Best Gap Year Travel Programs for Students?

I'm considering joining a travel program during my gap year. What are some of the best programs for high school grads wanting to travel? How do they work, and what should I look for when choosing one?

There are several reputable and popular travel programs crafted specifically for gap year students. When choosing a program, you may want to consider aspects such as the locations it covers, the duration of the program, the cost, the size of the travel group, and what type of activities or learning experiences it offers.

1. Global Citizen Year: This program offers an immersive international experience in places like Brazil, Ecuador, India, and Senegal. The program focuses on service and leadership and is much more than just a travel program. It is one of the more rigorous options out there, as participants will even work alongside locals in various industries.

2. EF Gap Year: EF offers both full-year and semester-long programs that take students across several continents. The focus here is on cultural immersion, service, and academics.

3. Projects Abroad: Projects Abroad offers flexible start dates and program lengths, and they focus mainly on service and internship opportunities spread across many countries.

4. UnCollege (Now known as Year On): Instead of focusing on travel alone, this program focuses on offering participants a well-rounded "launch year" which includes project-based learning, an internship, and travel through a foreign country.

5. Thinking Beyond Borders: This program emphasizes ethical service and hands-on learning experiences in locations across the world.

Each of the mentioned programs will provide some form of orientation before departure, support from program directors onsite, room and board, some meals (depending on the program), and travel insurance. Even more, they will offer thrilling educational experiences and an invaluable global perspective.

Distinctively, when choosing a program, focus on ones that cater to your interest and developmental needs. Are you hoping to learn a new language, experience a new culture, contribute through service, develop practical life skills, or maybe even all the above? Be sure to thoroughly research each program to understand what it offers in-depth and make an informed decision based on your goals for your gap year.