someone else altogether. Sounds like you feel you didn't get what you want and deserve in life. But that's not this girl's fault in any way.

Sounds exactly like 'the grand tour' that all wealthy youngsters did in the 1700-1800s. It used to be the hallmark of sophistication, education and worldliness.

Personally I'd prefer backpacking and adventure but if the parents can and want to fund this, why not?

I know you don't think you are, but perhaps you are a tad jealous? Otherwise there's not much point to feel so strongly about someone else's life choices.

Why can't it be true? My friends 15 year old has just finished War and Peace. He's always enjoyed reading, and my the age of 7 had read most of the harry potter books himself.

Sorry OP but what is your problem. Not your business and you’re just jealous.

Sounds amazing!
I agree with @Hatty123 you sound jealous and not a very nice friend.