A Gap Year is a period of time, usually after graduation, when students take time to pursue a short term opportunity before pursuing graduate school or starting a longer-term job. Gap Years can help students explore career options, gain additional experience, give back to the community, and see the world.
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.
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.
When searching for Gap Year options, there are a few questions you can ask to choose the appropriate opportunity for you:
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!
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