Amazing Gap Year Experience

It was a year of growth for me, an 18 year old, taking a gap year between high school and college. I have amazing friends from all over the world, host families who welcomed me into their homes, and say that they would love to have me back, and I have the opportunity to go to those "hidden gem" cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe. If I could've gone back and done a second semester, I would, but Up with People gave me the courage to go spend my first year of college in Europe.
Up with People gives you experience in traveling, service, and the social skills needed to talk in front of large groups, to make friends with people you have just met, and to be the best version of yourself.
UPDATE: I am now am 19, studying in the beautiful Florence, Italy, and through the network of alumni that Up with People has, I have been able to travel to Belgium and have very expenses. Everyone is supportive, even those alumni that I have never met in person.
Up with People is well worth the money because of all the memories and connections that you have afterward.