Gap Year Options

AY2018-2019

What is a gap year?

“A gap year is a year spent taking time off between life stages. An increasingly popular option, it provides time for traveling, volunteering, learning a new

language, or experiencing any number of other activities for personal growth. Typically, students take a gap year after graduating from high school and before

attending college.” - The Princeton Review

Gap year options

● Study abroad● Work (either abroad or more locally)● Internships● Travel● Volunteering

Considerations

● What is your personal goal for the year? Do you want to learn a new language, gain valuable work experience, etc.? Having a goal allows you to better structure your time

● Do you want to individually design a program or use the resources of an established organization? The freedom and independence of a self-designed program may appeal to some, but turning to one of the experienced providers can help alleviate logistical and safety concerns.

Gap Year Options

Programs and Companies

The following programs and companies are a sampling of options available to students considering a gap year. This list is by no means exhaustive and is, instead, meant to be used as a thought-starter.

Projects Abroad

● Projects Abroad specializes in international gap year options ● Options include both volunteer and internship opportunities across 30

different countries ● https://www.projects-abroad.org/

Habitat for Humanity

● Opportunities for long-term volunteer positions both in the U.S. and abroad● Habitat Disaster Corps helps communities prepare for and recover from

natural disasters● Habitat AmeriCorps year of service● More information on long-term options:

https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/long-term-opportunities

Jobcorps

● Program from 16-24 year olds for career/jobs skills training● Designed to get students workforce-ready● Free residential education program● https://www.jobcorps.gov/

United Planet

● Volunteer program focused on experiences outside of the U.S. ● Offers programs in many different countries; focused on enrichment and

helping others● https://www.unitedplanet.org/gap-year-volunteering

AmeriCorps for National Service

● National service program aimed at civic engagment ● Volunteers address critical issues like increasing academic achievement,

mentoring youth or fighting poverty● 3 months to year-long commitment ● https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps

City Year

● Program designed to bring tutors, mentors and role models to poorer schools across the nation

● 11 months of service ● Applicants apply to sites throughout the country● https://www.cityyear.org/

Where There Be Dragons

● Offers gap year programs focused on global issues, cultural immersion, and wilderness exploration

● Locations include India, China, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America ● Programs typically run 3 months, so can split time between this program

and another interest/goal ● https://www.wheretherebedragons.com/

Dynamy

● Opportunity to take an “internship year” to see work in the field you are interested in first-hand

● Summer internship option● Personalized gap year to learn new skills in a field● https://www.dynamy.org/

AFS

● Global volunteer, study abroad and education opportunities aimed at creating global citizens

● Students live with host families ● https://afs.org/

Outward Bound

● Wilderness expedition-focused learning ● Trips available in both the U.S. and internationally ● Time commitment ranges from 1 week to 1 month● https://www.outwardbound.org/

Earthwatch Institute

● Opportunities to work alonside scientest to address global environmental issues

● Areas of research: wildlife and ecosystems, climate change, archaeology and culture, ocean health

● https://earthwatch.org/

ROCA

● Organization aimed at disrupting the cycle of poverty and incarceration● Volunteer and internship opportunities with the org.● Locations throughout MA: Chelsea, Springfield, Boston, Lynn, Holyoke ● https://rocainc.org/

Warriors Academy

● Gap year-specific program that offers programs that are 7 weeks long, four times a year

● All quests take place in South Africa ● Focused on emotional fitness, adventure, community service, workplace

readiness, and engagement with the natural world ● http://www.warriors.co.za/index.php

Global Routes

● 3 month semester programs in Latin America, Asia and Africa ● Students immerse themselves in small rural communities and develop

cross-cultural relationships ● https://globalroutes.org/

Amigos De Las Americas

● Semester and year-long gap year internships in Nicaragua● Focus on service-learning ● Rolling admission with spring, fall and summer starts ● https://amigosinternational.org/

Rustic Pathways

● 3 months and shorter gap year trips run in the fall and spring● Community service, cultural immersion and adventure through travel● Trips visit 3-5 countries ● Many programs feature certifications like Scuba, wilderness first aid, or

language study ● https://rusticpathways.com/gap-year/

High Mountain Institute

● Gap year programs focused on connecting with nature, developing leadership and critical thinking skills

● Fall semester: American West and Patagonia trip aimed includes rock climbing, wilderness adventure and conservation

● Spring semester: Patagonia trip emphasizing outdoor adventure and sustainable development

● https://www.hminet.org/

Resources

The Gap Year Association: https://www.gapyearassociation.org/index.php

Gap year personal counseling: https://www.interimprograms.com/