There are many benefits for a student to take a gap year between high school graduation and college or trade school. Students can gain real-world experience, clarify academic or career goals, work, travel, volunteer or build skills. The downsides of taking a gap year are important to consider. Taking a break can make the transition to college or trade school difficult. Students may feel like they are falling behind their peers, or experience a loss of academic momentum and enthusiasm.
There are a number of programs that offer students "intentional" experiences to gain skills, develop personal growth and maturity. The below programs are a sample of opportunities available for a gap year.
Chinese Gap Year in Taipei
https://www.ntuchinesegapyear.com/
Intensive and immersive Mandarin Chinese Language and cultural program for students who want to study language and immerse themselves in a foreign culture and society.
Pacific Discovery
https://www.pacificdiscovery.org/
An educational travel organization that offers students planned, small-group, overseas environments that offer experiential education, service projects, cultural immersion, adventure education, and personal and leadership development.
The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education
NCOAE has a mission to offer students handcrafted outdoor and adventure education experiences that promote personal growth, professional development, and stewardship in communities and the natural environment. Offering both high school summer and gap year semesters.
Tahoe Resident Leadership Program (faith based)
For aspiring Christian leaders who have an interest in vocational ministry
Outward Bound USA
https://www.outwardbound.org/find-a-program/gap-year/
Semester courses for students who are interested in traveling both in and outside of the US while earning academic credit and developing advanced wilderness and leadership skills.