What are the best gap year programs? [2024]

A gap year program is an organized gap year experience that can help you make the most of your break. You can get involved in activities abroad or gain experience in your chosen career before starting college.

Let’s take a look at some of the best gap year programs. We’ll cover reputable academic gap year programs, travel gap years, and everything you need to know about choosing the best program for you.

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Understanding gap year programs

Gap year programs are a great chance to get involved in volunteering, studying, working, or traveling abroad.

There are a range of programs, including options for any type of gap year. Providers like Centro MundoLengua® or Pacific Discovery® offer different options for different preferences.

Whether you want to immerse yourself in a new culture or teach abroad, choosing a gap year program can help you effectively manage your time and get involved in new experiences.

Read all about gap years in our full guide

Types of gap year programs: what's the right one for you?

There are a few different types of gap year programs, including academic gap years and adventure gap year projects.

Academic gap year programs

If you want to take a break from school, but you still want to build on your studies, academic gap year programs give you the chance to study abroad.

You may study for a semester at an international location, for example, or complete an internship overseas.

You can get to know a different culture, practice your language skills, and try out new experiences, all while contributing to your academic future.

You can also earn college credits from many academic gap year programs, such as Centro MundoLengua.¹

Adventure and travel gap years

Unlike academic gap years, adventure gap year programs focus on new experiences and travel.

However, that doesn’t mean adventure gap years aren’t valuable. You can broaden your horizons and open yourself up to new perspectives.

Your travel gap year may include life-changing or active experiences, such as:

Hiking Snorkeling Sailing Rock climbing Cycling

Many gap year programs combine both academic and travel activities – but it’s important to choose the right focus for you.

What are some reputable gap year programs?

You’ll need to choose a reputable program for your gap year. Let’s take a look at some popular providers.

AIFS Abroad

AIFS Abroad® is a popular gap year program if you want to study while you travel. You can choose from a range of different locations, from Argentina to Sydney.

AIFS Abroad focuses on educational experiences, with options to complete a semester abroad or try out an internship, for example.

You can apply for a location, activity, and program length of your choice – and many AIFS Abroad programs let you earn college credits, too.²

Centro MundoLengua

Centro MundoLengua is a Spanish school in Sevilla that provides gap year programs in Spain.

Their Spanish Immersion Program in Cadiz runs over the Summer, helping you understand the Spanish culture while improving your language skills.³

You can even transfer credits to your regular college to contribute toward your future academic growth.

Warriors Academy

Warriors Academy® offers gap year programs in South Africa – and each program includes 4 Quests at 7 weeks long.

Each Quest offers adventure activities, workshops, and personal development, helping to give you focus and direction during your gap year experience.

You can get involved in a range of activities, including abseiling, swimming, and horse riding. Your activities will depend on what time of year you decide to join the program.⁴

Pacific Discovery

Pacific Discovery offers a huge selection of gap year programs that aim to provide cultural immersion, education, and adventure.

The provider runs programs across the world – and you can choose a length and time that suits you.

Each Pacific Discovery program also has a different focus. For example, the Australia and Bali Gap Semester focuses on conservation, helping you support the environment and animal welfare while you travel.⁵

What to consider when choosing a gap year program

You need to think about what you want to get out of your gap year before choosing the right program for you. Let’s look at some deciding factors.

Destination choices

You may want to choose just one destination for your gap year experience, or you may want to join a program that offers multiple locations.

Both academic and travel gap year programs present a range of destinations to choose from – so you need to make sure your gap year provider offers the right location for you.

For example, Pacific Discovery encourages you to travel to multiple locations around the world, such as South America and Southeast Asia.⁶

Program length and timing

Different gap year programs run for different lengths of time. For example, Pacific Discovery runs 10-week semester projects, whereas Warriors Academy organizes 28-week programs.⁶

You may want to fill your time with a year of travel, or you may be looking for a short program that covers everything you want to do. Make sure to check the program length before submitting your application.

You’ll also need to think about when your gap year program takes place. Many programs run multiple times throughout the year.

Cost and financial aid

Gap year programs can be expensive – but the cost depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing as part of your program.

For example, the 10-week Pacific Discovery Polynesian Journey Gap Semester costs 14,995 USD,⁶ but the AIFS Abroad Full-Time Internship in Sydney costs 8,490 USD for 7 weeks.²

If your gap year program offers college credit, you may qualify for financial aid – and choosing a gap year sponsored by a university can help you access money toward your trip.

You can also get a grant or scholarship through your gap year program, which can help you manage any fees. You’ll need to check with the program of your choice to see if it offers support.⁷

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FAQs: Gap Year Programs

Can a gap year program impact college admission?

Joining a gap year program shouldn’t impact your college admission. Most colleges are happy for students to postpone for a year before joining college, but you’ll need to follow the correct procedure for officially deferring your place.

Some colleges offer their own gap year programs, also known as bridge years. This often includes a semester abroad before starting college.

How can you fund your gap year program?

There are a few ways to fund your gap year program. You could earn money while you travel by working overseas, or you could check with your gap year provider to see if it offers financial support.

You may also be able to access financial aid, particularly if a college sponsors your gap year program.

How can a gap year program benefit your career?

A gap year program is a valuable way to learn new skills and promote personal development. You can complete an internship or invest in your studies to get a better understanding of what you want to do in the future.

You can also add beneficial experiences to your resume, helping you land the job of your choice after college.

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Choosing a gap year program is a great way to make the most of your gap year. You can try out new experiences, study, or work abroad with other young people.

It’s important to pick the right gap year for you. You need to decide where you want to go and what activities you want to do – and how you’re going to pay for your big adventure!

To start spending your money across the globe, check out Wise.

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Sources:

1. Centro MundoLengua
2. AIFS Abroad
3. Centro MundoLengua
4. Warriors Academy
5. Pacific Discovery
6. Pacific Discovery
7. NerdWallet

Sources checked on 03.04.2024