Best gap year photography programs to consider?

I've got a passion for photography and am thinking about taking a gap year to dive deeper into it. Are there any photography programs that offer real learning and portfolio-building opportunities? Would love to hear your recommendations.

That's a great decision to take a gap year and pursue your passion in photography more intensely - it's an excellent opportunity to widen your horizons and build your portfolio. Here are some programs that could be beneficial:

1. Maine Media Workshops+: Located in Rockport, Maine, these workshops offer immersive, week-long photography programs that cover a variety of topics from portraiture to landscape photography, from film to digital.

2. Santa Fe Photographic Workshops: They hold extensive programs year-round covering varied aspects of photography. The programs range from weekend to week-long courses.

3. International Center of Photography: Based in New York City, they offer a one-year certificate program called 'General Studies in Photography.' Some of the subjects include darkroom process, digital workflow, and the history of photography.

4. Speos: This Paris-based school offers one-year programs in photojournalism, studio photography, or Venice-based course in photography and design.

5. Prague Film School: Here they offer a one-year program where you'll intensively study both photography and cinematography. It's an excellent choice if you'd like to learn about the moving image as well.

Remember, it is crucial you pick a program in accordance with your interests and long-term goals. Spend some time researching each program, go through their syllabus, check the portfolio of their instructors, and alumni reviews. This way you'll be able to make an informed decision about the program that best fits your artistic goals and style.