Gap Year Programs

What is a Gap Year?

A gap year, also known as a sabbatical year, is typically a year-long break before or after college/university. During the gap year a student normally travels or maintains some type of regular work. Students who take gap years typically undergo a growth in maturity and are better prepared to benefit from higher education or decide the form of education they wish to pursue. Gap years usually occur between high school and university or after graduating from undergraduate study and before entry into graduate school. These students might take advanced courses in math or language studies, learn a trade, study art, volunteer, travel, take internships, play sports, or get involved in cultural exchanges. Studies indicate that students who take a gap year perform better academically than those who do not. Many parents worry their students will defer continuation of their education.    
- From Wikipedia -


There are an overwhelming number of gap year programs around, so in order to help aspiring students and their parents make better decisions, we have gathered some first-hand information from the most trusted gap year program providers and a Gap Year Association accredited advisor.

 

Winterline Global Education

Winterline Global Education offers a nine-month gap experience for young adults with an adventurous spirit and an interest in the world around them. Our gap year is specifically designed to introduce you to ten countries across different parts of the world and expand your knowledge of global cultures, issues and contexts, while teaching you 100 real-world life and career skills. Launch a business. Learn to scuba dive. Build a robot. Practice making delicious Thai meals and French pastries. And so much more.
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Thinking Beyond Borders

Thinking Beyond Borders (TBB) offers outstanding cross-cultural learning and are designed to meet the specific needs of students transitioning to college and adulthood during their gap year. TBB alumni report a strong sense of purpose and direction for their studies and a sense of self that prepares them for a happier, more fulfilling life. We’ve combined field work experiences, fascinating readings, and daily seminars to make learning meaningful.
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Edu-Pal China

If you are looking for a program to learn a new culture & language and travel abroad on a low budget, Edu-Pal China is definitely the best choice for you!
The Edu-Pal China (EPC) program offers an immersive language/cultural exchange experience between English-speaking young adults, aged 18 to 35, who are eager to discover Chinese language and culture, and like-minded Chinese host-families, who are interested in sharing their home and learning English (or another language).
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The Rising Earth Immersion

Are you seeking a gap year experience that links social justice, the environment, the economy, and your development as an individual?  The Rising Earth Immersion is a 10-week residential semester in Chapel Hill, NC for change-makers ages 18-28 who are seeking to live in balance with the Earth by engaging in personal, cultural, and ecological healing and transformation.
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Taylor The Gap

Taylor The Gap is entering its 10th year as a GYA accredited consulting service nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado. Founder Marion Taylor MSW tailors the interests and goals of students from all orientations, abilities, and economic backgrounds to the best suited gap programs and experiences. With over 35 years of social work, Marion’s unique perspective is derived from a lifetime of personal gap experiences, parenting four gap year children, and ongoing vetting of domestic and international gap programs. 
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Go to Grow Abroad

Go to Grow Abroad was founded and designed by Gappers for Gappers. Why go? Go to grow! Our programs are carefully designed to promote personal growth and development for students, adults, and retirees. We have firsthand experience as both gap year students and program providers, which allows us to better understand and serve our clients. Go to Grow Abroad staff has walked the walk, and that critical experience allows us to relate to our clients and their needs in a way many other companies are unable to match.
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For Gap Year Program Providers:
If you would like to introduce your gap year programs here, please click here.