Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

The most eye opening experience, questioning everything you though you new, discovering yourself among a cohort of brilliant and unique minds. Every virtue is welcomed and supported to the fullest. We scholars discovered the impact of the frase "If you want something you just have to do it." We unlearned and relearned how to perceive life, how to grow, how to move forward, how to relate to people, how to experience life to the fullest. I believe the knowledge I gained from this experience gave me years of lived life worth of knowledge, unreachable without something like Baret.

My gap year with Baret Scholars changed me in ways I never expected. I traveled to 10 countries, learned from hundreds of experts, and faced challenges that forced me to grow up fast. One of the moments I’ll never forget was running out of fuel on the way to the Taj Mahal and relying on a village mechanic who didn’t speak my language but still helped us with a smile. Moments like that taught me humility, openness, and how much kindness exists in the world.

I also had experiences that made me confront my own biases—like assuming my assigned roommate would be messy, only to discover he was more organized than I was. In China, I helped organize a photography exhibition with local artists, and their guidance showed me how powerful cross-cultural collaboration can be.

This year made me more mature, responsible, and aware of the world around me. I met people who shaped the way I think, pushed me to be better, and showed me how much I still have to learn. I’d recommend this program to anyone who wants a gap year that truly changes you—not just where you go, but who you become.

I firmly believe there is no better gap year program that provides a structured format, balancing both structured learning and independent exploration as well as a vibrant community as much as Baret Scholars has.

The selection of regions spanning New York, São Paulo, Paris, Istanbul, Nairobi and New Delhi is excellent in forming an informed view of the diverse people and cultures of the world.

I have left more informed and even more confident in what I will do in future and how it relates to the world.

It has truly been the best year yet!

When I abruptly decided to apply for the program's first-ever cohort, I had no idea I was stepping into a path that would dramatically shape my perspective. Being selected as one of the scholars was just the beginning of this experience, from getting to know your peers from all over to actually end up going all over. The year became a rollercoaster of immersive experiences around the world, each new challenge, from the programs planned for you such as the Morning Program to the weekend trips planned with my friends, helped me understand the world from another perspective. This journey provided an eye-opening exposure to diverse ideas and cultures, proving to be an unparalleled opportunity for both personal and professional development.

"What a life". Probably one of the phrases I found myself repeating the most during my gap year with Baret Scholars.

It took me just two hours to read Baret Scholars’ book and, as soon as I did, I was clear participating in this program was the best way to move forward in my academic journey. Now that this amazing experience has come to an end and I've started university, I am constantly reminded of the beautiful memories we all created around the world. Not only this year served as a great opportunity to get to know my passions and interests but also to build life-long friendships with a great community of inspiring and talented individuals!!

I never planned on taking a gap year, but it was undoubtedly the best decision I could have made. I made lifelong friends, lived incredible experiences, and traveled to my dream cities for a year. I learned so much, grew in ways I never expected, and made hundreds of meaningful connections. It was a transformative year during which I had so many fun experiences but also learned more than I could have imagined. The team was amazing and very willing to help and I still have important connections with so many of the people I collaborated with.

I originally didn't plan on taking a gap year—but I'm so glad I did! Baret Scholars was an amazing opportunity to make friends from all over the world and visit places I never thought I would have the opportunity to go. One of my favorite memories was watching the sunset in the Amazon, living on a boat for a week, and sleeping in hammocks every night. I encourage everyone to apply to Baret, even if you are not 100% sure about taking a gap year or not. Baret is a unique opportunity and I'm very grateful for every second of it.

I joined this program completely on a whim. I had gotten rejected from the universities I wanted, felt lost and didn't know what to do. At that point I remembered this program and decided to apply. I put my all into the video, application, and interviews and I got in!! couple months later I was flying in to NYC for the first time and the memories start from there!

I met incredible people there that truly went through thick and thin with me. Can't think of a better way to make lifelong friends! I hadnt realized how many new things I learned, how much I had grown as a person until I came back home and told my friends and family all about it :)