A Short History of the Gap Year by Michael Morley With the decision by President Obama’s daughter, Malia, to take a Gap Year after high school and before entering Harvard, the spotlight has been put on this increasingly popular stage in the development of individuals. Some commentators applaud Malia’s decision while others deride it.Malia will not be the first member of a “first” family to take a Gap Year. A major boost to the Gap Year concept was given when it got “royal approval” in Britain with Prince William taking a Gap Year before starting at St. Andrew’s University in…
The Importance of Journaling on Your Gap Year by Megan Lee Journaling: kind of like keeping a diary, but with fewer entries revolving around unrequited love or starting with “Sorry for not writing, I’ve been really busy…”. Your journal can be a useful tool on that epic journey towards “adulthood.” While you’re on your Gap Year, it can also be a helpful place for processing, documenting, and occasionally venting, too. Here’s what you need to know about why your packing list should include a journal and a fancy pen (I recommend G2s!): Memories Can’t Be Trusted Memories: while powerful, they…
Planning Your Return Home at the End of Your Gap Year by Megan Lee We know you’re too busy having fun and soaking up every adventure-filled moment of your Gap Year experience to even begin considering your days abroad are numbered, but wise students know that preparing to transition to life back home requires some advance prep. Sure, you’re excited to reunite with loved ones and stuff your face with breakfast tacos – not to mention taking a long shower with (gasp!) a loofa – but there’s much more to returning home than these simple pleasures. There are, often, unfamiliar…
The Unbelievable Career Advantages of Taking a Gap Year by Marc Mendelman There are plenty of reasons why you should consider taking a Gap Year. Finishing high school, and moving on to college is a pretty big step. You should take some time to mark this transition, and really internalize the importance of this moment. A Gap Year shouldn’t be just a period in which you can take some time to relax, though that’s pretty important as well. You should use this opportunity to figure out what you’re going to do further on, and prepare for your future career. Taking…
6 Ways to Keep the Gap Year Spirit Alive by Megan Lee Whether you’re still shaking out the dust from your pack or your passport has been safely stored for a few weeks, it’s never too soon (or too late) to think about ways you can integrate your Gap-Year-self into your life back home. For some, coming back home is the ultimate challenge in “walking the walk” and “talking the talk” – the walk and the talk that you found while on your Gap Year. It makes no sense to have all of these new insights about yourself only to…
Reverse Culture Shock: Why Does Everything Feel Weird Now? by Megan Lee Why Does Everything Feel Weird Now? You’re back. It’s been a whirlwind. Your mom and dad greeted you tearfully at the airport (only this time they were happy tears instead of sad ones). Grandpa swept you up in a big bear hug. Your friends went berserk at the sight of you, and you’ve had a wonderful time catching up, laughing, stuffing your face, and generally settling back into your old, familiar, friendly community. But then you wake up one morning, and it hits you: Did that gap year…
How to Maximize Your Gap Year Through Continuous Reflexive Learning by Amanda Wilks Taking a Gap Year is a great way to experience new things, you wouldn’t otherwise have time for later on. The things you do, and learn throughout this period can provide you with a wealth of knowledge you can harness for years to come, if you know how to use these experiences to their fullest. Before you begin your Gap Year, it might be a good idea to consider joining a Gap Year program. This way, you’ll make sure that you have a sound plan when it…
Health & Safety on Your Gap Year by Megan Lee Amidst all your day dreamings for the amazing adventures you are going to have on your gap year (picture it: breakfast picnicking in front of Angkor Wat at sunrise, making a tangible difference in a small Tanzanian community, tracking wombats and other wild animals in the Outback…) it is easy to skim over preparing your mind and heart for potential disaster, or serious safety issue. But let’s be real. Being proactive in ensuring your safety is a great path toward success. Here are a few tips to ensure your gap…
Tips for Choosing Where to Go & What to do on Your Gap Year by Megan Lee Alright, you’ve decided to jump a leap of gap year faith and take a break between high school and college whatever comes next in life. But now that you’re feeling uber-confident in your decision and have gotten Mom and Dad (and maybe even Grandma, if you’re lucky) to support it, two important questions remain: Where are you going to go? -and- What are you going to do once you get there? With some 200 countries to choose from and infinite possibilities of changemaking…
Navigating College & Your Gap Year by GYA Admin The college admissions process is challenging enough, but should be seen as a necessary step in the evolution of your Gap Year. On average, 90% of gap year alum make their way back to university within a year. The good news is that once you hit college, Gap Year alum also perform better in school and engage more in local campus activities. So, that being said, know that you’ll be bringing good value to whatever university you should choose to enroll in.In almost all cases, your best bet is to: Apply to…