TeenLife's Guide to Gap Year Programs 2025

2025

GAP YEAR

PROGRAMS

6 REASONS TO

TAKE A GAP YEAR

Resources for

Gap Students +

Fund Your Gap Year

on a Budget

AND

21 Amazing

Opportunities You

Don't Want to Miss

DISCOVER

WHO YOU ARE

WITH TEENLIFE!

TeenLife.com

Presenting the 2025 Guide to

GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

GOT QUESTIONS

OR SUGGESTIONS?

Email me at

mschwartz@teenlife.com

he journey from kindergarten

to 12th grade is

long and winding — and

many high school seniors

don their caps and gowns

to accept their diplomas with no

small sense of relief. But after all the

intensity of graduation subsides, how

many students want a break before

diving into the next thing, whether

it’s a job, training, or college?

Gap years have evolved to encompass

much more than backpacking

through nature or hopping between

hostels. Today, you can volunteer

or participate in service projects,

explore potential careers under

the guidance of industry experts,

earn college credit, focus on your

emotional and physical health and

well-being, and, of course, travel.

If you’re unsure how to answer the big

“What’s next?” question, consider taking a

gap year. These transformative experiences

empower you to rediscover yourself, build

your resume with internships and travel,

explore new interests, boost college applications,

recharge and refocus, forge lifelong

friendships, and develop essential skills —

like adaptability and resilience — that will

hold you in good stead forever.

Our comprehensive 2025 Gap Guide features

articles about why to take a gap year, how to

defer college acceptance, ways to fund your

gap year on a budget, and recommendations

to help you find the perfect program.

Robert Frost once said, “Two roads diverged

in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled

by, and that has made all the difference.”

Try a new path today.

Marie Schwartz

Founder

TeenLife

2025 GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

PUBLISHER

Founder - Marie Schwartz, mschwartz@teenlife.com

EDITOR

Editor-in-Chief - Nancy Li, nancy@teenlife.com

Managing Editor - Jodi Ireland, jodi@teenlife.com

Associate Editor - Stefanie Tedards, stedards@joincollegeadvisor.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Director of Sales - Brenda Boos, brenda@teenlife.com

Sales Account Manager - Jen Fisher, jen@teenlife.com

Sales & Support Associate - Regan Beiermann, regan@teenlife.com

DISTRIBUTION

Digital Marketing Strategist - Dustin Silvaer, dustin@teenlife.com

DESIGNER

Kathy Tilton, kbtilton@gmail.com

To download a copy of this guide, go to: www.teenlife.com/guide-to-gap-year-programs

2025 TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS | 3

Contents

2025 GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

6 6 REASONS TO TAKE A

GAP YEAR

8 WHY AND HOW TO DEFER

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE TO

TAKE A GAP YEAR

10 RESOURCES FOR GAP STUDENTS

12 DESCRIPTIVE LISTINGS

17 CREATIVE STRATEGIES FOR

FUNDING YOUR GAP YEAR

ON A BUDGET

6 REASONS TO TAKE A

GAP YEAR IN 2025-2026

hile many non-American students

pause their education to take a gap

year before starting university or

college, only 2.6% of American high

school grads planned one, according

to the Gap Year Association.

Yet, hitting pause after 12 years in school and taking

a break from intense academics allows students to

reset and explore the world, help a community, and

so much more.

1. LEARN ABOUT OTHER CULTURES

Taking a gap year is the perfect time to see the

world before starting college. You can spend a

few weeks, months, or a year immersed in another

country’s culture without the burden of major

financial responsibilities. Imagine eating (and

preparing) new foods, participating in cultural

events, arts, and traditional dances, and forging

new friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

2. CULTIVATE LIFE SKILLS

Build on the soft skills you learned in high school,

like problem-solving, financial management,

cultural awareness, communication, resourcefulness,

and team building. Depending on the

type of program, you’ll learn hard skills, too. A

volunteer-type program might teach you about

fundraising and community development. A gap

year sets you up for success in college, career,

and life!

3. FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND

WELL-BEING

The 2024 Walton Family Foundation - Gallup

Voices of Gen Z Study asked participants (people

born between 1997 and 2012) to share their

perspectives about life, school, work—and

how they feel about happiness and purpose.

The highest priority? 85% said, “Building a life

that makes you happy.”

According to Psychology Today, more students

are pausing their studies to focus on their

mental health and well-being. A gap year offers

time and space for students to focus on

self-improvement, address mental health challenges

like ADHD, anxiety, or depression, take

a break to recharge, and break from the stress

of traditional academic demands.

4. BUILD INDEPENDENCE

A recent Axios article focused on parents’

struggles when their young adults leave for

college. Many parents have become more actively

involved, from tracking their students to

micromanaging their lives, than past parents

of college students. A Pew Research Center

survey found that 41% of parents say their

young adult children rely on them for emotional

support.

While nothing replaces knowing your parents

have your back, taking a gap year offers

space for you to develop more independence.

Programs may challenge you to push your

boundaries, learn self-advocacy, manage your

daily living, overcome challenges, and build

resilience.

5. PREPARE FOR COLLEGE

Just because you’re accepted into college

doesn’t mean you’re ready. You’ve probably

heard stories about students who struggled

6 | 2025 TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

during their freshman year because they

weren’t ready for the culture and learning

environment of a college campus (which is

very different from high school).

A structured gap year can be a big help in

meeting your developmental needs and

preparing you for that next educational step.

These programs often have adult mentors

who guide and support you even after the

program ends. You can experience the real

world and learn more about what’s important

to you and the career you may want

to pursue.

6. EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

Regardless of length, gap year programs

can expand your horizons with travel,

studying abroad, working or volunteering

within a new community, learning to be

financially independent, and so much more.

You’ll make unforgettable memories and lifelong

friendships—and be challenged to think differently

about the world around you.

There are many benefits to taking a gap year—

and just as many misconceptions. You don’t have

to have a trust fund to afford one. Scholarships

and other financial aid options are available.

It’s not a waste of time. What you learn and do

during a gap year can enhance your college and job

applications. Plus, you’ll have plenty of cool stories

to share in essays and interviews.

Learning comprises a big part of these programs—

just not book learning or tons of lectures. Even

programs with a more academic focus will encourage

you to explore yourself and the world. You

may find yourself volunteering, embarking on

new adventures, and fully immersing yourself in

different cultures.

WHY AND HOW TO DEFER

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE TO

TAKE A GAP YEAR

ou’ve taken and sent your SAT or

ACT scores to your college choices,

completed the applications, written

the essays, and gotten confirmation

that your letters of recommendation

were received. A few weeks or

months pass, and the email arrives

in your inbox.

Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that

you’ve been admitted to X University.

You share the good news with family and friends. A

few days pass, and second thoughts begin crowding

your brain. “Maybe,” you think, “I’m not quite ready

for this next step.” Now what?

While most students head to college in the fall after

graduating from high school, not everyone immediately

takes the next step on their educational journey.

Some opt to defer their admission.

Deferring university admission means asking the

school or program to hold your acceptance for a

semester or year. Doing so allows you to postpone

your enrollment without having to reapply.

Each institution has specific deferral requirements,

so check the guidelines before contacting the admissions

department. Some colleges may require

a deposit or detailed plan for your time off. Others

may have specific conditions you must meet before

they approve your request. Here’s how it works.

WHY DEFER COLLEGE ADMISSION?

Students defer college admission for many

reasons. Even with scholarship aid, grants, or

loans, college is expensive. Some students need

more time to earn money for tuition, room, and

board and need an extra year to work and save.

Others may have family responsibilities or

caregiving obligations or be dealing with their

own health issues. Some students spend a year

volunteering for organizations like the Peace

Corps or AmeriCorps—or they have military

requirements to fulfill.

One of the biggest reasons students defer

admission? To take a gap year. Whether it’s a

few weeks or months, a semester or a year, gap

year programs empower students to explore

new things, prepare for their studies, and experience

the world. Some colleges like Tufts, Princeton,

College of William and Mary, and Florida

State University even offer their own gap year

programs.

WILL A DEFERMENT AFFECT MY

COLLEGE ADMISSION?

The short answer is no. More colleges and

universities recognize the benefits of this

practice, which has become more common and

accepted. Some colleges, like Harvard, encourage

students to take a gap year. In fact between

90 and 130 students accepted to the university

opt to defer.


More and more institutions have acknowledged

the value of gap years for:

• Developing students’ practical and interpersonal

skills

• Enabling students to address personal or family

needs

• Allowing students to participate in a community

service or other volunteer project

If your specific college doesn’t explicitly state its

position on gap years, ask the admissions department

for clarification. In general, colleges don’t

view a deferral negatively, as long as you don’t

pursue another degree or enroll at a different

university during your gap year.

STEPS FOR DEFERRING YOUR COLLEGE

ADMISSION

Not sure where to start? Follow these steps to

officially request deferment.

1. Ask about deferral policies and potential financial

aid changes at your college or university. Check the

Gap Year Association website for additional information

on specific institutions’ policies.

2. Write a letter explaining why you’d like to defer, and

follow the college’s guidelines, as some require a

detailed plan while others may only need a general

framework. Your letter should include your justification

for the request. Share your personal goals and

how the gap year will help achieve them. If you’re

working with a consultant or have a specific program

in mind, include those details, too.

3. Institutions have deadlines for submitting your

request—usually between May and July—so the

sooner you send it in, the higher your chances of

getting approval.

4. Wait for the response, which can take a few weeks.

Once you receive confirmation that the college has

granted your deferral request, let the adventure begin!

We're a U.S. State Department recognized

cultural exchange organization.

Our programs range from 1 week

to 1 year:

Work & Travel in Canada or Australia

from $895

Language Immersion in Latin America

from $295

Group Tours in Europe, Southeast Asia

from $1600

Scan QR code

to learn more!

A Working Gap Year

Experience in One Summer

Explore a new part of the US at an

iconic resort location for 8-12 weeks

Live among fellow students from all

around the world

Gain valuable skills to prepare you

for college, career, and life!

Program fee is $295

Mention TeenLife for $100 off your program fee!


RESOURCES FOR GAP STUDENTS

Choosing to take a gap year generates many emotions — excitement, anticipation,

and maybe a little uncertainty or fear. These resources include a hodgepodge of

information intended to help you weigh the pros and cons, evaluate programs,

hear from former gap year participants, explore funding options, and more.

» 37 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CONSIDERING

A GAP YEAR

Thinking about taking a gap year? This comprehensive

list of questions covers just about all

scenarios. Not all questions may apply to your

specific situation, but review the guide, note

the questions most important to you and

start reading!

» FINANCIAL AID

Looking for ways to pay for your gap year?

Here are some additional resources to help you

search for scholarships and grants, including

search engines and specific programs offered

by members of the Gap Year Association.

» THE GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION

This nonprofit organization offers a wealth of

information for students, educators, gap year

programs, consultants, counselors, and more.

» GAP YEAR DIARIES

This podcast follows two best friends as they

reminisce about their shared travels.

» THE GAP YEAR PODCAST

This Canadian-produced podcast covers every

topic applicable to gap years through stories

shared by participants, families, and experts.

» GAP YEAR RADIO

This podcast shares information and inspiration

to plan your gap year. Hear from previous

participants and learn about types of gap

programs, risk management, how to get the

most from your experience, and more.


» GAP YEAR STORIES

Not sure you’re ready to take the gap year plunge?

Check out these stories shared by gap year alumni

who’ve traveled the world, volunteered, taught,

discovered themselves, experienced personal

growth, and so much more.

» HOW TO ADD AND EXPLAIN A GAP YEAR ON

YOUR RESUME

This article includes helpful tips and examples of

including gap year experience on your resume.

» HOW TO APPLY TO COLLEGE AFTER A GAP

YEAR: ENHANCE YOUR SUBMISSION THROUGH

EXPERIENCE

This blog offers recommendations and best

practices for choosing a gap year program and

including your experience on your college application.

Suggestions include connecting your experience

to your future goals, showcasing lessons

learned, and highlighting opportunities to grow

your leadership skills. It also includes FAQs about

gap year programs.

» INTRO TO FAIR TRADE LEARNING FOR

GAP YEAR STUDENTS

The Gap Year Association has geared this guide

toward those interested in engaging ethically with

domestic and international communities and

reflecting on their impact within those communities.

This guide can provide useful information for

students evaluating what program to choose.

» NEURODIVERSITY & GAP YEARS: SUPPORT

AND SELF-DISCOVERY

This podcast episode discusses neurodiversity

awareness, gap year support, self-discovery and

advocacy, and community building and shares

resources for neurodiverse students interested in

taking a gap year.

» ON THE FENCE ABOUT WHETHER TO TAKE A

GAP YEAR?

On the fence about whether to take a gap year —

and when? The College Essay Guy has you covered

with this downloadable guide. This workbook walks

you through all the questions you should ask as

you decide, from defining your goals and the level

of structure you want to creating a timeline for

researching and applying to programs.

» THE STUDENT GAP YEAR IS EVOLVING —

AND TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE IS MORE POPULAR

THAN EVER

This National Geographic Traveller article discusses

the evolution of the gap year, highlighting the

shift toward purposeful travel. It explores the

motivations, destinations, and funding options

for students seeking meaningful experiences.

» THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

Information about international travel, passports,

and visa requirements.

» WHILE YOU’RE ABROAD: CULTURAL

ADJUSTMENT

Whether you’ve traveled overseas before or not,

living elsewhere takes a certain amount of adjustment.

This article defines the stages of culture

shock and offers tips to smooth the transition

and adjustment period.

» YOUR PLANNING GUIDE TO THE ULTIMATE

GAP YEAR

Published by the Gap Year Association, this

guide includes articles to help you define your

goals, determine where to go, plan your itinerary,

and reintegrate after your experience.

ef.edu/livethelanguage

/

Open up your world and study from 2 to 12

weeks at one of EF’s 11 top destinations. Live the

language while making friends from all over the

world! Start any Monday of the summer.

C o s t a R i c a - S p a i n - F r a n c e - G e r m a n y - I t a l y - J a p a n - S o u t h K o r e a - S i n g a p o r e

More

information

GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

Scan

this QR code to connect

with these programs!

AMERICAN CONSERVATION

EXPERIENCE

Interests: Environmental

Conservation

usaconservation.org

A nonprofit conservation corps

provides you with a hands-on

experiential opportunity like no

other! Join others who share a

passion for the environment as

you serve in public lands such as

national and state parks, wildlife

refuges, and more. Housing is often

included so you can explore new

parts of the country. Whether you’re

looking for a once-in-a-lifetime

experience or are considering a

career in conservation, American

Conservation Experience has you

covered. Training and cost of living

allowance included.

Learn More »

ARCC GAP SEMESTER

PROGRAMS

Interests: Travel/Cultural

Immersion

arccgap.com

ARCC Gap offers an educational

and cultural bridge between high

school and college. These small,

group-based semesters are an

opportunity to live, work, learn, and

explore in some of the greatest

classrooms on earth. Designed

with rich experiential education

complementing each and every

location, these 70-day semesters

highlight regional issues that are

directly linked to global challenges.

Join us in the fall or spring semester

for a unique blend of education,

leadership, adventure, project-based

learning, and cultural immersion!

Learn More »

BEYOND ACADEMY

IMMERSIVE INTERNSHIPS


Immersion

beyondacademy.com

Interning abroad with Beyond

Academy is a life-changing journey.

Students gain hands-on experience

through a customized internship,

tailored career support, and

opportunities to build a global

network. With a strong focus on

cultural immersion, our programs

blend professional growth with

exploring local traditions, cuisine,

and activities. The result? Return

home as a truly global citizen, ready

to make an impact. Programs are

available in 14 Global locations

with start dates every month and

durations from 6 weeks to 6 months.

Learn More »


www.teenlife.com/request-gap

CAMPUS OXFORD: THE

OXFORD GAP YEAR

Interests: Academic

campusoxford.com/

oxford-gap-year

Campus Oxford offers a

Gap Year course option

amongst its programs. The

program offers a range of

classes in different subjects

to enrich students' academic

experiences and deepen their

knowledge. Set in historic and

world-renowned university

cities, programs include a full

schedule of visits, activities,

student societies, and sports

opportunities. College housing

gives easy access to the city

and its history and culture.

This is an invaluable Gap Year

opportunity, paving the way

for future college success.

Learn More »

CIEE GAP YEAR ABROAD

Interests: Language

ciee.org/go-abroad/highschool-study-abroad/gap-year

CIEE has two exciting options

for your post-high school

adventure. With First Year

Abroad, you’ll stand out from

the crowd by completing

your first semester or year

of college abroad, earning

credit in the process. Choose

from destinations like London,

Rome, Kyoto, and more.

With Gap Year Abroad, you’ll

defer college and explore

the world before diving into

university life. Destinations

include Rabat, Paris, Berlin,

Rome, Kyoto, and Seville.

Return refreshed, motivated,

and ready to hit the ground

running. Learn More »

COLLEGE FOR SOCIAL

INNOVATION: SEMESTER IN

THE CITY

Interests: Career Exploration,

Community Service

collegeforsocialinnovation.org

Semester in the City (SITC) is a Bostonbased

program that immerses gap

semester and college students in

15 weeks of professional, personal,

and civic skill development. The

heart of SITC is a hand-matched,

well-supported internship at one of

200+ partner organizations across

the social sector. Student Fellows

also have the opportunity to live in

program apartments, receive ~$3,850

in financial benefits, and take two

weekly classes in social innovation

and professional development topics.

Learn More »

EF GAP YEAR: CURATED

23-WEEK PROGRAM ACROSS

EUROPE, AUSTRALIA,

THAILAND & MORE

Interests: Academic, Business/

Entrepreneurship, Career Exploration,

Community Service, Environmental

Conservation, Language, Outdoor

Adventure, Self-Discovery, Travel/

Cultural Immersion

efgapyear.com/programs/year/

gap-year/itinerary

With international year, semester,

and study abroad programs focused

on guided exploration and cultural

immersion, there's an EF Gap

experience for everyone. Our programs

span Europe, Asia, Latin America,

and Oceania, offering a truly global

perspective. Our innovative experiential

learning model helps students discover

their goals while equipping them with

the confidence and skills to get there.

EF Gap programs prepare you to make

the most of college, your career, and

the rest of your life. Learn More »

EF INTERNATIONAL

LANGUAGE CAMPUSES:

LANGUAGE YEAR ABROAD

Interests: Academic, Language,

Travel/Cultural Immersion

ef.edu/aya

Learn a language abroad on the

adventure of a lifetime. You will

see the world, experience a new

culture, and make friends from 100

countries as you prepare for your

global future. Start your program on

any Monday. The program's flexibility

allows you to study your language

for as little as two weeks or up to an

entire year. Ages 13 and up. The USbased

Admissions Team will help you

choose the perfect destination and

program for your goals. EF offers full

travel services like flights and airport

transfers. Learn More »

HIGH MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE

GAP PROGRAMS

Interests: Academic, Community

Service, Environmental Conservation,

Language, Outdoor Adventure, Self-

Discovery, Travel/Cultural Immersion

hminet.org/hmi-gap

HMI’s Gap Semesters unite outdoor

adventure, environmental service,

and leadership development on an

uninterrupted journey to some of the

world’s most awe-inspiring places in

Patagonia and the American West.

Outdoor rock climbing and wilderness

travel offer students a powerful

venue to explore with intention. HMI

students must interact with the natural

environment and think critically about

their own impact. Students return

from HMI transformed, carrying with

them the confidence, passion, and

readiness to excel in college, graduate

school, and beyond. Learn More »



IDYLLWILD ARTS

ACADEMY GAP YEAR

PROGRAM

Interests: Academic, Career

Exploration, Performing &

Visual Arts

idyllwildarts.org/

postgraduate-gap-year

Ranked by Niche as the #1 High

School for the Arts in America,

Idyllwild Arts Academy offers a

diverse, global boarding school

community for students in

grades 9-12, as well as those

looking for a transformative

Gap Year experience. The

hands-on training provided by

our expert faculty is ideal for

Gap Year students, who benefit

from a tailored experience

that aligns with their individual

artistic aspirations in Music,

Visual Arts, Dance, Dramatic

Arts, Fashion Design, and Film &

Digital Media. Learn More »

IMPACT 360 INSTITUTE

Interests: Academic,

Faith-Based

impact360institute.org

Impact 360 Fellows is a nine

month Christian gap-year

experience designed to prepare

the next generation of Christian

leaders for the path ahead.

Invest nine months deepening

your biblical worldview,

developing spiritual rhythms,

and serving others domestically

and internationally, all while

preparing for a life of Spiritempowered

influence. Students

earn 18 hours of college credit

from Union University at our

state of the art campus in

Georgia, USA. Learn More »


INTEREXCHANGE: PROGRAMS

ABROAD FOR US CITIZENS


Paid Work Experience, Travel/Cultural

Immersion

interexchange.org/programs/

travel-experiences-for-u-sresidents

American Summer Exchange

participants will spend their summer

exploring a new part of the US at

an iconic vacation destination, plus

living and working alongside fellow

students from around the world!

Participants will have support during,

before, and after the program

with pre-program travel planning

support, Cultural Curriculum while

career preparation support from

a dedicated, experienced advisor.

Eligibility: Participants must be 18

years old by the work start date

and have the ability to travel to the

program location. Learn More »

LAUREL SPRINGS GAP YEAR

PROGRAM

Interests: Academic, Career

Exploration, Self-Discovery

laurelsprings.com/academics/

gap-year-program

Laurel Springs' Gap Year Program

offers recent high school graduates

a customizable, online academic

experience to bridge the transition

to college and career. Participants

can access the full High School

course catalog, including NCAA

and UC approved college prep,

honors, AP and college-level courses

through partnerships with Baylor

University and Syracuse University.

Students may choose to enroll in

a postgraduate seminar course to

receive dedicated college counseling,

and guidance for athletic pursuits

and experiential opportunities.

Learn More »

MAKE THE CHANGE: GAIA

CHANGEMAKERS PROGRAM


Immersion

makethechange.education/

programs/gaia-changemakersprogram

Gaia Changemakers Program

(GCP) is a three-week international

summer program for motivated

students (16-19) passionate about

sustainability, leadership, and realworld

impact. Held in Switzerland

and the Czech Republic, GCP

combines hands-on learning, expert

mentorship, and global challenges

to prepare students for the future.

Experience adventure, teamwork,

and college-ready leadership

skills. GCP is a summer experience

designed for students ready to step

into leadership and tackle real-world

challenges. Learn More »

MANNA PROJECT

INTERNATIONAL:

INTERNSHIPS IN THE

AMAZON RAINFOREST


Community Service, Environmental

Conservation, Language, Outdoor

Adventure, Self-Discovery, Travel/

Cultural Immersion

mannaproject.org

MPI is working in underserved

indigenous communities in the

Amazon to make a social impact!

Volunteer on sustainability, public

health, education, and ecotourism

projects, from trail maintenance

to shadowing doctor's house calls

deep in the jungle to supporting

local businesses on the shores of

the Napo River. Gain leadership

skills, learn Spanish and Kichwa, and

discover new passions alongside

like-minded young adults. If you’re

ready for adventure and personal

growth while making a difference,

join us in the Amazon Rainforest!

Learn More »


MAXIMO NIVEL: WORK,

STUDY, AND TRAVEL IN

LATIN AMERICA

Interests: Community Service,

Language, Travel/Cultural Immersion

maximonivel.com

Maximo Nivel is the leading organization

in study abroad and educational

travel in Latin America. We are an

internationally-accredited organization

with 4 local institutes in Costa Rica,

Guatemala, and Peru. You can choose

from a variety of programs—Volunteer

Abroad, International Internships, TEFL

Certification, Spanish Immersion, Study

Abroad, and much more! Whether

you want to study, volunteer, teach,

take a Gap Year, get international work

experience, or just get involved in

life, language, and culture, we have a

program for you! Learn More »

POLYGENCE GAP YEAR

PROGRAM

Interests: Academic

polygence.org/

Gap-Year-Program

Fuel your passion with a

mentored research project.

Polygence is an online research

program where you can be

matched one-on-one with a

PhD-level mentor and create a

tangible outcome in the subject

of your choice. Mentored

research is an opportunity

to learn in a way completely

different from your high

school classes. Your program

can be completed online, on

your schedule and is tailored

specifically for you.

Learn More »

SEA|MESTER - ADVENTURE

& ACADEMIC GAP YEAR

AT SEA

Interests: Academic, Environmental

Conservation, Outdoor Adventure,


seamester.com

Spend your gap year aboard a sailing

schooner, traveling the world while

earning up to 12 college credits in

leadership, marine biology, and

nautical sciences from the University

of South Florida. Gain sailing and

scuba certifications, explore islands

and continents, and learn handson

skills that will set you apart. At

Sea|mester, your classroom is the

open ocean, and your education

goes far beyond textbooks—this is

real adventure and an unforgettable

experience. Learn More »


THE BLACKBIRD

ACADEMY GAP YEAR

Interests: Academic,

Performing & Visual Arts

theblackbirdacademy.com

The Blackbird Academy—

Professional School of Audio

is consistently ranked in the

top 5 audio/engineering

schools in the nation. We have

a world-renowned reputation

for our outstanding graduates

in our Live Sound and Studio

Engineering Programs. We

emphasize a mentor-based,

hands-on education. With

over 700+ hours of hands-on

training, our students graduate

with not only the technical

skills needed to work in audio

but also the art of production

from the industry's top creative

names. Learn More »

VISITOZ: WORK IN

AUSTRALIA


Community Service, Paid Work

Experience

visitoz.org

VisitOz is a renowned training and

job service program dedicated

to helping young adults gain

work experience. We provide

comprehensive preparation

for various roles and connect

participants with a diverse network

of employers offering both paid and

volunteer opportunities across rural

and Outback Australia. Since 1991,

VisitOz has supported over 30,000

young people from 70 countries

worldwide. Learn More »

WHERE THERE BE DRAGONS:

GAP SEMESTER PROGRAMS


Community Service, Language,

Outdoor Adventure, Self-Discovery,


wheretherebedragons.com/

students/summer-abroad-gapsemester

Where There Be Dragons offers

immersive Summer & Gap Year

programs in Asia, Latin America, and

Africa. Travel programs offer students

meaningful—and real—opportunities to

engage as travelers rather than tourists

and truly connect with the people and

places they visit. Dragons programs

are empowering experiences designed

to help students build newfound

confidence. Students can expect to learn

more about themselves, be proud of

the amazing things they're capable of,

and gain real-world experience for their

future. Learn More »


CREATIVE STRATEGIES

FOR FUNDING YOUR GAP YEAR

ON A BUDGET

magine exploring Thailand’s vibrant markets,

immersing yourself in South Korea’s tech-savvy

culture, basking on one of Australia’s stunning

beaches, wandering the art museums of France,

or discovering medieval castles in Wales—without

breaking the bank. A gap year offers an

incredible opportunity for personal growth,

and it’s absolutely possible to make it happen

even on a limited budget.

Check out these ideas to maximize your gap year

experience without draining your wallet!

• Choose your destination wisely. Research affordable

options, as many popular destinations offer a

lower living cost than Western countries. Smaller

cities and towns often have lower prices for accommodations

and activities, so consider less

touristy areas.

• Earn while you learn. You can trade your time for

free or discounted housing, meals, or transportation

in a work exchange program. Volunteer

abroad and help local communities, or teach

English and earn a salary while immersing

yourself in another culture.

• Time your travels strategically. Travel during

off-peak times to save on flights, lodging, and

activities—and use public transportation.

• Plan ahead for the essentials. Research the

requirements and costs of visas and vaccinations

well in advance, and make sure your passport is

valid for your entire trip. The U.S. State Department

suggests renewing your passport nine

months before its expiration date, especially as

many countries require it to be valid for at least

six months beyond your planned travel.

TYPES OF FUNDING FOR GAP YEAR TRAVEL

Many organizations offer grants and scholarships

to support gap year experiences. You can save

the money earned from a part-time job, do your

own fundraising, or apply for a loan.

Grants and loans

In certain circumstances, you can use your 529

college savings account to fund a gap year. If

the program you choose offers college credits

through an accredited institution, like Harvard,

Tufts University, Princeton University, and others,

it’s worth looking into. However, you can’t use

these funds to pay for living or travel expenses

related to the gap year. To confirm, ask the program

coordinator and read the fine print of your

specific 529 plan.

Another option (if your gap program offers college

credits) is to consider a federal loan or Pell

Grant to help subsidize the cost. But check with

the gap year program coordinator to verify.

Part-time jobs

It’s hard to find jobs if you’re younger than 16, but

not impossible. Sometimes, getting that part-time

job requires a little creativity and outside-the-box

thinking. For example, if you love photography

and have a knack for framing and getting great


shots, you could take and sell pictures. Of course,

there’s always babysitting, too.

Are you a fan of furry critters? You could charge a

small fee for dog walking while the owners are at

work. In the summertime, you could also offer petsitting

services.

Love to write? See if your hometown paper hires

student writers. Or explore options to become a

blogger. Love to make videos? Launch a YouTube

channel and become a vlogger. You need to be

13 years old for your own channel, though your

parents can give consent if you’re younger.

Start a seasonal business! In the warmer months,

set up a car washing station. You only need a hose

with water access, a bucket, soap, sponges, and

towels. Live in a neighborhood with lots of yards?

Offer lawnmowing and other yardwork, like weeding

and mulching. In the fall, walk the neighborhood

with a rake and some leaf bags and offer a

raking service. In the winter, grab a shovel and help

dig out your neighbors for a reasonable fee.

Some states set the minimum age to work at 14 or

15, although there are strict laws about when and

where you work. Possible options include:

• Movie theaters

• Ice cream stores like Baskin Robbins

• Fast food restaurants like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s,

and Dairy Queen

• Community centers

• Grocery stores like Kroger, Publix, Safeway,

Albertsons, Giant Eagle, or Winn Dixie

• Amusement parks

Fundraising and family

Fundraising is another powerful tool to help fund

your gap year dreams. But before you launch your

campaign, think about how you’ll explain your

plans to volunteer, study abroad, or pursue other

meaningful experiences to those you’ll ask for support.

Show how your journey will have an impact,

whether contributing to your personal growth and

cultural understanding or through community

engagement. Options include:

• Using an online platform like GoFundMe, Fundly,

or Bonfire.

• Organizing an event like a bake sale, car wash, or

talent show that doesn’t just raise funds but also

engages your community.

• Offering your skills or services in tutoring, graphic

design, or photography in exchange for donations.

• Networking with local businesses or corporations

aligned with your gap year goals and asking about

sponsorship possibilities.

• Sharing your goals with family and friends and

requesting financial support instead of birthday

and holiday gifts.

Consider starting a website or a newsletter (or

even a vlog on YouTube) where you can regularly

update your donors on your progress. Share photos,

stories, and reflections to keep them connected

and invested in your journey. The fundraising

process itself can help you develop valuable

communication, organization, and project

management skills.

If you have older clothing or jewelry in good

shape, why not sell it? Are you—or people you

know—a packrat (or trying to clean out a basement,

attic, or garage)? Offer to help them sell old games,

books, collectibles, vintage clothing, antiques, and

other items on online platforms like eBay, Etsy,

Vinted, and Poshmark. Ask your friends and

family to donate some of the sales toward your

gap year fund.

Gap year participants say it’s a transformative experience.

So whether you consider work exchange

programs, choose a program that offers grants or

tuition assistance, launch your own fundraiser, take

a part-time job, dip into your 529 plan, or combine

all of the above, remember that every little bit

counts. Planning carefully and exploring funding

options can make your gap year dream a reality.


Y O U R F U T U

UILDING A

UNDATION

UCCESS IN

1

2 0 2 3

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