Gap Year
TeenLife: Guide to Gap Year Programs 2023
TeenLife Media’s 2023 Guide to Gap Programs has a wide number of gap opportunities to fit a range of schedules and budgets. Whatever it might be, it is an opportunity for you to focus on personal growth before you take those next steps in life.You can check out resources from our friends at the Gap Year Association. If you want to learn about the benefits of taking a gap year, GYA has put together the 2023 Gap Guide.
Verto Education
Verto Education offers an affordable, full credit-bearing freshman semester or year abroad with guaranteed transfer to our consortium universities:
The University of Auckland (New Zealand)
University College Dublin (Ireland)
The University of Bristol (England)
Macquarie University (Australia)
When a student applies to Verto, they can simultaneously apply to any of our partner universities and receive a free, non-binding admissions decision within a few weeks!
Click here for more information about spending your first semester abroad with Verto Education!
American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)
As a high school graduate, you are eligible for many AIFS study abroad programs, beginning with the summer of your senior year in high school and all throughout the next academic year!
Why take a gap year abroad with AIFS?
You'll become a more competitive applicant when you return and apply to colleges in the U.S.
You'll earn college credits while abroad that you can transfer to a college in the U.S.
You'll become independent and confident in yourself as you navigate new parts of the world, with the support and guidance you need
You'll immerse yourself in a different culture and gain a new perspective on the world
You can gain fluency in a foreign language by taking intensive language classes in another country
You'll gain insight into your academic interests and return to the U.S. with a stronger focus on your college goals
A gap year might be for you if:
You have been accepted at a college for the spring semester, and you'd like an academic program to participate on for the fall semester
You are undecided on your college plans and want a year to decide on / apply to colleges
You'd like an extra year of life experience before attending college
You will be at least 18 by the program start date
Please visit their website for more information!
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE)
https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/youth-exchanges
Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time.
Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.
What are the benefits?
Exchange 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
How long do exchanges last?
Long-term exchanges last a full academic year, and students attend local schools and live with multiple host families.
Short-term exchanges last from several days to three months and are often structured as camps, tours, or homestays that take place when school is not in session.
What are the costs?
Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Each program varies, but students are usually responsible for:
Round-trip airfare
Travel insurance
Travel documents (such as passports and visas)
Spending money and any additional travel or tours
How can I apply?
Candidates are ages 15-19 and are leaders in their schools and communities. Contact your local Rotary club to see what exchange opportunities are available and what the application process involves.