Planning

What's the Idea Behind Taking a Gap Year?

This blog is written especially for students, parents, and guidance counselors who want a better understanding of gap year, and to learn why a growing number of Independent Education Consultants are recommending a year out between high school graduation and starting college.

Even though the gap year is more widely understood in the U.S today, than say, five or ten years ago, we feel compelled to educate the masses, especially in the U.S. about this growing trend! "Gap year" is a term that refers to a prolonged period (often, but not always, a year) between two major life stages. Most gap years are taken pre- or during matriculation in a university or college, between college and graduate school and a profession.

The Director of Admissions, Greg Cappello, at Dynamy Internship Year in Worcester, MA has organized a series of eight gap year opportunities fairs around the US. The first fair kicked off in Chicago two weekends ago attracting nearly 200 very interested high school juniors, seniors and recent graduates, their parents and educators. The Chicago Tribune subsequently ran an article about the fairs and gap year in general. More fairs will be held in Portland (OR), Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Greenwich (CT) and DC before wrapping up in Boston on April 6. Entrance to the Gap Year Opportunities Fairs are free and open to the public.

A friend recently asked me what was the difference between AmeriCorps’ Vista and AmeriCorps NCCC programs? I had a hard time explaining so I decided to check out the AmeriCorps website Here’s what I found out:

Hi. I am back after a short hiatus, ready to bring some clarification to the many parents out there who have some genuine concerns about their kid taking a year out before college.

I recently reviewed the College Confidential web site College Admissions Resources From CollegeConfidential.com and found a great article written by one of their admissions counselors called Pro's and Con's of Gap Year.

Greetings America! A new web site, PlanetGapYear.com, targeted at the needs of the increasing numbers of US students who are planning a year out before college, goes live on Wednesday, October 17, 2007. You can read our press release. Finally, a site for everything you, your parents and advisers need to know about taking a year out!

There are 3 obstacles that prevent students from taking a gap year. Number 1- Your parents. If they are not convinced about the benefits of you taking a gap year before college, you will have a hard time getting their financial or moral support.
Number 2- No plan. You really want to take a year out but aren't sure what you want to do or where you want to go, and don't know where to start. Number 3- No money. You don't have savings to pay for a year out, and don't have a clue about what it will cost.

The following tips will help you develop a strategy for your gap year

• Talk about it, get others involved.
• Introduce your ideas and plans to your parents, or other family members involved in your decision to take time out.
• Listen to what they have to say.
• Keep an open mind, and keep your communication constructive.

Here are tips to consider as you plan your trip.

• Get Adequate Insurance- Ensure it also includes 24-hour emergency assistance.
• Have Local Knowledge- Check out the US State Department’s site and click on "Travel Warnings" to give you up-to-date info on specific countries and regions
• Research the specific cultures, customs and laws of the country you will be visiting. Read the State Department's country specific Background Notes.
• Check Visa and Passport Regulations.