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What is a Gap Year?

A gap year is a period of time when students take a break from formal education to travel, volunteer, study, intern or work.  The key is to find a meaningful experience with the goal to return to formal education.

  • AmeriCorps – Put your ideas into action while learning new skills, making new connections, and earning money to pay for college.
  • City Year– An AmeriCorps program that provides services to students and schools to keep students in high school and on track to graduation.
  • Earthwatch– International non-profit organization that brings science to life for people concerned about the Earth’s future
  • International Studies Abroad – Wide variety of study abroad programs at accredited schools and universities.
  • National Outdoor Leadership School – Leadership and wilderness education.
  • Outward Bound – Experience-based outdoor leadership programs for teens and adults.
  • AFS Intercultural Programs – Non-profit international exchange organization offering GAP year programs.