What is a gap year? 

A gap year refers to taking time off between high school and college. Some students choose to take the time off because they want a “real world” experience before heading off to school for another four years. Some students do it because they are dissatisfied with their college options as high school seniors and wish to perfect their application and reapply. Others use it as a way to learn more about themselves and what they want to do with their lives. 

What can I gain?

If you’re considering taking a year off (or trying to convince your parents that you should take one), use this list to determine if it’s right for you.

1.   A time of self-growth

A gap year will give you time to think about what you are passionate about, what you want to study in college or what career you’d like to go into. 

2.   It’s a resume booster

With a gap year before college, you have the opportunity to get a job or do volunteer work. If you’re taking a gap year to improve your college options, then you should be looking for opportunities that will bolster your application. Luckily for you, we’ve included a list below!

3.   You may do better in college

Having time off might allow you to get more serious about school. Alternatively, you may just be burnt out from high school and feel like your brain might benefit from a short break. Either way, you’ll see how the world works and learn how valuable an education can be to your life.

4.   Time to do something you’ve always wanted to do

Maybe you have a bucket list item that could come to fruition during your time off! After college, you’ll probably go straight into the workforce or continue with school.  This may be the last time you have to spend a considerable amount of time away from school or your career. 

5.   Learn outside the classroom 

Using your gap year to do things like travel will allow you to learn a lot that you probably won’t learn outside the classroom. If you have the means to do so, taking a gap year to travel can truly have some amazing benefits. Traveling lets you get out of your comfort zone, learn about yourself, become more resourceful, and has even been shown to improve your brain capacity!

If some of the benefits listed above sound good to you, then check out this list of gap year opportunities that can make your gap year meaningful, but can also bolster your college applications!

1.   International Volunteer HQ

2.   Journey-A Gap Year Internship

3.   Frontier

4.   Seville Abroad: High School Exchange Program in Spain

5.   Gapforce

6.   Where there be dragons- Gap semester programs

7.   RSVP Caribbean Volunteers

8.   Raleigh International: Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica

9.   Youth International

10. CESA Languages Abroad

11. Carpe Diem Education

12. Pacific Discovery

13. Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

14. United Planet

15. Projects Abroad

16. Impactrip

17. Winterline

18. Conservation Travel Africa

19. International TEFL Academy

20. African Impact

Still not sure? Take the QUIZ below!