Gap Year Links
Below are some gap year organizations that we think would be worth checking out:
Magic Carpet Rides is a gap-year educational program empowering high school graduates to explore the world of possibilities before defining a life path. Learn Spanish and live with a Guatemalan family. Volunteer in projects tailored to your interests. Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Central America. Climb volcanoes, salsa dance, kayak, and more! www.magiccarpetrides.com
National Outdoor Leadership School NOLS, the premier teacher of outdoor skills and leadership, offers courses 10 days to full semesters in the world’s most spectacular wilderness classrooms. www.nols.edu
Center for Interim Programs is a consulting service that helps young people find meaningful gap year placements. Since our inception in 1980 as the first organization of its kind in the United States, Interim has designed creative gap year opportunities for over 5,000 young people. http://www.interimprograms.com/
Map the Gap International works with graduating high school students interested in taking a structured, purposeful time out before college, guiding them through the preparation and vast selection of choices available to help them plan the perfect experience. If you’re looking to commence such a journey, MTGI can help you explore the world, discover your passions and return energized, ready to make the transition to college with greater focus and purpose. http://www.mapthegapinternational.com
LEAPNOW - our primary purpose is nothing less than transformation and positive change on the planet. LEAPNOW provides students with access to thousands of diverse international and domestic learning experiences in 126 countries, and offers transformational teachings that give students the opportunity to empower themselves to “be the change that you wish to see in the world (Gandhi).” Cultural immersion, study abroad and work abroad are our main vehicles for learning about ourselves and the world. www.leapnow.org
The Year Out Group (UK) - is an association of leading year out organizations that was formed in 1998 to promote the concept and benefits of well-structured year out programs, to promote models of good practice and to help young people and their advisers in selecting suitable and worthwhile projects. http://www.yearoutgroup.org
Outward Bound- Our mission is to inspire character development and self-discovery in people of all ages and walks of life through challenge and adventure, and to impel them to achieve more than they ever thought possible, to show compassion for others and to actively engage in creating a better world. Outward Bound is a non-profit educational organization with five core programs that change lives, build teams, and transform schools. www.outwardbound.org
Dynamy offers young people, ages 17-22, a "gap year" opportunity like no other. They believe that the crucial prerequisites for work readiness and life-readiness are independence, self-reliance, courage, character, a habit of service, and an ability to build healthy relationships. Dynamy believes that these things can be learned, and learned best through experience. Dynamy programs integrate independent city apartment living with mentored internships, personal and college/career advising, urban and wilderness leadership opportunities, and the company of an incredible group of peers. http://www.dynamy.org/
GlobalQuest offers motivated, mature, and adventurous young adults a unique possibility: the chance to step beyond familiar territory, explore another place, people, and language, apply classroom learning to real-life situations, and grow personally in a small, supportive community where teachers and peers are trusted partners. http://www.gquest.org/
AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups. Whether your service makes a community safer, gives a child a second chance, or helps protect the environment, you’ll be getting things done through AmeriCorps! www.americorps.gov
City Year unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, giving them the skills and opportunities to change the world. As tutors, mentors, and role models, these idealistic leaders make a difference in the lives of children, and transform schools and neighborhoods in 17 U.S. locations and Johannesburg, South Africa. Just as important, during their year of service corps members develop civic leadership skills they can use throughout a lifetime of community service. www.cityyear.org
Gap Year.com - Whether you are a looking for a break from school, a mid-career break, or if you are looking to explore the world in your later years, www.gap-year.com is a one-stop source for all of your gap year planning needs.
Transitions Abroad - Considering working, studying, traveling, or living overseas? www.transitionsabroad.com is jam-packed with opportunities, articles, and tips and resources for those preparing for an international adventure.
(Gap year program descriptions have been adapted or taken verbatim from program websites.)