Studying Abroad and What A Gap Year Can Include

Not all classrooms have four walls - and not all college experiences need to be at a college! There are many different ways you can spend a gap year - there is no formula, and YOU are in charge of your year. A gap year can include many different elements, from working, interning, volunteering and studying abroad.

• For earning money, you can stay local or find a job outside your hometown- there are many options, which this website page will not focus on. Specifically, this page will provide you with information on studying abroad and taking a gap year.

Taking a gap year or traveling during college is an academic endeavor that can add perspective, challenge, and insight into any area of study. There are many programs out there to structure and guide your journeys, so that you can make the very most out of your time abroad. Whether you are interested in language, religion, politics, or environmentalism; there is a program out there for you! I encourage you to think big and chase your dreams❤

Other Questions to Consider : Choosing a Program

1. Do I want to stay local or go abroad?
2. How much money am I willing to spend?
3. Do I want to go somewhere well traveled or off the beaten path?
4. How big of a group do I want? Do I want to go solo?
5. How much structure do I need?
6. How can I make sure the organization I choose aligns with my values?
7. What types of travel am I comfortable with?
8. What type of environment do I prefer? Hot or cold?
9. How affordable are my plans?
10. Who do I want to be after your gap year? What am I trying to gain and what am I trying to change?

Likely, you won’t know exactly what you want and that’s ok! Deciding where to go on your gap year is a leap of faith but - you got this.

Consider the Investment

Depending on what you do, a Gap Year can be a significant investment, but is well worth the cost. Investing in a Gap Year allows you to start college with greater focus and a stronger idea of what you want to achieve. This can help you connect your studies to potential career paths. Studies have found that students who take a Gap Year typically graduate in four years compared to the five year average, with higher GPAs than their peers, and 84% of students reported being satisfied with their careers. Discuss a budget with your family, start researching grants and financial aid, and think about getting a job now to save up in advance. Many people are discouraged from studying abroad because of the myth that travel is too expensive. However, there are numerous ways to find funding!

○ PRO TIP

Think of the qualities that make you unique as you search for scholarships - it will help you find unique opportunities that won’t come up in a general search! There are scholarships out there for all layers of diversity including what specific region you plan to study in as well as what specific topics/languages you might study while abroad. (For example, this list of scholarships for LGBTQ+ students). Other ideas include:

1. Start a travel registry on fundraising sites ( Go Fund Me , Fund My Travel , Razoo )
2. Request a donation around holidays, your birthday, and before you leave
3. Consider finding part-time work
4. Contact Civic Groups, like the local Rotary , or Lions Clubs
5. Ask your family, friends, neighbors, and social media community to help contribute money!
6. There are many scholarships designed specifically to help you - Research scholarships as early as possible - do not wait until you have been accepted to a program! There are some national scholarships with great odds, but may only have deadlines once or twice a year.

If you decide that a gap year is NOT right for you, that is perfectly ok! I applaud you for knowing yourself and what you want to get out of college. Many people thrive the best in a traditional college setting - and that is great. If you decide that you don't want to take a gap year, but would like to study abroad for a shorter period of time in college, here are a few suggestions: