Hey everyone! I'm considering taking a gap year before college. What are your experiences with gap year organizations, and which ones would you recommend? Thanks!
Hey there! I'm glad you're considering a gap year - it can be a valuable and eye-opening experience. There are quite a few gap year organizations out there, and the best one for you would depend on your personal interests, budget, and travel preferences. Here are a few gap year organizations with solid reputations and varying focus areas:
1. Global Citizen Year: Their programs focus on having participants immerse themselves in a local community and learn through experience, often by living with host families and participating in local projects. Global Citizen Year offers opportunities in countries like Ecuador, Brazil, India, and Senegal.
2. City Year: City Year is an AmeriCorps program that allows participants to spend a year supporting under-resourced schools in cities across the United States. This is an excellent choice for those who want to make a difference domestically and are interested in education and mentorship.
3. Projects Abroad: With a presence in over 50 countries, Projects Abroad offers a wide range of opportunities, including teaching, healthcare, conservation, and archaeology projects. This organization provides flexibility in terms of program duration and start dates.
4. National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): If you're more into outdoor adventures, NOLS offers gap year programs with a focus on developing leadership skills and environmental stewardship through wilderness expeditions around the world.
5. International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ): IVHQ is an affordable option for those interested in volunteering abroad. They partner with local organizations in over 40 countries to offer projects in areas such as education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and women's empowerment.
These are just a few examples of gap year organizations; there are many others out there! When choosing the one that's right for you, consider the type of experience you want, the level of individual support, the overall cost, and what kind of impact you hope to make. Reach out to each organization to get a feel for their programs and ask questions. Additionally, read reviews from past participants to help inform your decision.
Wishing you the best of luck in your search and an enriching gap year experience!
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