Gap Year

Considering taking some time off after high school? Although the length of time varies from a few months to a year, this transition period is commonly known as a "gap year." If a student intends to attend college, but wants a little more time to transition than summer vacation provides, there are plenty of opportunities to consider. Taking the year off to study abroad, volunteer, work, or even go sightseeing around the country are just some of the many things more and more high school graduates are doing before going to college.

For some students, taking a short break between high school and college is a great decision. Most colleges see it as a positive choice, as typically students are much more mature and better adjusted when starting college after a year off. Below are some possibilities. Some books and other written information on gap year programs are available from the College Access Center.

Read an article: 'Gap Year' Before College Gives Grads Valuable Life Experience

General Information Sites

ServeNet.org	SERVEnet is a website on service and volunteering. Through SERVEnet, users can enter their zip code, city, skills, interests, and availability and be matched with organizations needing help. A program of Youth Service America (YSA).
Idealist.org	Website of searchable volunteer opportunities, internships, and jobs.
StudyOverseas.com	Free advice and info on overseas programs.
StudyAbroad.com	A site similar to the one above, with extra information.
aaicu.org	Association of American International Colleges and Universities
ecis.org	European Council of International Schools
SpainExchange.com	Spain Exchange
schools.com	The Association of Boarding Schools Web site. Search for boarding schools in the U.S., including those that offer a PG year.

Specific Programs: Volunteer and Service

AmeriCorps.gov	AmeriCorps
CityYear.org	City Year
iicd-volunteer.org	The Institute for International Cooperation and Development trains and sends volunteers for development aid work in Africa, Central and South America.
NationalService.org	Corporation for National and Community Service
nascc.org	National Association of Service and Conservation Corps
GlobalServiceCorps.org	Global Service Corps provides cross-cultural learning and community service adventures for adults in Costa Rica, Tanzania, and Thailand. Short-term, long-term, and student internship programs are available.
Habitat.org	Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization that welcomes all people to join them in building simple, decent and affordable housing in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter. Established in 1976.

Specific Programs: Tuition/Fees Required

NOLS.edu	The National Outdoor Leadership School teaches outdoor skills and leadership. NOLS offers courses from 10 days to full semesters.
OutwardBound.org	Outward Bound programs.
CIEE Gap Year Programs	Council on International Education Exchange in seven countries.
WhereThereBeDragons.com	Where There Be Dragons offers students learning opportunities through small group expeditions to eight Asian and three Latin American countries.
Dynamy.org	A popular alternative year program in its 31st year.
GQuest.org	GlobalQuest currently offers twelve-week semester programs in Thailand. They plan to add other countries.
SeaMester.com	SeaMester programs are 40-day or 80-day credit-bearing semester programs focusing on college level academics, seamanship, and personal growth.

Information on this page courtesy of Bradford R. MacGowan, Ed.D., Newton North Career Center, Newton, MA.

Gap Year

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