Study Abroad and Gap Year
Study Abroad while in High School
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) provides more than 1,000 merit-based fully funded opportunities for U.S. high school students to study abroad for a summer or an academic year in more than 25 countries. These scholarships cover international airfare, tuition, program costs, meals, and living accommodations (often with a host family). Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 18.5 when the program starts. The program is specifically targeting young people who would not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad experience.
The Rotary Youth Exchange helps students unlock their true potential to:
Develop lifelong leadership skills
Learn a new language and culture
Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world
Become a global citizen
CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that transforms lives and builds bridges between individuals and nations by sponsoring a wide variety of opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Summer Program 3-4 Weeks "Seize the Summer"
With a network spanning 45+ countries and 70+ years of connecting lives across cultures, we have the scope and experience to offer authentic, immersive ways for young travelers to study abroad and live around the world. Our 150+ high school study abroad programs are led by locals in the communities you’ll join. AFS staff, volunteers, and host families will welcome you to a second home.
AIFS is recognized as a leading provider of study abroad programs. Since 1964, over 1.5 million students have traveled abroad with AIFS. With more than 50 years of experience, we have the resources and experience to provide what our students want and need in a study abroad program, and to safeguard their welfare around the globe.
Gap Year after HS Graduation
Thinking about applying to college and then requesting to defer your offer of admission? Check out this list of University Deferral Policies for Gap Years to see if your college/university will hold your spot OR if you would need to reapply for admission when you're ready.
A Workawayer is: a traveller who wants to give back to the communities and places they visit. Open to helping hosts and using the experience to learn and immerse in the local culture.
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a worldwide movement to link visitors with organic farmers, promote a cultural and educational exchange, and build a global community conscious of ecological farming and sustainability practices.
VERTO Gap Year - The Verto Education program is built on the premise that not all students need to (or should) take the same linear path to earn their college degree – that the world offers these amazing experiential education opportunities that too few take advantage of.
Better yet, Verto uniquely partners with a number of U.S. and international colleges to provide legitimate, transferable* college credits so that our programs’ participants can stay on a 4-year graduation timeline.
See the world and discover your passions on our customizable, global gap year program. Travel, learn a language, participate in service learning, and intern around the world for a semester or school year.
TeenLife Gap Year Programs site allows you to explore by the type of gap year best fits you. Academic, Career Exploration, Art, Adventure, Service plus by continent. Check out these videos featuring 18 gap year opportunities (short 6 minute clips).
In 25 years of student program management, Dragons has earned expertise in crafting transformational learning adventures.
Pure Exploration -- ADVENTURE focused! Serious fun focused!
Not sure what to study at university or feel like you could benefit from some time for self-discovery? Our Gap year programs are designed as a structured alternative to entering undergraduate study straight out of high school or secondary school.
Service focused Gap Year
Join AmeriCorps and you'll find your moment to inspire a kid to a brighter future, help veterans find new homes and jobs, work in the wilderness to conserve our public lands, and rebuild communities after disaster.
More Resources
Verto - Through the free Verto Partner Application, you can earn guaranteed admission* to a selection of colleges after completing your abroad experience(s) and meeting each school’s criteria. Check out the partner school here
Go Over Seas USA Gap Year Fairs
Your Planning Guide to the Ultimate Gap Year
CESA Gap Year Language Immersion
TeenLife Gap Year at SOAR - designed for students with learning differences (18-24 yrs old)