Yes! Studies show taking a gap year can lead to increased GPAs, graduation rate, and job satisfaction.
Gap Year Program Search
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Guide to Gap Years Abroad
So, what is a gap year?
A gap year is a period of time when a student, recent graduate, or professional takes time off (a “gap”) from studies or traditional work to focus on personal growth, gain new skills, explore other interests, and oftentimes, travel!
Anyone looking for a break or change in their life can take a gap year. Your gap year can be however long you want it to be, from a semester to a full year or longer! So whether you picture yourself backpacking through the trails of Nepal, learning French in the countryside of France, or working at a ski resort in Canada – the possibilities are endless!
How to Plan a Gap Year
A gap year is unique to everyone, so how you spend your gap year is completely up to you! Follow these steps to start planning the ultimate gap year:
- Determine your goals: What do you want out of your gap year? Travelers often spend their gap year backpacking, visiting multiple countries, seeing more of their home country, volunteering, learning a new language, or working abroad.
- Research programs: Many organizations (like the ones you’ll find here at Go Overseas!) offer structured gap year programs that combine travel with aspects of volunteering, work, cultural exchange, language learning, or education.
- Start budgeting and apply for scholarships: Make a spreadsheet outlining your costs. Anticipate paying for program fees, flights, accommodations, food, activities, etc.
- Handle the logistics: Depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing, you may need a visa. You’ll also need to look into vaccination requirements and travel insurance.
- Prepare for the experience: Research the country’s customs and start brushing up on the language!
Benefits of Taking a Gap Year
There are many reasons why someone may want to take a gap year at any stage of their life!
Not only is a gap year beneficial for those just finishing high school and college students looking to step away from their studies temporarily, it is also worthwhile for people who just need a break from their daily routine to pursue their meaningful travel goals.
Benefits of gap years:
- Increases self-growth: Many gappers report better self-awareness, increased confidence, elevated interest in other societies and cultures, and the development of new life skills.
- Helps your resume stand out: Travel experience and a global education can help your resume stand out among a sea of qualified candidates!
- Provides space to try new things and explore: You’ll have the opportunity to focus on your passions, relationships, wellness & well-being, and/or personal growth.
- Can learn a new language: Learning a new language strengthens memory, improves self-discipline, and increases cognitive ability, all while promoting cultural understanding.
- Prepares you for college or career: According to the Gap Year Association, students who take a gap year are more likely to attend and graduate from college, improve their academic performance, and report higher levels of job satisfaction after graduation.
Popular Gap Year Destinations
Many gappers typically travel to regions of Europe, Asia, South America and Oceania, visiting multiple nearby countries in the same trip. It’s a budget friendly way to travel and see more of the world!
However, domestic gap years are also a great option! You can opt for a gap year right here in the United States! There are a ton of programs right here in the US, focused on adventure travel and building your leadership skills, with itineraries that include backpacking, hiking volcanos, beach cleanups, and much more!
Popular countries for gap years:
Cost of a Gap Year Abroad
The cost of your gap year can vary greatly depending on the program inclusions, length of time abroad, the destination, and the way you budget.
Getting a part-time job before your gap year is a great way to save up for your adventure abroad! Another option is to work in the country you’re traveling to or look into work exchange opportunities that may cover your room and board.
To help offset costs, there are also plenty of gap year scholarships and grants available to help prospective gappers fund their travels!
How to use Go Overseas
Go Overseas is your go-to source for trusted travel programs. Explore thousands of vetted options and get the guidance you need to feel confident and excited about culturally-immersive experiences abroad.
Here’s how to use GO to plan your next adventure:
- Explore 16,000+ programs: Narrow your search results by using filters, such as program type, location, and length.
- Compare 46,000+ reviews: Real people have gone on these programs, and have unique experiences to share. Read their reviews to learn what it’s truly like to live and learn abroad!
- Read alumni interviews: Hear personal stories and in-depth accounts from fellow travelers just like you!
- Browse community photos: Dive into photos of real experiences from our community of travelers. From mouthwatering meals and cozy accommodations, to breathtaking adventures and new friends, our galleries bring the journey to life. Start picturing your story abroad!
- Wish List 💙: Not ready to commit to a program? Click the Wish List heart icon to bookmark programs and save them for later. Then, compare programs side by side.
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Frequently Asked Gap Year Questions
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Is it a good idea to take a gap year?
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What is a gap year?
A gap year is a semester, year, or other set period of dedicated time "off" from traditional academics or work, to focus on experiential learning, growth, and travel. Commonly, gappers will seek an enriching experience abroad, such as interning, teaching, volunteering, or learning a foreign language. Others may simply travel and see the world, or see more of their home country.
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Will taking a gap year affect college admission?
If you plan your gap year wisely, taking a gap year might actually help your chances of getting into the college of your choice! Gap years can show your commitment to becoming a global citizen and lifelong learner, depending on what you choose to do during your gap year. After all, it may just give you the perfect story to tell in an application and can help you frame why you are pursuing the degree you choose!
It's also possible to defer your admission, if you apply to college before your gap year.
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Why should I take a gap year?
A gap year is a great way to gain valuable life skills, travel, and try new things. Beyond academic and employment benefits, taking dedicated time off to focus on meaningful growth can provide insight into yourself, broaden your perspective, and challenge you to grow.
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Should I go through a gap year program?
Gap year programs help structure gap years to make the planning and budgeting process easier, as well as offer a broad spectrum of experiences from adventure travel to volunteering, to language immersion.
With a gap year program, you'll also have support every step of the way, more structure in your itinerary and day-to-day activities, and more opportunities to meet new people who are also taking a gap year!
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What should I do during a gap year?
Gap years allow you to take control of your time through experiences outside your normal academics or work. Whether you decide to spend this time volunteering in South Africa, doing a work exchange in Argentina, or learning Japanese in Japan, your gap year is completely up to you!
Here a few ideas to get started:
- Travel domestically or internationally
- Learn a new language
- Volunteer
- Work Exchange
- Pursue passion work like photography, writing, etc.
- Adventurous activities like snowboarding, surfing, hiking or backpacking
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Can I earn college credit during a gap year?
Yes! Some programs are designed specifically to combine the academic benefits of study abroad with the adventurous experiences you gain from common gap year programs.
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