Considering Taking a Gap Year After You Graduate? Find Resources Here!

Gap year programs offer opportunities for students to explore areas of interest as they plan for their postsecondary education and careers. They can be taken at any point in time and could last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a full year. They allow time for students to explore the greater community, nation, or world and reflect on personal values and goals and prepare for the next step in life. Many programs exist, so we have listed here some of the best sites to get you started on your exploration and research.

Should you take a Gap Year? What they are and whether you should take one

Check out this guide from the College Essay Guy to help you make the most informed decision.

Tip: Use the Downloadable Guide with exercises to help you define your gap year goals, research programs, and develop a timeline.

Check back next year for the 2027 Fair!

Portland USA Gap Year Fair

By USA Gap Year Fairs

Grover Cleveland High School

Feb 4 from 6pm to 8:30pm PST

Gap Year Programs

Abroad 101

This site offers study abroad program reviews, provides search tools to find experiences, and offers many blog articles about the study abroad process and how to make the most out of the opportunity.

AdventureEXP

A cost-positive(you earn more than you pay), structured gap year and seasonal work program for young adults (ages 18-25) in the U.S. It facilitates 2–12 month, paid positions in industries like hospitality and tourism, including housing and career coaching. Participants gain independence and professional skills while living in desirable locations.

Carpe Diem Education

Portland-based organization that partners with Portland State to offer Gap Year Programs abroad that includes hands-on learning and community engagement. Carpe Diem partners with Carpe Mundi, a local non-profit organization that provides low-income, first-generation Portland college students with a year-long mentorship and scholarship program that includes an experiential education study abroad program.

GO Overseas

Programs within nine different categories: Volunteer, Study, Teach, Internships, Gap Year, Language, High School, TEFL Courses, and Tours & Trips. Recommendations on when, where, and how to go overseas. They also have a link to the Gap Year Fairs throughout the country.

NW Youth Corps

Offers a challenging education and job-training experience that helps youth and young adults from diverse backgrounds develop the skills they need to lead full and productive lives. Programs include residential conservation crews for both youth and young adults, local community crews, an internship program for college aged participants, a fully accredited high school, and a two-acre organic farm. LGBTQ and Spanish-speaking crew opportunities.

STEPS (Student Training & Education in Public Service)

Guide to Gap Year Volunteering--includes information on the 10-best gap year volunteering programs (including summer programs); tips on how to make the most out of your gap year volunteer experience; and spotlights colleges that strongly support gap year volunteering through policies like gap year deferral.

The Gap Year Association

Founded in 2012, the Gap Year Association is the only national nonprofit working to coordinate the growing Gap Year Movement. From this site, you can find links to all accredited Gap Year Programs; accreditation by the Gap Year Association represents a commitment to the highest standards in safety, quality, and integrity. See the USA Gap Year Guide.

United Planet

United Planet focuses on volunteering abroad and has options for searching for short term, long term, and group experiences. Additionally, they have a specific COVID 19 page with virtual volunteer and internship options.

Verto Education

This program is actually not for Gap Year, but rather offers a unique way to start the first year of college. Students would participate in a global first year experience that partners with colleges so that students would still be on their way to graduating in four years.

Workaway

Provides resources for cultural exchange, working holidays, & volunteering in 170 countries

Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms

A global program connecting volunteers with organic farmers, offering hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, gardening, and rural life in exchange for food and accommodation. It promotes cultural exchange and ecological farming practices in over 90 countries.