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The Best Gap Year Programs in 2024-2025

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When it comes to choosing a gap year program, the options are infinite: you can choose a pre-made gap year program, combine short-term programs, or make your own custom experience at home or abroad (or both!). But if you’re looking for the best gap year programs, what should you consider?

Finding the best gap year is all about knowing what YOU want.

What makes the best gap year programs?

The best gap year program is the one that’s best for you. In other words, what might be the best, perfect fit for someone else might not have anything to do with your interests. Just like you shouldn’t choose a college by ranking alone, you shouldn’t choose a gap year program by prestige or reviews alone.

When it comes to choosing the best gap year program for you, you need to think about your goals. Are you looking for work experience that will set you apart in your career? Are you trying to support yourself by teaching a language or skill abroad? Would you like to get immersed in a language or launch a new educational path? Depending on where you want to end up, the top gap year programs for you will be completely different.

That said, there are some good benchmarks to follow when evaluating a gap year program. If you’re looking for top gap year programs that are sure not to disappoint, here are some factors to keep in mind whether you’re looking for the best gap year programs after high school, during college, or after your college career.

1. Reviews and alumni experience

When you’re looking for the best gap year programs, check out the reviews online, but also ask the organization for the contact info of alums that you can talk to. Hearing from people who’ve been there can help you to best evaluate the experience, hear all the good and bad parts, and understand if it’s a good fit for you.

Past students are a GREAT resource for the inside scoop on a gap year program.

2. Clarity and availability of information

The best gap year organizations make information about their programs available clearly without having to jump through hoops. You should be able to find prices and what they include, detailed curriculum information, housing and meal information, travel logistics, and any other information you need either online or by talking to a program representative.

[ WATCH: Gap year options we can’t get enough of ]

3. organizational partnerships .

While some fantastic programs have no partner organizations or run their own facilities, most of the best gap year programs are partnered with or work with other respected organizations. Ask about university or organizational partners, and research organizations where you might intern or volunteer on the program. If you believe in the mission of those organizations, you’re more likely to find that the program is a good fit for your goals.

4. Resources for alumni 

Your gap year should be a valuable experience on its own, but it should also contribute to your future in a positive way. The best gap year programs have resources for alumni support, whether helping you place you in a teaching job, write you a recommendation letter for medical school, network you with other alumni in your field, or whatever else might help to support you on your journey. So ask!

5. Respect for local culture, environment, and individuals

The best gap year programs are always evolving, learning, and growing. Look for experiences you can be proud of that treat the country you are visiting as a respected equal instead of just a playground. Is there local ownership of service organizations? Are local staff respected and treated well? Is there are orientation to the local culture and language? If you are volunteering, are you supporting ongoing projects in an educated way that is under local guidance? Volunteering abroad has grown and improved a lot over the last decade—make sure you’re choosing an organization that’s keeping up!

Do you want to get real-world work experience with an internship?

6. Level of support and assistance 

Top gap year programs support you through the whole process. Can you talk to someone who’s been there before? Can you speak with faculty? Can they help you with your questions about everything from securing a visa to how to get vegan meals during your program? Is there 24/7 support staff available during the program, and if so, how available are they: will they just answer the phone, or can they come to you and help you? You may find the best program for you is more independent, but if you’re looking for support and assistance every step of the way, the best gap year programs for you have it available in a personal, friendly, consistent way.

[ The 5 Best Gap Year Destinations RN ]

7. respect within your field.

If you are looking at gap year programs in medicine, law, veterinary medicine, business, or another profession, research how they are known within the field. Top gap year programs will be run by respected professionals in the field and will follow professional standards of practice and ethics throughout the program.

Gap years are always improving—what’s new?

As more and more students consider a gap year after high school or college (thanks, Malia Obama, for making gap years even cooler!), program offerings expand. So what’s new

• New and niche. When it comes to finding the best gap year programs after high school and beyond, remember that oldest doesn’t necessarily mean best. Experience does add value, but there are some new additions to the gap year game that are helping to make waves and create niche programs that might be the perfect fit for you. Keep in mind that just because an organization has been around for fifty years, that doesn’t mean the staff with you have been there that long. So don’t shy away from new programs, but talk to them about the staff who’ll support you and their experience.
• Do it yourself. As social media such as instagram becomes ingrained in our culture, more students are putting together their own gap years by following bloggers and influencers who’ve traveled before them. It’s easier than ever to get connected to others in the places you want to visit and find real-time travel information, which is great for the solo traveler who is on their own path. If you want to combine a short-term program with your own adventure or stay in-country after your program to volunteer on your own, you can talk to your program organizer about options, or get online and find out for yourself as you design your break year after high school.
• Spend your first semester abroad. Anyone applying for college now may have noticed that many schools offer you the option to spend your first semester on the abroad branch of their campus, whether it happens to be in England, Dubai, or anywhere in between. These programs are sometimes called a “bridge year” or a “bridge semester.” But you might not know that this is a fairly new phenomenon! While a semester abroad through your school isn’t technically a gap year, it can be a great chance to explore a new culture while in a setting you find familiar, and it can also be a great gateway to a gap semester or gap year during or after college.

Do you want to lend a hand with volunteer projects?

Are these gap year trends the perfect fit for you?

No matter who you are, you can benefit from the fact that it’s becoming easier than ever to communicate across cultures, more valued than ever to have intercultural experience, and more flexible than ever to pursue your education. If you’re looking for the best gap year programs after high school, your options have only increased!

All this means that you shouldn’t feel limited by what you find available at first glance. If there’s a program you’re dreaming of, whether it’s researching sharks off a boat in the Caribbean or teaching dance in an Italian village, it’s either out there for you to find, or you can create it yourself. If you feel stuck, GoAbroad’s Online advisor can help.

By the way, if you're an American citizen, National Background Check, Inc. can help with all the necessary background checks and travel paperwork you may need to safely and effectively travel abroad!

[ Use MyGoAbroad to Find & Compare the Best Gap Year Organizations for You ]

The best gap year programs of 2024-2025.

For the best gap year programs before college, you’ve got to think about your college goals and the level of support you need. There are lots of excellent programs or individual options for those taking on their gap year with a college degree, but when it comes to the best gap year programs after high school, here are a few that get top marks:

1. Impact Gap Year: South Africa, France, and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

Embark on a transformative 6-month journey with Impact Gap Year! You'll explore dream destinations like South Africa, France, and Thailand while immersing yourself in wildlife conservation amid South Africa's Big 5, experiencing French culture and language in the Loire Valley, and volunteering as an English teacher on Thailand's scenic Hua Hin island. This comprehensive adventure promises cultural insights, skill development, and lifelong memories, fostering a commitment to social and environmental causes.

• Where? South Africa, France, and Thailand
• Focus: Education, wildlife conservation, and community service
• Related: Read Impact Gap Year reviews

Do you want to teach as much as you want to learn?

2. Centro MundoLengua: Gap Year in Sevilla, Spain

Centro MundoLengua’s gap year program is ideal if you have just finished high school. In this immersive program, you will perfect your Spanish language skills, discover stunning monuments with outdoor history lessons, explore the vibrant Spanish culture, make an impact in local communities with volunteering opportunities, and of course, travel a lot, in Spain and beyond! The program is ideal for students who want to take their learning out of the classroom, develop leadership skills, and have a real impact on their future.

• Where? Sevilla, Spain
• Focus: Language immersion, cultural exploration, volunteer
• Related: Read Centro MundoLengua reviews  

3. Raleigh International

Raleigh International believes young people can change the world...so they create youth-driven change that lasts! Through their Raleigh Expedition, you can expect to be empowered with the skills, experience, and connections needed to be a leader of change. Create lasting change in Costa Rica and Nepal through 4, 5, 7 and 10-week programs that tackle issues in poverty, education, and the environment. This is one of the first UK programs to be accredited by the Gap Year Association.

• Where? Costa Rica & Nepal
• Focus: Conservation, youth development, water, sanitation & hygiene, trekking
• Related: Read Raleigh International reviews

4. Sea|mester Study Abroad at Sea

When it comes to a gap year, you might feel like you have to choose just one destination from a plethora of options, when you just want to choose them all! 

But what if we told you didn’t have to pick just one? With Sea|mester Study Abroad at Sea's 90 Day Voyage , you can travel across the ocean visiting numerous destinations along the way for three months, while living abroad a ship with other young people.

• Where? Worldwide
• Focus: Study abroad ocean voyages 
• Related: Read Sea|mester's reviews  

5. International TEFL Academy

For students who may not have the funds for a gap year, earning a TEFL certificate and teaching English abroad can be a great option for career advancement and cultural immersion while making money instead of spending it. International TEFL Academy’s opportunities in Costa Rica, in particular, are one great option, and you can go on to use your TEFL certificate and experience to teach abroad and earn money while you travel for years to come!

• Where? Costa Rica & Worldwide
• Focus: TEFL certificate and teaching abroad
• Related: Read International TEFL Academy reviews  

6. Pacific Discovery

If you want to spend half of your gap year working and saving money, and the other half rightly blowing that money on incredible adventures (you know, like watching the sunset over the outback, skiing down the Remarkables, or actually finding nemo in the Great Barrier Reef), then we recommend you check out Pacific Discovery’s short-term semester gap programs down unda, mate!

• Where? New Zealand, Australia
• Focus: Adventure, travel, volunteer
• Related: Read Pacific Discovery reviews 

7. The Intern Group

The Intern Group offers gap year programs across the globe for candidates looking to test drive their future career and gain hands-on experience that will make them stand out from their peers. This gap year program offer roles across the globe in leading NGOs and SMEs, and the Intern Group promises to help every step of the way on your international journey—from pairing you with a company that matches your profile, to organizing your visa and finding your accommodation. Whether you're considering going to university or creating your own company, their all-inclusive program will help you achieve your goals.

• Where? Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, England
• Focus: Intern abroad, volunteer
• Related: Read The Intern Group reviews

VACorps offers one of the most valuable internship programs abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. Many students want a focus on adventure during a gap year; however, with VACorps you can enjoy adventure AND a boosted resume. And don't worry about there not being an internship placement for your particular degree or interest; VACorps offers internships in many fields, including human rights , journalism, law, marketing, and much more. You'll get the chance to live with other like-minded gap year participants, and gain a new sense of independence and capability. Get ready for the experience of a lifetime and a unique way to travel meaningfully!

• Where? Cape Town
• Focus: Intern abroad
• Related: Read VACorps reviews  

The best gap year programs are always adventures.

Princeton in Asia Fellowships

Princeton in Asia’s fellowships are a great example of the growing commitment of US colleges and universities to support incoming college students in having new experiences abroad. You’ll find fellowships in media, community development, teaching, business and more, all throughout Asia, from Cambodia to Mongolia!

NOLS Semester in the Rockies

NOLS is a pioneer of adventure leadership education in the US, and their Semester in the Rockies is a great opportunity for students looking to pursue adventure and build experience and leadership skills while going their gap year in the United States. From canoeing rivers and navigating canyons to learning first aid, this program will give you some truly one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences.

Loop Abroad’s Veterinary Semester 

One of the best gap year programs before college for students interested in veterinary medicine is the Veterinary Semester Abroad , where students can get college-level, hands-on experience in a variety of veterinary settings and earn college credit. From caring for elephants at sanctuaries across Thailand to SCUBA diving with sea turtles to study marine biology to externships in a veterinary clinic, this program covers a huge variety of veterinary medicine and travel experiences.

Finding top gap year programs means doing your research, so don’t just take our word for it—check out reviews, talk to people you trust, and find the right fit for you!

Remember: Best = Best for you!

This is the most important advice out there: the best gap year program is the one that’s best for you. If you’ve only looked at one or two programs, you haven’t looked enough! Don’t stop after doing a quick Google search or talking to your study abroad office. This is your gap year, so take advantage of the opportunity and make it work for you! You can start your search and begin looking for the program that makes you go, “Oh my gosh, that looks perfect for me!” It’s just a plane ticket away.

Explore ALL Gap Year Programs on GoAbroad.com

Explore Gap Year Programs on GoAbroad.com

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22 Best Gap Year Programs – 2024

May 6, 2024

So, you’ve decided to take a gap year after high school . Now what? An internet search will reveal droves of possibilities, from international service learning to backcountry survival to language immersion. However, searching for gap year programs–all of which promise meaningful experiences and feature websites brimming with Instagram-worthy photos–can sometimes feel like browsing Facebook Marketplace for furniture. How do you spot the gems in the sea of “well-loved” (read: beat-up) particle board? Since the gap year program you choose could have an incredible impact on your life and career trajectory, read on for important considerations as well as a list of reputable options.

What are the qualities of the best gap year programs?

The best gap year programs should meet high standards for communication, safety, and leadership. Accordingly, the Gap Year Association (GYA), a nonprofit recognized by the US Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission that works to develop gap year standards, recommends “starting with more structure and working into less,” and encourages prospective gappers to choose programs that allow them to hone skills related to independence, cross-cultural communication, and risk management. Moreover, the GYA–in addition to facilitating gap year conferences and professional development–oversees a stringent, multi-round accreditation process for organizations that offer a gap year after high school. Accreditation standards include those related to pedagogical integrity, leadership, support, safety, ethicality, and communication, among others. Most importantly, accredited programs offer college credit and allow students to use 529 savings accounts to cover associated fees.

As such, all programs below either feature a GYA Accredited Program Seal or are listed in GYA’s Member Program directory . Although Member Programs have not undergone the accreditation process, they have satisfied eligibility criteria related to length of time in business, insurance/registration, risk management, and organizational information availability.

For my gap year to be recognized by colleges, do I have to choose a GYA-accredited program?

No, but not all gap years are created equal, particularly in regard to safety and communication. For example, if you’ll be in a remote location, does your gap year program have a contingency plan for medical emergencies? Does the program respect the local community in which it operates? What type of training is required of program leaders? In addition, if the program partners with outside organizations for volunteer and internship placements, do those programs operate with a similarly high level of safety and integrity?

The bottom line: spend ample time vetting your gap year after high school. Read reviews. Ask gap year programs for an alumni contact list. Attend a USA Gap Year Fair to explore and chat with program providers.

If a gap year program is not GYA-accredited, make sure that the one you choose has similar standards of operation. To that end, some highly respected, non-GYA-accredited gap year programs include The Intern Group , AmeriCorps , the Peace Corps (3-12 month options are available in certain fields), City Year , and Habitat for Humanity .

Best Gap Year Programs

After identifying eight popular gap year program categories, we rounded up a diverse array of possibilities. In each category, we’ve profiled 2-3 providers who offer programs of various lengths. Since your gap year after high school can be a full year experience or combination of shorter experiences, you might choose to mix and match depending on your interests and goals

1. International Gap Year Programs

Where there be dragons.

Where There Be Dragons provides an “unfiltered” and rugged experience to program participants, who will travel responsibly and experience day-to-day life in a particular community. Accordingly, examples include “On the Front Lines of Climate Change” in India to “Spanish Language and Social Justice” in Guatemala & Mexico. Students also benefit from a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Finally, Independent Immersion Programs are offered for a more solo yet supported experience.

• Length: 6+ weeks (independent programs) to 3 months
• Tuition: ranges from $6,950 (independent programs) to $18,950 (structured programs)
• Locations: Peru & Bolivia; Nepal; India; Bhutan; Morocco & Spain; China & Taiwan; Southeast Asia (Mekong River); Guatemala & Mexico; Senegal; Indonesia
• GYA Status: Accredited

Global Citizen Year’s Take Action Lab Experience

While living with other students from all over the world, you’ll apprentice at a South African human rights institution for 4-5 days a week. Apprenticeships can be in areas from food security to girls empowerment to early childhood education. In addition, there are ample cultural immersion opportunities. Finally, before you go, you’ll receive ample preparation in the form of a four-week virtual course that covers the historical and social context in South Africa as well as community development principles.

• Length: 4 months
• Tuition: $21,000
• Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Irish Gap Year

Three semester-length programs are offered: the Adventure Leadership Program (Irish nature, adventure, and culture immersion) the Irish Arts & Culture Program (arts community immersion), and the European Expedition Program (culture, history, and outdoor adventure). Programs are kept intentionally small and only enroll 14-16 students each. They also offer a 10-week internship program where you’ll work 40 hours a week in Dublin (your choice of industry) while living with a host family.

• Length: 10-11 weeks
• Tuition: ranges from ~$11,000 (internship program) to ~$18,000–30,000 (semester-length programs)
• Location: Ireland and Europe

Additional International Program Providers: Carpe Diem Education , ARCC , EF , The Leap, CIEE Global Navigator , Pacific Discovery .

Looking for a more independent international option? Check out Omprakash’s Widening Circles Program.

2. Outdoor/Wilderness Gap Year Programs

National outdoor leadership school (nols).

In addition to gaining foundational leadership skills, students can explore the wilderness, participate in homestays, engage with the local culture, and take part in service learning experiences. The curriculum has been developed over several decades and emphasizes communication, confidence, wilderness skills, and risk management, among others.  For example, the course in Tanzania includes a service and cultural exchange expedition, mountaineering, and backpacking through conservation areas as well as remote villages. Academic credit is available.

• Length: ~3 to 5 months
• Tuition: ranges from ~$13,000-$40,000, depending on program location and length
• Locations: Alaska; Rocky Mountains; Wyoming; Pacific Northwest; Baja, California; India; Tanzania; New Zealand; Patagonia;

Tidelines Institute’s Glacier Bay Year

Programming includes seminar-style academic classes (credit is available) that cover topics like governance & democracy, the climate crisis, and Alaskan nature & culture. In addition, students “form a political body that partially governs their own program,” live in tight-knit quarters, commit about 20 hours per week to community labor (which can range from building fences to gathering kelp), and explore the Alaskan wilderness, including Glacier Bay National Bark and the Inian Islands. Only 12 students are accepted.

• Length: 4 months
• Tuition: $28,100
• Location: Southeast Alaska
• GYA Status: Member

Living City Project’s CityGAP

Remote locales and solar showers not your jam? Based in NYC, this outdoor experiential program features topics like urban planning, crisis response, equity and diversity, identity and civic imagination, and arts & culture. After three weeks of orientation, students concurrently complete a ten-week group project and a ten-week independent project, which are both exhibited during the final week of the program. Past work has included everything from re-energizing community projects to investigating the community impact of architecture to exploring NYC street life.

• Length: 14 weeks
• Tuition: $11,500 (does not include room & board)
• Current Location: New York City

Additional Outdoor/Wilderness Experience Providers: Adventure Treks , Outward Bound , Kroka Expeditions , High Mountain Institute , Alzar Gap.

3. Career-Focused Gap Year Programs

Absolute internship.

Through both on-site and remote internships, students can choose to gain skills and experience in 1 of 26 different industries, such as architecture, entrepreneurship, publishing, creative writing, graphic design, pharmaceutical and healthcare, engineering, fashion, and real estate, among others. No matter what city you’d like to travel to, you’re guaranteed an internship. Moreover, you’ll also have access to workshops, networking opportunities, a career speaker series, and organized social programming. Finally, you’ll live with other students in the program.

• Length: 4-24 weeks, depending on location
• Tuition: ranges from ~$1,500-5,500, depending on location and program length
• Locations: Virtual, Barcelona, Beijing, Hong Kong, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Paris, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Stockholm, Tokyo

An experiential education program that encourages career exploration and life skill building, Dynamy provides internship placements in one of ten areas. These include animal care; arts, design & craftsmanship; automotive; culinary; education & childcare; environmental science; health and wellness; human services, social justice, and civics; media & technology; and marketing & business management. All internships take place at working organizations in Central Massachusetts. Also, students live together and participate in workshops, mentoring, and adventure challenges.

• Length: 4 months (semester); 9 months (full year)
• Tuition: $13,750 (semester); $27,650 (full year), not including housing
• Location: Worcester, Massachusetts

4. Seafaring Gap Year Programs

During their voyage, students will receive a high-quality academic experience while traveling the world and gaining competency in a laundry list of areas, from sailing to SCUBA to ecological awareness. In addition, there is plenty of shore time in myriad destinations, which includes cultural activities, service projects, and outdoor experiences. For example, the “Antigua to Grenada” voyage focuses on marine biology and includes over ten ports of call while “Caribbean to Mediterranean” combines bluewater sailing with on-land adventures in Gibraltar, Spain, and Italy. Moreover, Sea|mester is the only academic sailing program that circumnavigates the globe.

• Length: 20-90 days
• Tuition: ranges from ~$7,000~30,000
• Locations: Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Indian Ocean

Sea Education Association (SEA)

Both of SEA’s programs—tailored specifically for students on a gap year—follow a shore-to-sea model. As such, students spend several weeks preparing for their voyage at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Falmouth, Massachusetts before setting sail. For example, “Climate and Society” students conduct original research in Aotearoa New Zealand that focuses on how climate change affects coastal communities. The program also involves a final onboard symposium presentation where students have the opportunity to share and discuss their research. Ultimately, they earn 18 credits from Boston University.

• Length: 3 months
• Tuition: $29,975
• Location: Woods Hole, Massachusetts (shore); New Zealand (sea)

International Field Studies’ Forfar Marine Science Program

In addition to earning their PADI Open and Advanced SCUBA certifications as well as Kayaking and Wilderness First Aid certifications, students cover topics like Bahamian culture, climate change, ecotourism, and blue hole water chemistry (Andros is home to the highest concentration of blue holes in the world!) through lectures and hands-on labs. Moreover, students can expect to participate in service learning that includes activities like invasive species control and mangrove restoration. Finally, life at the Forfar Field Station is fairly off the grid; students live in rustic cabins on the beach.

• Length: 6 weeks
• Tuition: $6,499
• Location: Andros, Bahamas

5. Academic/Vocational Gap Year Programs

Greene’s college oxford.

Via Oxford and Cambridge’s signature tutorial style of teaching, students explore three to four subjects of their choice. Moreover, they’ll meet weekly with an academic mentor who will help them make the most of the experience and also improve their study skills. Finally, students have many social and cultural opportunities within the surrounding city and at Oxford, including membership in The Oxford Union—the oldest and most famous student-led debate society, known for bringing international guests and speakers to campus on a regular basis.

• Length: anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months
• Tuition: tailored to each student depending on number of subjects
• Current Location: Oxford, UK

IYRS School of Technology and Trades

Three STEM-based, hands-on, nationally accredited certificate programs are offered: Composites Technology, Digital Modeling and Fabrication, and Marine Systems. Students will design and build projects that could range from surfboards, custom yachts, electrical panels, or drones. No matter the program, all students gain a litany of shop skills as well as professional skills, including time management, project planning, design thinking, and project management. Student-to-faculty ratios are kept very low so that all students receive hands-on attention and support. Finally, all students complete an externship.

• Length: 6-9 months
• Tuition: ranges from ~$25,000-30,000, depending on program
• Current Location: Newport, Rhode Island

School of the New York Times

An entryway into journalism, NYT’s gap year program gives students the opportunity to explore a social, cultural, or global topic each week. Weekly modules are based around a specific section of the paper, and typically include international news, introduction to investigative journalism, politics, the New York metro area, opinion, and culture. They’ll also receive mentoring, attend professional development and life skills workshops, and complete group projects with local service-learning organizations. An online version of the gap year is available as well.

• Length: 6-12 weeks
• Tuition: ~$10-20,000, depending on number of weeks (does not include housing)

6. Sustainability/Conservation Gap Year Programs

Animal experience international.

Whether you want to make a difference in the lives of bats, sea turtles, dogs, sharks, or elephants, you’ll be able to do it through AEI. For example, students could work at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Western Australia that cares for over 2,400 sick, injured, and orphaned animals per year, with a sea turtle conservation organization in Costa Rica, or a horse rescue center in Spain. All programs follow the consent-based tourism model and adhere to the highest standards of animal welfare. This means that communities consent to host the program and animals are not forced to interact with volunteers.

• Length: 2-4 weeks, but can plan longer experiences
• Tuition: ranges from $1,000-2,000 per week, depending on program length
• Locations: Australia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Thailand, Mexico, Cuba, Mongolia, Spain, Nepal, Kenya, Croatia, South Africa

Gap at Glen Brook

For students who are interested in environmental sustainability, homesteading and farming, and community living, the Gap at Glen Brook has it all. Located on a working farm in rural New Hampshire, students engage in sustainable farming (including harvesting, building coops, and starting seeds), foster their connection with nature and knowledge of ecology, and learn homesteading skills like fiber arts, herbal medicine, blacksmithing, and carpentry. Moreover, they practice their wilderness expedition, outdoor leadership, and bushcraft skills in several backpacking adventures as well as a 24-hour forest solo.

• Length: 11 weeks
• Tuition: $13,800 (includes room and board)
• Current Location: Marlborough, NH

7. Creativity/Arts Gap Year Programs

Offering a complete dance immersion, Pizarts gives dancers the ability to increase their creativity and skill, create portfolios, and engage with the community through performances and volunteer teaching. Both domestic and international experiences are available; Pizarts’ NYC-based program includes audition prep and branding as well as dance cinematography, live performance, and college & company tours while shorter international experiences in El Salvador, India, or Panama focus on either teaching & volunteerism, dance & culture, or audition prep.

• Length: 3 months (NYC); international trips involve 4-6 weeks of virtual Saturday rehearsals followed by ~1-5 weeks in-country
• Tuition: ~$16,000 (NYC); $4,500 (NYC/Panama); $5,900 (NYC/India); $6,500 (NYC/El Salvador)
• Locations: NYC, Panama, India, El Salvador

Cow House Studios

Students spend a semester making new artwork and honing their creative practice via structured and open-ended studio time. Mediums include drawing & painting, digital & darkroom photography, video & animation, and sculpture & installation. Moreover, students participate in a wide range of workshops and classes, like oil painting techniques, darkroom photography techniques, and Adobe Photoshop skills. Individual and group critiques, readings, tutorials, and plenty of travel around Ireland—including Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands—round out the experience.

• Length: 12 weeks
• Tuition: ~$18,000
• Location: Wexford, Ireland

Berridge Creative Semester

After choosing an artistic concentration (options include film, theater, studio art, music, or stage/screen design), students participate in classes that build their craft knowledge and practical skills. Moreover, regardless of their concentration, they can choose from myriad workshops such as Acting on Camera, Ceramics, Jewelry Making, Meditation, Painting, Shakespeare, and Songwriting Basics, among others. Furthermore, students live in an 18th-century chateau while being immersed in French culture via excursions to locations of historical significance, market trips, and hands-on classes like breadmaking and cheesemaking.

• Length : 3 months
• Tuition: $16,500
• Current Location: Normandy, France

8. Language Immersion Gap Year Programs

Amigos gap year.

While living with a host family in Paraguay, you’ll intern with a local nonprofit organization or school, working alongside local community members and earning approximately 200 hours of service. Moreover, you’ll be fully immersed in Spanish language and culture via mentorship, language classes, and activities with local peers. In addition, you’ll receive leadership training and participate in group excursions to places like Iguazu Falls, Itaipi Dam, and national parks. To prepare, you’ll take an intensive two-week Spanish class, and can earn three college credits at the culmination of the program.

• Length : 14 or 34 weeks
• Tuition: $11,975 (14 weeks); $23,950 (34 weeks)
• Location: Asunción, Paraguay

Chinese Gap Year in Taipei

No matter their level of ability, students will improve their Chinese rapidly via daily intensive, small-group classes as well as 1:1 sessions. They’ll need to work hard outside of class, too—approximately 90 minutes of preparation is required for every 50-minute class block. Outside of class, they’ll participate in cultural immersion and travel around the city and country, including night markets and temples, hiking destinations, and beaches. One quarter is equivalent to a full year of university Chinese, and program enrollment is limited to 30 students so that all receive individualized support and guidance. 6-9+ months is recommended.

• Length : 3, 6, 9, or 12 months
• Tuition: ranges from ~$6,000-8,000 per quarter
• Current Location: Taipei City, Taiwan

Siena Italian Studies

In addition to participating in service learning and living with a host family, students will immerse themselves in Italian language and culture. They are required to take a 3-week Italian intensive followed by two semester-long courses: Italian Language and Intercultural Dialogue, Democracy, and Global Citizenship. Most students also take two to three additional courses per semester —all taught in Italian. These are available in a wide variety of topics, from Medieval Italian History to Italian Cinema. Finally, students participate in field trips, group excursions around the city and country, and solo travel.

• Tuition: N/A
• Current Location: Siena, Italy

Final Thoughts – Gap Year After High School

Your gap year can take you literally anywhere in the world and provide you with skills and experiences that will last for a lifetime. Therefore, spend time choosing a gap year provider that adheres to high standards for programming, safety, and leadership–you’ll be glad you did.

Additional Resources:

• Best Outdoor Adventure Summer Programs
• How to Plan a Gap Year
• What is a Gap Year?
• Best Summer Travel Programs for High School Students
• When to Apply for Summer Internships
• Best Online Summer Programs for High School Students
• Best Online Learning Programs

Kelsea Conlin

Kelsea holds a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Tufts University, a graduate certificate in College Counseling from UCLA, and an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Her short fiction is forthcoming in Chautauqua .

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The gap year refers to a period of time, usually one or two years after graduation, when students take a break from education to work or volunteer before continuing with graduate/professional school or starting a longer-term job. These short-term experiences help students explore career paths and gain experience. In some cases, these experiences will turn into longer-term.

• Think about your motivation : Why do you want to take a gap year or two? Have you thoroughly thought about how this might fit with your future goals?
• Define your goals : Are you interested in expanding your resume, living independently, clarifying your interests, or experiencing a different culture?
• Research : What are your options?
• Plan ahead : Planning ahead is useful in order to avoid missing deadlines for applications or fellowships. Give yourself ample time to update any international travel documents you may need, save money or book trips in advance.

Sample Lists of CGCC Fellowships

Common Good & Creative Careers (CGCC), an initiative within OCS, has compiled the following sample lists of fellowships to allow students to explore a variety of options for their gap year. Click the links below to learn more about fellowships based on your category of interest: Education Fellowships Environment Fellowships Farming Fellowships Fellowship Search Engines Health Research / Pre-Health Fellowships Law / Legal Services Fellowships Nonprofit Leadership Fellowships Public Affairs / Public Service Fellowships Public Health / Health Policy Fellowships Religiously Affiliated Service Fellowships Social Justice Fellowships

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What Gap Year Statistics Tell Us About The Impact of Gap Year Programs on College Success

May 15, 2023

As high school graduation approaches, many students face the difficult decision of whether to go straight to college or take a gap year .

While gap years are considered common practice for new high school graduates in many countries abroad, more and more students and colleges in the United States are seeing the benefits of taking a gap year between high school and college. Gap years are now widely recognized as an effective way for young people to grow, learn, and better prepare for higher education and beyond.

So what exactly are gap years, and how do they impact college success? 

Gap year statistics collected over the past decade show us that students taking a break from the traditional high-school-to-college pipeline tend to have greater self-confidence, increased personal awareness, improved communication skills, better mental health, and a higher rate of success as undergraduates than those who do not.

Let's explore how gap years can positively impact college success, and what factors students should consider when planning their own gap year experience.

The Benefits of a Productive Gap Year for Gap Year Students

When you take a gap year, you're embarking on a journey to discover more about who you are, what matters to you, your place in this world, and what the world needs.

The personal growth, maturity, experience, and unique perspective gained through the experiential learning that takes place during meaningful gap years can enhance a student’s college admissions essay or interview, as well as future job applications.

Gain Unique Perspective & Experience Personal Growth

Many gap year participants decide to use their year off between high school and college as a time to explore their passions and interests and develop a greater sense of self-awareness.

By taking a step back from the academic pressures of high school, students can focus on their personal goals and values. This can lead to a greater sense of purpose and direction, which can be valuable in all areas of life. Because of this self-exploration, many students who take a gap year are more confident when they choose their major or career path upon returning to school.

Bolster Your Resume with Work Experience

Another benefit of taking a gap year is the opportunity to gain work experience and explore career interests. Whether students choose to complete an internship, volunteer, or take experiential education courses with NOLS, they can strengthen their work ethic and gain practical experience that will benefit them before and after college graduation.

Enhance Your Cultural Awareness

Gap years abroad allow students to gain firsthand experience of different ways of life. NOLS offers a variety of international gap year programs that will broaden your understanding of the world, develop important cross-cultural skills, or maybe even learn a foreign language.

Explore the remote mountains and coastlines of Patagonia while immersing yourself in the Spanish language and Patagonian rancher culture through the Patagonia Gap Year at NOLS. Or, learn one or more wilderness skills such as mountaineering or keelboat sailing during our New Zealand Semester.

Reignite Your Academic Momentum

By pursuing specific areas of interest during their gap year, students can gain valuable knowledge and increased motivation and focus needed to propel their education forward. Not to mention, speaking passionately about your gap year experience can help impress college admissions officers.

Statistics That Show The Relationship Between Gap Years and College Success

Research has shown that students who take a gap year are more likely to graduate on time and have higher GPAs than those who do not. Additionally, students who take a gap year report feeling more confident and better prepared for college and their future careers.

Student Engagement and Satisfaction

Meaningful and productive gap years are linked to greater undergraduate student engagement and satisfaction. Many students report feeling more focused and motivated after taking a gap year and more engaged in their coursework and extracurricular activities.

Academic Performance

Multiple studies have shown that students who take a gap year tend to perform better academically than their non-gap-year peers. 

The Gap Year Association cites the work of a former Dean of Admissions at Middlebury College, Robert Clagett, who designed a new methodological approach to tracking the over/under academic performance (GPA) for gap year students. Studies using this approach show that students opting to take a gap year significantly outperform their peers in college with positive effects lasting throughout their four years at school.

This relationship between gap year experience and collegiate academic performance could be because gap year students have had a chance to mature and gain life experience before starting college, which can help them be more focused and motivated in their studies.

Retention and Graduation Rates

While parents may be concerned that a gap year may decrease their child’s academic momentum, research shows that around 90% of gap year participants attend college within a year of their break .

Taking a gap year has also been linked to higher retention and college graduation rates. Findings suggest that this is because gap year students report feeling more focused and motivated toward their goals when they start college, and they have a better sense of what they want to achieve during their time in school and beyond. 

In addition, some gap year programs, like the programs offered through NOLS, offer students a chance to earn transferable academic credit, which can help motivate students to continue with academics. 

Post-Graduation & Career Outcomes

Students who took a gap year have constantly reported having a better sense of what matters to them, more clarity in terms of the career path that they want to take, and, later on in life, extreme satisfaction with their jobs. [Karl Haigler & Rae Nelson, The Gap Year Advantage, independent study of 280 Gap Year students between 1997 – 2006]

This could be because gap year students have had a chance to gain real-world experience through work, internships, or volunteer opportunities during their gap year. 

Additionally, the 2020 Gap Year Association Survey Report states that 95% of survey participants said their gap year experience prepared them to be successful in their next step, whether that be college, graduate school, or the workforce.

College Success with NOLS Gap Year Programs

At NOLS, we offer various gap year programs designed to provide students with transformative experiences that will set them apart from other college applicants. Our programs are focused on self-discovery, cultural awareness, and practical skills that benefit young adults in all areas of life. 

Whether you choose to volunteer abroad, complete an internship through NOLS, travel abroad, or stay domestic, a gap year with NOLS can be a valuable investment toward your academic and future success.

Earn Academic Credit with NOLS

At NOLS, we offer gap year courses that allow you to earn transferable high school or college credit during your gap year expedition!

More than 400 colleges and universities nationwide have accepted the University of Utah credit earned through a NOLS gap year course, and many more grant their own credit in partnership with our programs. Just make sure you apply for credit through NOLS before beginning your gap year program!

Gap Year Programs at NOLS

Semester in patagonia.

Our Semester in Patagonia is a 90-day program that takes place in the Aysén and Magallanes regions of Chilean Patagonia. During this program, students will have the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Patagonia while learning about the culture and history of the region.

In addition to participating in activities such as backpacking, sea kayaking, and mountaineering, students will have plenty of opportunities to practice Spanish language skills, learn how local ranchers work the land, and continue to build on the strong relationships with the local communities NOLS has developed over the years.

Semester in India

Our Semester in India offers wilderness and cultural-based gap year experiences including opportunities to explore and challenge yourself through wilderness adventure activities such as backpacking through alpine villages, mountaineering on high-altitude glaciers, or rafting on the Kali River. In addition to challenging yourself in the Indian wilderness, you’ll have a chance to immerse yourself in the culture of Kumaon communities.

NOLS Rocky Mountains

For those who are interested in staying in the United States, our Semester in the Rockies is a great fit. We offer a 90-day Semester in the Rockies as well as shorter courses that range from two weeks to 30 days.

Begin in the foothills of the Wind River Range in Lander, Wyoming, with opportunities to explore the mountains, canyons, and rivers of Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada.

During this program, students will have the opportunity to backpack, rock climb, and whitewater raft in some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the country. In addition to outdoor activities, students will also take courses in leadership, communication, and environmental studies.

Applying to NOLS

Get started with your gap year plans and earn academic credit with NOLS!

Schedule a meeting with our academic advisor to learn more about transferring credits earned through NOLS from Western Colorado University or the University of Utah. Don't forget to review the steps for getting your credit and ask about AmeriCorps and 529 Plan instructions.

Plan ahead and ensure your gap year is not only meaningful but also a valuable investment in your academic success.

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help you step forward boldly as a leader.

Recommended

Why take a gap year: 8 gap year life lessons.

• Any Year Can Be a Gap Year
• Gap Year Benefits from a Parent's Perspective

Are you considering taking a gap year? At NOLS, our gap year programs offer you unparalleled experiences that have the power to change your life. From thrilling international travel adventures to personal growth, and from acquiring valuable skills to making lifelong connections, a gap year can be a transformative journey that helps young adults like you develop as an individual.

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The Best Gap Year Programs for After High School

We tapped educational experts to find the most popular gap year programs after high school and got their tips on picking the best option.

EF Gap Year

Worldstrides, where there be dragons, habitat for humanity, raleigh international, irish gap year.

As an alternative to going straight from the halls of high school to the academia of college, many young adults take a gap year as a chance to explore new skills, travel, or volunteer. A gap year is an intentional, focused break between high school and college. During a gap year, young adults can hone in on an interest, gain valuable life experience, and perhaps even earn money.

A gap year can be an excellent option for those who aren't sure they're ready for college or want to have other adventures first. It can also help some determine whether college, trade school, or working right away is best for them.

While a gap year can be formal or informal, gap year programs are more intentionally set up to help young adults determine the next steps and gain on-the-ground experience. You can expect inclusive travel programs to cost many thousands of dollars, covering transportation, lodging, food, and instruction. Most programs have payment plans and fundraising support, and some offer scholarships. Contact the respective programs for exact details.

Read on for a selection of some of the top gap year programs for after high school according to educational experts.

Essentially a "greatest hits" collection from the popular, teen-centric Education First (EF) Tours , the EF Gap Year programs incorporate time in internships, at language schools, and participating in service activities, all in different parts of the world. Students can tailor their semester or year-long program so it best helps them round out the skills they'd like to develop before starting at university.

Some options include cultural immersion in London, Barcelona, and Paris; language instruction in Nice; sustainable development programs in Thailand; internships in Tokyo; and leadership academy at EF's executive education campus at Ashridge House (a literal castle outside of London).

All of this empowers young adults to come home fueled with life-changing experiences and new tools to power lives of fulfillment and positive impact, says EF Gap Year president Christian Meyer.

• Length : Year-long, semester, or 4-week options
• Location : Europe, South Pacific, US and Canada, Asia, Africa
• Focuses : Travel, leadership, language, and cultural immersion

A leader in educational travel and experiential learning, WorldStrides offers gap year programs that include performing arts, language immersion, career exploration, service-learning, study abroad, and sports. "Each of these experiences helps students to see beyond the classroom and see the world—and themselves—in new ways," says CEO Robert Gogel.

In addition, the International Study Abroad (ISA) by WorldStrides gap program contains diverse opportunities and allows participants to "choose their own adventure" in designing their path. Participants can prioritize elements they feel are important to them while fostering personal growth from the security of a community of like-minded travelers.

• Length : From a couple of weeks to a semester
• Location : Europe, US, North America, Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, Oceana
• Focuses : Performing arts, language immersion, sports, service learning, career exploration

If you're looking for an internship program based abroad, look no further than VA Corps . This gap year program, based in Cape Town, South Africa, offers tailor-made internships in a variety of fields, including medicine, psychology, occupational or physical therapy, human rights, political science, media, and business.

The program offers experiential learning, adds an impressive line item to a young person's resume, and helps them build connections with people from all over the world.

• Length : Five to 12 weeks
• Location : South Africa
• Focus : Internships in nearly every professional field

Although the name may sound a little dreamy, Where There Be Dragons is firmly planted in reality, with some of the most in-depth foreign travel programs available to gap year students. It offers political science, history, sustainability, economics, and language immersion in far-flung locales such as Morocco or Nepal as well as those closer to home in spots like the Colorado Basin.

This gap year program offers college credits as part of their programs (check with your college of choice if these will be transferable). This program is one of the most expensive options, but financial aid is available.

• Length : Summer, semester, or independent 6+ week options
• Location : Asia, South America, Central America, Africa, North America
• Focuses : Language immersion and cultural education

For young adults who want to volunteer and spend time helping others, Habitat for Humanity offers several ways to be of service in their "Youth" programs.

The most immersive option for young adults looking for gap year programs after high school is Habitat for Humanity's joint program with AmeriCorps. These collaborative programs offer positions at local Habitat organizations across the US. In this program, participants can learn and develop new skills while serving a critical role in helping Habitat create homes for those in need. There is a small living allowance for those who qualify.

• Length : One year
• Location : United States
• Focus : Community development and housing

Speaking of AmeriCorps , this program is another top option for those looking for service opportunities. The program offers the following options:

• Traditional: Paired with local nonprofits for hands-on work
• FEMA: Disaster preparedness and recovery
• Summer of Service: Environmental stewardship and affordable housing
• Forest: Fire prevention, reforestation

While most programs are limited to people 18 years of age and up, some do accept applications from 16 and 17 year olds. A modest living allowance is offered.

• Length : Summer, 10 months, full-year options
• Focuses : Nonprofit, humanitarian, environmental

Raleigh International is a favorite gap year option of Ed Zamora , a college advisor and director at Principia Prep. This student-led volunteer gap year program has global opportunities for sustainable development in remote areas such as South Africa and Costa Rica.

Raleigh International calls their programs "expeditions," and their goal is to help young people challenge themselves, disconnect from technology, reconnect with people and nature, and make an impact. Service options include:

• Improving primary and secondary school facilities
• Infrastructure maintenance and wildlife research
• Adventure leadership treks
• Building sustainable food gardens
• Alien plant removal, tree planting, and combatting soil erosion

Note that there is both an application process and a cost (although not as high as the educational travel companies).

• Length : Four to 10 weeks
• Location : Costa Rica, South Africa
• Focuses : Community, environmental, adventure leadership

This UK-based organization offers volunteer travel options in group "structured" environments and independent plans (a rarity). The Leap creates hands-on opportunities to travel while working on sustainability projects . This program caters to youth looking for gap year programs after high school, mid-life adventurers, and corporate volunteers.

Gap year program opportunities include community efforts like building jiko stoves or teaching in a local school; environmental efforts like helping baby turtles reach the ocean; and adventuring through treks, mountain hikes, and river rafting.

Note that these options incur tuition costs.

• Length : Three, four, or five weeks
• Location : Columbia, Peru, Costa Rica, Kenya, Vietnam

Workaway encourages cultural exchange through work, from WOOFing (WOrking On a Farm) in British Columbia to teaching art to children in Peru. These opportunities are less structured than regular gap year programs after high school, and your teen will be working in exchange for room and board. But this can be a good option if they want to see the world for free.

Workaway is a platform that offers a way for travelers to connect with hosts all over the world. To start, your teen will create a profile and connect with hosts looking for their skills. There are more than 50,000 projects available across 170 countries with opportunities in everything from farming and gardening to animal and child care.

Workaway is best for young adults who don't need a structured program and are comfortable being on their own.

• Length : Varies by project (most request a minimum of a week stay with placements lasting up to a year or more)
• Location : Global
• Focuses : Travel, community

HELPX is a site similar to Workaway: It lists hosts who need volunteer help, allowing students to travel the world for free in exchange for their work. However, one advanced option on HELPX is connecting with possible companions of the same age and interests to create a support network.

HELPX offers many different types of stays, including farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, and hostels. The typical arrangement is for helpers to work four hours daily in exchange for free accommodation and meals. This program is best for independent students who are comfortable traveling independently.

• Length : Varies by situation and is mutually agreed on between host and helper
• Focuses : Travel, community, farm work

This study abroad and gap year program takes place at sea! This semester-long voyage focuses on hands-on learning, formal education, and adventure. At Sea|Mester , you are a crew member of a sailboat on voyages that can include routes like South Africa to the Caribbean, the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, Fiji to Bali, and the Virgin Islands to Antigua.

This gap year program boasts USF-accredited academic courses, which may be transferable to a college or university (though check ahead of time with the university of your choice to be sure). You'll also gain certification in specific skills like scuba diving, sailing, safety, and skipper and crew training.

• Length : 20 to 90 days
• Location : Atlantic Ocean
• Focuses : Sailing, boating, travel

Irish Gap Year is Europe's only Gap Year Association-accredited program. Its goal is to help develop independent and resilient young people through community integration, immersion in nature, experiential education, exploration of the arts and creativity, meaningful travel, volunteering, and cultural exchange.

This program has an Irish and European program option, and within each, you can choose one that focuses on leadership, exploring, or arts and culture. Depending on your chosen program, you could spend days working with local artists, exploring off-the-beaten tracks, and visiting museums and national parks.

• Length : Around 28 to 80 days
• Location : Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
• Focus : Travel, community, adventure, arts

More Resources

To find even more gap year options, check out Go Abroad . This online search engine and clearing house for international travel programs offers all the information about gap year programs after high school at your fingertips. For additional resources, including how to get started and self-plan a gap year, check out with the Gap Year Association , which provides a wealth of information.

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Top 10 Gap Year Programs

Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Ever wonder exactly what people do during a gap year, and whether you might benefit by taking one? Maybe you are unsure about which gap year programs are worth taking a good look at? If you want answers to these questions, let us assure you, you are in the right place. In the following article, we will answer your questions and take a closer look at a variety of gap year programs.

What is a gap year?

A gap year can look different for every person who takes one. A traditional gap year looks like a student taking roughly a year or a semester off between high school and college to focus on experiential living. Sometimes, college students may also choose to take a gap year before starting their career or graduate studies. 

While some people consider this a break or time off, it’s more helpful to think of this as “time on.” Students are still learning and growing, just not in a traditional academic environment. A big part of taking a gap year involves gaining a better understanding of yourself and the world around you. 

How to know what gap year program is right for you

By this point in your gap year search, you might be starting to feel overwhelmed by all the options. There are so many programs to choose from! So, before we go into detail about some gap year programs, take a minute to answer some questions about what you’re looking to get out of your gap year. 

Questions to ask yourself

• What are your interests? What things do you love, but maybe haven’t gotten the chance to explore?
• What colleges are you looking into? What kinds of things do you think that college might value seeing prospective students do during a gap year?
• What is your motivation for taking a gap year? Is there something specific in mind that you would like to do with your time?
• What is your financial situation? Do you need a fully-funded program?

A gap year program for your needs

The following list is not an endorsement of the gap year programs mentioned. We searched for a variety of reputable programs of varying costs. By reputable, we mean programs that are transparent with information on their websites. Some, such as the AmeriCorps are free, while others, such as the Amigos de las Américas, can cost the same as a full year’s tuition. Whatever your goal and financial situation, there is a gap program for you if you take the time to research. Remember to check on what is included for each program, as most do not include airfare and extra fees of any kind. 

Top 10 gap year programs

AmeriCorps may already be an organization you’ve heard a lot about. They are among one of the most popular programs that students engage with during their gap years. They offer programs from 3 – 12 months where people can work with non-profits, schools, public agencies and community and faith-based organizations. AmeriCorps members may also respond to natural disasters and work with veterans.

Depending on how long you choose to serve with AmeriCorps, you will receive some perks as well. AmeriCorps participants usually receive a monthly living stipend for rent, food, gas, and sometimes health benefits. AmeriCorps members may also receive money to pay for college, student loan deferment, job training, and future employment opportunities. 

See also: Doing good and saving money through AmeriCorps

Global Volunteers

Global Volunteers has a vision of creating sustained volunteer programs all over the world. As a Global volunteer, you will make a difference by working to eradicate hunger, building schools, and working to improve healthcare in remote parts of the world. You’ll spend anywhere from one to three weeks at your destination engaging with the community and building relationships. Global volunteers can attend several trips and are a great short term option for students looking for programs with shorter time commitments. There are a variety of cost options, usually dependent on whether the program is in the USA or abroad. 

Amigos de las Américas 

Amigos de las Américas is a non-profit organization that works to grow and challenge students through education and immersive experiences in Latin America. They offer programs that range from two to thirty weeks in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and more. Amigos strives to offer students as much support as possible, while also allowing them to be independent and make their gap year experience their own. 

Limited college credit is available during Amigos programs through Western Colorado University. Their number one priority is offering students a space where they can feel safe to explore and learn about the world around them. Health and safety plans are made for each individual student before they depart on their gap year. Their website includes testimonials from instructors, volunteers, and students. Need-based assistance is available to those who qualify. 

Where There Be Dragons

Where There Be Dragons is a gap year program that strives to be anything but mainstream. Instructors for their programs are graduate students, Peace Corps veterans, teachers, and U.N. development professionals. Through letting their instructors build on their personal interests and connections, each trip is slightly different. 

The Dragons program strives to fully immerse students in their new surroundings by embracing a fully offline and unplugged policy. Their goal is to give students a meaningful experience that they can be actively involved in and not just passively participate in. Exploring the unknown, developing responsible travelers and cultivating a strong sense of reverence for our planet are all goals of the Where There Be Dragons gap year. Additionally, Where There Be Dragons is B Corp certified and dedicated to providing as much financial aid as possible!

CET Academic Programs

Originally called China Educational Tours, CET has been providing students with gap year plans since 1982. They offer programs in China, Japan, Jordan, France, and several other countries. Their programs are offered both in person and virtually. If you’re interested in being fully immersed in another place during your gap year, CET is for you!

CET focuses on educating students through non-traditional tourist destinations. There in person programs offer students the chance to live with host families, receive college credit, and be fully immersed in intensive language studies. Prices range for their programs, but financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. 

Related: Countries with free college: how to get a free degree abroad

Global Citizen Year

Global Citizen Year’s goal is to give students the opportunity to reflect on who they are after high school graduation, to give them a better idea of who they want to be and what they want to pursue. They offer various programs to students that vary in length and location, some of which require no travel at all to participate in! Take some time to explore their website to find out if they are right for you! Global Citizen Year is extremely dedicated to being one hundred percent transparent about the total cost of their program. They do offer financial aid and understand that it is a bigger hurdle for some than others.

High Mountain Institute – HMI Gap

High Mountain Institute gap year programs are dedicated to building students up through exploration of some of the world’s most engaging and beautiful landscapes. They offer both fall and spring semester programs that include rock climbing, backpacking, whitewater rafting, trekking, backcountry skiing and traversing mountains! 

They are aware that these programs can be a challenge for some families to afford, which is why they are committed to helping you fund your gap year. At least twenty-five percent of students receive financial aid, scholarships, or work with their prospective colleges to receive funding. They also are able to accept 529 plans. Take some time to review their website to see if their programs feel like the right fit for you! 

Also see: Top summer programs for high school students

Sea Education Association

If you have a passion for our oceans, the Sea Education Association may just be the place for you. They offer both semester-long programs for undergraduate students looking to expand their knowledge and get hands-on experience. Every program SEA has offers can be taken for college credit through Boston University. 

Their program gives students the academic instruction they need in order to carry out field work. Your gap year with them will include plenty of hands on work and time spent on the open waters. Their website clearly lays out each program, financial information and even includes blogs from students who have participated in their programs. 

National Outdoor Leadership School

NOLS offers expeditions to many remote locations, as well as several wilderness medicine courses. The unique thing about NOLS is their commitment to people of all ages and backgrounds. While they are a great organization to spend your gap year with, they are welcoming to people of all ages who have a desire to grow through the outdoors. 

Their programs range in length from a few days to several months. They are led by instructors who have a passion for sharing the outdoors and how we can safely and respectfully engage with the world around us. NOLS is a great option for anyone who may not want to commit to a full year away. Their programs offer you the chance to dive deeper into topics that may interest you, without having to commit all of your time and resources. Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. 

Related: How to rock the summer before your senior year

• Now that you are aware of the programs that are out there, you should decide which few stick out to you most
• Once you know what programs you’re interested in, you can reach out to the programs to inquire about more information
• Your finances will be a big part of your gap year, take some time to explore the cost of desired programs and what you will be able to financially contribute 
• Remember, if you none of the programs listed here stuck out to you, there are plenty of other programs in addition to the ones we listed here

Frequently asked questions about gap year programs

Do you have to travel abroad, how do you pay for everything, how does a gap year affect applying to college, do you have to go somewhere for a whole year, start your scholarship search.

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Climate & Society: Aotearoa New Zealand Gap

Auckland to Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

On campus in Woods Hole, MA followed by sailing component

October 7 - December 23, 2024

Spring 2025

Climate Change & Coastal Resilience Gap

Auckland to Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand

January 2 - March 28, 2025

SEA’s Gap Year Programs

SEA is based in the world-renowned oceanographic research village of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. Since 1971, we have educated more than 10,000 students about the global oceans through preparatory studies on shore followed by a tall ship sailing research voyage at sea.

Modeled after our Boston University accredited SEA undergraduate program, SEA gap programs offer any student interested in the oceans the opportunity to study the marine environment through the disciplines of science, maritime history & culture, policy, and leadership.

Choose between an academic, credit-bearing program or an experiential not-for-credit program – either way, no sailing experience is required!

An Investment in the Future

At SEA, we understand that taking a gap year is a major investment. But we also know that a gap year is more than just a “break.” It’s the beginning of a lifelong journey.

So, what sets SEA apart?

• Our unique shore-to-sea model promotes learning by doing: a powerful element of our approach to education. Students take what they learn during a preparatory shore component in Woods Hole and then apply it in the field as a crewmember at sea. Our shipboard environment fosters learning communities that allow students to develop teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving skills while assuming increasing levels of responsibility.
• Unlike many other programs that take students to sea, our ships are U.S. flagged, inspected, and regulated vessels, and have been designed and built specifically for SEA with student and crew safety foremost in mind. Learn more about our safety philosophy.
• 98% of our alumni report that SEA resulted in personal development, and 92% cite SEA as generating useful career skills.
• Gap year programs can receive credit from Boston University

Developing Skills for Success

Accepted to college as a winter admit and want transferable credit? Or looking to strengthen a college application for next year? Ocean Exploration is a 12-week gap year program that offers a full semester of credit from our school of record, Boston University. This interdisciplinary program combines insights from the natural and social sciences to deepen students’ awareness of and appreciation for the ocean. Students will take their learning out of the classroom and into the field while developing new skills in leadership, teamwork, and research. A non-credit bearing option of Ocean Exploration is also available for students looking for an adventure at sea without the pressure of grades.

Where will you go with SEA?

Gap year programs are limited in capacity with a maximum of 24 or 25 student spots per class, and admissions operate on a rolling basis. Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and onboard our ship – you’ll never look at the world in the same way again.

Latest News

SEA’s Efforts Continue: Understanding Plastic Debris in Our Ocean

Kayla Sheehan 2024-04-24T09:01:10-05:00 April 24, 2024 |

Podcasts from Climate Change & Coastal Resilience

Kayla Sheehan 2024-04-04T16:10:12-05:00 April 4, 2024 |

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Kayla Sheehan 2023-11-21T16:05:47-05:00 November 21, 2023 |

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Gap Year Programs

A “gap year” is a common way that recent graduates take a break from academics between undergraduate and graduate school. Typically one or two years, this gap allows you to use the time between your undergraduate and graduate school to:

Gain practical experience

Explore a new industry or personal interest

Live abroad or someplace new

Prepare for graduate school exams

The information below will help you plan for and make the most of your gap year(s).

Benefits of Taking a Gap Year

There are many reasons why it might make sense to pursue a gap year before moving on to your next academic experience. For example, gap years may allow you to:

Volunteer to give back to a cause that’s important to you

Live abroad and gain global awareness

Build skills and experience relevant to the field you’d like to pursue, such as working in a hospital or research institution, or serving as a paralegal

Test a new field to learn about your own interests and values

• Prepare for exams such as the GRE, LSAT, or MCAT

Things to Think About Before Taking a Gap Year

Whether you choose a formal gap year program, search for gap year–friendly jobs, or create your own experience, there are many factors to consider as you research and apply to opportunities:

Time commitment: How much time can you commit and what is the expectation from the program or employer? Will your gap year experience provide the flexibility to complete any application requirements or interviews you may have for graduate school?

Finances:  How much money do you need to support yourself, considering cost of living and your personal financial responsibilities (such as student loans or support for family members)? What health insurance options do you have? Are you looking to save up money for graduate school, and if so, how much? If you’re looking at programs, are they paid, volunteer, or fee-based? Do you have money saved to help support you during your gap year?

Career interests: How might this work connect to future career goals?

Location: In what types of environments would you like to live and work? For example, are you interested in going abroad or staying in your home country? Being in a rural area or an urban one? Living with a community of other gap year participants, on your own, or with a host family?

• Program reputation:  If participating in a program, what have previous participants said about the program, and how reputable is the sponsoring organization?

Sample Gap Year Programs and Additional Resources

Volunteer programs.

Global Volunteers : Founded with the goal of helping to establish a foundation for peace through mutual international understanding.

Peace Corps : Service opportunity for motivated changemakers to immerse themselves in a community abroad, working side by side with local leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges of our generation.

United Nations Volunteers : Works to mobilize volunteers for the United Nations System and to advocate for the importance of volunteerism in development worldwide.

Volunteers for Peace : Offers placement in over 3000 volunteer projects in more than 100 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Paid or Stipend-Based Programs

AmeriCorps : Network of national service programs that engage Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.

Citizen Schools Teaching Fellowship : Service program offering a two-year leadership development experience.

City Hall Fellows : Offers a systemic solution to the leadership crisis threatening American cities.

City Year : Unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, giving them skills and opportunities to change the world.

Green Corps: Environmental Leadership Training Program : One-year, full-time, paid Environmental Leadership Training Program provides training to launch a career in organizing and activism.

HealthCorps : Proactive health movement to address health inequities through educational leadership, programs, and service learning. They offer two-year coordinator positions.

NYC Teaching Fellows : Recruits and prepares dedicated individuals to become teachers who raise student achievement in the New York City classrooms that need them most.

NYC Urban Fellows Program : Nine-month program combining full-time employment in New York City government with a comprehensive seminar series exploring the mechanics of local government.

Princeton in Asia : Provides young Americans with various opportunities to live and work as year-long interns in Asia.

Teach For America : National teacher corps of recent college graduates who commit two years to teach and to effect change in under-resourced urban and rural public.

Teach for All : Inspired by Teach for America, Teach For All’s network partners have placed teachers in many countries around the world—Australia, China, Estonia, Germany, India, Latvia, Lebanon, Peru, and the UK.

Venture for America :  Offers talented college graduates the opportunity to work for two years at a promising start-up or early-stage company in the US.

Fee-Based Programs

Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs : Full-time, nine month, graduate-level experiential leadership training program that prepares diverse, intelligent and committed individuals for effective and ethical leadership in the public affairs arena.

Additional Resources

Undergraduate Research and Fellowships : Learn about structured scholarships or fellowship opportunities.

Preprofessional Advising Listservs : Sign up for the CSA pre-health or pre-law listservs to learn about gap-year positions.

Idealist : Search for jobs, internships and volunteering in non-profits and social justice-based organizations.

Go Abroad : Resources to study, volunteer, or intern abroad.

International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA)  : A nonprofit accrediting body with searchable member programs.

For more information and an international job board, please see our  Going Global page.

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Post-Baccalaureate and Gap-Year Research Programs

Many NBB graduates work in research full-time after graduation. For some, this is a one- or two-year experience before moving on to something else, and for others it is a long-term career option.

Also, many graduate programs (MS and PhD) are research-based but not listed here specifically.

Research Opportunites

The nih irta program.

The NIH IRTA program is the most common, short-term, postbaccelaurate research program supporing NBB majors.  There are many different opportunities in this program and the NBB students have unanimously found it to be an excellent training experience.

PREP Participating Institutions

Bobby jones scholarship.

The Bobby Jones Scholarship is a university-wide scholarship that is open to students in any school .   It can be awarded to graduating seniors or to graduate students who are in the early stages of their post-graduate work.

Neuroscience (MRES)

The MRes in Neuroscience is designed to provide advanced training in neuroscience research. Students conduct a year-long research project and learn relevant techniques and skills through course work.

Resources for…

The Gap Year Association (GYA) is a nonprofit membership community for educators, students, gap year programs, consultants, counselors, and post-secondary institutions with a shared VISION of cultivating a future where gap years are widely accessible and recognized as vital to personal, professional, and educational development.

Upcoming GYA Events

Youth mental health first aid.

March 25 & 26, 2024 | 11:30 - 3:00 EST

Adult Mental Health First Aid

April 22 & 23, 2024 | 11:30 - 3:00 EDT

GYA Counselors Institute

April 15, 16 & 18, 2024 | 12:00 - 3:30 EDT

DEIA Committee Meeting

May 23, 2024 | 1:00 - 2:30 EDT

Professional Member Forum

May 29, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 EDT

Sustainability Committee Meeting

June 6, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 EDT

Counselor Discussion Group

June 12, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 EDT

GYA Membership Info Session

July 18, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 EDT

Community events

News & updates.

Have you been affected by 2024 FAFSA delays? Suddenly considering a gap year because of uncertainty around your financial aid package? Check out GYA’s May 1 blog post on How to Plan a Meaningful Experience for an Unexpected Gap Year.

2024 editions of GYA’s Gap Year Planning Guide and Gap Year Transition Guide now available. Download your copies today!

GAP YEAR ALUMNI: Fill out this 3-minute questionnaire on your gap year experience to make sure your gap year is counted in our ongoing gap year research.

In February 2024, GYA officially signed the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE) Accord following the release of GYA’s 2023-2026 Strategic Climate Action Plan (CAP). View GYA’s CAP, walk through the CANIE Accord signing process, and explore other sustainability resources on GYA’s Sustainability Committee webpage . 

Students & Families

Exploring gap year options? Check out these resources for finding the right fit:

Use GYA’s Gap Year Planning Guide to help you plan an intentional gap year experience.

Explore GYA’s large network of gap year programs for a wide range of options.

Working with a gap year consultant can improve outcomes while saving time, money, and stress.

Gap years don’t have to be expensive! Explore options for gap year scholarships and financial aid.

Wondering how to plan for a gap year AND college? Read tips and considerations for gap year-to-college planning.

Need some inspiration? Check out a diverse collection of individual gap year stories submitted by former gappers in the GYA community.

Counselors & Educators

Resources for high school and college counselors, independent education consultants, teachers, higher education professionals, and other educators who want to advocate for gap year options for their students.

Provide relevant advice, resources, and follow best practices when working with gap year students. 

The Gap Year Association Research Committee tracks year-over-year trends for gap year participation. The Gap Year Alumni Survey reports on participant outcomes every five years. Read the most recent gap year data.

Participate in professional development opportunities, including our annual Gap Year Conference and professional institutes.

Request a gap year expert to speak at your next event.

Benefit from everything GYA membership has to offer. Join the Gap Year Association to elevate your knowledge about gap years.

Are you an organization that offers experiences for gap year students? Learn about ways that GYA can help you recruit students and access professional development opportunities:

Gap Year Programs that have earned GYA’s Seal of Accreditation have gone through a rigorous review process to demonstrate that they uphold the highest standards in gap year programming.

GYA offers regular professional development opportunities for professionals in the gap year field , including an annual Gap Year Conference for collective learning and growth within the gap year community.

Programs that are accredited by the Gap Year Association are able to offer college credit through a unique partnership between GYA and Portland State University .

GYA’s Diversity, Equity, Access, & Inclusion Committee is pioneering resources to increase access and diversity within the gap year field.

Network, learn best practices, find resources, and elevate your organization by joining the Gap Year Association as a member .

GYA member programs: log into the Program Dashboard in order to edit your organization’s public profile and/or access GYA’s accreditation application.

The Gap Year Association is a community committed to advancing the gap year movement through standards of best practice, professional development, research, resources, and advocacy with the ultimate goal of empowering more people to access transformative gap year experiences.

Copyright © 2023 Gap Year Association

Search Gap Year Programs

Find the program best suited to your gap year goals.  Search by country, keyword, structure, or scholarships.

Feeling a little lost? Want to see all our resources in one place? Visit our sitemap.

Let’s connect! Reach out for press, general inquiries, and accreditation.

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Best Gap Year Programs for Students After High School

After many consecutive years of formal education, it is unsurprising why so many American students opt to take a gap year before committing to a career, undergraduate degree, or higher degree. 

A gap year is exactly what it sounds like: a year, or extended period of time, where someone presses “pause” on a trajectory that can, at times, feel automatic and predictable, but might not be the best one for a person, depending on their circumstances. 

There are many reasons why people decide to take a gap year. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and make money to save up for future academic or career plans. 

Let’s say you didn’t find your passion until late in high school or college – a gap year can create time and space to experiment with that new passion and decide your next course of action.

Most gap year programs include a travel or cultural component. Sometimes getting out of one’s own country – especially if they’ve never traveled outside of it – can provide illuminating perspective. 

Many gap year programs also include an element of philanthropic service, and many more contain an adventurous aspect. For example, some gap year attendees may complete their program with several certifications or trainings to prepare them to be outdoor guides.

Whether you want to learn a language, transition to a new country, or simply live your life to the fullest, a gap year will connect you with like-minded people and valuable resources. 

We have compiled a list of 10 of the best gap year programs in the United States. Generally, these programs are open to participants ages 17-22, meaning those considering a gap year after high school or college can apply. 

EF Gap Year (Multiple International Locations)

EF Gap Years are built on different program modules and launch recent graduates worldwide. 

The organization’s 25-week gap year is undoubtedly one of the lengthiest on this list, bringing participants through three global destinations where they’ll immerse themselves in language learning, acts of service, and internship work.

The EF Gap Year runs from September 25 to May 3. Following orientation in Boston, gap year participants travel to iconic cities like Barcelona, Paris, Seoul, or Tokyo to participate in language learning. 

A four-week service and sustainability element prompts participants to make a positive impact at the community level – usually somewhere in Peru, Thailand, or the Dominican Republic.

After spending winter break back home, gap year participants jet off to Australia and New Zealand for guided exploration before engaging in an eight-week business initiative in Stockholm, Sweden. 

The experience culminates in a seven-day London leadership academy, where participants consider where they will take their newfound skills and aptitudes.

Where There Be Dragons (Colorado River Basin, USA)

Where There Be Dragons offers a variety of study abroad and gap year programs for people ages 17-22. One of their most exciting offerings takes place back home in the United States via the Colorado River Basin Semester: Sustainability & Resilience in the Western US.

The Colorado River Basin Semester is a gap year program that lasts just over ten weeks. Recent graduates can apply for the fall or spring, with both cohorts including 12 students and three guides. 

Courses are for college credit and include topics like colonization and western influences, principles of economics, and leadership across borders.

Activities revolve around permaculture and sustainability on local farms. Participants will hike, travel by train, and float down the Colorado River to experience diverse ecosystems in the western part of the country. 

After the end of the program, gap year attendees will emerge with a passion for engaging with food justice movements and a deeper understanding of how climate change will compel major US industries to evolve.

Irish Gap Adventure & Leadership Program (Ireland)

A gap year is not only an excellent time to learn new skills – it can also provide a great opportunity to experience a new country. 

While many of the gap year programs on this list take participants through multiple international locations, the Irish Gap Adventure & Leadership Program is ideal for someone who prefers to immerse themselves deeper into a community while learning valuable life skills.

Designed for graduates seeking to forge outdoor careers, the Irish Gap Year lasts 75 days and is open for spring or fall dates. 

In addition to touring some of Ireland’s neatest cities, gap year participants will complete a three-day wilderness expedition and 80 hours of volunteer service.

What does a typical day look like? After getting ready, participants might take a surf lesson at Tullan Strand in Bundoran before engaging in a post-lunch leadership workshop with team challenges. 

At some point during the session, students are charged with what is considered the “capstone” of the experience: organizing a five-day road trip from any point in Ireland. 

CityGAP at The Living City Project (New York City, USA)

Arguably the most exciting gap year program in New York City, CityGAP turns the Big Apple into a studio/classroom. 

Participants in The Living City Project seek a social, intimate, and outdoor experience with similar thinkers and adventure-seekers ages 17-22. 

Each semester lasts 14 weeks, starting with an orientation of NYC’s social landscape, neighborhoods, and institutions. 

There are five Living City lenses that scholars take on throughout the program duration. In The Form of the City, participants investigate how cities are designed and how compatible urban architecture is with our fast-evolving technology. 

The City of Memory lens is equally interesting, challenging participants to consider how cities build and rebuild their identities throughout time. 

During a 10-12 week project cycle, individuals and small teams start with a question or challenge, move into the research and inquiry phase supplemented by exploration and expeditions, and then analyze their findings. 

From there, they will design and exhibit a podcast, documentary, public art project, policy proposal, or other artifact representing a solution to their original question or challenge. Prior questions have included, “How will Broadway reopen in response to the COVID-19 shutdown?” and “How does zoning drive development in NYC and what are the alternatives?”

Gapforce Trekforce Expedition Leader Training (Multiple International Locations)

The Trekforce Expedition Leader Training is like the “Inception” of gap year programs. Definitely not a relaxing holiday option, Gapforce engages participants in a rigorous adventure travel and outdoor training curriculum to essentially prepare them to lead gap year programs themselves. 

The GapForce journey starts in the Welsh mountains before progressing to Costa Rican and Panamanian jungles. In Wales, participants will complete introductory navigation coursework and obtain their First Aid certificate while working as a team. 

In Central America, expect to learn how to build fires, wield machetes, and navigate through the rainforest – alone! The three-day solo survival trek is a threshold for all Gapforce expedition guides.

Completers of the gap year program will leave with proficiency in kayaking, snorkeling, and cycling, as well as managing medical incidents in the wilderness. 

Ongoing feedback will help participants understand their strengths and areas of needed improvement. Many who finish the course become employed with Gapforce leading other groups around the world!

Sea|Mester Study Abroad at Sea (Multiple International Locations)

Take part in one of the few gap year programs set aboard a working sailboat! Gap-year programs with Sea|Mester run from 20- to 90-day voyages all over the world, especially in the Caribbean islands. 

The immersion provides the chance to earn certifications in SCUBA, sailing, and other navigational skills. Most participants have just graduated high school or are in their sophomore or junior years of college, with an average age range of 17-22.

Days at sea change like the tides! The program structure can generally be categorized into “passage days” and “shore days.” On passage days, student crew members operate the ship as it moves to new ports or locales. Participants may attend classes, complete jobs, or watch for navigational challenges.

During shore days, gap year participants are docked, engaging in thrilling activities like diving, spelunking, sightseeing, or trekking. 

Suppose you want to pursue a one-of-a-kind career on the water. In that case, you can obtain your rescue diver, divemaster, emergency first response, and other certifications during the Sea|Mester gap year.

Raleigh International (Costa Rica, Tanzania, Nepal)

Raleigh International stands out from other gap year programs on this list in that it is most heavily steeped in volunteer service. 

Catering to 17-24-year-olds, a Raleigh International experience merges sustainable travel and philanthropy in Tanzania, Nepal, and Costa Rica. 

Participants reside in more remote communities not frequently visited by tourists and work on meaningful projects that can enhance the well-being of locals.

What kind of specific projects might gap year attendees collaborate on? 

In Costa Rica, they facilitate bringing clean water to rural villages, while in Tanzania, they might build sanitary toilets for school building use. Philanthropic work is juxtaposed with cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, and language learning.

The most popular gap year program runs for ten weeks, engaging participants in topics like natural resource management, water sanitation, and community development. Since the program’s inception, nearly 50,000 participants from over 90 countries have served with Raleigh International.

High Mountain Institute Adventure (North American West; South American Patagonia Region)

Unsurprisingly, outdoor skill-building is at the center of a High Mountain Institute Adventure ! Gap-year participants will advance in rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and other activities frequently found in outdoor adventure curricula. 

Students will learn to travel comfortably for extended periods, navigate challenging domestic and international terrain, and assess hazards native to their current landscape.

An environmental studies and service component challenges participants to consider certain essential questions, like “Can we restore the landscape to its natural condition?” and “How do we reconcile competing values within natural resource management?” 

Leadership focus drives personal growth as attendees participate in “evening circles,” where they discuss their insights and findings. 

The flagship program is the HMI Gap semester, wherein participants travel for 80 days alongside a small group of peers and guides, all while learning outdoor adventure skills, conservation principles, and leadership attributes. Several gap year program options occur in the American West and Patagonia (South America).

Gap Year at The School of The New York Times (New York City, USA)

Another excellent option in one of the greatest cities in the world – the Gap Year at The School of the NY Times is open to participants ages 18-21 who are either deferring college or taking time away from school to consider their next steps. 

Programs run for six or 12 weeks and prompt attendees to strengthen transferable skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural humility.

The 12-week option runs from September 10 to December 8, and two six-week terms are housed within that same time frame. 

Each week, the curriculum focuses on a specific section of the NY Times to compel further inquiry into an important global or social topic. 

A service learning component is typically paired with each investigation, such as volunteering to coach youth athletes in different skill areas or volunteering at an art museum.

The modules in the gap year program include lectures, readings, guest speakers, round-table discussions, and a culminating project. Completers walk away from their gap year program with a more inclusive worldview and advanced management skills in coordinating complex projects.

Carpe Diem Education Innovative Gap Year Programs (Multiple International Locations)

Don’t just seize the day at Carpe Diem Education – seize the year through one of the organization’s Innovative Gap Year Programs across five continents! 

This gap year option is ideal for graduates yearning for cultural immersion. 

At the same time, students can earn college credit, if needed, while participating in a gap semester program.

Available placements differ yearly, and the 2023-2024 list looks exciting! Take on a program in India, Italy/Greece, or Hawai’i, for example. 

The Semester in Spain & Morocco challenges participants to investigate human migration patterns and cultural preservation efforts in one of the world’s most beautiful areas.

Regardless of your chosen location, all gap year attendees receive a focused volunteer placement (FVP). 

Prior examples include promoting health initiatives for preventing HIV in South Africa, rehabilitating manatee populations along the Belize coast, and many more opportunities. 

The group semester runs from September 20 to November 29 before a winter break; afterward, participants complete their independent FVP semester from January through April.

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Student Opportunities

Registered Students at NIH are offered a wide range of research training programs aimed at enhancing a student’s knowledge and understanding of biomedical research while contributing to the achievement of an individual’s educational goals. Student Opportunities are available through the following four programs:

Summer Internship Program (SIP) in Biomedical Research

Undergraduate scholarship program (ugsp), other summer programs at the nih, pathways for students and recent graduates.

Administered by OITE

For high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who have expressed a strong interest in or are studying disciplines related to biomedical sciences. Although most of a student’s time is spent in the laboratory, students are invited to participate in numerous special activities offered on the NIH campus. During the summer months the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE) organizes special events, such as the Summer Seminar Series, in which leading NIH scientists present the results of their work on the frontiers of biomedical research, and Poster Day, which takes place at the end of the summer and provides students the opportunity to present their research findings to the NIH scientific community. Students are required to take the Laboratory Safety course, and the Radiation Safety course, if working with radioactive materials). For information regarding the policies and procedures for applying to the SIP, please visit the OITE Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research page.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) offers competitive scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. The program offers:

• Scholarship support
• Paid research training at the NIH during the summer
• Paid employment and training at the NIH after graduation

For information regarding the policies and procedures for applying to the UGSP, please visit the OITE Undergraduate Scholarship Program page.

Administered by OITE and specified ICs

For more information on other summer programs that are offered through OITE or various ICs, as well as application details, please visit the OITE Other Summer Programs at the NIH pages.

Administered by NIH OHR, Client Services Division, Global Recruitment Unit

• NIH Internship Program is for current students in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate. For more information, please visit the Jobs@NIH Internship Program page.
• NIH Recent Graduates Program is for recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. For more information, please visit the Jobs@NIH Recent Graduates page.
• NIH Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program is for individuals who have completed a Masters or other professional degree within the last two years. Candidates are assessed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and apply to work at NIH after they are named a PMF Finalist. For more information, please visit the NIH Office of Human Resources PMF page.

The Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates programs are generally used for administrative positions, but can be used for scientific positions, as needed.

Most Student Opportunities are non-Full-Time Equivalent Employment (FTE) positions, however the Undergraduate Scholarship Program scholars are appointed as Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions.

Approvals (Process)

Approvals for Student appointments is based on the applicable program:

• Please refer to Appendix 10 of the NIH Policy Manual 2300-320-7 for specific approval information.
• Please visit the OITE Undergraduate Scholarship Program page for additional information.
• Each program has unique requirements. Please visit the OITE Other Summer Programs at the NIH page for additional information.
• Generally, the approval process is similar for any FTE appointment under the GS mechanism. Each of the three programs has slightly different eligibility criteria. Please visit the Jobs@NIH Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates page for additional information.

Check Sheets / Checklists

There is currently no Deputy Director for Intramural Research (DDIR) -approved check sheet or checklist for any Student Opportunity designation. Individual ICs may have additional requirements and check sheets. Please contact your Administrative Officer (AO) or HR Specialist for additional guidance.

Additional requirements for Student appointments are based on the specific program:

• Resume or CV
• 2 letters of reference
• Official copy of school transcript
• Letter from school verifying academic standing
• Information on honors and achievement
• Statement of interest in biomedical research
• Applications must be submitted online at https://www.training.nih.gov/student/sip/ by March 1 (in most cases) of the year in which they are applying to the SIP
• Sample Notification of Traineeship
• Statement of IRTA Program Provisions
• IRTA Traineeship Agreement
• Sample Notification from Designated IC Program Official
• For additional information and templates, please refer to Section R and Appendices 6-9 of the NIH Policy Manual 2300-320-7
• Each program has unique requirements. Please visit the OITE Other Summer Programs at the NIH for additional information.
• The CSD Global Recruitment Unit will solicit information on each position you wish to fill that includes: Position Title, Series, Grade(s), IC, Division/Branch, Selection Official/Supervisor, Number of Positions, Duty Location, Priority, and whether or not a “candidate of interest” has been identified.

Intramural scientists at the NIH, as is true for all scientists, should be committed to the responsible use of scientific tools and methods to seek new knowledge. While the general principles of scientific methodologies are universal, their detailed application may differ in various scientific disciplines and circumstances. All research staff in the Intramural Research Program should maintain exemplary standards of intellectual honesty in formulating, conducting, presenting, and reviewing research, as befits the leadership role of the NIH.

Within the NIH IRP, the ethical conduct of researchers is governed by the following three disciplines:

• Research Ethics
• Government Ethics

Ethics information may also be available through your specific IC. Please contact your Ethics Counselor for additional guidance.

Pay / Compensation

Pay and compensation for Student appointments is based on the applicable program:

• Please refer to Appendix 5 of the NIH Policy Manual 2300-320-7 for specific pay and compensation information.
• Individuals are hired as a General Schedule (GS) or Wage Grade (WG). Depending on program and level of experience, Students can be hired at grades 1-9. All individuals are appointed at Step 1 of the grade level for which they are selected.

Recruitment Process / Appointment Mechanisms

Student Recruitment and Appointments is based on the applicable program:

• The appointment mechanism for this program is the Student IRTA . Applicants may apply directly to a specific Principal Investigator or online through the OITE Web site . Designated IC Program Administrative Officials receiving application documents should determine a candidate’s eligibility.
• Each program has unique recruitment and appointment criteria. Please visit the OITE Other Summer Programs at the NIH for additional information.
• Individuals are hired as a General Schedule (GS) or Wage Grade (WG). The CSD Global Recruitment Team prepares the advertisement and issues the certificate of eligible candidates to the hiring officials.

Renewal of student appointments is based on the applicable program:

• All summer appointments end by September 30. If a student wishes to re-apply to the program in a subsequent year, he/she re-competes with all candidates for the position in the upcoming year.
• Scholarships are awarded for 1 year and can be renewed up to 4 years. Please visit the OITE Undergraduate Scholarship Program page for additional information.
• Each program has unique renewal requirements and criteria. Please visit the OITE Other Summer Programs at the NIH for additional information.
• Each of the three programs has slightly different renewal requirements and criteria. Please visit the Jobs@NIH Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates page for additional information.

Students are not granted independent resources by their Institute.

Termination

Termination of student appointments is based on the applicable program:

• Students hired for the summer program must be off the roles by September 30. For additional information, please refer to Section W of the NIH Policy Manual 2300-320-7 .
• Please visit the OITE Undergraduate Scholarship Program page for termination information.
• Each program has unique termination criteria. Please visit the OITE Other Summer Programs at the NIH for additional information.
• Each of the three programs has slightly different termination criteria. Please visit the Jobs@NIH Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates page for additional information.

This page was last updated on Thursday, July 13, 2023

How to Get a Research Position for Gap Year

Doing research in a clinical or lab position is a great way to spend your gap year prior to medical school. with that being said, how do you obtain one.

Doing research during your gap year is one of the best ways to not only prepare yourself for medical school but also build up your CV for residency applications as well. The tricky question is how to get a research position for your gap year. Here are a few steps that you need to take:

Do you currently have a student researcher position?

If you are already doing research with a PI as a part-time student researcher, this is your best opportunity to get a full time position. Prior to graduating (usually best if done at least 3 months prior to graduation), you should discuss with your PI whether there would be a full time paid research position available after you graduate. Many research teams (clinical or laboratory) don’t have the funding available to pay full time researchers. But if your team does have the funding and they like the work that you’ve done so far, there is a good chance that they’ll offer you a full time position as long as you ask.

Read More:  Finding an Undergraduate Research Lab as a Pre-Med Student

Ask for references

If your current part-time student research position cannot turn into a full time position, the next best step is to ask your PI whether he or she knows of any open positions in other labs. PI’s in similar fields generally know each other and have a sense of which PI’s need staff. This is helpful because if you have a good relationship with your PI, then he or she can refer you to another person, which will increase your chances for getting a position.

Apply for known research fellowships/scholarships or jobs.

This is your opportunity to pursue prestigious research opportunities like a fellowship at the NIH. The National Science Foundation also has research fellowships. Your best bet is to find out what opportunities are out there after you graduate through your school’s career center or by doing a simple google search. Keep in mind that there are a lot of research jobs in the private sector through companies such as Genetech and ThermoFisher .

Read More:  5 Steps To Landing An Undergraduate Research Position

Apply for research jobs through universities or hospitals

Another way to find research positions is to use job portals in universities or hospitals. For example, University of Washington has a job portal that you can use to find the job that you want. Hospitals, especially those with a strong research background and with academic affiliations, also have research positions available outside of the university. You can find these jobs online as well.

Finding a job after graduating college is not easy and finding an ideal research position for your gap year is no exception. You need to start early and plan ahead or you might find yourself working for free in a lab and doing another job or living at home to support yourself financially.

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International and Development Economics

The IDE Program is a one-year Master's program intended to help students build the necessary toolkit for embracing obstacles in their future careers.

The global economic environment has become increasingly complex and poses a myriad of new challenges for policy and data analysts and professionals in all fields.

The ability to respond to rapid changes in this environment requires that leaders have a detailed understanding of the economic forces that affect economic outcomes. Careful economic policy analysis requires practitioners who can make use of the most current theoretical academic literature, as well as do empirical and econometric analysis using the latest approaches and methods.

No longer accepting applications

Visit the  GSAS Application site  for more information!

• The Program
• Prospective Students

The IDE program at Yale University, housed within the  Economic Growth Center (EGC) and the Department of Economics, is a one-year Masters program intended to help students build the necessary toolkit for embracing such obstacles in their future careers, whether as career practitioners and economic analysts or to follow a path through the policy analysis field on their way to subsequent Ph.D. work.

This site is to inform prospective students of the program, the university and life in New Haven. We encourage prospective students to also visit the website of the  Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) for more information on the application procedure, policies, living in New Haven and other Yale facilities that are all open to IDE Students.

Additionally, this site will provide current students with access to all information they need on a daily basis and the rich alumni network. In the last 65 years, graduates have followed careers in all sectors of work. We encourage current students to reach out to alumni and benefit from their advice.

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Alternatives to College: What to Know

Worthwhile alternatives to a four-year degree include associate degrees, certificates and apprenticeships.

Alternatives to a College Degree

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For some, the rising cost of college and the potential for racking up tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt makes pursuing a four-year degree infeasible. For others, a four-year degree may not be necessary for their desired career.

For many high school graduates, pursuing a four-year college degree remains the logical next step before starting a career. But there are plenty of alternatives, which may be a better path for some students.

"There are several reasons why alternative routes may be better for some students," Monica Jones, a college and career readiness coach at Frederick Douglass High School in Kentucky, wrote in an email. "Some students have no desire to pursue a four-year college education but recognize that the opportunity to pursue high-paying careers still exists with alternative routes. Community, technical, trade schools and apprenticeships are also affordable post-secondary options."

A September 2023 report from YouScience, a company that conducts research on career discovery and offers career aptitude tests, included survey data from more than 500 students nationally who graduated high school between 2020 and 2023. It found that 55% of respondents from the class of 2023 chose not to pursue a four-year college degree, opting for alternative routes instead.

Am I Ready for College?

Cole Claybourn Oct. 17, 2022

The college experience can be transformative for many students, helping them discover who they are and opening the door to a lucrative career. But if you're looking for alternatives, here are a few pathways to consider.

1. Earn an Associate Degree

More than a quarter of 2023 high school graduates in the YouScience survey chose to purse a two-year degree, making it the most popular alternative among that cohort.

Experts see community college as a low-cost option that can help students with career exploration. Community colleges are typically less expensive than four-year universities and allow students to earn credentials in less time. While a bachelor's degree typically requires four years of study, students can earn an associate degree in two.

A shorter timeline may be especially attractive to older learners.

"What we found is that for older learners and workers it becomes increasingly important that the program is shorter term, that it's streamlined, relevant, that it's applied," says Andrew Hanson, senior director of research at the education research and public policy nonprofit Strada Education Foundation. "They want a program that's going to take them to that next step, they've got a specific goal in mind in most cases, and they just want the skills."

Earning an associate degree tends to pay off. Workers with only a high school diploma earn a median of $1.6 million over their lifetime, while those with an associate degree have median lifetime earnings of $2 million, according to data from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. According to salary figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an associate degree can lead to a job that earns more than $60,000 annually.

2. Attend Vocational or Trade School

Seven percent of 2023 graduates surveyed said they pursued career and technical education, commonly known as vocational programs and trade schools . These programs are typically less costly than two- or four-year degree programs and focus on training students for careers such as auto mechanics, electrical line work and welding. While some of these programs are offered through community colleges, others are run by for-profit schools. Graduates typically receive a certificate rather than an associate degree.

YouScience CEO and founder Edson Barton says for many students, vocational or trade school pathways make perfect sense, but they need to know what options are available. In the survey, 30% of 2023 grads reported being unaware of career and technical education programs.

“We have students who have the talents and aptitudes to do the careers we need them to do in the future,” he says, and their needs "aren’t always wrapped around four-year colleges.”

3. Start a Business

The second-most popular route for non-college-bound students, according to the survey, was working toward a career. For some, that may mean starting a business. Some students develop a creative and entrepreneurial mind at a young age, and by the time they graduate high school, have either started or may feel ready to launch a business.

This was the idea Nick Gross had when creating his school-based curriculum "Find Your Grind," which helps students identify their passions and aptitudes to determine the best post-secondary path for them.

Gross says his goal is not to discourage the college pathway, but rather to encourage students to determine whether college is necessary for what they want to do.

“Maybe I need college because this engineering thing I’m really excited about requires four years of a degree, versus someone who is more entrepreneurial and wants to go start their own business and doesn’t necessarily need that," he says.

As noted in a blog post by the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, there are no degree requirements to be an entrepreneur. However, without a traditional business education, students pursuing this path may be well-served to seek advice from those who have been successful entrepreneurs, and become aware of the details and risks associated with starting a business.

4. Complete a Certificate Program

Whether it's to launch a business or enter into a specific profession, certificate-based programs may also be viable options, and some can be completed in a matter of months or even weeks. For example, the Wharton School of Business offers an entrepreneurship specialization that includes five four-week courses that cost $79 per month and require students to devote between one and three hours a week to studies. The program teaches skills and concepts aimed at helping students go from creating an idea to pitching it to investors.

Although some forms of financial aid, such as Pell Grants, are not available for programs shorter than 15 weeks, Jones says students may be able to find private or institution-based scholarships or financial aid for certificate programs in high-demand fields such as health care, information technology, construction, transportation and manufacturing. Other schools may have other specific certificate programs that qualify for scholarships.

Alisha Hyslop, senior director of public policy at the nonprofit Association for Career & Technical Education, encourages adult learners to consider "stackable credentials," meaning students complete multiple short-term certificate or associate degree-earning programs at community and technical colleges that build on each other. That can help students move into and advance in their careers, while working toward a higher-level credential or degree.

But she says applicants should research programs carefully.

"Are there adequate academic and career counseling resources readily available? Are there opportunities for students to go out into the community and practice their skills through hands-on work? Will there be help with resumes and the job search?" Hyslop recommends asking. "Is there a place that's going to actually help students transition through the educational pathway and then into the workforce, and do they have strong relationships with local business and industry representatives?"

5. Attend College Online

Getting a college degree online in lieu of attending a brick and mortar location is a viable option for many students seeking flexibility. Online classes allow students to work around job or family responsibilities and complete coursework from their home, an office or a coffee shop, avoiding room and board and transportation costs.

Among the 182 ranked public schools offering online bachelor's degrees that submitted data to U.S. News in an annual survey for the 2022-2023 school year, the average total program cost for out-of-state online undergraduate students was $57,606. However, among the 15 most affordable schools, that dropped to $26,504, with an average cost of $220 per credit. For comparison, the average out-of-state cost of tuition and fees at ranked public colleges is $23,630 for the 2023-2024 school year, and $42,162 at private schools.

Acceptance of online degrees among employers has risen in recent years, experts say, but depending on the industry, some may be hesitant to hire those who hold an online degree versus a traditional one.

6. Attend a Coding Boot Camp

Attending a coding boot camp is another short-term option for students looking to develop that specific skill set.

“If you want to be a computer programmer or a front-end developer, you don’t need to go to Stanford ," Barton says. "You can go to your local community college, and there are even some boot camps that do a tremendous job of getting you to your end goal faster, and now you’re out there working and you’re doing something that’s feeding your abilities and natural desire for work.”

There are more than 900 coding boot camps to choose from globally between online and in-person models, according to Course Report, a website that tracks the industry.

But program quality may vary, so do your research.

Depending on what is being taught, the length of coding boot camps can range from six to 28 weeks, with the average running 14 weeks long, per Course Report. The website identifies an average starting salary of nearly $65,000 for boot camp graduates. Average boot camp costs land around $14,000, however, and these programs are typically not eligible for federal financial aid, making price a barrier for some students.

7. Earn and Learn With an Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship can be thought of as a paid learning experience.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprenticeship opportunities are offered through an employer or the program sponsor, such as a labor union. Apprentices work in their chosen field, which offers the opportunity to learn on the job, possibly receive classroom instruction and study under a mentor during employment.

“What you learn tonight, you may see in the field tomorrow,” says Brian Keating, director of the United Service Workers Union's Joint Apprenticeship Training Center in New York. “It’s a real powerful instrument when what you’re doing on the job and what you’re teaching are working together. It’s really a fantastic way of learning.”

9. Enlist in the Military

Joining the military allows students to serve their country and can be a valuable way to earn skills and experience. It can also provide educational benefits that make earning an undergraduate or graduate degree in the future more financially viable.

Students who are interested in enlisting should speak with a local military recruiter and ask plenty of questions, says Jones, the college and career readiness coach.

"I think that sometimes students and families are reluctant to speak with recruiters because they feel that they will be pressured into enlisting or relentlessly targeted for recruitment, but the recruiter is truly the best source for information," she says. "The recruiters I work with are always willing to speak with families. Come to the meeting prepared. Make a list of things that are important to you."

10. Volunteer or Do Service Learning During a Gap Year

Students who are unsure of their next steps may benefit from volunteering or participating in service learning, either at home or abroad. Many do this during a gap year , an educational break where students typically intend on going to college after some time away traveling or working. Structured service programs like the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps can help students develop new skills and can lead to career opportunities in the future, while providing a living stipend and education benefits.

Some students find a passion that they end up pursuing in college or professionally.

“These opportunities create a richness of learning to where, when you do land on a college campus, you are much more motivated and have a sense of purpose," says Erin Lewellen, CEO of the nonprofit Global Citizen Year, which organizes gap year experiences and service learning opportunities for students. "You might not know exactly what you want to learn, but you’re on a journey that’s fueled with more information, which I think helps you maximize college and your next opportunity.”

Deciding Between Alternatives to College

Hyslop encourages students to think about the educational and work experiences needed to reach career goals.

"I think the most important piece of information that students can discern is what they think they want to do next and then matching that educational experience that will help them get there," Hyslop says.

Experts encourage students to start planning for their future early.

Knowing the pathway to a career can help students make the choice that is best for them. Experts urge high school students and adult learners alike to identify the credentials needed to reach their career goals.

When considering associate degree or certificate programs, prospective students should also take a hard look at the quality of the programs they are interested in by checking out graduation rates, job placement data and earnings for those who have completed the credential, experts say.

Students should also think about how to pay for their education. If federal financial aid is not available, other outlets for funding may include state workforce development grants or employer tuition assistance programs.

Some careers, students should recognize, are almost certain to require a bachelor's degree or higher while others offer various entry points.

"It's hard to find a single recipe that's going to work for everybody," Hanson says.

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