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Gap 360

Why choose Gap 360?

Gap years (and shorter trips) for Americans - we think it's about time. Whether you are pre-college, post-college, in between semesters or in between jobs, First Abroad offers a gap trip that fits your individual style, schedule and budget. Work in Australia. Party in Thailand. Backpack in Bali. Volunteer in South Africa. Explore Europe. Over 150 trips available in over 50 countries. What's your gap?

Website
www.gap360.com
Founded
2013

Reviews

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Abena
1/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Bit racist really

I would love to write a good review because the service did act as a springboard into a new life but their lack of racial awareness and the fact that they left me to be racially discriminated against without any warning or help has given me cause to write this review to warn other people of colour about what they might experience. I took the 'Tefl to Teach' in Koh Samui Thailand. The course offered a guaranteed job at the end so we had to submit CVs and photographs of ourselves. I got 97 per cent in the Tefl - top of the class. Unfortunately, I was not offered a job. All of the other 10 or so people on the course were given job offers and I had to sit and watch as they celebrated. After this my course leader asked to talk to me in private and then told me the reason I didn't get a job offer was because I am black and that Thai people are racist - he pointed out that they are racist towards African people and that I was lucky that I'm from England because when they hear my English accent, he was sure they would like me! He promised to travel to Bangkok with me to visit the job agencies but when the day came, he said he would meet me there and then, yes you guessed it, I never saw him again.
Of course, I called Gap360 from Thailand. An employee said there was nothing he could do...
One point to note is the job agencies take 15 to 20 per cent of your wage every month and they are affiliated with the course so there is an alternative interest to the actual needs of the new teachers. TIP - You can find the same job openings on Ajarn.com yourself and keep the 20 per cent every month.
The Tefl is not as good as a CELTA or TESOL so you will not be competitive in the job market anyway. You will be able to find a low-paid job in a local school easily but if you want better opportunities, the CELTA or TESOL is cost-effective. You will need to pay to do one if you want to make a career out of teaching. I advise doing a CELTA or TESOL whether you know that you want to go into teaching or not. The TEFL is a waste of time and money. You learn the most basic skills. If you are looking for a holiday and you want to study a bit - nothing challenging - by all means do a TEFL with Gap360. BUT you will be paying more than is necessary. Truth is a return flight can be bought for 400 euros, a month accommodation 300 + euros and then you pay for the TEFL. Thailand is so easy to travel around in you really don't need to pay a company like Gap360 a 1000 bucks to remind you to do simple things like take your passport, get a visa and buy travel insurance....”

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't bother unless you have money to waste. And of course, you are white.
Sid
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best place ever!

The support, encouragement, love and care that I received was incredible throughout the 4 weeks. I am very grateful to my teachers, course coordinator and my fellow trainees for their immense faith in me. These 4 weeks were the best days of my life. I feel I am a better teacher today and a better person. The hands on experience as a teacher is something I cannot articulate in words. I was groomed as a teacher and the constructive feedback was so helpful at every step. Prague is a diamond among the pearls. Thresholds is a diamond among all the institutions.

What would you improve about this program?
The best program ever!
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David
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent adventure in brazil

I traveled all over the nation with south Amerixan journey. I met a ton of interesting people and had a chance to work on my Spanish and Portuguese. The beautiful scenery and amazing architecture I witnessed all made the trip well with the expense. I saw mountains and jungles and had a ridiculous amount of fun! Do not miss out on this program. You will indefinitely regret it for the rest of your life

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Rebecca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolute Oz is incredible!

My first week in Sydney was amazing the trip was so good and worth the money we paid, my favourite part of the trip was Port Stevens.

I am now in Surfers Paradise and have an apartment I am also working doing appointment setting for Marketing managers so am getting on really well!

We would not have managed that first week without all of the stuff that was done for us before we even arrived it was so helpful and it put me at ease alot.

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Oz
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolutely incredible experience

The Absolute Oz Jobs perfectly set me up for my time in Australia. From start to finish I was well looked after. An incredibly fun first week included sand boarding, a rainforest beach camp and a city tour before being given comprehensive support to help me find work. I highly recommend this to all!

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Olivia Volpe

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What position do you hold at First Abroad? What led you to join their team?

I work as a Trip Expert with First Abroad, which means that I am here to help travelers find their best possible gap trip! I found out about First Abroad on a whim, but after hearing about their amazing trips and overall goals as a company, it seemed like the perfect match for my wanderlust spirit.

What are you most excited about, both in terms of your role and for First Abroad as a whole?

I get really excited when I can make someone's travel dreams a reality. There's a certain excitement that comes with traveling abroad and matching people with the right adventure means making that excitement a reality. I think First Abroad is going to bring gap years to Americans in a way that has never been done before. Americans are ready to take on the world and we're here to help them do it.

What makes First Abroad's program most unique and special?

The programs at First Abroad are for everyone! There's no strict application process on most of our programs because our main goal is to get people traveling abroad. Also, while we welcome anyone aged 18+, our programs are a great fit for post college aged people who aren't looking to hit corporate America quite yet, or may need a break if they already have.

If you could wake up tomorrow and go on any of First Abroad's trips tomorrow which one would you pick?

Absolute Oz, hands down. I am very happy with my position at First Abroad, but I'm one of the lucky ones. If I had a chance to go work and play in Australia for a year, I'd be crazy not to take it. Plus, we include an intro week in Sydney on this trip, which sounds like an amazing time in itself.

What advice do you have for someone who's considering their first trip abroad?

I think my best piece of advice is to always follow your gut, and pack light! By that I mean take the time to choose the destination and trip that are right for you. Putting in the work before you leave will mean you'll have that much more time for fun stuff once you're there! And as for that second bit, the lighter you pack the easier it is for you to go anywhere at a moment's notice!