Thoughts on AFS gap year programs?

I'm looking at AFS gap year programs as an option before college. Does anyone have experience with them? I'd love to hear about what it's like and if it's worth the investment.

AFS Intercultural Programs have a reputation for offering robust, immersive experiences that can be impactful for the right students. These programs are designed to immerse you in a different culture, language, and lifestyle, which can be eye-opening and hugely beneficial in terms of personal growth and self-awareness.

Moreover, such experiences can potentially make a valuable addition to your college application, demonstrating an intellectual curiosity, independence, and resilience to potential colleges. However, keep in mind, while these gap year experiences can be enriching on a personal level, they are not necessarily going to be the 'make or break' factors on your college application.

The 'worth' of the program really depends on your goals and what you hope to get out of it. Are you looking to learn a new language fluently? Gain a better understanding of another culture? Try something totally different and outside of your comfort zone? All of these are reasons students often choose to take a gap year.

When considering the cost, it's important to weigh the tangible and intangible benefits. The cost can be a sticking point for some students, and it's essential to ensure you're getting a good return on your investment.

An example of a concrete benefit could be language skills—if you're hoping to major in a certain language or culture in college, an immersive gap year could be highly beneficial. The intangibles, like life experience, can be harder to measure but can be just as valuable.

It might be helpful to connect with alumni from AFS programs to get a firsthand account of their experiences. Additionally, exploring other gap year programs and comparing their offerings, cost, and reviews could assist in informing your decision.