Gap Year Advice from the Experts

I discovered the The Year Out Group when I was living and working in the UK in 2006, and researching the origins and development of the gap year phenomenon in the UK. YOG is an authoritative voice which offers guidance and resources to students, parents and advisers who wish to plan productive gap year experiences, and identifying worthwhile organizations. It is an association of leading year out organizations in the UK, formed in 1998 to promote the concept and benefits of well-structured year out programs. The YOG's 35 members are made up of private companies and non-profits who provide a variety of educational year out programs. The members are required to meet a stringent set of criteria to get admitted to, and maintain membership in the group.

Given that the 'gap year' concept here in the US is gaining momentum, and there is not yet an established gap year industry, or association like the Year Out Group, I recommend US students, parents and advisers review their site when planning a gap year. I like the the Parents and Advisers section, and the section on Screening potential organizations.

I must mention to you that I had the privilege during my time in England to speak to the Year Out Group's Chief Executive Richard Oliver, about the evolution of the gap year in the UK, and the surge in the numbers of students taking gap years on this side of the Atlantic. Mr. Oliver aptly pointed out the fact that the National Service movement in the US is very strong, and many US students are volunteering with Americorps in record numbers. I see Americorps as one of the most affordable gap year options for US students to get a well structured volunteer experience as part of year out before college.