Gap Year Information

Gap Year Defined: A "gap year" is the time period between completing high school and beginning college. Gap programs range in time from a semester to a full year away and they take place outside traditional classroom studies. Gap years vary greatly in how they look and what they entail, but they can include participating in organized gap year program (either locally or abroad), working in a field of interest, civil service in the military or a national service organization, pursuing arts or athletics, and traveling the world as a tourist.

Below are some resources for Gap Year information and/or programs:

How to Choose a Gap Year Program 2018 - by Thinking Beyond Borders

Gap Year Fairs - this site has many wonderful resources including a list of programs, scholarship opportunities and other resources

Gap Year Association - lists programs that have been vetted for safety, integrity and commitment to quality education

Gapmatcher - this is a 12 question quiz that will help you to identify the type of program that might be best for your interests. You will need to click on the little gapmatcher icon at the bottom of the page.

Go Abroad - contains program information and reviews as well as an option to help you pick a program

8 Affordable Gap Year Programs

Gap Year Programs - from TeenLife website, has many programs and blogs written by teens with gap experiences

Downloadable Material

Planning Your Gap Year

New Trier Gap Year Booklet