PROGRAMS 2 02 2
GAP YEAR COVID-19: P R O G RCHANGED AHOW M S IT HAS THE INDUSTRY
TER for our UAL GAP RMATION ONS
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GAP PROGRAMS IN 2022 Find Your Adventure 17 Amazing Opportunities You Don’t Want To Miss
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Presenting the 2022 Guide to
GAP YEAR PROGRAMS gap year or transitional year - a break from traditional academics - is a chance to explore, pause, and reflect before entering the next step of academia. Students use this time to gain a better understanding of themselves and the type of impact they want to have on the world. TeenLife Media’s 2022 Guide to Gap Programs has a wide number of gap opportunities to fit a range of schedules and budgets. Whatever it might be, it is an opportunity for you to focus on personal growth before you take those next steps in life.
GOT QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?
Email me at mschwartz@teenlife.com
COVID-19 continues to control the landscape. While schools slowly return to an in-person format, the traditional college experience remains a thing of the past. A reported 22% of college students said they do not plan on returning to school in the fall. 35% of high school students said they were strongly considering taking a gap year. Generation Z has spoken: change is here. Gap programs don’t have to be expensive. Many of these programs offer financial aid or can help you figure out other funding strategies. So don’t think of a gap as a year “off” but as a year “on” for travel, community service, interning, field experience, language immersion – or whatever opportunity you can imagine that might shape the next stage of life. Gap programs are working hard to reflect the times by offering virtual gap programs where you can still connect and learn about the world around you from your home. Our guide can help you figure out precisely what your gap experience might look like. In addition to this Guide to Gap Programs, we conduct live, virtual events so you can hear from experts and ask questions to better understand the opportunities available to you. If you have questions, then we have answers! And if you want to discover more exciting, experienced-based programs whether it’s for a year, a semester, a summer or a week - be sure to subscribe and join our community. Email me at mschwartz@teenlife.com to tell me what you discover during your gap year.
Marie Schwartz CEO & Founder TeenLife Media, LLC
WHY A GAP YEAR
IS EVEN MORE RELEVANT NOW THAN THE BEFORE-FORE TIMES BY ETHAN KNIGHT ronically, the premise of the gap year has not needed to change as a result of the pandemic – its value has only grown. Indeed, it feels like a significant part of the gap year field has been hibernating and now it’s awakening with gusto to serve a backlog of eager students. Whether in the study abroad space, or the gap year space, students are desperate to “get out there.” At the Gap Year Association, we’ve seen our membership almost double since the pandemic began, with new offerings coming from college providers of gap years, as well as continued growth of the domestic option. Inevitably, as we look forward to 2022 and beyond, more international options will
be coming online as vaccines become more available to those in host countries and communities around the globe. While it’s certainly more work to run experiential programming in this era, it’s also all the more reason gap years are needed: to invest in our own relevance in a rapidly evolving world. In fact, there’s been more career mobility in the last few years than ever in my lifetime (est. 1978), but also that means those willing to strive for what they love in an experiential and practical way - well, I can’t imagine a better list of ingredients to achieve “success.”
DURING A GAP YEAR, STUDENTS NOT ONLY EXPLORE A NEW EXPERIENCE, THEY SEE THEMSELVES THROUGH A NEW LENS. As well in this era of Black Lives Matter Protests and the January 6th Riot at the Capitol, with so much division, there’s been incredible social justice efforts specifically improving opportunities for diverse students and staff. Not only have programs made inroads towards equity issues, but they’re also radically democratizing the gap year option by making it more independently available, with increased options to DIY a gap year as was never an option before.
experience increased their maturity (98% to some extent, 81% a lot). Over 75% of survey participants also reported that gap years contributed to some extent to increasing their academic motivation, giving them a competitive advantage when applying to college and/or jobs, influencing their course of study, influencing their career of choice and inspiring them to volunteer more.
In this remote working era, gap years have been able to respond with more online options, internships, and increasingly hybrid models. While a departure from traditional experiential education, these new models have been highly successful in many ways and I think are a surprise to many of us, reflecting tremendous innovation.
PERSONAL BENEFITS OF A GAP YEAR
COLLEGES STILL LOVE GAP YEARS Even colleges like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Princeton University, Duke University, Long Island University, McDaniels College, Warren Wilson College, Colorado College, Portland State University, Florida State University, Harvard University, and many more are embracing gap year education, leading to increases in financial aid for gap year students. Research is now established showing that taking a gap year clearly benefits academic GPA over the entire undergraduate career (not just the opening years). In fact, there’s a new effort amongst higher education’s Gap Year Research Consortium at Colorado College that is looking at longitudinal data for outcomes at a larger scale than ever before. According to the 2020 National Alumni Survey, participants reported that their gap year
During a gap year, students not only explore a new experience, they see themselves through a new lens. In the 2015 National Alumni Survey of gap year participants, 98% of respondents reported that their gap year helped them develop as people and allowed them time for personal reflection. This leads to a clearer direction for future life and career goals. Harvard University research reports that “many (gap year students) speak of their year away as a ‘life-altering’ experience or a ‘turning point,’ and most feel that its full value can never be measured and will pay dividends the rest of their lives,” according to an article posted by Harvard’s admissions department.
CAREER BENEFITS A gap year can lead students in a clear direction toward a successful and positive career experience. Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson, who did an independent study of more than 300 gap year students, found that 60 percent of these students said their experiences either “set me on my current career path/academic major” or “confirmed my choice of career/ academic major,” according to their book,
“The Gap Year Advantage.” The 2015 National Alumni Survey reported 84% of gap year students felt their gap year helped them acquire skills to be successful in their careers.
PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL GAP YEAR Students typically plan a full gap year or more commonly only a semester, it could include several structured experiences abroad or staying in their own communities. For optimal benefit, we suggest planning at least two months of experiences, combining up to four of the following components: service/ volunteering; career exploration/internship; paid work; and at least one “free radical” – exploring a previously undiscovered passion. These experiences could be independent, part of a program, or a combination of several distinct components that include both independent and organized group experiences. Gap year students seek out different opportunities: some build their gap years around one goal (for example, Spanish fluency, assisting an ailing family member or learning a trade); others spend the year exploring possible future interests, testing new waters through a combination of part-time work, an internship or an intentional travel program. The benefits of a well-designed gap year can include gaining hard and soft skills, clarifying career goals, expanding an understanding of one’s self and the world and improving academics. Students should consider involving a college counselor, a gap year consultant, family and friends – hack what you don’t know and network what you can’t hack.
MAXIMIZING YOUR MONEY Financing a gap year may feel daunting, but a gap year does not have to add to the already high cost of college. More and more students are leveraging their 529 College Savings Plans successfully, and even more are simply working to earn extra college credit so they can count their gapping towards college goals. In fact, GYA has a very popular arrangement with GYA Accredited Gap Year Programs that allow their students to earn up to a full semester of college credit through our relationship with Portland State University. As well, there are a growing number of opportunities for financing, and in 2020 gap year programs supported students from all financial backgrounds with a combined $5+ million in financial aid. Increasingly, paid and independent opportunities are available within traditional gap year channels, and we have been proud to further partner with AmeriCorps for domestic service opportunities that are paid.
A GAP YEAR FOR EVERY DREAM Whether you’re looking towards a domestic program doing a (virtual/in-person) internship, activism, outdoor conservation work, assistant teaching, disaster relief, literary education, certification studies, or even parallel with online college, there are options for you. Or, if 2022 has you angling for some of the expanded international program options, I strongly encourage you to make a list of exciting activities and follow our soon-to-be-released Planning Guide 2.0, … there really are more options out there than you have ideas.
Ethan Knight is the founder of the Gap Year Association. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, EthanWELCOME is a graduate of Catlin Gabel FROM THE high school and Willamette University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in English & Philosophy with minors in Environmental Science and Spanish. GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION In 1997, after an unfulfilling freshman year at college, Ethan worked with the Center for Interim has changed the landscape for gap years dramatically, with ProgramsOVID-19 to plan his own gap year to India, Nepal, and Tibet. Immediately after his gap year incredible grow th domestically and innovation programmatically. While not all students were to able complete to f ind a spot on per fect he returned to Willamette histheirdegree, and then promptly went to work for a gap program in 2020, we’re encouraged to see myriad ways students have year hacked provider: LEAPNOW. Ethan went on to lead their own gap years, built passion projects around core issues, and several gap year semesters through to meet the oppor tunities for ser vice in their communities. Latinrisen America and Asia, eventually becoming the Assistant Director of the organization.
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A s program providers lean into proven protocols and adapt programs to be COVID-conscious, 2021 will continue to see more destinations available internationally and domestically. While many students recently came to the
PARZIVAL ACADEMY Parzival Academy supports young adults to trust themselves and their place in the world. More than an experience, Parzival is a journey of becoming. Parzival's 9-month hybrid in-person/online program offers a facilitated peer community, project-based applications, and personalized mentoring to guide participants to discover who they are, connect with their values, cultivate a socio-entrepreneurial spirit, and share their unique talents with the world. Students gain necessary skills to live a sustainable, meaningful life, and develop resilience to navigate life’s challenges. Parzival prepares students for life, offering skills that will serve students no matter what path they choose in life. ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Kim Marie info@parzivalacademy.org FINANCIAL AID:
Grants/Scholarships, Payment Terms
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
September
SESSION LENGTH:
9 months
HOUSING:
Cabin
parzivalacademy.org
FAST FACTS
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO 20:2 GROUP 1:1 MENTORING
TUITION
$8,500
DESTINATIONS: Rocky Mountains of Colorado for Orientation & Graduation Weeks; Anywhere for Online Learning Weeks INTERESTS: Arts, Business & Entrepreneurship, Environment / Conservation, Leadership, Self-Discovery
COLLEGE CREDIT
NO
ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: No
STUDENT PROFILE: DANE SEUSS The socio-entrepreneurial side was attractive to me, but the character development has been my biggest takeaway from Parzival Academy. All of the components coming together in the program has made me realize what it's really given me. Navigating extremes and learning to stay composed and balanced in any given situation has helped me get through a lot. Even a year and a half ago, I wouldn't have handled things as well. It's all translated to my day-to-day life. I'm more aware and understanding in my life. The instructors care deeply. I felt like I mattered and was supported. If you're looking for something that will offer a depth of understanding of yourself and where you stand in this world, Parzival is the perfect place for you. It's helped me be more confident in who I am as an individual and what I'm aspiring to become.
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KIVUNIM
kivunim.org
KIVUNIM succeeds in delivering an immersive and transformative gap year experience of serious academic study, focused international travel and cross-cultural dialogue. These take place within the context of impressive intellectual and aesthetic exploration and growth that develops and deepens our students’ Jewish identity as engaged global citizens. KIVUNIM students forge a lifelong connection with Israel and the Jewish people through intentionally-designed world travel experiences. With a home in the heart of Jerusalem, students also travel to 10 countries worldwide– from Greece and Turkey, to India and Morocco. KIVUNIM is accredited through Hebrew College for up to 30 units of credit.
FAST FACTS
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
5:1
ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Elie Lauter elauter@kivunim.org FINANCIAL AID:
Grants/Scholarships, Payment Terms
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
October
SESSION LENGTH:
8 months
TUITION
$55,000
HOUSING: Dorms DESTINATIONS: Israel, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, India, UAE, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy INTERESTS: Academic, Adventure / Travel, Arts, Community Service, Language
COLLEGE CREDIT
YES
ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: No
STUDENT PROFILE: ANDREW KUPFER We exited our bus in a small village of Morocco called Taroudant. After we got off, we traversed dusty roads between yellow houses and rusted metal doors. We stopped in front of a wooden gate and a slender older man. What I learned was that his name was Harim and he’d been holding the key to the synagogue behind him ever since the last Jews left his village about fifty years ago. Our tour guide, Rafi, met him 25 years before our encounter and handed Rafi that key, welcoming him “home." I never would have imagined a story like this, let alone having an interaction with Harim, without KIVUNIM’s exceptional learning opportunities. The encounters I had on KIVUNIM quickly turned strangers into friends. I’m extremely grateful that KIVUNIM has given me faith in coexistence and has allowed me to ask questions about my relationship with the world as a Jew.
Request More Info: www.teenlife.com/request-gap
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theblackbirdacademy.com STUDENT TESTIMONIAL:
CECILIA CASTLEMAN
COOL FACT We have been named one of the
Nothing is typical about The Blackbird The Blackbird Academy Professional School of Audio: Founded in 5 Audio Schools in the nation for the past 5– years! Academy. Ever yday is a new hands-on 2013, The Blackbird Academy has quickly risen to a top-tier school ve Sound experience with artists, songwriters and other for professional audio (consistently ranked in the top 5 audio/ NG ools, The engineering schools) and has a world-renowned reputation for 13, The industr y professionals. You learn from the best hands-on outstanding graduates in both our, Live Sound & Studio Engineerssional s needed peopleThe in Blackbird the music industr y and are ready to ing Programs. Unlike other nationally ranked schools, d has a ve names Academy places unparalleled emphasis on mentor-based, hands-on Sound start your career once you finish the six month ls, handsThe of education. Our students graduate not only with the technical skills program, if that to do. It was nds-on needed to work in audio, but learn the art of production from the’s what you decide s for the STUDENT TO TUITION $23,100 needed top creative names in the industry. The Blackbird Academy students the best six months and I’mADVISOR now signed with a uipment RATIO names FINANCIAL AID Payment Terms have 700+ hours of hands-on training. The curriculum features handstop publishing company in Nashville. 5:1 COLLEGE CREDIT No Blackbird Studio’s gear/facilities for the Studio Program, and access for the to Clair Global’s massive warehouses of equipment and profespment APPLICATION Rolling sional staff for the Live Sound Program. m
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FAST FACTS
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START DATE January, April, October ADMISSIONS CONTACT: CarmaJuly, DiCianni carma@theblackbirdacademy.com SESSION LENGTH 6 months FINANCIAL AID:
Payment Terms STUDENT TO ADVISOR R ATIO 5:1
TUITION
$23,100
APPLICATION: Rolling Admissions HOUSING Apartments SESSION START: January, April, July, October DESTINATIONS Nashville, Tennessee SESSION LENGTH: 6 months STUDENT TESTIMONIAL: STUDENT TESTIMONIAL: INTERESTS Career Exploration, ECILIA CASTLEMAN HOUSING: Apartments CECILIA CASTLEMAN Performing & Visual Arts
REQUEST MORE INFO: www.teenlife.com/request-gap
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Nothing is typical about The Blackbird Academy. Everyday is a new hands-on experience with artists, songwriters and other industry professionals. You learn from the best people in the music industry and are ready to start your career once you finish the six month program, if that's what you decide to do. It was the best six months and I'm now signed with a top publishing company in Nashville. REQUEST MORE INFO:
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www.teenlife.com/request-gap
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FAST FACTS
Exclusive Supplier of theJoin Beijing Winter study-abroad Games. Beijing EF was a perfect experience. EF on2022 the ultimate adventure! Learn a language invest appointment in your dreamsfollowing abroad. You’ll represents EF’s seventhand Olympic Tok yoachieve fluency, seeItthe provided me with structure world, expand your international network – and launch your global (2020), PyeongChang (2018), Rio (2016), Sochi (2014), Beijing but at the same time allowed future. Study for six, nine or 11 months and start in April, June, (2008), and Seoul (1988).September or January. Looking for something shorter? Joinme ourfreedom. I made friends for flexible length courses, starting every Monday for two weeks and life whose backgrounds varied up. College credit, university preparation abroad, and internships are available. wildly. I loved the teachers who ADMISSIONS CONTACT:
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Request More Info: www.teenlife.com/request-gap
EF was a perfect experience. It provided me with structure but at the same time allowed me freedom. I made friends for life whose backgrounds varied wildly. I loved the teachers who became my family from the first lesson. Probably one of the best parts was not just the art and being in a cool city, but my home. I had the best host family in the world!
Request More Info:
www.teenlife.com/request-gap
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CARPE DIEM EDUCATION
carpediemeducation.org
Carpe Diem Education offers expertly designed semester and year-long gap programs in eight different regions around the world. Programs are available in Italy & Greece, Hawai'i, Central America, South America, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, India, and Spain & Morocco. All of our programs combine hands-on learning, thematic studies, personal development, and reflective activities to support our students in diversifying their perspectives. We aim to inspire growth and transformation in all of our students. College credit, scholarships, and no-fee payment plans are available. Carpe Diem is accredited by the Gap Year Association and is a Certified B Corporation. ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Anne Koenning anne@carpediemeducation.org FINANCIAL AID:
Grants/Scholarships, Payment Terms
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
February, September
SESSION LENGTH:
One Semester or Academic Year (Latitudes Year)
HOUSING:
Homestay, Hotels, Cabin, Tents
FAST FACTS
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
13:2
TUITION
$11,900 - $26,275
DESTINATIONS: Italy & Greece, Hawai'i, Central America, South America, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, India, Spain & Morocco INTERESTS: Adventure / Travel, Community Service, Environment / Conservation, Language, Self-Discovery
COLLEGE CREDIT
YES
ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: Yes
STUDENT PROFILE: ALISSA F. Participating in a Carpe program during my gap year was probably one of the best decisions of my life. It was amazing to travel in a country by truly getting to know the people who live there and their culture. An authentic, immersive experience is something Carpe prioritizes and everything we did felt very intentional. The homestays were a wonderful experience that helped me improve my Spanish and it was great to get to know locals on a personal level. There was a really well-balanced mix of hiking, Spanish school, team-building, exploring, and independent time. Our Overseas Educators were incredibly supportive and helped create a positive, safe environment which I appreciated. I wouldn't trade the weeks I had with Carpe for anything--I gained new perspectives, met amazing people, and developed a greater sense of self-confidence. Everyone would benefit from a gap year, and especially a Carpe program!
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INGENUITY YEAR: CLIMATE CHANGE IN COASTAL MAINE Ingenuity Year is a gap year program specifically designed for students with learning differences, such as dyslexia and ADHD. Through direct, hands-on experiences with local communities, students learn more about themselves and the world. Students are immersed in a unique learning environment and apply skills and knowledge to real challenges faced by real communities. Through this experience, students develop skillsets for increased independence and maturity and become better prepared to transition to a post-secondary environment. ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Kai Johnson kai.johnson@formanschool.org FINANCIAL AID:
Grants/Scholarships, Payment Terms
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
March, September
SESSION LENGTH:
One Semester
HOUSING:
Dorms, Cabin, Tents
ingenuityyear.org
FAST FACTS
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
5:1
TUITION
$16,500
DESTINATION: Maine, USA INTERESTS: Community Service, Environment / Conservation, Learning Differences, STEM, Self-Discovery ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: No
COLLEGE CREDIT
NO
MORE FROM US: KAI JOHNSON Climate change is the biggest threat to our shared future. In this semester program, our students engage with this global phenomenon through the lens of Coastal Maine. The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of the ocean - so many changes are happening much more quickly here! Our students explore the lobstering, fishing, and agriculture industries and see how policy and governance are playing into existing and upcoming legislation. They conduct climate research that contributes to our partners' ongoing projects. And they equip themselves with the skills needed to succeed in college and beyond. If you are interested in climate change, the environment, and understanding who you are as a learner and a human this is the perfect program for you!
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ANANDA COLLEGE NEW HORIZONS GAP YEAR A 9-month hybrid program September to May: a Spiritual Gap Year. Students come to the campus for the first two weeks for an intensive program, then go away and take several 10-12 week online courses, have a holiday break then resume courses in January-April. In April, travel with the college to either Greece/Crete or India or Italy for two-three weeks. After travel abroad you return to campus for the final intensive in May. Unique courses like Finding Your Calling or Dharma; World Cultures & Consciousness; Holistic Health & Alternative Healing; Yoga & Meditation; The Yuga Cycles of Time; Leadership Initiative, etc. anandacollege.org ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Nischala Cryer admissions@anandacollege.org FINANCIAL AID:
Scholarships (for online classes only)
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
September
SESSION LENGTH:
9 months
HOUSING:
Dorms, Hotels, Cabin
anandacollege.org
FAST FACTS
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
12:4
TUITION
$6,500 to $16,000 (early bird discount available)
DESTINATIONS: Greece/Crete INTERESTS: Adventure / Travel, Arts, Environment / Conservation, Leadership, Self-Discovery ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: No
COLLEGE CREDIT
NO
STUDENT PROFILE: GAURJA PRASHAR I spent two separate years at Ananda College and it was a very life-transforming experience for me both times. It helps you look at the deeper questions of life. Why you might choose a certain profession. Why you think the way you do. What are your beliefs, your ideas, your philosophies. And, what makes you who you are. Ananda College New Horizons Gap Year helps you get to the very heart of that.
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GAP YEAR SEMESTER AT SEA We offer unique educational adventures where students live full-time aboard a modern sailing schooner while spending a semester of their gap year voyaging from island to island, country to country, or continent to continent in any number of global locations. Sailing and scuba certifications are included as part of all voyages, in addition to up to 12 college credits in leadership, ocean, marine, and nautical sciences from the University of South Florida. Our programs are designed to learn by doing while seeing and experiencing those things that most students only read about in books. ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Kimmi Phillips kimmi.p@gxg.org
seamester.com
FAST FACTS
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
4:1
FINANCIAL AID: Scholarships APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
January, February, June, July, September
SESSION LENGTH:
20 to 90 days
HOUSING:
Sailing Vessels
TUITION
VARIES
DESTINATIONS: Global - multiple countries visited per voyage INTERESTS: Academic, Adventure / Travel, Environment / Conservation, Leadership, Self-Discovery
COLLEGE CREDIT
ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: Pending
YES
STUDENT PROFILE: ASHLEY P. My voyage from Cape Town, South Africa to the Caribbean brought new experiences and friendships that you just can't find anywhere else. I grew a lot as a person while I was learning tons of new things about sailing, scuba diving, and marine & environmental science. I earned 12 college credits from the University of South Florida as well as sailing and scuba certifications. The staff is wonderful and inspiring and ready to help with anything you could need. We went on crazy adventures like swimming with whale sharks in the middle of the Atlantic and hiking to a boiling lake in Dominica! The times in between the adventures were filled with new knowledge and fun we made for ourselves. I recommend this experience to everyone I talk to, but it's especially great for those seeking adventures that you can't find anywhere else.
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SOAR, INC.
soarnc.org/gap-year/
GAP Year at SOAR meets the needs of young adults who have graduated from high school but are not quite ready to step into a university or workforce setting. We empower our participants through travel, college classes, and volunteering. Participants discover talents, increase self-reliance, and experience life-changing adventures while preparing for their future. The GAP Year encourages participants to pursue new and existing interests and strengths, develop social skills via communal living, increase life skills through expedition planning and exploring the Western USA, and practice independent living in a small group setting. Participants alternate between residential campus phases and expeditions.
FAST FACTS
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
1:5
ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Cynthia Kelly admissions@soarnc.org FINANCIAL AID:
Not Available
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
September
SESSION LENGTH:
Academic Year
HOUSING:
Dorms, Tents
DESTINATIONS:
Western USA
INTERESTS:
Adventure / Travel, Community Service, Leadership, Learning Differences, Self-Discovery
TUITION
$54,000
COLLEGE CREDIT
YES
ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: No
STUDENT PROFILE: COLLIN ANDERSON The GAP Year at SOAR consists of learning essential skills like finance, professionalism, social skills, and leadership in Wyoming while exploring the experience of the great outdoors. I took a chance on the GAP Year, and it became one of the best decisions of my life. I accomplished a lot during my gap year. Some of these achievements included a Summiting Mountaineer trip three weeks total, with two of those weeks being back to back. I earned the chance to lead the last expedition, and I gained confidence, leadership skills, and learned how to effectively work with a team. I contribute the increase of my confidence to SOAR. In turn, it has allowed me to believe that a GAP Year Program like SOAR can change a person’s perspective on life if they are willing to follow the guidelines.
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GLOBAL CITIZEN YEAR
globalcitizenyear.org/academy/
Global Citizen Year Academy is an empowering leadership experience (delivered virtually) equipping young changemakers from 80+ countries with the foundational skills and network to launch a lifetime of social impact. Learn about yourself, the world, and your role at the intersection. Guided by expert instructors and alongside like-minded students worldwide, you’ll dig into essential questions like: What is my purpose? How can I have a positive and sustainable impact? Not only will the Academy help you develop a deeper understanding of your strengths, purpose, and identity, you’ll also gain concrete leadership skills. ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Laura Landaw admissions@globalcitizenyear.org FINANCIAL AID:
Grants/Scholarships
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
February, September
SESSION LENGTH:
One Semester
HOUSING:
Not Available
DESTINATIONS:
Virtual
INTERESTS:
Community Service, Leadership, Self-Discovery
ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: Yes
FAST FACTS
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
19:1
TUITION
$5,000
COLLEGE CREDIT
NO
STUDENT PROFILE: LIANA DE LUNA ESPÍNDOLA Global Citizen Year Academy is a place to fearlessly grow. It brings together kind and driven youth from all around the world and provides deep and transformative learnings and life-changing opportunities. The Academy is a community where you'll feel you belong. You'll have enormous growth internally, – learning about yourself and your purpose -- and externally -- learning how to communicate with others and cultivate impact wherever you go. If you identify yourself as a young person who wants to be involved with improving the world, apply now!
Request More Info: www.teenlife.com/request-gap
SOTHEBY’S INSTITUTE GAP LONDON
sothebysinstitute.com/gap-year
Built around the unrivaled access of Sotheby’s Institute of Art, the Gap program invites students to explore London and the art world. Offered as 6- and 12-week terms, Gap London is ideal for students who are passionate about the arts and want to embark on a journey of self-discovery. The program immerses students into a world of creativity, culture, business, and opportunity in the heart of London: a historic, cosmopolitan capital city. It provides unique opportunities for students to broaden their perspectives, meet new people, develop an intimate understanding of the art world, and discover their place within it. ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Farrah Barrash precollege@sia.edu
FAST FACTS
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
8:1
FINANCIAL AID: Grants/Scholarships APPLICATION:
Varies By Term
SESSION START:
February, March, June
SESSION LENGTH:
6 weeks, 12 weeks
HOUSING:
Student Apartments
TUITION
£10,950
DESTINATION: London, UK INTERESTS: Arts, Adventure / Travel, Business & Entrepreneurship Career Exploration, Self-Discovery
COLLEGE CREDIT
NO
ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: No
STUDENT PROFILE: TORAH HUDSON This experience was the missing piece to my academic career! Studying abroad with the Sotheby's Institute of Art in London was so exciting! The opportunity to learn from a diverse range of professionals in the art world solidified my interest in studying art history. And, exploring museums and galleries has given me a deeper appreciation of London's history and international culture. I thoroughly enjoyed creating relationships with my professors, fellow students, and RA's. I will forever cherish this experience of a lifetime.
Request More Info: www.teenlife.com/request-gap
THE SCHOOL OF THE NEW YORK TIMES: GAP YEAR NYC
nytedu.com/gap-year/nyc/
Live and learn in New York City and become an insightful individual who cares about the ideas and stories that shape our world. Gap Year NYC is a 6- or 12-week program where students interact with some of the world’s leading thinkers who are covering the important issues of our time across global affairs, politics, technology, arts & humanities and more. Gap Year NYC students emerge with an expanded worldview, a sharp sense of perspective on a wide range of topics and strong critical thinking and communication skills that will prepare them for college, career and lifelong success. ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Farrah Barash info@nytedu.com FINANCIAL AID:
Grants/Scholarships, Payment Terms
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
February, September
SESSION LENGTH:
6 weeks, 12 weeks
HOUSING: Dorms
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
1:1
TUITION
$9,975
(6 WEEKS) OR
DESTINATION: New York, NY INTERESTS:
FAST FACTS
$17,950 (12 WEEKS)
Academic, Career Exploration, Community Service, Leadership, Self-Discovery
ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: Yes
COLLEGE CREDIT
NO
STUDENT PROFILE: ADRIANA RIO The idea of planning my own gap year was quite daunting, which is why I started looking for programs that matched my interests and goals. When I discovered The School of The New York Times Gap Year program in New York City, it was clear that this program would offer a wide range of subjects combined with an international classroom. It proved to be an eye opening and life changing experience!
Request More Info: www.teenlife.com/request-gap
RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL
raleighinternational.org/volunteer-on-your-gap-year/
Joining a Raleigh Expedition is a truly unique and varied experience allowing you to take part in up to three different projects – equip yourself with new skills, create lasting change with the communities you will work with and take urgent action on environmental issues.
FAST FACTS
ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Dom Billins d.billins@raleighinternational.org FINANCIAL AID:
Not Available
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November
SESSION LENGTH:
4,5,7 and 10 week options
HOUSING:
Dorms, Homestay, Cabin, Tents
DESTINATIONS:
Costa Rica, Nepal
INTERESTS:
Adventure / Travel, Community Service, Environment / Conservation, Leadership, Self-Discovery
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
12:2
TUITION
$3,400 - $5,500
ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: Yes
COLLEGE CREDIT
YES
STUDENT PROFILE: GEORGE WEST I found out about Raleigh through a friend and it came at the perfect time, I was in my second year at uni and felt really unmotivated at the time. I wanted to take action and help fight the climate emergency and so I found myself volunteering in Costa Rica with some of the most motivated and passionate people I’d ever met. I felt rewarded planting trees in La Cangreja National Park and empowered on trek as we navigated a challenging 270km route that took us to the top of Cerro El Dragon. I built meaningful relationships with volunteers from around the world and discovered things about myself I never would have found out if I didn’t take that opportunity. I grew as a leader, developed a passion and understanding of sustainability and saw views that seem out of this world.
Request More Info: www.teenlife.com/request-gap
EF GAP YEAR
efgapyear.com
An EF Gap Year is not an alternative to college. It’s about preparing yourself to make the most of college - and in many ways, the rest of your life. Our innovative experiential learning model helps students discover their goals while equipping them with the confidence and skills to get there. On our 6-, 12-, or 25week programs, you’ll learn a language, participate in servicelearning, and intern in different locations around the world. Choose from more than a dozen destinations in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania, where you’ll build real-world skills, make lifelong memories, and return home a better you. ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Will Alexander will.alexander@ef.com FINANCIAL AID:
Grants/Scholarships, Payment Terms
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
January, April, May, July, September, November
SESSION LENGTH:
4 - 25 Weeks
HOUSING:
Student Apartments, Dorms, Homestay, Hotels
DESTINATIONS:
Australia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom
INTERESTS:
Adventure / Travel, Community Service, Environment / Conservation, Language, Leadership
ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: No
FAST FACTS
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
20:1
TUITION
$6,900 - $38,500
COLLEGE CREDIT
YES
STUDENT PROFILE: REBEKAH LAMB I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school, but I knew I wanted to take a gap year. I knew EF Gap Year was right for me because it’s so customizable. I was able to control which countries I did my modules in and I wasn’t tied to a big group the entire time. I cannot express enough how much it impacted me. I visited Amsterdam for the first time on my gap program and fell in love with the city - now I go to university here! My EF Gap Semester is the best decision I ever made.
Request More Info: www.teenlife.com/request-gap
CYA | COLLEGE YEAR IN ATHENS "Know Thyself" while exploring Greece, volunteering for a worthy cause, and adventuring on cultural immersion. CYA (est.1962) is offering two opportunities for Gap Year students: those who are passionate about antiquity will benefit from the "Archaeological Field Work: Excavation, Workshops and Digital Technologies" whereas there is "Understanding Activism, Diversity, and Equity: the example of Greece" for students interested in learning more about those issues. The experience may be preparing students for the challenges of two rapidly changing fields, but the skills acquired can also be used in a number of other fields from computer science to fine arts. ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Alexia Lingaas alingaas@cyathens.org FINANCIAL AID:
Grants/Scholarships
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
February, September
SESSION LENGTH:
10 weeks
HOUSING:
Student Apartments
cyathens.org
FAST FACTS
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
5:1
TUITION
$9,950
DESTINATION: Greece INTERESTS:
Academic, Adventure / Travel, Community Service, Environment / Conservation, Leadership
COLLEGE CREDIT
ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: No
YES
STUDENT PROFILE: JENNIFER FRANK Studying abroad in Greece with CYA was one of the best decisions I've made. The staff work around the clock to make the best experience possible for us. With on-site classes that take you into the museums and archaeological sites, you truly have a hands-on experience. We lived right in the heart of Athens within walking distance to all major sights and attractions. The professors were so welcoming and put so much effort into making our experience. I am so glad that I decided to go abroad with CYA.
Request More Info: www.teenlife.com/request-gap
UC3M: EXPERIENTIAL GAP SEMESTERS Gap Semesters at UC3M have been designed to help you maximize your potential, as you learn about your place in the world through experiential activities in a culturally fascinating Madrid. After completing this program, you will know how global challenges are addressed, while contributing to resolve these issues in the context of a highly selective European university.
ADMISSIONS CONTACT:
students.c3is@uc3m.es
FINANCIAL AID:
Not Available
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
January, September
SESSION LENGTH:
Four Months or Academic Year
HOUSING:
Student Apartments
DESTINATION:
Madrid, Spain
INTERESTS:
uc3m.es/gap-year/GapProgram
FAST FACTS
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO
15:1
TUITION
$13,500
Adventure/Travel, Arts, Career Exploration, Language Self-Discovery
ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: No
COLLEGE CREDIT
YES
STUDENT PROFILE: MALLA YLÖNEMI I highly recommend this program because it is a completely different experience. It helps you to get to know the culture of Spain, to enjoy life in the city and to develop soft skills that will help you in the future. It gives you a very different perspective instead of going directly to university. Great bridge to integrate into an international and intercultural environment such as the city of Madrid.
Request More Info: www.teenlife.com/request-gap
GAP AT CET: INTENSIVE LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGE + INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS
cetacademicprograms.com/ gap-year/
Gap at CET programs offer the opportunity to immerse in language study or take on an international internship experience. With engaging out-of-class activities and top-tier instruction in Arabic, Chinese, Italian, and Japanese, Intensive Language programs focus on impressive language gains, including for beginners. Language + Internship programs provide language learning along with a part-time placement to build new skills in an international workplace. All programs feature immersive housing, local engagement, activities, and excursions. Experienced staff support students as they navigate cultural adjustment, explore college and career options, and gain a deeper understanding of their host community, the world, and themselves. ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Brian Wiehr cet@cetacademicprograms.com
SESSION LENGTH:
5 - 10 weeks, Semester, Academic Year
TUITION:
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO:
Varies by program
HOUSING:
Student Apartments, Dorms, Homestay
$1,995 - $15,990
FINANCIAL AID: Grants/Scholarships, Payment Terms COLLEGE CREDIT:
Yes
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Summer: March 1, Fall: May 1, Janterm and Spring: Oct. 1 and Nov. 1
SESSION START:
January, February, June, August, September, December
DESTINATIONS: China, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Virtual INTERESTS: Academic, Adventure / Travel, Career Exploration, Language, Self-Discovery ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: No
ARTSBRIDGE GAPYEAR
artsbridge.com/gapyear
ArtsBridge GapYear is a virtual intensive training program for musical theater and acting students designed to be a bridge between the high school and the college experience. With a core focus on the Meisner technique, ArtsBridge GapYear offers a robust curriculum led by renowned educators with college admission support and guidance by ArtsBridge consultants. ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Ariel Strasser programs@artsbridge.com TUITION:
$18,000
FINANCIAL AID: Grants/Scholarships, Payment Terms COLLEGE CREDIT:
No
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
6/15/2022 Priority Deadline, Rolling Admissions After
SESSION START:
September
SESSION LENGTH:
15 Weeks
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO: 2:1 HOUSING:
Not Available
DESTINATIONS: Virtual INTERESTS: Arts ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: No
Request More Info: www.teenlife.com/request-gap
PACIFIC DISCOVERY GAP YEAR & SEMESTER PROGRAMS ABROAD
pacificdiscovery.org
Pacific Discovery offers experiential gap year semester and summer programs abroad to some of the most amazing places on earth. Our programs are deliberate overland journeys, blending authentic immersion in diverse cultures, meaningful service-learning projects, rewarding adventures, wilderness exploration, and personal development. Students challenge themselves in a supportive small group environment, developing empathy for other cultures; furthering understanding of international issues; heightening appreciation for the earth’s wild places; deepening global perspectives; and discovering their own passion and purpose.
ADMISSIONS CONTACT: Rebekah Hensman info@pacificdiscovery.org TUITION:
+$9,750
HOUSING: Dorms, Homestay, Hotels Cabin, Tents DESTINATIONS: New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, Hawaii, United States, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Nepal, Fiji
FINANCIAL AID: Grants/Scholarships, Payment Terms COLLEGE CREDIT:
Yes
APPLICATION:
Rolling Admissions
SESSION START:
February, March, June, September, October
SESSION LENGTH:
6 to 10 weeks
STUDENT TO ADVISOR RATIO:
7:1
INTERESTS: Adventure / Travel, Community Service, Environment / Conservation, Leadership, Self-Discovery ACCREDITED BY GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION?: No
Request More Info: www.teenlife.com/request-gap
GAP YEAR VIRTUAL FAIR
REGISTER FOR FEBRUARY 3, 2022