Exploring a Gap Year After High School: Study Abroad Options?

I'm a high school junior considering a gap year before college. I'm interested in studying abroad during this time. Has anyone taken a gap year to study in another country? How did you plan it and what resources did you use?

Definitely, pursuing a gap year to study abroad can be a valuable and enriching experience. There are a few key steps you should consider to make this happen:

Choosing the Destination: Consider your goals for studying abroad—are you trying to learn a new language, immerse yourself in a different culture, or maybe study a specific subject? This will guide your choice of destination.

Gap Year Programs: There's a wide variety of structured gap year programs that could help you with studying abroad. These often include housing, arranging local experiences, and may offer education credits. Examples of these programs include CIEE, EF Gap Year, and Outward Bound. Make sure to thoroughly research and compare these programs before making a decision to find one suitable for your needs.

Financing: Understanding your budget is key. This includes tuition for the program, flights, accommodations, meals, and any other associated costs. Also be sure to account for currency conversion rates, and potentially higher costs of living (for example, if you currently live in a rural part of the United States but want to spend your gap year in a city like Paris or London). Scholarships specific to gap year programs may be available, so make sure to look for these resources.

Preparation: Depending on your destination, you may need to apply for a student visa. Additionally, securing international travel insurance, figuring out cell phone plans, and ensuring you're up-to-date with any necessary medical shots is important.

Communicating with Colleges: Since you're considering a gap year, you'll need to communicate with any colleges you apply to about your plans. Many colleges are supportive of gap years, and will allow applicants to defer their admission for a year. You could also wait and apply to college after your gap year, which would allow you to leverage the skills you acquire and experiences you have during your time off in your application.

Maintaining Academic Skills: Since you're planning on taking a gap year before college, it's also important to keep your academic skills sharp. Consider incorporating study time into your schedule, or taking online courses relevant to your intended college major.

Overall, a gap year can be an incredible growth experience offering firsthand education about the world and new cultures. Planning and preparing for it will ensure you have the best possible experience and can transition smoothly to college afterward.