Gap Year Resources That Everyone Will Find Useful

The gap year concept is quickly gaining momentum in the United States. Use this valuable time in your life to do what you want to do – volunteer, work, study, travel, adventure, or anything else that you find appealing.

By taking this chunk of time between high school and college, you can structure your time to focus on personal growth, life experiences, cultural immersion, or academic pursuits. At the end, you’ll be a more well-rounded and interesting individual who is ready to take the next step in life – higher education.

But a gap year is worthless unless it is structured and productive. To maximize your time and to craft a gap year that will make you (and your parents) excited, you need to devote time towards proper planning. This requires access to the best gap year resources so that you can get the information you need and deserve before you embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

During your research and planning, all sorts of questions are going to come up. You’ll need to think about:

• Timeframes?
• Type of gap year?
• Group, Program, or DIY?
• Budgeting?
• Financial Aid Availability?
• College Credit?
• Domestic or International Destinations?
• Visas?
• Travel Logistics?
• Communications?
• Lodging?
• Travel and Health Insurance?
• Emergency Plans?
• Pre-Trip Preparation?
• Packing?

There’s no doubt about it, a gap year is a major undertaking that requires planning to discover what is possible. And there are infinite possibilities! You can study elephants in Thailand, backpack the Pacific Crest Trail, intern with a fashion designer in Paris, or build houses in rural Uganda. The world is yours to explore, but it’s your responsibility to tap into the resources that are available to you.

The following gap year resources have the answers to your gap year questions:

• American Gap Association – The AGA is an independent non-profit focused on gap year programs. They actively accredit programs to ensure that program providers meet educational, safety, and quality standards. Their website provides info and guidance about data, financial aid, planning, consultants, programs, and more.
• GoOverseas.com – GoOverseas.com hosts honest reviews from both parents and gappers about different gap year programs. They have an easily searchable database of programs that makes it easy to find the best gap year programs that appeal to you.
• TransisitionsAbroad.com – TransistionsAbroad is an online travel resource for working, volunteering, studying, and living abroad.
• GapYear.com – GapYear.com is “a social network and travel advice website committed to providing you with everything you need to know about taking a gap year.” Use this resource to find information, read gap year blogs, ask questions via message boards, and more.

These gap year resources exist to help point your gap year in the right direction. Find answers to your questions like:

• How to find an accredited gap year program?
• Where to find cheap airfare?
• How gap years affect college admissions?
• What type of visa you need?
• How to apply for gap year financial aid?
• What gap year opportunities exist in specific locations?
• Does a certain gap year program get high reviews?

There’s a lot to think about. These gap year resources do their best to make it easy for you. Every gap year topic imaginable is covered in these resources. Use it to your advantage. It will help you plan your gap year, maximize your time, and convince your parents that a gap year is the best thing you can possible do.

These gap year resources are only a click away. A bit of research now will ensure that you have the time of your life on your gap year. Gap year resources can help you make the best decisions for you.