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GAP YEAR RESEARCH & BENEFITS

Participate in gap year research.

Data on the outcomes and benefits of gap years is essential to effective gap year advocacy. If we want more students to have access to meaningful gap year experiences, we must be able to speak clearly and accurately about WHAT gap years entail and WHY more students should pursue them. 

If you are a gap year alum , we encourage you to GET YOUR VOICE COUNTED and make sure that your gap year experience is included in our ongoing data about gap year trends and outcomes. Fill out this brief, anonymous 3-minute questionnaire about your experience to help us paint a holistic picture of the state of gap year education.

2020 Gap Year Alumni Survey

Following the highly successful  2015 National Alumni Survey , the Gap Year Association commissioned the efforts of Kempie Blythe, MA, and reprising her role from the 2015 survey, Nina Hoe Gallagher, PhD, as well as the GYA Research Committee , to complete the 2020 Gap Year Alumni Survey. These surveys have been cited by scholars, media, and program providers in order to demonstrate strong returns for gap year participants.

In total, 1,795 respondents began the Gap Year Alumni 2020 Survey . Of those respondents, 1,596 participated in a “gap year” that aligned with the definition in the survey and 1,139 were eligible as permanent residents or citizens of the U.S. or Canada. A total of 1,190 gap year alumni completed this survey. 

Download the 2020 Gap Year Alumni Survey

Annual State of the Field Survey 

Each year, GYA’s Research Committee authors a survey tool to track year-over-year trends for gap year participation and outcomes as a short-term snapshot. The tool allows gap year programs and consultants to answer questions about enrollment, demographics, marketing, and early outcomes. The Research Committee takes the completed data and shares two reports, one comprehensive (reserved only for survey participants), and one general version that is available to the public. 

Surveys are launched each spring, and finalized in the summer of that same year. The Research Committee generates two sets of survey results: one for Gap Year Programs and one for Gap Year Consultants.

2022 State of the Field Survey Report Programs and Consultants – Annual State of the Field Report

2021 State of the Field Survey Report Programs and Consultants – Annual State of the Field Report

2020 State of the Field Survey Reports Program Providers – Annual State of the Field  Counselors – Annual State of the Field 

GYA’s Research Committee is the leading body for conducting and synthesizing gap year research, and represents one of the association’s most productive and active committees. In addition to collecting ongoing data on basic gap year trends and outcomes , the Research Committee also conducts annual surveys to capture data from professionals within the gap year field, as well as an extensive gap year alumni survey every five years.

GYA highlights pioneering research being done in the gap year field through the Karl Haigler Excellence in Gap Year Research Award  in honor of emeritus Board Member and founder of the GYA Research Committee, Karl Haigler. 

The idea of a gap year has generated substantial interest among popular media sources, academic scholars, and prestigious institutions in the United States in recent years. Gap years are more common for students in the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe, and Australia than they are in the United States; however, they are increasing in popularity in the U.S. as evidenced by a booming industry of gap year programs, the prolific publication of resource guides, and the inception of the Gap Year Association, an accreditation and standards-setting organization for gap year education recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.

To date, much anecdotal evidence as well as some peer-reviewed studies have identified positive outcomes associated with gap year participation. Research points to notable outcomes related to language development (“Bridge Year Program,” n.d.; Clagett, 2012; King, 2011; Lyons et al., 2012; Simpson, 2005; Spenader, 2011), personal growth (Birch & Miller, 2007; “Bridge Year Program,” n.d.; King, 2011; Knight, 2014; Martin, 2010; O’Shea, 2011b; Stehlik, 2010) and college and career attainment for students in the U.K. and Australia (Birch & Miller, 2007; King, 2011; Knight, 2014; Martin, 2010; O’Shea, 2011b; Stehlik, 2010). Across the U.S., over 160 colleges and universities have begun to embrace the idea of a gap year.

A methodology for tracking gap year students’ GPA performance was designed by Bob Clagett, former Dean of Admissions at Middlebury College. This methodology assigned academic ratings for incoming students, accounting for all academic information received in the application process. When Clagett controlled for students’ academic ratings and looked at actual academic performance in college, gap year alumni consistently over-performed academically throughout all four years of the college experience, usually to a statistically significant degree.

Despite the growing popularity of gap years, especially among American students, there is a dearth of scholarly research on the nature and outcomes of gap year experiences (King, 2011; O’Shea, 2011b; Stehlik, 2010). Of the existing peer-reviewed research, which is limited to approximately ten studies, only one focuses on American students. Also, few of the studies have included sample sizes of greater than 30 (O’Shea, 2011b; Spenader, 2011).

• Birch, E. R., & Miller, P. W. (2007). The characteristics of “gap-year” students and their tertiary academic outcomes. Economic Record, 83(262), 329–344.
• Bridge Year Program. (n.d.). Bridge Year Program. Princeton.Edu. Retrieved March 17, 2013, from http://www.princeton.edu/bridgeyear/
• Clagett, R. (2012, September 26). Regressions on GPA, Classes of 2011-14.
• King, A. (2011). Minding the gap? Young people’s accounts of taking a Gap Year as a form of identity work in higher education. Journal of Youth Studies, 14(3), 341–357.
• Lyons, K., Hanley, J., Wearing, S., & Neil, J. (2012). Gap year volunteer tourism: Myths of Global Citizenship? Annals of Tourism Research, 39(1), 361–378.
• Martin, A. J. (2010). Should students have a gap year? Motivation and performance factors relevant to time out after completing school. Journal of Educational Psychology, 102(3), 561–576.
• O’Shea, J. (2011a). Delaying the Academy: A Gap Year Education. Dissertation.
• O’Shea, J. (2011b). Delaying the academy: A gap year education. Teaching in Higher Education, 16(5), 565–577.
• O’Shea, J. (2013). Gap year: How delaying college changes people in ways the world needs. The Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Simpson, K. (2005). Dropping out or signing up? The professionalisation of youth travel. Antipode, 37(3), 447–469.
• Spenader, A. (2011). Language learning and acculturation: Lessons from high school and gap-year exchange students. Foreign Language Annals, 44(2), 381–398.
• Stehlik, T. (2010). Mind the gap: school leaver aspirations and delayed pathways to further and higher education. Journal of Education and Work, 23(4), 363–376.

Taking a structured gap year invariably serves to develop the individual into a more focused student with a better sense of purpose and engagement in the world around them. From Joe O’Shea’s book, Gap Year: How Delaying College Changes People in Ways the World Needs : “Some studies have looked at the academic performance of gap year students while in college. In Australia and the United Kingdom, economic researchers found that high school students who deferred their admission to college to take a gap year went to college (after their gap year) at the same rate as those who accepted an offer and intended to go straight there (Birch and Miller 2007; Crawford and Cribb 2012). They also found that taking a gap year had a significant positive impact on students’ academic performance in college, with the strongest impact for students who had applied to college with grades on the lower end of the distribution (Birch and Miller 2007; Crawford and Cribb 2012).” In fact, in the United Kingdom and in the United States, students who had taken a Gap Year were more likely to graduate with higher grade point averages than [demographically similar] individuals who went straight to college, and this effect was seen even for gap year students with lower academic achievement in high school (Crawford and Cribb 2012, Clagett 2013).

Current Data About Gap Years

• 90 percent of students who took a gap year returned to college within a year. http://online.wsj.com
• In 2016 Gap Year Association Members and Provisional Members gave away a combined total of more than $4,200,000 in scholarships and needs-based grants. [2016 GYA survey]
• Gap year interest and enrollment trends continue to grow. We don’t know exactly how many US students take a gap year each year, but amongst our sources we are able to say that interest and enrollment is growing substantively.

• A recent methodology to track gap year students’ over/underperformance of GPA was designed by Bob Clagett, former Dean of Admissions at Middlebury College. This methodology tracked the academic rating of an incoming student including everything of an academic nature that is received in the application process (grades, rigor of high school program, scores, teacher and counselor recommendations, even “fire in the belly” as demonstrated in the applicant’s essays). It is usually an excellent predictor for academic performance in college. When Clagett controlled for the academic rating and looked at the actual academic performance of students who took a Gap Year compared to their predicted performance based on their academic rating, students who took a gap year almost always overperformed academically in college, usually to a statistically significant degree. Most importantly, the positive effect of taking a gap year was demonstrated to endure over all four years.
• Students who have taken a gap year overwhelmingly report being satisfied with their jobs. Upon further inquiry, Haigler found that this was related to a less-selfish approach to working with people and careers. [Karl Haigler & Rae Nelson, The Gap Year Advantage, independent study of 280 Gap Year students between 1997 – 2006]
• The highest three rated outcomes of gap years is that of gaining “a better sense of who I am as a person and what is important to me” followed by “[the gap year] gave me a better understanding of other countries, people, cultures, and ways of living” and “[it] provided me with additional skills and knowledge that contributed to my career or academic major.” [Haigler & Nelson, independent study of 280 Gap Year students]
• Burnout from the competitive pressure of high school and a desire “to find out more about themselves,” are the top two reasons students take gap years, according to a survey of 280 people who did so by Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson of Advance, N.C., co-authors of a forthcoming guidebook on the topic. [ http://online.wsj.com ]
• For most students, gap year experiences have an impact on their choice of academic major and career – either setting them on a different path than before a gap year or confirming their direction (60% said the experience either “set me on my current career path/academic major” or “confirmed my choice of career/academic major”). [Karl Haigler & Rae Nelson, The Gap Year Advantage, independent study of 300 gap year students between 1997 – 2006]
• National statistics show that half of medical school-minded students are taking at least one gap year, he says. The percentage is even higher – 60% – for undergrads at high-powered research institutions such as Johns Hopkins heading for medical schools nationwide. [ The Journal Science ]
• A new study of more than 900 first-year students by Sydney University researchers has revealed that not only did taking a year off have a positive effect on students’ motivation, it also translated to a real boost in performance in the first semesters at university. [ http://www.heraldsun.com.au ]
• Many teenagers in other countries wait a year after high school before heading to college. In Norway, Denmark and Turkey, for instance, more than 50 percent of students take a year off before college, according to the Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education in Oslo, Norway.” [ http://www.desmoinesregister.com ]
• In 2010, young adults ages 25–34 with a bachelor’s degree earned 114 percent more than young adults without a high school diploma or its equivalent, 50 percent more than young adult high school completers, and 22 percent more than young adults with an associate’s degree. [ http://nces.ed.gov ]
• About one-third of college freshmen don’t return to the same institution for a second year, according to ACT Inc., an education testing company in Iowa City. [ http://www.desmoinesregister.com ]
• As recently as the mid-1990’s, the American college-graduation rate was the highest in the world. However, in the past decade or so, the United States has fallen from first to twelfth in the percentage of its twenty-five to thirty-four year-olds with Bachelors degrees. [Paris: OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation Publishing, 2011, pg 40. http://www.cnesus.gov/hhes/socdemo/education/deata/cps/historical/index.html]
• “College graduates ages 25 to 32 who were working full time now typically earn about $17,500 more annually than employed young adults with just a high school diploma ($45,500 vs. $28,000); those with a two-year degree or some college training earned $30,000. [ Salt Lake Tribune ].
• “Median earnings for high-school graduates have fallen more than $3,000, from $31,384 in 1965 to $28,000 last year. Young adults with just high-school diplomas now are also much more likely to live in poverty, at 22 percent compared to 7 percent for their counterparts in 1979. [ Salt Lake Tribune ]
• In 1961 the average full-time college student spent 24 hours per week studying outside of the classroom. By 1981 that number had dropped to 20 hours, and in 2003 the average student spent only 14 hours per week studying outside of the classroom. [Phillip Babcock and Mindy Marks, “Leisure College, USA: The Decline in Student Study Time,” AEI Education Outlook, August 2010]. A separate study at the University of California found that students spend fewer than 13 hours per week studying, and 12 hours hanging out with friends, 14 hours consuming entertainment, and 11 hours using computers for fun, and 6 hours exercising. [Steven Brint and Allison M. Cantwell, “Undergraduate Time Use and Academic Outcomes: Results from UCUES 2006]
• Gap year students are perceived to be ‘more mature, more self-reliant and independent’ than non-gap year students. [Birch, “The Characteristics of Gap-Year Students and Their Tertiary Academic Outcomes”, Australia, 2007]
• Taking a 1-year break between high school and university allows ‘motivation for and interest in study to be renewed.’ [Birch, “The Characteristics of Gap-Year Students and Their Tertiary Academic Outcomes”, Australia, 2007]
• 88 percent of gap year graduates report that their gap year had significantly added to their employability. [Milkround graduate recruitment Gap Year survey, http://www.milkroundonline.com ]
• Australian students were more likely to take a gap year if they had low academic performance and motivation in high school. Yet former “gappers” reported significantly higher motivation in college – in the form of “adaptive behavior” such as planning, task management, and persistence – than did students who did not take a gap year. Furthermore, “gappers” reported a lessened instance of “mal-adaptive” behavior” as a result of their gap year. [Martin, Andrew J., Journal of Educational Psychology, “Enhancing student motivation and engagement: The effects of a multidimensional intervention,” 2008]

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

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The Best Gap Year Programs in 2024-2025

by GoAbroad Writing Team January 24, 2024

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.

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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

News from OCS

National alliance of research associates programs (narap).

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The National Alliance of Research Associates Programs (NARAP /  www.theNARAP.org)  is a national consortium of Affiliate hospitals utilizing the RA model to enroll unprecedented numbers of participants for clinical studies in emergency medicine.

We are recruiting for:

There are limited …

RESEARCH ASSISTANT I: Department of Medicine at Hospital for Special Surgery

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Location: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY

Research Focus: Rheumatology

Starting Salary: $43k

Minimum Commitment: 2 years (24 months)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Assistant is an integral member of the research team responsible for a variety of tasks essential …

Postgraduate Position in Reproductive Immunology (Laboratory of Dr Vikki Abrahams) in the Yale Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences

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This is a full time paid 12 month position (starting salary $38,400) to work in the laboratory of Dr Vikki Abrahams, PhD in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences beginning summer 2024.

The laboratory focuses on understanding the …

Job Search Resources

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GoinGlobal Country Career Guides are the ultimate jobseeker’s tool for finding employment at home and abroad. Packed with country-specific career …

OCS YouTube Channel

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OCS is excited to share our brand new YouTube Channel ! You’ll find all our animated videos, panel talks, career development …

Forage (Virtual Work Experiences)

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Forage offers virtual work experiences, which are online programs built and endorsed by leading companies. Each virtual work experience contains …

OCS Website: Terms of Use

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This website of the Yale Office of Career Strategy (this “Website”) provides access to certain online videos, tutorials, and other …

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Undergraduate Students : Use Yale email and netID sign-on for undergraduates

Other New Users : Use this URL to make a new …

Gap Year & Short-Term Opportunity Examples for Health Professions

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The gap year (s) refers to a period of time – typically one to three years – that may be used to …

Gap Year & Short-Term Opportunities

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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
• Pursuing a Passion: Choosing an Outdoor Gap Year

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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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.

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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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Kayla Sheehan 2023-10-12T11:21:45-05:00 October 12, 2023 |

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Best Gap Year Programs – 2023

January 23, 2023

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 solid gap year programs?

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 .

Gap Year Program List

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 “Environmental Sustainability and Community Happiness” in Bhutan to “Mandarin Language Immersion” in Taiwan.

• Length: 3 months or 1 year
• Tuition: ranges from $6,750 (independent programs) to $18,950 (structured programs)
• Locations: Taiwan, Indonesia, South America, Nepal, Southeast Asia, China, Bhutan, Guatemala, Western US, Morocco, West Africa, Southern US
• 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.

• 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 and culture immersion) the Irish Arts & Culture Program (arts community immersion), and the European Expedition Program (history and outdoor adventure). They also offer a 10-week internship program where you’ll work 40 hours a week in Dublin while living with a host family.

• Length: 10-11 weeks
• Tuition: ranges from $6,750 (internship program) to ~$18,000–27,000 (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 leadership skills, students can explore the wilderness, participate in homestays, engage with the local culture, and take part in service learning experiences. For example, courses in Tanzania include a service and cultural exchange expedition, a scientific research expedition, and a 2 ½ month bush camping and homestay experience.

• Length: 1-3 months
• Tuition: ranges from ~$7,000-$24,000, depending on program location and length
• Locations: Tanzania, India, Alaska, Mexico, New Zealand, Patagonia, Pacific Northwest, Utah, Rocky Mountains, Adirondacks, Wyoming, Teton Valley, Southwestern US

Tidelines Institute’s Glacier Bay Year

Programming includes seminar-style academic classes that cover topics from ecology to literature as well as 20 hours per week of community labor (which can range from building fences to gathering kelp). In addition, students “form a political body that partially governs their own program,” live in tight-knit quarters, and explore the Alaskan wilderness.

• Length: 6 months
• Tuition: $46,750
• 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. Finally, each semester includes an internship and an individual project.

• Length: 14 weeks
• Tuition: $9,750
• Current Location: New York City

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

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, from architecture to entrepreneurship to publishing.

• Length: 4-24 weeks, depending on location
• Tuition: ranges from ~$2,000-10,000, 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 nine areas (ranging from automotive to culinary to business management). Also, students participate in workshops, mentoring, and adventure challenges.

• Length: 4 months (semester); 9 months (full year)
• Tuition: $12,000 (semester); $23,500 (full year)
• 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. For example, the “Antigua to Grenada” voyage focuses on marine biology while “Caribbean to Mediterranean” focuses on bluewater sailing.

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

Sea Education Association (SEA)

Every program follows 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. Current sessions focus on climate change, biodiversity, and environmental justice.

• Length: 3 months
• Tuition: $18,500 (non-credit); $29,900 (credit)
• Location: Woods Hole, Massachusetts (shore); Tahiti, St. Croix, Key West (sea)

International Field Studies’ Forfar Marine Science Program

In addition to earning their PADI Open and Advanced SCUBA certifications, students will cover topics like Bahamian culture, climate change, ecotourism, and blue hole water chemistry through lectures and hands-on labs.

• Length: 6 weeks
• Tuition: $5,499
• Location: Andros, Bahamas

5. Academic Gap Year Programs

Greene’s college oxford.

Via Oxford and Cambridge’s signature tutorial style of teaching, students will explore three to four subjects of their choice. They’ll also have many social and cultural opportunities within the surrounding city.

• 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 certificates are offered: Composites Technology, Digital Modeling and Fabrication, and Marine Systems. Students will design and build projects that could range from surfboards to drones.

• Length: 6-9 months
• Tuition: ranges from $21,000-25,500, 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. They’ll also receive mentoring and attend professional development and life skills workshops.

• Length: 6-12 weeks
• Tuition: $9,975 (6 weeks); $17,950 (12 weeks)

6. Sustainability/Conservation Gap Year Programs

Animal experience international.

Whether you want to make a difference in the lives of bats, dogs, sharks, or elephants, you’ll be able to do it through AEI. All programs follow the consent-based tourism model and adhere to the highest standards of animal welfare.

• Length: 2-4 weeks, but can plan longer experiences
• Tuition: ranges from $1,000-3,000, depending on program length
• Locations: Australia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Thailand, Mexico, Cuba, Mongolia, Spain, Nepal, Kenya, Croatia, South Africa

Rising Earth Immersion

For students who are interested in environmental sustainability, social and ecological justice, and community living, Rising Earth has it all. Topics include permaculture, homesteading, and mindfulness.

• Length: Semester
• Tuition: N/A
• Current Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

7. Creativity/Arts Gap Year Programs

An artist mentor and portfolio design program, Pizarts gives dancers the ability to increase their creativity, create individual film projects, and engage with the community.

• Length: 4 weeks (Puerto Rico); 3 months (NYC)
• Tuition: $3,500 (Puerto Rico); $15,500 (NYC)
• Locations: Puerto Rico and NYC

Cow House Studios

Students spend a semester making new artwork and honing their creative practice via open-ended studio time as well as workshops. Mediums include drawing & painting, digital & darkroom photography, video & animation, and sculpture & installation.

• Length: 12 weeks
• Tuition: ~$17,000
• 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 related classes and workshops. They’ll also be immersed in French culture.

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

8. Language Immersion Gap Year Programs

Amigos de las americas.

While living with a host family in Ecuador, you’ll intern with a local organization and be immersed in Spanish language and culture. In addition, you’ll receive leadership training and participate in group excursions.

• Length : 15 or 36 weeks
• Tuition: $13,775 (15 weeks); $24,795 (36 weeks)
• Location: Cuenca, Ecuador

Chinese Gap Year in Taipei

Students will improve their Chinese via intensive classes and 1:1 sessions, participate in cultural immersion, and travel. One quarter is equivalent to a full year of university Chinese.

• 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 a semester-long Italian course.

• Length : 4-16 weeks
• Tuition: ranges from ~$5,000-18,000, depending on program length
• 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.

• Big Picture

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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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.

How a Gap Year Prepares Students for College

More students are taking a year off after high school to explore their interests.

What Is a Gap Year?

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Traveling and focusing on personal development are common ways students spend their gap year.

While many students head directly to college after graduating from high school, a smaller cohort chooses an alternative: a gap year.

What may have previously been seen as an unconventional path has become more accepted in recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. When colleges either shut down or moved to virtual learning, many students opted to defer enrollment and take a gap year, experts say.

The Gap Year Association, an Oregon-based nonprofit that helps students access gap year opportunities, estimates that on average, between 40,000 and 60,000 students take a gap year each academic year. That number rose to an estimated 130,000 students during the 2020-2021 school year, according to the organization. High school counselors, students and parents are becoming more aware of the variety of options after high school and seeing the benefits of taking a gap year, says Jennifer Sullivan, founder of Fast Forward College Counseling.

“It’s not an all-or-nothing now,” she says. “You’re not just going to college or you’re going to work. There’s a lot of in-between. There’s a lot of gray area where some students do choose to take a gap year or to take a gap semester, then decide that they’re ready.”

The Gap Year Association defines this educational interlude as "a semester or year of experiential learning , typically taken after high school and prior to career or postsecondary education, in order to deepen one's practical, professional and personal awareness." Some students elect to take a gap year in the middle of pursuing a degree.

Typically, students use this time to travel, work or volunteer and figure out what they want to study when they do eventually go to college, experts say. Some students may be experiencing burnout and are taking a break to focus on their mental health.

While experts say the concept has long been popular in Europe, it has grown in the U.S. more recently. One major boost came when former first daughter Malia Obama announced in 2016 that she would take a gap year before attending college, which caused the term to spike in Google searches that spring.

Experts suggests the move not only introduced many students to the concept but gave them social permission to pursue it.

“A gap year, if done right, can position you really strongly for college,” says Cathleen Sheils, senior associate director of college counseling at New York-based Solomon Admissions Counseling.

How Gap Year Experiences May Vary

For high school students or graduates considering a gap year, the options are plentiful and include structured programs or self-guided exploration.

The Gap Year Association, which accredits numerous programs , lists experiences with a focus on ecology, animal welfare and conservation, language studies, coding, cultural immersion and a variety of other topics.

Another option is AmeriCorps, which offers a number of service programs throughout the country for those 18 or older. Students who participate are eligible for benefits such as a living allowance and an education award that can be used to pay off loans or put toward future tuition.

Students may also elect to work during a gap year, either to make money for college or to earn college credit through an internship.

"The best gap years tend to be the ones that push students to think about who they are and their role in the world," says Joe O'Shea, associate provost and dean of undergraduate studies at Florida State University and author of "Gap Year: How Delaying College Changes People in Ways the World Needs."

O'Shea says a gap year can help motivate and inspire students and better prepare them for college. He notes that the "natural break" between high school and college is an ideal time for students to "pause and reflect" and explore options before their studies begin.

"Often you see students who struggle in higher education because they don't have a sense of purpose and direction," O'Shea says. "Gap years – because they give students a broader sense of the world and their place in it and how they can contribute – help to supply and empower students with the kind of motivation and purpose that can animate their entire college experience."

How a Gap Year Affects College Admissions

If students are considering a gap year, they should go through the college application process as a high school senior as if they're planning to attend right away, rather than waiting to apply during the gap year. It's much easier to complete college applications when students are still in school and have the help of counselors and teachers, says Colleen Paparella, founder of DC College Counseling.

O'Shea suggests that high school students considering a gap year research whether the colleges they're interested in support that effort.

Experts typically recommend that students not divulge gap year plans on their college applications or before being admitted. But students can reach out to admissions offices to find out their general policy on gap years. “We definitely tell them this is not something you want to advertise at the time that you’re applying, because that’s not going to make you a more attractive candidate,” says Paparella. “Not to say they won’t get in, but it’s just going to make things more difficult.”

After being admitted, students might want to have a formal conversation with an admissions officer about considering a gap year.

While it's rare for colleges to deny a gap year request, it's common for them to want more information about why the student is taking a gap year, and they may require paperwork, Paparella says. Some schools have policies for how students can take their gap year. They might require students to check in mid-year to make sure the plan is still on track, or they could stipulate that students can’t take classes at another institution, she says, as that could possibly change their status to a transfer student.

Generally, students can then defer enrollment, paying a deposit to retain their spot and enrolling after their gap year. Keeping in mind that the decision day for most colleges is May 1, Paparella says students should wait until they are absolutely certain about taking a gap year to fill out any forms from the school, but to still be cognizant of their timeline to allow for alternate plans to be made.

“Somebody who feels like a gap year is a great idea in September of their senior year might feel very differently eight months later,” she says. “We say just keep your options open. Don’t disclose that now, and when you’re sure you want to do it and you have schools you’ve been admitted to, you can go ahead and ask for a gap year.”

Some students, however, take a gap year because they weren't admitted to their desired school but are intent on attending that institution. A gap year is a way for those students to rebrand themselves and stand out among other applicants. Those students will reapply either during or following their gap year, says Sheils, who previously served as director of admissions at Cornell University .

Colleges expect to see more maturity and perhaps more direction from those applicants, she says, and there needs to be some connection between how students spent their gap year and their future academic goals.

“Not every gap year is created equally or is seen by admissions officers as credible,” she says. “What you’re looking for is, what did they do during that gap year to actually grow their academic profile?”

How to Know if a Gap Year Is Right for You

Students should not take a gap year simply because they're putting off their next step. Whether their plan for that year is to work, travel or recharge mentally and emotionally, students should have a specific reason for taking time off.

“They need to have a very clear idea in mind about what they’re going to do afterwards," Paparella says. "I would definitely never do this and keep it open-ended at the end. That’s not going to work.”

Some students, Sullivan says, are deterred from taking a gap year because they don't want to be behind their peers academically and socially. Some might regret missing out on certain college experiences that their friends are having.

Experts say students should determine what motivates them, what their long-term goals are, and whether or not they can make it work financially. Formal programs offering travel or internship opportunities can cost more than $50,000 on the high end, although students may pay less due to scholarships and other financial aid, O'Shea explains. And for low-income students, certain programs may be subsidized to enhance affordability.

O'Shea notes the need in higher education to support gap year students and points to scholarship funding from FSU that aims to do so through its Gap Year Fellows Program. He believes such initiatives are making the gap year concept more available to students with limited financial means. While gap years have been the domain of middle-class families and above, O'Shea thinks that is changing as enrichment programs become more affordable.

Money aside, students need to determine how a gap year will ultimately help them.

"I have worked with individuals who have taken a gap year to focus on their mental health or passions (such as art or teaching English abroad), which has helped them gain perspective, different skills, and mature emotionally before returning to academics," Lindsey Giller, a clinical psychologist with the Child Mind Institute, wrote in an email. "These individuals can then begin school with newfound confidence that may not have been possible had they gone to college straight from high school."

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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.

Related posts:

• Why Should You Do Research?

Is EMT Worth It?

• How To Write An Undergraduate CV
• Benefits of Undergraduate Medical Research

Edward Chang

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Medical and health professions schools will want to see that you have tested your commitment to medicine and healthcare. More importantly, you’ll need to make sure for yourself that you’ve tested your commitment to the profession. Since you’re not yet a physician or health professional, it is (of course) impossible to practice as one, but there are plenty of other ways to get a better sense of the field. Many components of medical and health professions overlap with other experiences, such as empathizing with people when they’re vulnerable, listening to their stories, and being of service. Volunteer or internship experiences allow you to assess how you feel while doing these tasks; shadowing (watching physicians work) will also give you some idea of whether you could see yourself enjoying the field. In addition, undergraduate and postgraduate research can further inform and enhance your preparation and decision to enter a medical or health profession.

Learn more about:

Clinical volunteering, summer internships, postgrad/gap year opportunities.

Shadowing provides you with the opportunity to explore medicine in the clinical setting. Remember to act in a professional manner: arrive on time, professionally dressed, and be prepared to respect patient confidentiality. Make sure you are not ill and that you have had a flu vaccine. Some hospitals might require proof of a Covid-19 vaccination as well.

Finding Shadowing Opportunities:

• It takes time. It can be helpful to shadow a variety of physicians over time, so it is best to work on this gradually throughout your college career and to really use shadowing to help you figure out if medicine is right for you. There is no required number of hours and what is right for each medical school and each applicant will vary, but we suggest aiming for 40 to 50 hours of shadowing over your college career. If you have an interest in surgery and plan to shadow a fair amount in the operating room, then we would recommend that you get more than 40-50 hours of shadowing to ensure you have time in the clinic as well.
• Ask your own physician, dentist, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare professionals in your hometown.
• Use your existing contacts . Reach out to your professors who are doctors or who work with doctors. You can ask the principal investigator in your lab if you are in a clinical setting. Even if they are not physicians themselves, they may be able to introduce you to physicians. Your House Premedical Tutors (both resident and non-residents) are excellent resources for shadowing opportunities.
• Find Harvard alumni through  the Harvard Alumni Association . You can also consider signing up for the HAA Shared Interest Group— Harvard Alumni in Healthcare . They are eager to have current students and recent alumni join the group.
• Connect with alumni using  Firsthand Advisors . This platform allows you to connect with over 1,500 alumni across a variety of fields/professions and schedule a one-on-one mentoring conversation.
• If you are a varsity athlete, consider the  Harvard Athlete Medical Mentoring Program (AMMP) .
• The Harvard BIOME (Biomedical Interdisciplinary Occupations and Medical Exposure) program provides Harvard undergraduates with the opportunity to shadow healthcare professionals in the Boston area during Harvard College’s wintersession week.
• Shadow where you volunteer.
• Cold email.  Make sure you identify yourself as a Harvard college student. If you have a particular interest, then feel free to target physicians in that specialty. For the Harvard hospitals you can find the emails of the physicians in Harvard Catalyst .

Participation in research is not a requirement for admission to medical school, unless you are a MD/PhD applicant, but it can enhance your understanding and learning of science. The research can be in any discipline (including basic science, social science, and the humanities) or format (including wet lab, computational, or clinical research). Through the processes of formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, and collecting and analyzing data, you develop scientific inquiry skills and hone critical thinking skills that will be beneficial to your future career as a physician. Many medical schools value these skills, as they demonstrate competency in your ability to manage the various streams of data and input that one receives as a clinician.

For general information including advice regarding both the research opportunities and funding, visit the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URAF) . If you are interested in pursuing research in the life sciences, visit  Life Sciences Research . Additional information is available in the  Student Handbook for Undergraduates in Life Sciences Research  (pdf).

• Consider applying to formal volunteer and internship programs (in hospitals or clinics, for instance) or creating your own clinical internship by contacting practitioners and organizations directly.
• In larger organizations or formal programs, you may have less flexibility in what you do. In smaller or more under-resourced organizations, you may find more “hands-on” experience, though you may need to be more proactive and demonstrate a higher level of confidence in a clinical setting.
• What you will  do  is often more important than where you will  be . Even if you didn’t get into the particular department you wanted, you will still gain exposure to important aspects of healthcare regardless.
• Be aware that many volunteer and internship programs have mandatory orientation programs and health screenings before you’re permitted to work. Many of these programs have minimum requirements for the hours per week and the length of commitment.
• Read the  guidelines for students providing patient care during clinical experiences abroad.

Finding Opportunities

• Leverage your network of health providers to find shadowing and clinical opportunities. Speak to physicians at your local community hospital about clinical experiences.
• Academic medical centers often need summer help; check their human resources websites for temporary positions.
• Community health clinics that serve underserved populations often need volunteers.

Sample Opportunities

• For sample programs and opportunities in the Boston area and around the country, download a  list of programs .

There are many summer opportunities available in the Boston area, throughout the U.S., and internationally. Our Summer Planning & Funding team is able to help with your summer plans. Our premedical/pre-health advisors are also happy to help you think through options. There are many funding options at Harvard including at our office, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships ( URAF ), and the  Harvard Global Health Institute . There are many options beyond healthcare and biomedical sciences that may be of interest to you as well. Remember to check Crimson Careers frequently, since new postings come in daily. You are also encouraged to browse our live Pre-Health Summer Opportunities document which we update each year.

Around 75-80% of Harvard applicants take at least one gap year before applying to medical school.  Medical schools welcome applicants who have taken some time out before applying to medical school as they bring additional experiences, maturity, and perspectives to their application. Alumni will do any variety of activities during a gap year including research (basic, clinical, social science, etc.), work with a nonprofit, healthcare consulting, teaching, etc. For some students with less clinical experience, full-time clinical research assistant (RA) or clinical research coordinator (CRC) positions are great opportunities to get paid while acquiring experience working directly with patients in a research setting.

Each year we hold workshops to help students think about taking a gap year. See the event calendar .

Timeline for Research Assistant (RA) and Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) Positions

Most RA and CRC positions are advertised in the spring, when labs know about available funding, and when current RAs/CRCs give notice that they are leaving (usually for medical or graduate school). Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find many listings in the fall or winter. Update your resume by showing it to your Premed/Pre-Health Tutor and by coming to MCS for daily drop-ins (Monday through Friday, 1:00 – 4:00 pm); begin talking to professors, teaching fellows, and clinical mentors; and start searching for clinical labs that fit your interest. Most importantly, cast a wide net. Many of these positions will prefer (and many require) a two-year commitment, though we recommend connecting directly with an employer if you are interested in a two-year position and are only planning on one gap year.

Harvard Resources

• Crimson Careers : Job listings for Harvard students and alumni, updated every day with new listings. See our  Featured Jobs and Internships  for a sample of jobs available.
• Harvard Jobs & Careers : Job board for administrative/staff positions across the university, including the Harvard Medical, Dental, and Public Health Schools.
• Catalyst Profiles : Directory of Harvard researchers including those involved in clinical translational research.
• Harvard contacts: Professors, teaching fellows, House/Dudley Community premed/pre-health tutors (both resident and non-resident), clinical mentors. Ask if they know of researchers who may be hiring. Sometimes a word-of-mouth referral leads to the best opportunities, which may not be listed anywhere.
• Harvard teaching hospitals’ and academic departments’ employment listings.

Resources Outside of Harvard

• Local university and hospital websites: Job listings and researchers in relevant academic apartments.
• Contact the principal investigators (PIs) of clinical trials and studies regarding possible positions. For example, you can search the  government’s clinical trials  site for current trials of interest to you.
• The NIH Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA/CRTA) Program is a fully funded one- to two-year biomedical research program at the NIH. Although primarily a resource for basic lab positions, there are an increasing number of opportunities for clinical research. To be connected to alumni who applied for and found a research position in the IRTA/CRTA program, please email our premedical/pre-health advisors at [email protected] .

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Gap Year Programs and Options for Medical School Students

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Many candidates for medical schools may not immediately enroll after graduating from college. Before beginning medical school, you may take at least one year off (the "gap year"). You may also need to wait two years if you apply a year after graduation.

Most applicants take two gap years because the average applicant is 24 years old . Frequently, these applicants must raise their MCAT scores , demonstrate academic improvement, or discover a strategy to stand out.

Therefore, you should anticipate taking at least one gap year unless you belong to a small group of exceptionally high achievers. 

The question is -- what should you do during your gap year? 

This article covers the best gap year programs and options for medical students like you. 

Should You Take a Gap Year Before Medical School? 

It's worth considering a gap year before medical school as it can be beneficial for many individuals. To determine if it's the right decision for you, it may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

Do you have MCAT or GPA results that fall below the national average? Do you still have to meet any requirements?

Take academic progress into account. You will gain a lot from taking a gap year before medical school to study for the MCAT and raise your GPA. Remember that getting into medical school largely depends on your GPA and MCAT scores . 

Do you have a substantial lack of clinical or research experience? Are you lacking in extracurricular activities?

Increase your exposure to intellectual pursuits like research and clinical settings. 

Research is one of the main prerequisites (and benefits) for applying to medical school, along with other extracurricular activities. Spend more time and effort concentrating on your studies. 

Would you like to acquire more knowledge about a particular area of expertise?

Spend a year (or two) honing in on a specific pastime or finding a new one. During your interview for medical school, this can be brought up. You do not want to blow a great opportunity to impress the admissions committee by citing a specific passion that inspired you to pursue a medical career. 

Do you need additional time to finish everything (your courses, the MCAT, your experiences), or do you want a break from school?

Most students cannot complete everything before the end of their junior year of college to be the strongest applicant. Therefore, many students require a longer time to prepare for medical school.

Whatever your reason for taking a gap year before medical school, take a break if necessary. 

What are the Gap Year Programs and Options for Medical Students? 

Students usually seek advice on what to do when they wish to take a year off before entering medical school. 

Our most frequent response is, "It depends on what you intend to achieve."

Before choosing how to spend your gap year, consider the red flag(s) on your CV and whether a specific choice clearly addresses it. 

In any other case, the year will likely be a waste because you will not contribute any fresh, beneficial material to your application.

The sections below discuss the most well-liked alternatives to gap years. Remember that during your gap year, you can pursue multiple possibilities concurrently.

Special Master's Program

A Special Master's Program (SMP)  is a postgraduate course of study created primarily to raise the academic standing of medical school applicants.

Students frequently enroll in courses that last one or two years and are taught by medical students. 

Students can demonstrate their ability to excel in a demanding, scientifically oriented curriculum by enrolling in special master's programs.

Post Baccalaureate Programs

A post-baccalaureate program , which can be formal or do-it-yourself, is an additional choice for those who are changing occupations or have not completed the requirements for medical school. 

Students who have finished all prerequisites for medical school should not enroll in postbaccalaureate programs because this differs from an SMP.

Through post-baccalaureate programs, you can complete the required science courses, improve your GPA, and add the extracurricular activities you lack, such as hospital volunteer work. 

They can be completed formally (by enrolling in a program at a university, for instance) or ad hoc (by taking several courses through your local institution's extension program, for example).

Master of Public Health Programs

An MPH degree prepares students to serve as public health practitioners who collaborate with communities, execute and assess public health initiatives, and help increase a general understanding of excellent medical practices.

Studying for the MCAT

Preparing for the MCAT can be daunting for medical students, and it is considered one of the most challenging exams they will encounter. This is why some students take a gap year to focus on studying and preparing for the MCAT .

Pursuing Professional Medical Experience

It would be incredibly advantageous for you to have expertise in any medical sector or healthcare environment. Your chances of being accepted are better the more diverse your experience is. 

Conducting Medical Research

Gaining expertise in clinical research might help your medical school admission (and career), primarily if you can publish your findings. You can contact your current university or apply for a local research position.

Opportunities for fellowships and internships are available at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) , according to their website. A bachelor's degree is required for the majority of these jobs. A position in research may also be available through the National Institutes of Health.

Additional FAQs – Gap Year Programs and Options for Medical School Students

What percentage of med school applicants take gap years, will my medical school application be affected by a gap year, you're no longer alone on your journey to becoming a physician.

U.S. Government Accountability Office

Federal Research: Key Practices for Scientific Program Managers

In fiscal year 2021, the federal government funded over $85 billion in basic research as well as early research directed toward a specific practical aim. Federal research spurs innovation and promotes national economic competitiveness, prosperity, and security.

Scientific program managers at federal agencies that sponsor research play a crucial role in guiding and shaping the research. This report identifies key practices that program managers use to select, monitor, and coordinate research for their agencies. It can also serve as a resource to help program managers, agencies, and others to understand, assess, and improve research management.

What GAO Found

To oversee basic and applied research at federal agencies, scientific program managers are typically responsible for managing award selection, monitoring ongoing awards, and coordinating with awardees and the research community. Program managers GAO interviewed from selected agencies identified key practices they used to carry out these responsibilities. They said these practices helped advance their agencies' goals, further science, and avoid unnecessary duplication. Further, the practices may help program managers, agencies, and others assess and improve management of basic and applied research.

As outlined in the figure below, the key practices fall into three areas.

• Strengthening and building expertise—Practices that help program managers maintain scientific and management expertise.
• Developing connections—Practices that help program managers enhance collaboration with the scientific community and the public, as well as within their own agencies and in other agencies.
• Building a strong research portfolio—Practices that help program managers advance their agencies' research mission and scientific knowledge in general, while ensuring their own accountability and that of federally funded researchers.

Key Practices for Federal Program Managers to Select, Coordinate, and Monitor Scientific Research

Why GAO Did This Study

The federal government invests in basic and applied scientific research to drive innovation, promote economic competitiveness, and enhance national security. The National Science Foundation estimates that 32 federal agencies funded over $85 billion in basic and applied research in fiscal year 2021.

Scientific program managers at federal agencies that sponsor basic and applied research play a critical role in guiding and shaping the research funded by their agencies.

In this report, GAO describes key practices that federal program managers use to manage their research.

GAO held 14 group discussions with 79 program managers from seven selected agencies that funded over 90 percent of basic and applied research obligations in fiscal year 2021. GAO asked the program managers to describe the practices they use when managing projects in their basic and applied research portfolios. GAO conducted qualitative analysis to identify common themes and distilled them into 10 key practices. These key practices were cited by multiple program managers or agencies and could be used by program managers across the federal government when managing projects in their basic and applied research portfolios.

GAO also conducted a literature review to help corroborate the key practices. GAO sought and incorporated feedback on these practices from the selected agencies as well as experts identified by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

For more information, contact Candice N. Wright at (202) 512-6888 or [email protected] .

Full Report

Gao contacts.

Candice N. Wright Director [email protected] (202) 512-6888

Office of Public Affairs

Chuck Young Managing Director [email protected] (202) 512-4800

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At the heart of this cozy coffee shop lies a big sister's love for her little brother

Yuki Noguchi

Sibling Coffee Roasters owner Libby Powell poses with her brother, Benjamin Withem, outside her West Virginia coffee shop. In her hand is an early photo of the pair — one they are trying to re-create. Susana Raab/for NPR hide caption

Sibling Coffee Roasters owner Libby Powell poses with her brother, Benjamin Withem, outside her West Virginia coffee shop. In her hand is an early photo of the pair — one they are trying to re-create.

The Science of Siblings is a new series exploring the ways our siblings can influence us, from our money and our mental health all the way down to our very molecules. We'll be sharing these stories over the next several weeks.

There's a coffee shop in the historic center of Charles Town, W.Va., where Libby Powell's family memorabilia hang from the exposed brick walls.

On one shelf, there's a photo of Libby posing with her towheaded baby brother. A jar of oatmeal-and-butterscotch cookies called Salty Siblings perches by the cash register. An elegant copper roaster parked in the shop's front bay window churns out the store's custom blends, including a popular one with Ethiopian beans named after that baby brother: The Benjamin.

Powell named this place Sibling Coffee Roasters — and it stands as a testament to one of her most cherished relationships.

Powell was already 14 and in high school when her brother, Benjamin Withem, was born 34 years ago. By that time she'd already thought a lot about the significance of having a sibling in her life. She knew, through intuition and experience, what the scientific research now shows: That this connection can deeply affect our mental and physical health over the course of our lives , for good or for ill.

Libby Powell was 14 years old and a high school student when her brother, Benjamin, was born. Susan Raab for NPR hide caption

"We have a human need to bond," she says. "Your friends are going to come and go. But when it's family, if your sibling is your friend, they're going to be there forever."

About 80% of children in the United States grow up with a sibling. It's a relationship that usually comes with shared experiences of family and childhood — and maybe also shared bedrooms and rivalries. Research about siblings' influence on our development and psychology is a relatively new field . But scientific studies show those relationships shape us in myriad ways, seen and unseen. And the impact of those relationships — good or bad — endures well beyond childhood, into middle age and beyond.

Special Series

The science of siblings.

In adolescence, siblings are very influential when it comes to risk-taking behaviors that can include things like sex or substance abuse . Even in middle age, being on good terms with our siblings continues to strongly correlate with our mental and physical well-being, especially during life transitions like a divorce or caring for ailing parents. Late in life, siblings can help support one another to maintain their health and companionship, and recounting shared memories can be a powerful antidote to loneliness .

"Siblings matter. They matter above and beyond our parents. They matter above and beyond our peers," says Shawn Whiteman, who studies human development at Utah State University.

A sibling worth waiting for

On this bustling Saturday morning, Powell picks up a bag of The Benjamin off the shelves by the cash register and reads its label: "Sibling's brotherly love blend." It is mild, in keeping with her brother's personality, with a blueberry-like flavor. "I definitely wanted that to encompass what his taste for coffee is," she says.

Powell says she once experimented with a dark roast she called "The Sibling Rivalry," but it didn't fit any part of her ethos.

"I hated it," she says. "And I don't like to fight with my brother, so I decided — we're not going to carry a dark roast."

As a girl, Powell — a Baptist preacher's daughter — yearned to have a brother or sister, and her parents, Mike and Naysa Withem, tried to have more children.

Sibling Coffee Roasters features a variety of house-made baked goods including a "Salty Sibling" cookie. Susana Raab for NPR hide caption

When Libby Powell was about 2, they started taking in foster children. Those experiences were inevitably marked by disappointment, because for one reason or another they could not stay, says Naysa Withem.

The last foster child, an older boy named James, stayed for seven years, and Powell grew up thinking of him as her actual big brother, complete with all the skirmishes and antics that come with traditional siblings.

"I remember the arguments, and getting into trouble with him, and doing things with him that were sneaky," Powell says.

But when he was 16, her foster brother chose to leave the family, a decision that left a 10-year-old Powell devastated: "I was alone. It was like all eyes were back on me, and I didn't know what that felt like because I don't think I remember being an only child." His absence, and the sense of isolation, fed her desire for siblings.

Her parents, meanwhile, were trying to have another child. "I remember my mom had gotten pregnant and I was so excited," Powell recalls. "I remember that feeling and thinking, 'I'm gonna be a big sister.'"

It was not to be: Powell was with her mother when she miscarried. "That was traumatic," says Naysa Withem.

Powell and her mother, Naysa Withem, load a display case with baked goods. Pierre Kattar/NPR hide caption

So when Baby Benjamin arrived two years later, his sister was waiting with open arms.

"I just remember just thinking: 'This is the prettiest baby I've ever seen in my life,'" she says, her voice rising with emotion. Her brother shuffles from around the counter in the shop's back kitchen and pulls her in for a tight hug.

Awash with gratitude that he was born alive and healthy, Powell says she doted on her brother like a doll, lathering him with lotions and changing his diapers and clothes.

Around the time Benjamin Withem was potty trained, Powell headed to college. Even though the time they overlapped in the same house was limited, her brother says he had developed a close connection with her that endured: "It's nice to always be reminded that you have these shared experiences that are constantly pulling you back together."

Sibling Coffee Roasters is a family affair; brother Benjamin Withem will stop by to indulge in a cold brew and chat with mother Naysa Withem, father Michael Withem, and sister and owner Libby Powell. Here, they pose in front of a quilt Naysa made for the shop. Susana Raab for NPR hide caption

An evolving relationship

The study of sibling relationships and their influence on how we think or act hasn't been as studied as other family relationships — like those between mothers and children, for example. Researching siblings also isn't easy, because no two families are alike. Variations like gender, age gap, or the number of siblings can really matter, making comparisons between families difficult and conclusions harder to draw.

One classic example where that can get complicated is birth order — something popularly believed to have a great deal of influence on our personalities. While some earlier studies suggested it might have some impact, most research doesn't bear out the idea that birth order has any lasting significance on who we become, says Utah State's Whiteman.

Still, siblings are overall very influential because they're usually our first peers. We might idolize them or battle them, but either way, through them we learn how to relate to others.

"Peers, if you have too many conflicts with them, they are just not going to be your friend anymore, but siblings really can't get away from it," says Nicole Campione-Barr, a psychologist who researches family dynamics at the University of Missouri. "So it's really one of our only training grounds socially to understand how to handle conflict in effective ways."

Powell says hello to her brother, Benjamin Withem, at her coffee shop. Susana Raab for NPR hide caption

Powell says hello to her brother, Benjamin Withem, at her coffee shop.

Libby Powell, for example, recalls how her brother used her as a sounding board — especially in his teen years, and especially after he'd made a mistake.

"If he was going to be in trouble or if he made a bad decision, he came to me first — and he was feeling out what my reaction would be," she says.

"I think he was testing the waters," she says, before having to tell their parents.

Naysa Withem, who's been watching her two children reminisce as she cleans the shop's kitchen, chimes in with a correction: "He was hoping you would cushion that with mom and dad," she says with a laugh.

The dynamics between siblings often change in young adulthood, as they explore independent paths. That was true also for Ben Withem who, after college, took a cybersecurity job in the Middle East — a world away from his sister in Charles Town.

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"That was definitely the most distance we've experienced," he says. And being that far was "almost like hitting the reset button" on their relationship, he says.

Powell found that "reset" difficult and says she felt angry. "I felt those same feelings when James left — when my foster brother left," she explains. At the same time, her brother had recently married, which meant Powell had to adjust to make room for another important person in his life. "That was hard for me because I'm sharing my little brother, who I thought that I had a little control over."

Libby Powell says that she and her brother were always close and have hardly ever fought. Susana Raab for NPR hide caption

It was the only time they remember any tension existing between them. They had one fight, which culminated with Powell accepting her brother as an adult peer.

"He was taking a stand as an adult for the first time ... and I was put exactly where I needed to be put," Powell recalls, nodding approvingly toward her brother. Benjamin Withem, the more introverted sibling, agrees silently, deferring to her memory.

Through their adult lives, coffee played a big role in keeping them connected. Withem loved good coffee, and Powell says she relied on bad coffee for decades to get her through working overnight shifts as a nurse. He tried roasting beans in his popcorn popper; she eventually began following her younger brother's lead and upgraded to their current, kitchen-table-size industrial roaster.

Powell discovered she loved the taste of her own freshly roasted beans, as well as the coffee culture and social life that surrounded it.

Powell roasts her own coffee beans at her shop in West Virginia. Pierre Kattar/NPR hide caption

"I just found that coffee — the way that he would describe it — it wasn't just a drink, but it was a relationship," she says.

When she opened Sibling Coffee Roasters five years ago, Powell saw it as a kind of extension of that relationship, a chance to share the warmth and support she associates with siblinghood. She says the shop connects her to the community she's lived in her whole life, and it gives her an excuse to talk to people about their lives and their troubles.

"I always wanted to feel cared for, and I always have felt that way," she says, "and I know that there's just way too many people out there that don't."

Powell says the coffee shop is a kind of extension of her relationship with her brother, a chance to share the warmth and support she associates with siblinghood. Susana Raab for NPR hide caption

Powell says the coffee shop is a kind of extension of her relationship with her brother, a chance to share the warmth and support she associates with siblinghood.

Sibling Coffee Roasters also reflects the dream that Benjamin Withem will eventually open up another shop as they grow old together.

It's a sentiment he shares, he says. "I see the name she picked as the open invitation."

More from the Science of Siblings series:

• The order your siblings were born in may play a role in identity and sexuality
• In the womb, a brother's hormones can shape a sister's future
• These identical twins both grew up with autism, but took very different paths
• sibling relationships
• Science of Siblings
• family and relationships
• coffee culture
• healthy relationship
• broken relationships