Accredited Gap Year Programs

Hey y'all! I'm thinking about taking a gap year to explore my interests and gain more experience. Could someone recommend any accredited gap year programs that might be worth looking into? Thank you!

Hey! Taking a gap year can be a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and explore your interests. There are several accredited gap year programs to consider, depending on your interests and goals. Here are a few reputable options:

1. Global Citizen Year (GCY): GCY offers an immersive 8-month program focused on service learning, cultural exchange, and leadership development. Fellows work on projects in education, health, environment, or social enterprise fields in various countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, India, and Senegal.

2. National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): NOLS offers wilderness education and leadership experiences through programs that range from two weeks to a full academic year. Courses cover skills like backpacking, mountaineering, sailing, and first aid in locations across the globe, from Alaska to Patagonia to Tanzania.

3. Thinking Beyond Borders (TBB): TBB offers semester and year-long programs. Their Global Gap Year program focuses on exploring critical global issues through hands-on experiences in countries like Guatemala, Thailand, South Africa, and India. Participants engage in service projects and internships, while learning about poverty, education, public health, and human rights.

4. Where There Be Dragons: This program offers immersive and experiential higher-education courses in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Courses range from 6 weeks to a full academic year and cover topics such as cultural anthropology, ecology, language skills, and global citizenship.

5. Outward Bound: Outward Bound offers a variety of gap year programs, such as the Pathfinders program, which combines outdoor expeditions with internships and volunteer work. This program focuses on skill building, leadership, self-discovery, and community service.

Before deciding on a program, consider your goals for your gap year, your budget, and the areas where you would like to travel. Make sure to research each program thoroughly and reach out to program alumni for their perspectives on their experiences. Taking part in an accredited gap year program can provide you with invaluable life experiences, expand your understanding of the world, and help you grow personally and professionally. Good luck!