Guest Blog: The Wide World of Gap Years

Our Usa Gap Year Fair guest bloggers Robin (Thinking Beyond Borders) and Kathy (Dynamy Internship Year) continue our introduction to Gap Year Programs and how to choose the right one!

Exploring gap year options is not always an easy task. Here are some quick tips to help you find all of the options and begin to narrow them down to the best fit for you.

Where Do I Find Gap Year Options?

Unfortunately, there is no single source for information on every gap year opportunity. However, there are some great places to gather the options:

  • Your High School Guidance Counselor – Many guidance counselors encourage students to consider a gap year during the college planning process. Visit your counseling office to ask for brochures and recommendations from the educators you know and trust.
  • The Internet – Searching for “gap year programs” on Google or another search engine will produce a wide range of results. Here are a few sites that offer a quick overview of the many gap year opportunities:
    • USA Gap Year Fairs – Provides brief descriptions of over 40 providers in the US and links to their websites. Additionally, the site lists the dates and locations of 25 gap year fairs around the US.
    • Teen Life – Includes brief descriptions and links to over 40 providers, categorizes them by interest area, and offers links to gap year consultants.
    • Studyabroad101.com – Utilize the advanced program search engine to go through the more than 350 currently listed gap year programs.
  • Attend a Gap Year Fair – High schools have begun hosting fairs to provide students and families a chance to meet representatives from many of the gap year providers. The USA Gap Year Fairs is a national series of fairs in major cities around the US. Each fair includes 30 or more providers, allowing you to collect brochures, ask questions about the programs, and compare the options. This is a great way to get a good feel for the culture of each program.

How Do I Choose?

Once you have a sense of the broad array of options available to you, it’s time to narrow the field. Answering the following questions will help you hone in on the best fit for you:

  • How Long? – Gap years can last from the moment you graduate high school until your first day of college (and for some, the first day of college is in the spring semester). Many students break their time up, spending some time working and committing the rest of their time to travel of a structured program. Providers offer options that last from a few weeks to 8 months. While some students want to have a diverse year with lots of different activities, others choose a longer, more in-depth experience. So, have a sense of how much time you have available and the variety of experiences you are seeking.
  • International or Domestic? – There are excellent opportunities for new experiences both international and domestic. International opportunities range from traditional university learning in Europe to service programs in rural communities in the “developing” world. Domestically, there are options offering students a chance to live, work, and volunteer in communities in the US that often feel like a foreign country or culture. While international programs tend to be more expensive than domestic ones, that is not always the case.
  • Group or Individualized? – Gap years can be great opportunities for personal exploration and freedom. While the notion of heading out on your own has romantic appeal, group programs can offer an instant social circle and the support of adult program leaders, all while offering many of the freedoms of an individualized gap year. Think carefully about what each day will be like and what your support system will be if you are away from home.
  • Service or Learning or Both? – Be clear what you hope to gain from your gap year. If service is what you’re looking for, carefully consider the work offered by programs to be sure it aligns with the contribution you hope to make. If you want to learn about a particular subject or culture, look for programs that will offer chances to really engage that subject in a meaningful way. Some programs create a mix of the two. Pay close attention to the details of the day to day experience of students within the program.
  • Price Range? – EVERYONE can afford a gap year. While some programs cost as much as a year of private college, others will pay you to participate – including education awards to help pay for college. Plan your budget – keeping in mind the college years after your gap year – and then consider the options in your price range. Not all programs are the same, so look carefully at what you get for the dollars and time you commit. Also, some programs offer scholarships, college credit, and access to federal financial aid. If your dream program looks out of your price range, get in touch with the organization to explore options for funding.

With over 100 organizations and consulting firms in the US offering gap year options, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Follow the above steps to narrow your options, then carefully consider your final choices. Investing in finding the best fit will ensure your gap year is everything you hope it will be.

 

Robin Pendoley is Co-Founder & CEO of Thinking Beyond Borders, an educational gap year program.

Kathy Cheng is Director of Admissions for Dynamy Internship Year, an educational gap year program. She is also Co-Director of the USA Gap Year Fairs.

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