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Yes, and we hope you do! After the scholarship application window closes and the winners are announced, we will send you additional information about gap years, scholarships, and more.
Grand prize
Grand prize
- Tuition scholarship up to $5,000 USD
- 1:1 mentorship from an expert gap year counselor
- Scholarship opens in late fall
Attend a fair to enter
Attend a fair to enter
Discover gap year & global learning opportunities at a USA Gap Year Fair! Connect with eligible programs and counselors for essential information for planning the ultimate gap year.
$5,000 USA Gap Year Fairs Scholarship
$5,000 USA Gap Year Fairs Scholarship
At Go Overseas, we believe the best learning happens beyond the classroom. From gap years to language learning, volunteering, and internships abroad, global experiences foster life-changing growth.
That's why we're thrilled to award one student a $5,000 scholarship, plus personalized mentorship from an expert counselor to make their meaningful adventure a reality!
Scholarship opens this fall
This could be you! 🎉
This could be you! 🎉
Meet our most recent winner, Hannah! See what's possible when you take the leap!
All it takes is applying. Your biggest adventure could start today!
Who can apply for the scholarship?
Who can apply for the scholarship?
Eligible applicants must be U.S. residents, ages 17-20, intending to enroll in a participating gap year or experiential learning program during summer 2026 or fall 2026, and attend a virtual or in-person gap year fair in 2026.
Applicants who are under 18 must include the address of a parent or legal guardian who can review and consent to the Terms & Conditions in order for the applicant to apply.
How to apply
How to apply
1
Attend a fair or virtual event
To be eligible, you must attend a virtual or in-person gap year fair.
2
Pick a program and counselor
Choose from participating global programs and mentors.
3
Submit your application!
Complete the form and submit your video entry by the deadline.
Step 1: Enter your basic information
Enter your contact information, enter your US high school, and confirm which event you attended. (You'll be required to provide a parent/guardian's information if you're under 18!)
Step 2: Select your program and counselor of choice
Tell us about your gap year plans! Pick your favorite program from our list of participating organizations and choose a counselor you’d like mentorship from. Be sure to apply directly to your desired organization(s) to confirm eligibility.
Step 3: Get creative and film your video entry!
Now's the time to showcase your creative skills and share your story, by answering the prompt: "Why do you want to take a gap year?"
Choose from eligible program providers around the world
Choose from eligible program providers around the world
Need some inspiration for your gap year? Explore these eligible program providers!
Gap Year
Adventure and Leadership Program: Semester Length, Fall and Spring Cohorts
Irish Gap Year
Ireland
1-3 Months
4.81
(197 reviews)
Our Adventure & Leadership Program takes students far off the beaten path, deep into Irish...
Gap Year
EF Gap Year - The Global Gap Year
EF
Multiple Countries
4.91
(11 reviews)
Spend a full academic year abroad with EF—24 weeks of cultural immersion, travel, and growth...
Gap Year
Nepal Semester: Himalayan Studies
Where There Be Dragons
Kathmandu, Nepal
1-3 Months
4.79
(24 reviews)
Trek in the shadows of the world's tallest mountains, study Buddhism and practice meditation at...
Gap Year
Warriors Academy Gap Year Program in South Africa
Warriors Academy
Limpopo, South Africa
1-3 Months
4.84
(347 reviews)
Ready to push your limits, explore South Africa, and discover who you really are? At Warriors...
Gap Year
Mexico, Costa Rica, & Guatemala Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
Pacific Discovery
Multiple Countries
1-3 Months
4.5
(8 reviews)
Uncover the soul of Central America on a journey of growth, culture, and connection. Over 10...
Gap Year
Dynamy Internship Year
Dynamy Internship Year
United States of America
3-6 Months
4.77
(13 reviews)
Founded in 1969, Dynamy Internship Year is one of the most established gap programs in the...
Intern
Celtic Catalyst: Ireland and Scotland
Europe Gap Year
Multiple Countries
4.93
(14 reviews)
Celtic Catalyst is a unique gap year program in Ireland and Scotland for 18–22 year olds...
Gap Year
Costa Rica and Panama Leadership Semester
Outward Bound
Multiple Countries
1-3 Months
0
(0 reviews)
Ready to ditch the ordinary? This isn’t your average travel course—it’s a chance to transform...
Gap Year
Timberline Academy - Ski & Snowboard Instructor Programs
Timberline Canadian Alpine Academy
Banff, Canada
1-3 Months
4.95
(44 reviews)
Timberline Canadian Alpine Academy is an outdoor adventure school based in Banff National Park...
High School
Unleash Your Creativity in Florence, Italy
World Class Programs
Multiple Countries
1-2 Weeks
4.98
(57 reviews)
Have an adventurous, unforgettable experience of an authentic Tuscan lifestyle while studying...
Gap Year
Destination Work Programs - Seasonal Work Nationwide
AdventureEXP
United States of America
5
(5 reviews)
Experience a new environment in one (or multiple) of our diverse program locations. You'll work...
Gap Year
NOLS Summer Semester in Alaska
NOLS
United States of America
1-3 Months
4.56
(9 reviews)
Spend your whole summer in Alaska’s wilderness. Over 75 days, you’ll sea kayak through Prince...
Gap Year
Seamester: Gap Year Sail Around the World
Seamester
Multiple Countries
2-4 Weeks
5
(18 reviews)
Travel the world, earn college credit, and gain skills that last a lifetime. On Sea|mester...
Gap Year
Supported Gap Year - Rooted Life Adventures - New Zealand
Rooted Life Adventures
Queenstown, New Zealand
1-3 Months
5
(8 reviews)
10-Week New Zealand Young Adult program for all genders ages 18-22 with therapeutic support...
Gap Year
Creative Pathways
Berridge Programs
France
1-3 Months
4.78
(27 reviews)
Creative Pathways is a 9-week residential arts program set in the scenic countryside of...
Gap Year
South East Asian Semester - Thailand & Cambodia
GapGuru
Multiple Countries
1-3 Months
4.92
(13 reviews)
Spend 12 weeks in Thailand and Cambodia exploring cultures shaped by tradition, resilience, and...
Gap Year
Spanish Gap Year - Three Month Gap Semester
Spanish Gap Year
Spain
1-3 Months
4.7
(40 reviews)
This all-in-one semester begins with one month traveling Spain by train, followed by two months...
Gap Year
HMI Gap: Adventure, Conservation & Leadership in the Natural World
High Mountain Institute
Multiple Countries
1-3 Months
4.85
(117 reviews)
HMI Gap Semesters unite outdoor adventure, environmental service, and leadership development on...
Receive 1:1 mentorship
Receive 1:1 mentorship
In addition to the $5,000 scholarship tuition, the winner will receive mentorship from a gap year counselor of their choice! Each accredited counselor has 15+ years of experience helping students plan meaningful gap years.
Holly Bull, Ed.M.
President, Center for Interim Programs
Holly Bull has 40 years of experience guiding students and adults through the gap year process. As president of the Center for Interim Programs, the nation’s first independent gap year counseling service since 1980, she continues to expertly place individuals in meaningful, vetted programs.
Julia Rogers
Founder of EnRoute Consulting
Julia Rogers is a leading gap year expert with over 17 years of experience helping students design meaningful, transformative pathways. As founder of EnRoute Consulting and former President of the Gap Year Association’s Board, she is a nationally recognized advocate for experiential learning.
Jason Sarouhan
Co-Founder, J2Guides
Jason Sarouhan has 25 years of experience supporting students in experiential education worldwide. As co-founder of J2Guides and a former wilderness and travel guide, he brings expertise in leadership, risk management, and adventure-based learning to shape every student’s gap year.
Jane Sarouhan
Co-Founder, J2Guides
Jane Sarouhan has been a trusted expert in gap year and experiential education for 30 years. Co-founder of J2Guides and an accredited Gap Year Association counselor, Jane's authentic and engaging approach has built a network of families, programs and professionals worldwide to support gappers in planning intentional, fun and growth-filled gap years.
Frequently asked questions
A gap year is a purposeful break where you step away from traditional academics to focus on real-world learning. It's about gaining clarity, building skills, and discovering what truly motivates you.
Not at all! You can take a few weeks, months, or even alternate time off between school or work. Gap year programs exist for every scenario!
The $5,000 scholarship must be used towards a program provider included on the participating gap year organizations page.
No, you'll be able to log in to your account and finish the application later. Just don't forget to submit your completed application and add the link to your creative submission! If you have any questions, you can send a message to fairs@gooverseas.com.
We're looking for applications that are thoughtful, unique, and authentic! We encourage you to think deeply about why you want to take a gap year and get creative! Make sure your video clearly articulates what you hope to experience, the goals you'd like to accomplish, and your motivators for taking a gap year.
We’ll use a standard rubric to evaluate all of the completed applications based on the following criteria:
1. Clarity of Vision
- Do you follow the prompt?
- Do you demonstrate your intentions for taking gap time through your video?
- Do you include the name of the organization you'd apply the scholarship to if you won and explain why you chose that experience?
2. Creativity & Originality
- Does this piece stand out and show the applicant's enthusiasm for taking a gap year?
- Is the idea unique and compelling?
3. Quality & Execution
- Does the piece show effort and intention?
- Is there an organized flow of ideas and structure?
4. Overall Impact, Passion, & Storytelling
- Do we get a clear sense of who you are and why you should be the one to win?
- Is the piece reflective of your personal goals, curiosities, and passions?
The video will be evaluated on a 20 point scale, but you can earn up to 3 additional bonus points for a maximum total of 23 points.
You may earn up to 3 bonus points by doing the following:
- +1 for following Go Overseas on socials (+1 for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube)
- +1 for posting your entry publicly on TikTok, IG, or YouTube and tagging @gooverseas
- +1 for subscribing to our community newsletter
Eligible applicants must be U.S. residents, ages 17-20, intending to enroll in a participating gap year or summer program during summer 2026 or fall 2026, and attend a virtual or in-person gap year fair in 2026. Applicants who are under 18 must include an email address of a parent or legal guardian who can review and consent to the Terms & Conditions in order for the applicant to apply.
Explore resources for taking a gap year:
