Gap Year Options
There are many different possibilities for a Gap Year including work and internship experiences, volunteering, and traveling. A sample list of Gap Year opportunities can be found here. This list is a starting point, so explore other opportunities as well.
Explore Opportunities
You may consider meeting with a coach to discuss your own Gap Year plan. A few great websites with many Gap Year opportunities are idealist.org and pathwaystoscience.org. Gap year opportunities are also often featured through Handshake.
Selecting a Gap Year Program
When searching for Gap Year options, there are a few questions you can ask to choose the appropriate opportunity for you:
- What do I hope to gain from taking a Gap Year?
- What possible options are available to me?
- What are my career interests?
- What skills do I want to gain?
- What is the time commitment?
- What is my financial situation?
Peace Corps
If you are interested in actively contributing towards the development goals of communities around the world, learning another language, experiencing a unique way of travel and living in another part of the world, the Peace Corps might be a perfect way to spend your gap year(s). Work side by side with locals in a number of programs like community economic development, youth development, education, environment, health or agriculture.
Once you have completed your service there are a number of advantages that Returned Peace Corps Volunteers can take advantage of like a readjustment allowance, non-competitive eligibility for government jobs and a lifetime ability to join the Coverdell fellowship to continue your education in one of over 100 universities across the United States.
If the Peace Corps sounds like a great way to spend your gap year period please do not hesitate to learn more by visiting the website at www.peacecorps.gov!
