Gap Year Program Search

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Start budgeting and apply for scholarships: Make a spreadsheet outlining your costs. Anticipate paying for program fees, flights, accommodations, food, activities, etc.
4. 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.
5. 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:

• Japan
• Spain
• France
• Germany
• South Africa
• India
• England
• New Zealand
• Australia
• USA
• Canada

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!