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What is a Gap Year?
What is a Gap Year?
The American Gap Association defines a gap year as “a structured period of time when students take a break from formal education to increase self-awareness, challenge comfort zones, and experiment with career possibilities.” A gap year is a term commonly used to define any short-term opportunity, approximately 6 months - 2 years long that is viewed as a transitional period between school and career, it can include interning, volunteering, working, teaching, researching, doing a fellowship, and/or traveling.
Why Do a Gap Year?
Why Do a Gap Year?
86% of gap year participants reported being satisfied or partially satisfied with their eventual career choice.
Develop skill sets employers seek like: self-confidence, multicultural awareness, communication skills.
Explore a career field and/or gain industry-specific skills (for example: gaining teaching skills and experience before deciding to apply for a masters degree in education).
Networking opportunities! If you do your gap year through a formalized program, such as Peace Corps or City Year, you gain instant access to thousands of industry professionals.
How Do I Choose a Gap Year Experience?
How Do I Choose a Gap Year Experience?
What are your goals and what skills you would like to develop?
What are you interested in?
What length of time is ideal for you?
Do you want to stay in the United States or go abroad?
What is your financial situation and how will you fund your experience?
Be aware that scam programs exist, some warning signs to pay attention to include:
Lack of contact person available for more information
The website doesn’t end with .org or .gov
Organization asks for a large sum of money up front
How Does the Pay Work?
How Does the Pay Work?
Paying for a gap year experience varies greatly depending on what you decide to do. Some people get paid a salary or stipend, while others may save up money in order to pursue a gap year experience. Make sure to know what your current financial situation is and plan for how you will pay for your gap year. If you do your gap year through an organization, spend time researching your options thoroughly so you know up front what financial assistance and/or benefits they provide.
Source:
Source:
Resources to Help Plan Your Gap Year:
Resources to Help Plan Your Gap Year:
https://www.interimprograms.com/
https://www.gapyearassociation.org/
Potential Opportunities During a Gap Year:
Potential Opportunities During a Gap Year:
Go Overseas A search engine to find opportunities abroad
AmeriCorps Spend a year in service to others. AmeriCorps volunteers strive to improve
lives, foster civic engagement, and strengthen communities across the country.
Beyond Academy (immersive global experiences that help shape the personal and
professional growth of ambitious individuals. Program participants get the chance to travel,
work and be part of vibrant cultures and communities across the world.)
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