TeenLife 2012 Guide to Gap Year Programs

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guide to
GAP YEAR
PROGRAMS
W W W. T E E N L I F E . C O M | F R E E

The only free
comprehensive guide
to Gap Year Programs!

Why consider a gap year?

Calendar of 2011-2012
USA Gap Year Fairs

A T E E N L I F E M E D I A P U B L I C AT I O N

Live with families around the world.
Learn and work with experts in the field.
Study development issues.
Educate and motivate others.

16 students, 3 teachers, 8 countries.
Apply. Learn. Be the Change.

www.thinkingbeyondborders.org

Presenting TeenLife’s
2012 Guide to Gap Year Programs!
The only free comprehensive resource of its kind.

ith rave reviews from parents,
students, and educators about the
informative content in our “gap
guide” last year, my staff and I are
so proud to unveil our latest
Guide to Gap Year Programs!

This year’s guide is even bigger and better! Not only
will you find even more gap year program listings and
beautiful photography, but you will also find more
in-depth information on what it actually means for
students to take a gap year and its benefits.

Contributing writers Robin Pendoley and Kathy Cheng
do a wonderful job of outlining some of the most
important things to consider when selecting a gap
year program in “The Gap Year—The Newest Addition Marie Schwartz, President &
to Higher Education” on page 7. Founder, TeenLife Media, LLC

We also have an insightful article from Bob Claggett,
former Dean of Admissions at Middlebury College. He
was quoted in Time Magazine as saying that taking a We encourage you to attend one of the 28
gap year was the single best indicator for success of USA Gap Year Fairs close to you (see pages 5-6).
the students on his campus—and that gap year stu- And don't forget to go to our site, www.teenlife.com,
dents widely report being more focused, driven, and to view over 300+ gap year programs and to sign up
directed during their college years. for our e-newsletter and announcements of our
new digital guides.
In fact, we have three student profiles about teens
who can vouch for what Bob is saying. Each teen
highlights how their past gap year experiences
helped shape their future college goals.

THE TEENLIFE 2012 GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS | 1

2012 Guide to Gap Year Programs

Marie Schwartz
President & Founder

Marketing & Sales Operations
Cara Ferragamo Murray Ellie Boynton
Vice President of Marketing & Sales Vice President of Operations

Camille Heidebrecht
Director of Marketing & Managing Editor

Editorial
Robin Pendoley, Kathy Cheng, Robert Clagett, and Jan Devereux
Contributing Writers

Anh-Thu Huynh
Manager of Operations & Customer Service

Art & Production
Kathryn Tilton
Designer

Sales
Amy Barnett
Account Executive • amy@teenlife.com

Jeanne Kelley Students trekking in Peru with
Account Executive • jeanne@teenlife.com Global Routes. See listing
on page 17, ad on page 10.
Cindy Tessman
Account Executive • cindy@teenlife.com

Join at www.TeenLife.com Now!

Published by Limit of Liability
TeenLife Media, LLC TeenLife Media, LLC (TL) takes no responsibility for any of the descriptions of the various
1330 Beacon St., Suite 268 programs listed. TL is not familiar with all of the organizations listed. We edit the
Brookline, MA 02446 descriptions only to achieve a consistent format. TL presents all descriptions without any
warranty of any kind, express or implied. TL is not responsible for the accuracy of any
(617) 277-5120
description, or for mistakes, errors, or omissions of any kind, and is not responsible for
info@teenlife.com
any loss or damage caused by a user’s reliance on the information contained in this guide.
www.teenlife.com All the information contained herein is subject to change without notice, and readers are
advised to confirm all information about an organization and obtain references before
Copyright © 2011 by TeenLife Media, LLC making any commitments.
Brookline, Massachusetts
Published by TeenLife Media, LLC Trademarks: TeenLife Media, LLC and related trade dress are trademarks or registered
Brookline, Massachusetts trademarks of TeenLife and/or its affiliates in the United States and may not be used
without written permission.

Table of Contents
Calendar
5 Attend a USA Gap Year Fair at
a location near you.

7
The Gap Year—
The Newest Addition to
Higher Education
Gap year experts provide meaningful tips
when researching gap year programs.

11
GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
11 Academic
14 Adventure/Trips
15 Arts
17 Community Service
23 Environmental Conservation
29 Internship & Work Experience
Student with Up with People reads to a group
29 Special Interest of children in the Philippines during a community
30 Travel/Culture impact day. See listing on page 15, ad on page 16.
33 Gap Year Advisor

19
Student Voice
36
Viktoria Low highlights how her gap year
About TeenLife
Find out more about what we offer
program at sea shaped her life.
and how to register on our site.

25 37
Making the Case for Student Voice
a Gap Year Zander Rounds describes his unique
Former Dean of Admissions encourages eight-month gap year adventure.
students to take a gap year before college.

39
Advertiser resource page

31
Student Voice Find out more information on the
Amanda Carnahan shares what inspired advertisers in this guide.
her most during her gap year.

35
Checklist of Gap Year
Must-Haves
40 INDEX
Featured Listings

Things you shouldn’t forget when
traveling on a gap year. Cover Photo: Thinking Beyond Borders
student playing with children in South Africa.

Visit a USA Gap Year Fair Near You!
Once again, Dynamy Internship Year and Thinking Beyond Borders have teamed up to bring you
28 USA Gap Year Fairs across the country. These events showcase a wide variety of gap year
organizations and programs.
New this year! Every Gap Year Fair will kick off with a Speaker Presentation one half-hour before the
fair. Speakers include a combination of gap year consultants, authors, and experts. Topics include: gap
year planning, the pros and cons of taking a gap year, and how gap year experiences impact college.
For complete information and fair times, go to www.usagapyearfairs.org.

November 2011 JANUARY 2012 Sunday, 1/22
Thursday, 11/10 Thursday, 1/12 12:00-12:30 p.m. Speaker
6:30-7:00 p.m. Speaker 5:00-5:30 p.m. Speaker 12:30-3:00 p.m. Fair
7:00-9:00 p.m. Fair 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fair Phillips Academy
South Burlington High School Pace Academy Andover, MA
Burlington, VT Atlanta, GA
Saturday, 1/28
Sunday, 11/13 Tuesday, 1/17 12:00-1:00 p.m. Speaker
1:00-4:00 p.m. Fair 7:30-9:00 p.m. Fair New Trier High School
Noble and Greenough School Providence Day School Winnetka, IL
Dedham, MA Charlotte, NC
Sunday, 1/29
Tuesday, 11/15 Wednesday, 1/18 1:00-1:30 p.m. Speaker
6:00-8:00 p.m. Fair 7:00-9:00 p.m. Fair Groves Academy
Oyster River High School Marshall High School St. Louis Park, MN
Durham, NH Falls Church, VA

February 2012
Wednesday, 11/16 Thursday, 1/19
6:00-6:30 p.m. Speaker 6:00-6:30 p.m. Speaker Thursday, 2/2
6:30-8:30 p.m. Fair 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fair 6:00-6:30 p.m. Speaker
Cape Elizabeth High School Thomas S. Wootton School 6:30-8:00 p.m. Fair
Cape Elizabeth, ME Rockville, MD The Met (Metropolitan Regional
Career and Technical Center)
Thursday, 11/17 Saturday, 1/21 Providence, RI
4:00-4:30 p.m. Speaker 12:00-12:30 p.m. Speaker
4:30-6:30 p.m. Fair 12:30-3:30 p.m. Fair Tuesday, 2/7
Hanover High School Sidwell Friends School 7:00-7:30 p.m. Speaker
Hanover, NH Washington, D.C. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fair
Solomon Schechter School
of Westchester
Scarsdale, NY
Look for this symbol throughout the
guide which indicates keystone exhibitors
who will be at each USA Gap Year Fair. Continued on page 6

Wednesday, 2/8 Saturday, 2/18
7:00-8:30 p.m. Fair 1:30-4:00 p.m. Fair
Bristow Middle School Denver Academy
Hartford, CT Denver, CO

Thursday, 2/9 Saturday, 2/25
7:00-9:00 p.m. Fair 1:00-3:00 p.m. Fair
Darien High School Vistamar School
Darien, CT El Segundo, CA

Friday, 2/10 Tuesday, 2/28
6:30-8:30 p.m. Fair 7:00-9:00 p.m. Fair
The Hewitt School Francis Parker School
New York, NY San Diego, CA

Saturday, 2/11
12:30-1:00 p.m. Speaker March 2012
1:00-3:00 p.m. Fair Thursday, 3/1
The Dwight School 6:00-6:30 p.m. Speaker
Manhattan, NY 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fair
Sir Francis
Drake High School
CESA Sunday, 2/12
1:00-1:30 p.m. Speaker San Anselmo, CA
Languages 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fair

Abroad The Northwest School
Seattle, WA
Friday, 3/2
4:00-4:30 p.m. Speaker
4:30-7:30 p.m. Fair
Wednesday, 2/15 Los Altos High School
6:00-6:30 p.m. Speaker Los Altos, CA
6:30-8:30 p.m. Fair
Lincoln High School Sunday, 3/4
Portland, OR 1:00-1:30 p.m. Speaker
1:30-3:30 p.m. Fair
Thursday, 2/16 Jewish Community
6:00-6:30 p.m. Speaker High School of the Bay
6:30-8:30 p.m. Fair San Francisco, CA
Peak to Peak Charter School
Lafayette, CO

Gap Year language courses
Travel & learn a new language!
New! Each Fair kicks off with
a Speaker Presentation.
Visit us now at:
cesalanguages.com info@cesalanguages.com

Spanish | French | Italian | German | Portuguese | Russian | Japanese | Chinese | Greek | Arabic

The Gap Year—The Newest
Addition to Higher Education
By Robin Pendoley and Kathy Cheng

ap years are not the norm—not yet, When it comes to shaping your gap year, there are a
anyway. But this number is growing variety of program types to choose from, including academic
exponentially as more and more parents programs, working or interning in a field of interest, volun-
and students are recognizing the incredible teering, pursuing athletics, or traveling. All provide students
growth, learning, and focus that other with great opportunities to:
students have gained from taking a gap year. • Gain “real world” perspective and direction that give
High school guidance and college admissions the college years meaning and purpose.
counselors are also seeing a gap year as a critical • Develop maturity and independence by joining profes-
preparatory phase for even the highest achieving sional communities as a volunteer or employee.
students. Educators highlight the benefit of concrete,
real world experience as an exceptional foundation • Attain a deeper understanding of our local and global
for four years of college study. society that traditional schooling rarely provides.

While it may feel like a risk to step outside of the • Pursue various fields of interest to test or define a
norm, take comfort in knowing that the best schools in career path.
the country—both at the high school and college level—
are now encouraging students and families to consider Is a Gap Year Right for Me?
a gap year.
Every high school senior should consider a gap year;
Below are the essential benefits, options, and the benefits listed above make a good case for it. Let’s take
opportunities you’ll need to know about as you plan a moment to dispel the myths that stop some from looking
a gap year for your teen. at gap year options:
1. They are too expensive. Gap year opportunities range
What is a gap year? from those that cost the same as a year of college to
A “gap year” is typically a period between completing those that will pay a stipend and an education award
high school and beginning college. It may be either a to participants. Everyone can find a way to make a
semester or a full year away from traditional classroom gap year affordable.
studies. 2. They are only for students who aren’t ready for
While there are countless reasons to consider a gap college. Programs and individual options vary greatly,
year, the most important is that gap year students are offering opportunities for essential learning and
generally better prepared for college. A well-structured growth for all types of students.
gap year allows students to develop personal and social 3. There is a strong risk that students won’t go back to
maturity, academic focus, and a sense of direction. With school. Experts with decades of experience in the field
studies showing that 33% of college students drop out estimate that over 95% of gap year students who were
before graduation, it is clear that this type of learning on a college track go back to school immediately
experience can be crucial. following their time away from the classroom.


How to choose?
Have you ever...
Once you have a sense of the options available, it’s time to
narrow the field. Answering the following questions will help

...siPPed tea you hone in on the best fit:

witH a tibetan
• How Long?
Program options are a few weeks to eight months.
While some students want to experience a diverse year

monK? with lots of different activities, others choose a more
in-depth experience from a single program.
• International or Domestic?

...danced witH International opportunities range from university learn-
ing to service programs. Domestically, there are options

a masai offering students a chance to live, work, study, and
volunteer in different communities.

warrior? • Group or Individualized?
It is important to consider who will serve as the student’s
support system while away from home. Group programs
offer a peer community, focus, and support from
well-trained program leaders, while individualized
programs offer more freedom for the student.
• Service or Learning?
If service is the goal, make sure the program’s work
aligns with the contribution the student hopes to make.
• Price Range?
Finding your ideal gap year program that fits within your
price range may require some flexibility. Just remember
that there are affordable options for every budget.

Is a Gap Year a Good Investment?

gaP semester With the cost of college rising nearly every day, a gap
year is an excellent investment for any student’s education.
Programs Consider the following:
• Gap Years Can Help Pay for College There are a
africa
90
number of gap year options that will pay students
Kenya, tanzania, uganda
both a living stipend and an education award. City Year
Latin america and AmeriCorps provide a range of service learning
cHiLe, costa rica, ecuador, Peru opportunities in communities around the U.S. A year
DAYS asia of service is rewarded with a modest living stipend and
a $5,500 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to be
cHina, tHaiLand, tibet
applied toward college tuition. Many colleges around
the country will augment that award, sometimes even
doubling or tripling its value.
• Gap Year Students Get More Out of College Gap year
students widely report being more focused, driven, and
directed during their college years. Investing in a gap
adventurescrosscountry.com year may be the best way to ensure the money invested
1-800-767-2722 in college tuition will be well spent.

Cheshire Academy
How much should I spend? College Preparatory and Postgraduate Program
While money is an important factor when comparing
programs, it’s important to not let it limit your search. Our college counselors help you find the
“right fit” college. They get to know you
Ultimately, you want to find a program that is both affordable
as a person, advise you about courses, and
and the right fit. Here are some things to think about when guide you through the SATs. You’ll attend
evaluating the cost of a program: the college counseling course and the college
• You Get What You Pay For When looking at the cost fair, which draws admission officers from
more than 100 colleges. At every step of the
of a program, carefully consider group size, safety,
application process, you’ll have the help you
support services, itinerary details, quality of need. And when you receive your decision
experience, and learning opportunities. letters, the counselors help you decide
• College Credit = $ Some organizations offer college which college to attend.

credit for successful completion of their gap year • Teacher/student ratio: 7/1
program. It is important to check with your university • Average class size: 12
prior to your program to determine if those credits will 2011 college placements include:
transfer. If accepted, the credits earned may satisfy • Bates College
general education requirements, shortening your time • Carnegie Mellon University
on campus and reducing tuition costs. Additionally, • Georgetown University
• Johns Hopkins University
accredited programs are often eligible for traditional
• New York University
college scholarships.
• University of California at Berkeley
• Scholarships and Financial Aid Many programs offer
scholarships and financial aid. Scholarships can range Cheshire, Connecticut • Admission Office: 203-439-7250
from a few hundred dollars to enough funds to cover Download our postgraduate brochure at
all costs of participating. Some programs will assist www.cheshireacademy.org under “Publications”
students in raising funds on their own. Additionally,
organizations like Rotary International provide
scholarships for student exchange.
• Earn Your Keep Plan ahead and schedule time over
weekends, summers, or holidays to work and earn
money to put toward the cost of your gap year. Some
students choose to spend the first few months of their
gap year working full time locally to finance programs
or travel later in the year.
Virtually every student can benefit from a gap year.
All it takes is some planning, legwork, and flexibility to
make it happen.

Robin Pendoley is Co-Founder & CEO of Thinking Beyond
Borders (www.thinkingbeyondborders.org), an educational
gap year program.
Kathy Cheng is Director of Admissions of Dynamy Internship
Year (www.internshipyear.org), an experiential learning gap
year program.
The USA Gap Year Fairs organization and events are a
collaboration of Thinking Beyond Borders and Dynamy
Internship Year.

Gap Year
Programs
Gap Year Programs challenge students through study, service, travel, and cultural
exchange. Although every Gap Year Program is different, each promotes self-exploration
and personal growth, which often leads to clearer direction for college studies.
They can be academic or special interest, but most importantly, gap year programs
teach through experience rather than in a typical classroom setting. From experiencing
different cultures, studying community development, or diving into environmental issues—
to learning how to be entrepreneurial, understanding religion, or excelling in sports, music,
or fine arts, there are literally hundreds of structured gap year programs worldwide!

Academic
Center For Study Abroad (CSA)
Aspire by API: Gap Year Abroad Since 1990, CSA has offered low-cost
Programs academic programs worldwide that are open
Aspire by API provides comprehensive to all students. It’s easy to register with quick
gap year abroad programs for recent high confirmation. Students can earn college credit,
school grads. Their language and cultural and have flexibility with housing, travel, and
immersion programs provide students with payments. Payment accepted upon arrival,
opportunities to learn and develop global or in advance.
skills in an exciting, enriching, and safe Location(s): Asia, Australia, Central America,
setting. New Zealand, South America
Location(s): France, Ireland, Spain Name: Alima K. Virtue, Program Director
Name: Courtney Link Phone: (206) 583-8191
Phone: (512) 600-8921 Email: studycsa@aol.com Teens having a blast
Email: courtney@aspirebyapi.com with visitOZ: work in
Address: 325 Washington Avenue South,
australia. See listing
Address: 301 Camp Craft Road, Suite 100, #93, Kent, WA 98032 on page 29, special
Austin, TX 78746 Website: www.centerforstudyabroad.com promotion ad page 34.
Website: www.aspirebyapi.com


GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

CESA Languages Abroad Cheshire Academy
From beginner to advanced, or one week to a year, CESA Postgraduate Program
offers a variety of language programs in quality language Strengthen your academic profile; extend
schools across Europe, Latin America, and more. CESA your interscholastic sports participation prior
students gain a wider and richer knowledge of the vocabulary, to college; and build English skills. Advisors
grammar, and syntax of the language they are studying. will help create a postgraduate program that
Program Location(s): Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, best suits your needs, including an SAT and
Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Morocco, ACT Preparation Course.
Peru, Portugal, Russia, Spain Program Location(s): Cheshire, Connecticut
Name: Katherine Brand Name: Treda Collier, Director of Admission
Phone: +(44) 1209 211800 Phone: (203) 439-7250
Email: info@cesalanguages.com Email: admissions@cheshireacademy.org
Address: CESA House, Pennance Road, Lanner, CON TR16 Address: 10 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410
5TQ United Kingdom Website: www.cheshireacademy.org
Website: www.cesalanguages.com

ISA Gap Year
Begin your college career abroad with an ISA
Gap Year program! Choose from 22 locations
worldwide for a full year, semester, summer,
or intensive month-long program. Explore a
new culture through classes, activities,
excursions, and even volunteering.
Program Location(s): Argentina, Brazil, Chile,
China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, England,
France, Italy, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Spain
Name: Erica Cerza
Phone: (512) 474-1041
Email: erica@lpiabroad.com
Address: 1112 West Ben White Boulevard,
Austin, TX 78704
Website: www.studiesabroad.com/gapyear

Sea|mester students hoisting a sail
aboard S/Y Argo while participating in
the King’s Cup Regatta in Thailand.
See listing on page 13, ads on pages 21
and back cover.

12 | THE TEENLIFE 2012 GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

WWW.TEENLIFE.COM
for information on:
SUMME
GAP YEAR PLACEMR
E NTS
GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

Ocean Classroom:
SEAmester College Semester
Summer and Gap Year Programs
Your classroom is a schooner and your campus is the
sea. History, science, literature, and math take on new
meaning when concepts are applied in the field. The Community Service
curriculum is integrated with the journey and ports
www.conservationafrica.net T. (510) 530-5303

College Admissions
throughout the Eastern U.S. and Caribbean.
Program Location(s): Eastern Seaboard, Caribbean,
United States
Name: Susan Hodder

www. Private Schools
Phone: (207) 633-2750
Email: agraham@oceanclassroom.org

teenlife
Address: 1 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538

Jobs & Internships
Website: www.oceanclassroom.org

.com
Sea|mester

TeenLife Local
Sea|mester offers a range of unique educational adven-
tures where our students live aboard either S/Y Ocean Star
or S/Y Argo sailing from country to country. Sea|mester
education programs are highly experiential and offer
college-level credits.
Program Location(s): Australia, Fiji, Galapagos, Italy,
South Africa, Spain, Tahiti, Thailand, and the Caribbean
Name: Travis Yates
Phone: (941) 924-2900
Email: travis@seamester.com
Address: P.O. Box 5517, Sarasota, FL 34277
Website: www.seamester.com/gap
Bringing
Sol Abroad High School & out the best
Gap Year Programs in teens
Sol Abroad offers affordable high school study abroad, gap
year, and Spanish immersion programs in Oaxaca, Mexico;
CONNECTING
Heredia and Atenas, Costa Rica; Buenos Aires, Argentina;
Granada; and Spain. Students can travel with Sol Abroad
for the summer, or during a semester, spring break, or
FAMILIES TO
winter break.
Program Location(s): Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain
Name: Brent Hunter
OPPORTUNITIES
Phone: (512) 380-1003
Email: info@solabroad.com FOR TEENS.
Address: P.O. Box 523, Austin, TX 78767
Website: www.solabroad.com

GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

Adventure/Trips
Carpe Diem Education
Carpe Diem Education’s gap year programs
are designed to safely challenge every student
through service, travel, community, and
cultural exchange. Students not only gain
personal insight, but are also challenged to
be better self-leaders and global citizens.
Program Location(s): Australia, Brazil,
Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji,
Guatemala, Honduras, Hopi Nation, India, Laos,
Navajo Nation, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Peru,
Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam
Name: Ethan Knight
Phone: (503) 285-1800
Email: info@carpediemeducation.org
Address: P.O. Box 17427, Portland, OR 97217
Website: www.carpediemeducation.org

National Outdoor Leadership
School (NOLS)
Students exploring Youth For Understanding Phone: (800) 710-6657
the Taj Mahal (YFU) USA
in India with Address: 284 Lincoln Street, Lander, WY 82520
Youth for YFU USA is a non-profit international Website: www.nols.edu
Understanding educational organization with programs in 64
USA. See listing countries. For 60 years, YFU has exemplified
right, ad on excellence in international youth exchange world- North Carolina Outward Bound
page 24.
wide. YFU USA brings 2,000 students to the U.S. North Carolina Outward Bound has been provid-
and sends 500 U.S. teens overseas each year. ing life-changing and transformative wilderness
Program Location(s): Argentina, Austria, courses for teens, college students, adults, and
Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Denmark, veterans in the North Carolina Mountains, North
Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Carolina Outer Banks, the Florida Everglades
Ghana, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, National Park and Ten Thousand Islands
Mexico, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Roma- National Wildlife Refuge, and Patagonia since
nia, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, 1967. Challenge, adventure, and teamwork
Spain, Thailand, Uruguay, Venezuela combined create an ideal platform for teaching
Phone: (800) TEENAGE (833-6243) leadership in the Outward Bound setting.
Email: admissions@yfu.org Program Location(s): Florida, North Carolina,
Address: 6400 Goldsboro Road, Suite 100, Patagonia
Bethesda, MD 20817 Name: Ryan Robinson
Website: www.yfu-usa.org Phone: (800) 841-0186
Email: rrobinson@ncobs.org
Address: 2582 Riceville Road,
Asheville, NC 28805
Website: www.ncobs.org


GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

Real Gap Experience Arts
Real Gap Experience is a leading gap year provider with
more than 200 projects across 35 countries. Ranging from
one week to two years, take your pick of adventure travel, Up with People
volunteering, sports, language immersion, round-the-world In six months, you can travel to more than 20 cities on two to
packages, or paid work. three continents. In every city, volunteer through community
Program Location(s): The Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe impact projects, live with local host families, and perform
Name: Tom Sharp a dynamic international musical production. College credit
Phone: (866) 939-9088 options available.
Email: travel@realgap.com Program Location(s): Asia, Europe, North America
Address: 61-63 Chatham Street, 5th Floor, Name: Breton Shepherd, Admissions Representative
Boston, MA 02109 Phone: (303) 460-7100
Website: www.realgap.com Email: bshepherd@upwithpeople.org
Address: 6830 Broadway, Unit A, Denver, CO 80221
Website: www.upwithpeople.org
World Challenge Expeditions
Phone: (877) 333-1060
Address: 240 Commercial Street, 4th Floor,
Boston, MA 02109
Go to www.teenlife.com to view
Website: www.world-challenge-expeditions.com
all listings and register.

where there be

w ww. wheretherebedragons . co m
dragons
language immersion
wilderness exploration
culture and
development studies
homestay
rugged travel
accredited internships
semester
and
summer programs

The leader in cross-cultural
education, fostering leadership,
self-exploration, and global
citizenship since 1993.

UWP— A Unique
Gap Year Opportunity
Want to spend 6 or 12 months traveling the world
and making a difference? Make the most of your
Gap Year with Up with People!
UWP offers the most unique Gap Year experience
for young people from around the world. In 6
months, you can travel to more than 20 cities on
2-3 continents. In every city, volunteer through
community impact projects, live with local host
families, and perform in a dynamic international
musical production. You also have the option to
take university courses and earn credit during
your UWP semester.
Programs begin in January and July each year.
Apply to travel for one or two semesters. Learn
More! Visit us at www.upwithpeople.org or call
The Global Education Program +1-303-460-7100. Follow us on Facebook.

UWP ad Teen Life.indd 1 9/15/11 4:43 PM

GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

CIEE: Gap Year Abroad
Gap Year Abroad with CIEE offers college-
bound high school graduates an opportunity
Student with to acquire a broader global perspective, foster
Adventures
independence, and gain self-knowledge during
Cross-Country
making new friends an exciting gap year abroad program.
in the Masai Village, Program Location(s): Chile, China,
Tanzania. See listing Dominican Republic, France, Japan, Spain
below, ad on page 8.
Name: Nate Dyer
Phone: (800) 40-STUDY (78839)
Email: ndyer@ciee.org
Address: 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101
Website: www.ciee.org/gap

City Year
Phone: (617) 927-2500
Community Service Address: 287 Columbus Avenue,
Boston, MA 02116
Adventures Cross-Country: Website: www.cityyear.org
Gap Year Programs (ARCC)
ARCC has been offering programs for young adults Global Citizen Year
since 1983. ARCC GAP Semesters are an opportunity Phone: (415) 963-9293
to live and learn in some of the greatest classrooms on
Address: 466 Geary Street, Suite 400,
earth as students embark on a journey of discovery of
San Francisco, CA 94102
local peoples, places, cultures, and ideas.
Website: www.globalcitizenyear.org
Program Location(s): Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda;
Asia: China, Thailand, Tibet; Latin America: Chile,
Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru Global Routes
Phone: (800) 767-2722 Global Routes is a pioneer in the world of
Email: info@adventurescrosscountry.com experiential, international programming for
Address: 242 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941 young adults. Through their community service
Website: www.adventurescrosscountry.com programs, participants live and work side-
by-side with host families in small, rural
communities throughout the world.
Basti Ram Program Location(s): Belize, Brazil,
Basti Ram's mission is to help rural communities in Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Dominican
India by running projects that are designed to give Republic, Ecuador, India, Kenya, Nepal,
access to education, learning, and skills. They accept Peru, Tanzania, Thailand
volunteers of all ages and all professions and welcome Name: Rosie Perera
anyone with a big heart and a generous disposition. Phone: (413) 585-8895
Program Location(s): India, United Kingdom Email: mail@globalroutes.org
Phone: +44 07515 857865 Address: One Short Street,
Email: bastiram.uk@gmail.com Northampton, MA 01060
Address: 17 Dalkeith Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1JD Website: www.globalroutes.org
United Kingdom
Website: www.bastiram.org.uk

GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

Global Vision International Maasai International
Phone: (888) 653-6028 Challenge Africa (MICA)
Address: 66 Long Wharf, Suite 562 S, Boston, MA 02110 MICA, a non-profit organization based in
Website: www.gviusa.com Tanzania, places volunteers in different
schools, hospitals, and orphanages, and
also organizes safari adventures in Africa,
Kuchanga Travel Asia, and Latin America.
Kuchanga Travel connects individuals and organizations Program Location(s): Africa, Asia,
to a wonderful range of volunteer opportunities and Latin America
adventure. Name: Edward Laiser
Program Location(s): Mozambique, South Africa, Phone: +255 767707352
Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zanzibar Email: info@micatz.org
Name: Joanne Trangle Address: P.O. Box 14950, Arusha,
Phone: (612) 432-4473 0255 Tanzania
Email: joanne@kuchangatravel.com Website: www.micatz.org
Address: 5536 Loring Lane, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Website: www.kuchangatravel.com
Ocean Classroom:
Horizon Gap Program
The Horizon Gap Program is a tall-ship
voyage in the Caribbean that includes
humanitarian, environmental, and cultural
projects that have lasting impact. It provides
a framework for personal challenge, adven-
ture, and self-understanding in a supportive
community of students learning at sea.
Program Location(s): Eastern Seaboard,
Caribbean, United States
Name: Susan Hodder
Phone: (207) 633-2750
Email: agraham@oceanclassroom.org
Address: 1 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor,
ME 04538
Website: www.oceanclassroom.org

Projects Abroad
Phone: (888) 839-3535
Address: 347 West 36th Street, Suite 903,
New York, NY 10018
Website: www.projects-abroad.org

Teen wildlife volunteer holding a lion cub with
African Conservation Experience. See listing
on page 23, ad on page 13.


student profile
In Her Own Words
Why did you decide to participate in a gap year
program?
“ I learned so much:
independence,
I knew I was ready for a break from academics and
a traditional classroom education. I was thinking I self-confidence, how
wanted to go abroad on some kind of experiential
to take initiative, and
”
learning program, but I wasn’t sure exactly where
I wanted to go. All I knew was that I didn’t want a respect for others.
scholastic program.

How did you research gap year programs and What was the most memorable part of your gap year
decide which to do? experience?
One day at school, I noticed a colorful poster on When we crossed the Equator in the middle of the night.
a bulletin board with a photo of the Sea|mester The staff woke us all up to watch as we crossed the “line.“
sailboat (“Argo”), so I wrote down the contact details We had a little ceremony on the deck, where we each threw
and immediately sent away for more information. something overboard to appease Neptune (god of the sea)
It sounded amazing, so I signed up. I was ready for and commemorate our first crossing. I threw in my anti-
an adventure, and I got one. nausea pills because I became a true sailor that night—
no more seasickness!
Were you already an experienced sailor?
No, not at all. I’d taken a few sailing lessons at What did you learn by participating in a gap year?
summer camp when I was little, but I didn’t know I learned so much: independence, self-confidence, how
anything about being out at sea for a long period to take initiative, and respect for others (essential when
of time. I lived on the Sea|mester boat for 90 days, you’re living in close quarters with a crew for 3 months).
sailing between Australia and Thailand with 17 The experience made me more willing to try new things.
other shipmates and 5 staff members. I also became an advanced diver and trained as crew for
ocean sailing. These are valuable skills I can use for the
rest of my life. When I got home I got certified as a dive
instructor and worked last summer teaching diving in the
British Virgin Islands with Action Quest, which is one of
Sea|mester’s programs for high school students.
Viktoria
Low Would you encourage other students to take part in a gap
Graduate of
year program?
the University
of Oregon and Yes, absolutely. It really changed my whole direction in life.
Fortuna High It was an unforgettable experience, and one I’ve continued
School in
Fortuna, CA
to learn from since coming home. I liked it so much, in fact,
that I’m now working for Sea|mester as their West Coast
representative.


European Art and Culture
Six week courses & Semester

Founded in the UK in 1987, AHA provides structured courses
of art history and European civilization. Accompanied
throughout by unstuffy, brilliant tutors, students enjoy a full
program of onsite tutorials.
Meet like minded students from around the world
and make good friends. Stay in the right places, see
the most wonderful art and expand your cultural
horizons on this unique, worthwhile course.
Six week courses run throughout the year to Italy.
There are also a variety of two week summer courses
to Venice, Florence and Rome. NEW Autumn Semester
program: A 90 day program that starts in London
(European culture and politics) then to Paris (Impressionism
and Modernism) then to Tuscany (language, cuisine
or practical art) before joining our six week art history
course travelling the length of Italy.

A RT H I S T O RY A B R O A D

telephone: +44 (0)1379 871800
facebook.com/art.historyabroad www.arthistoryabroad.com
AHA USA Magazine Advert.indd 1 11/10/2011 18:10

Gap Year? Now What?
GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

Raleigh International
Follow in the footsteps of Prince William and Catherine
Middleton by joining a Raleigh service learning and
adventure expedition. Young people from around the
world gain valuable work skills while volunteering on
sustainable community and environmental projects for
five to ten weeks worldwide.
Program Location(s): Borneo, Costa Rica, India,
Nicaragua
Name: Stacey Adams
Phone: +44 (0)20 7183 1270
Email: info@raleigh.org.uk
Address: 207 Waterloo Road, 3rd Floor, London,
Volunteer Abroad with
SE1 8XD United Kingdom Greenheart Travel
Website: www.raleighinternational.org
Change your perspectives. Change your life.
Rustic Pathways: Gap Year Programs Travel for a Change.
Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing empowering
community service, experiential learning, language, 1.888.ABROAD.1 | 746 N. LaSalle Dr., Chicago, IL
and adventure experiences for students in truly amaz- www.greenhearttravel.org
ing places all over the world. From one month to nine
months, they offer gap year options to suit any budget
and timeframe.
Program Location(s): Australia, Burma, Cambodia,
China, Costa Rica, Fiji, Ghana, India, Laos, Morocco,
Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru,
Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam Set your own course
Name: Tim Porter-DeVriese
Phone: (800) 321-4353
Email: gap@rusticpathways.com
Address: P.O. Box 1150, Willoughby, OH 44096
Website: www.rusticpathways.com/gap

Thinking Beyond Borders (TBB)
Thinking Beyond Borders empowers and inspires
students to address critical global issues. TBB’s Global
Gap Year, Ecuador Gap Semester, and Thailand Gap
Semester programs feature fieldwork, homestays, and
academic study in developing communities.
Program Location(s): Cambodia, China, Ecuador, India,
Peru, South Africa, Thailand, United States take the helm of your education
Name: Robin Pendoley • fall, SPrinG & Summer SemeSterS
Phone: (203) 993-0236 • tWelVe academic creditS
Email: robin@thinkingbeyondborders.org • marine Science & leaderShiP
Address: P.O. Box 656, Fairfield, CT 06824 • ScuBa & SailinG certificationS
Website: www.thinkingbeyondborders.org • no eXPerience neceSSary

WWW.SEAMESTER.COM/GAP

GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

United Planet Volunteers For Peace (VFP)
United Planet offers programs which VFP provides affordable cultural
place volunteers in several countries exchange and meaningful volunteer
around the world. Volunteers not only work in over 100 countries. Offering
live with host families and work on more than 3,000 projects, VFP helps
community projects, but they also individuals and groups plan their
enjoy excursions, language classes, short- or long-term service
and excellent support in the country. adventure overseas or in the U.S.
Programs range from one to Program Location(s): France, Haiti,
52 weeks. Iceland, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya,
Program Location(s): The Americas, Mexico
Asia, Africa, Europe, Middle East, Name: Meg Brook
the Pacific Phone: (802) 540-3060
Name: Mary Babic Email: info@vfp.org
Phone: (617) 267-7763 Address: 7 Kilburn Street,
Teen getting her hair
braided while visiting with Email: quest@unitedplanet.org Suite 316, Burlington, VT 05401
a family in Lake Eyasi, Address: 11 Arlington Street, Website: www.vfp.org
Tanzania with KUCHANGA Boston, MA 02116
Travel. See listing on
Website: www.unitedplanet.org
page 18.

GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

Environmental Conservation
African Conservation Experience
From hands-on work at wildlife rehabilitation centers to
helping field researchers and rangers, or assisting wild-
life vets, African Conservation Experience offers volunteer
placements at exciting wildlife conservation projects
throughout southern Africa.
Program Location(s): Botswana, Mauritius, South Africa
Phone: (510) 530-5303
Email: info@conservationafrica.net
Address: P.O. Box 2739, Oakland, CA 94602
Website: www.conservationafrica.net

Blue Ventures
Blue Ventures is an award-winning marine conservation
organization dedicated to conservation, education, and
sustainable development in tropical coastal communities.
Volunteers join three- to eight-week expeditions at Blue
Ventures’ sites in Madagascar or Belize.
Program Location(s): Andavadoaka, Madagascar;
Sarteneja, Belize
Name: Kate Guy
Phone: +44 (0)207 359 1287
Email: kate@blueventures.org
Address: AH309 a/b, 22-24 Highbury Grove,
London, N5 2EA United Kingdom
Website: www.blueventures.org

Gap Year South Africa
Phone: (805) 354-5632
Address: P.O. Box 592, Cambridge, CB10ES United Kingdom
Website: www.gapyearsouthafrica.com

International School for Earth
Studies: Gap Semester (ISES)
ISES is a private, interdisciplinary institution specializing
in earth-based studies. ISES seeks students who wish
to explore their interests in responsible and sustainable
environmental stewardship, developing tomorrow’s
environmentally sensitive leaders.
Program Location(s): Quebec, Canada
Name: Geoffrey Cushing
Phone: (819) 647-3226
Email: info1@earth-studies.ca
Address: 197 Fierobin Road, Ladysmith, QC J0X 2A0 Canada
Website: www.earth-studies.ca

Making the Case for a Gap Year
By Robert Clagett

ou’re in high school, working hard to create
a strong academic record, getting involved in
all of the right extracurricular activities, and
doing anything and everything you possibly
can to get admitted to the college of your
dreams. But is it starting to feel like getting into college
has become the primary motivation for everything that
you do?

If the answer is “yes,” then you may need to reevalu-
ate. Take a step back and truly think about what your
educational, personal, and professional goals beyond
high school might be. Explore what you want to study
and why. Maybe take a year off to do something different.
Maybe a gap year.

More and more American graduates are doing just
that—postponing college to engage in a potentially
life-changing gap year experience. Ranging from
service-learning trips all over the world to organizations
closer to home that serve local communities, there are
a plethora of quality gap year programs to choose from,
many of which are listed in this guide. Ultimately, what
you do with your gap year is far less important than
allowing yourself to pursue your own dreams and
ambitions. The benefits of time taken off after high
school, regardless of what you pursue during that year,
are many.

Often, parents worry that students who take a gap
year will lose their hard-earned study skills when they
Robert Clagett is a former Dean put their formal education on hold for a year. However,
of Admissions at Middlebury College. the opposite is true. At Middlebury College, for example,
students who took a gap year have, on average, higher
GPA's than those who didn't. They even do better than
their high school academic credentials (GPA, test scores,
etc.) would have predicted, more so than their non gap-
year classmates.


making the case for a gap year

Take a step back and truly think about
what your educational, personal, and professional
goals beyond high school might be...
maybe take a year off to do something different.
These academic benefits are not surprising, You can always defer your enrollment for a
considering students who have taken a gap year are year. Most schools will gladly accept your deferral,
typically more focused, more mature, and more prepared especially upon knowing about your gap year deci-
to take advantage of all of the opportunities that higher sion. According to Kristin White, the author of The
education affords. The significant confidence and personal Complete Guide to the Gap Year, here are average
growth from taking a gap year helps them define them- numbers of freshmen who delay their college
selves more clearly from the very start of college. And start at some leading schools: Cornell (50 to 60),
that in turn, helps them come closer to realizing their Dartmouth (20 to 30), Georgetown (15 to 25) and
own potential as students while in school. Now isn’t that Yale (30 to 40).
what your education should be all about?

Then, come September of the following year,
It might sound scary to deviate from the norm in such you’ll have the college you’ve chosen waiting for
a dramatic way, and taking a gap year does require some you, and you’ll be refreshed and ready to begin.
serious planning and consideration. Cost, for example, is Truthfully, “refreshed” is often an understatement
a factor, but for many programs financial aid is available. for students who’ve gone on a gap year. Most come
Some programs involving farming or language immersion away from it feeling like a whole new person, one
offer a small salary. who’s ready to take on the world.

Despite the appeal and perks of taking a gap year, So think about it. Think about the ways in
the logistical end of things can be a little tricky too. When which you could grow and benefit from the invest-
you’re considering your post-high school options, just bear ment you and your family will be making in your
in mind that if you decide to take a gap year, it probably college education. Most importantly, think about
still makes sense for you to apply to college during your doing something for the pure love of it, and not
senior year. It is far easier to go through the process because it might help you get into college.
with the help of your family and school, especially with
resources like counselors, teachers, and others who stand
ready to assist you.

Robert Clagett is the former Dean of Admissions at Middlebury College. He also worked in admissions at Harvard University
for more than twenty years and has taught at The Governor’s Academy in Massachusetts and at the International School of
Hamburg in Germany.


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GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

Dynamy Internship Year
At Dynamy, education takes on a new meaning.
Students from ages 17-22 years old explore
their talents and pursue interests through
hands-on internships, apartment living,
college courses, and adventure challenge.
Students walk away with real-world and
real-life experiences that better prepare
them for college, a career, and beyond.
Program Location(s): Worcester,
Massachusetts
Name: Kathy Cheng
Phone: (508) 755-2571 x18
Email: kcheng@dynamy.org
Address: 27 Sever Street, Worcester, MA 01609
Students traveling in Siena, Italy with Bel Camino. Website: www.internshipyear.org
See listing on page 30, ad on page 6.

VisitOz: Work in Australia
Paid jobs are guaranteed in rural and Outback
The Leap areas on farms, ranches, and in hospitality,
Phone: +44(0)1672 519922 childcare, and teaching. VisitOz students are
Address: 121 High Street, Marlborough, offered an initial nine-day farm training and
WIL SN8 1LZ United Kingdom safety course before work.
Website: www.theleap.co.uk Program Location(s): Australia
Name: Joanna and Dan Burnet
Phone: +61 (07) 41 686 185
Internship & Email: info@visitoz.org
Work Experience Address: 8921 Burnett Highway, Goomeri, QLD
04601 Australia
Website: www.visitoz.org
Bridge the Divide Foundation, Inc.
Bridge The Divide offers both volunteer and paid
exchange programs between the People's Republic of
China and the U.S. in the teaching of conversational
Special Interest
language and customs. Volunteer programs range
from two to four weeks; employment programs paid The Apprenticeshop
by the People’s Rebublic of China are a semester or A school for traditional boat building and
longer. Ability to speak or write Chinese is not required. seamanship.
Program Location(s): China, United States Program Location(s): Rockland, Maine
Name: John Metelski Name: Eric Stockinger, Executive Director
Phone: (540) 882-4058 Phone: (207) 594-1800
Email: jmetelski@bridgethedividefoundation.com Email: info@apprenticeshop.org
Address: 15037 Thicket Court, Waterford, VA 20197 Address: 643 Main Street, Rockland, ME 04841
Website: www.bridgethedividefoundation.com Website: www.apprenticeshop.org


GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

Pioneer Ranches Canada Gap Program Bel Camino
Pioneer Ranches, Canada has an exciting four- or Bel Camino's Semester in Siena offers young adults a
eight-month Gap program that provides opportunities three-month immersion in the language, culture, and
to develop leadership skills, sample college landscape of Italy. Highlights include: a homestay,
courses, try out some trades, and experience language study, cultural excursions, instruction in the
ministry trips to Guatemala and the Australian creative arts, and a week-long hike in Tuscany.
Outback with a January or August start. Program Location(s): Siena and Toscana, Italy
Program Location(s): Australia, Canada, Guatemala Name: Carla Fabian
Name: David Arnold Phone: (305) 877-4937
Phone: (888) 511-2660 Email: info@belcamino.org
Email: info@pioneercamps.ab.ca Address: 5001 London Walk (Quayside),
Address: Box 660, Sundre, Alberta T0M 1X0 Canada Miami, FL 33138
Website: www.pioneercamps.ab.ca/getinvolved/ Website: www.belcamino.org
gap.php
Class Afloat Gap Year
Travel/Culture Phone: (800) 301-7245
Address: 97 Kaulbach Street, P.O. Box 10,
Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0 Canada
ANDEO Website: www.classafloat.com
ANDEO is a non-profit organization specializing
in educational homestay programs since 1981.
Greenheart Travel
They offer flexible gap year programs to fit each
student's individual goals, interests, schedules, Greenheart Travel, a division of Center for Cultural
and budgets in more than ten countries. Interchange (CCI), is passionate about helping teens and
adults reach their full potential through unforgettable
Program Location(s): China, Costa Rica, Ecuador,
experiences abroad. They strive to use cultural exchange
France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua,
to promote global understanding, academic development,
Peru, Spain
environmental consciousness, and world peace.
Name: Andrea Bailey
Program Location(s): Argentina, Australia, Brazil,
Phone: (800) 274-6007 Cambodia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France,
Email: info@andeo.org Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico,
Address: 620 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 625, Portland, Peru, Scandinavia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain,
OR 97204 Tanzania, Thailand
Website: www.andeo.org Name: Anna Kacyn
Phone: (888) 227-6231
Art History Abroad Email: travelabroad@greenhearttravel.org
Art History Abroad students not only immerse Address: 746 North LaSalle Drive, Chicago, IL 60647
themselves in European culture and beautiful Ital- Website: www.greenhearttravel.org
ian art, but are taught to draw connections between
art history, philosophy, music, and literature to
make learning about art interesting and fun.
Program Location(s): France, Italy
Name: Nick Ross
Phone: +44 1379 871800
Email: info@arthistoryabroad.com
Address: The Red House, 1 Lambseth Street, Eye, Sign in to www.teenLife.com for
SFK IP23 7AG United Kingdom more information on all listings.
Website: www.arthistoryabroad.com


Student profile
“ I wanted tothat would have
find a unique

In Her Own Words personal meaning.”
experience

What exactly were you looking for in a gap year program?
I wanted a program that would allow me to do volunteer work
abroad, get university credit, and provide time to travel and go on
adventure excursions such as rafting and trekking. I also wanted
to study a new language and learn about other cultures to help
me understand the world better.

What did you do on your gap year experience?
I had two very different but equally amazing experiences. I spent
three months in northern India, working with Mother Teresa’s
organization, Missionaries of Charity. We lived and volunteered
in a variety of settings and stayed in hostels, hotels, and with
Tibetan host families. I took Hindi lessons and learned yoga
while living at an ashram. We also visited cultural landmarks.
For the second part of my gap year I went to Peru with Carpe
Diem’s Latitudes program. I studied Spanish in school for one
month and then lived on an eco-farm for two months to learn
about sustainable farming in underprivileged communities.

What was the most memorable part of your gap year
experience?
The most memorable part of my gap year experience was
Amanda Carnahan getting to know the group I had the honor of traveling with in
Graduate of Camas High School in
Camas, Oregon and Portland State University India. I really had no idea what to expect. But as time went on,
I gained the most amazing friends, who are now like family.
I don’t think I have ever laughed so much in my life! I will
always cherish our adventures together.
Why did you decide to participate in a gap year
program? What did you learn by participating in a gap year?
I felt completely burnt out from school and was at a loss I learned that I could handle anything! I learned to trust myself
as to what I wanted to do with my life. I was looking for and have self-confidence. I learned better communication skills
something new and exciting and decided I wanted to find and techniques to handle stress. I also got a glimpse into the
a unique experience that would have personal meaning. potential we, as individuals, have to impact our world. Most
importantly, my experience gave me the courage to be myself, to
How did you research gap year programs and stand out in a crowd, and to show others positive ways to
decide which to do? approach life.
I started by searching online for volunteer opportuni-
ties and study-abroad programs. There were tons of Would you encourage other students to take part in a gap
options, but I couldn’t find one with all the components year program?
I was looking for, at a price I could afford. With a bit Yes, I think a gap year is crucial for everyone, because it lets you
more searching I eventually found Carpe Diem Educa- break free from your regular classroom education and see the
tion. After talking to Carpe Diem’s executive director world in a whole new light. My two different experiences each
myself, I was confident the program was right for me. challenged me to think more critically about my opinions and
my cultural values.

GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

Students on stage with traditional Cambodian
dancers with Thinking Beyond Borders. See
listing on page 21, ad on inside front cover.

i-to-i Volunteering
i-to-i Volunteering has been running incredible volunteer
programs and adventure options since 1994. i-to-i's pro-
grams are the perfect way to meet new people, immerse
yourself in new cultures, and make a difference abroad.
Program Location(s): Africa, Asia, Australia,
Latin America
Name: Tom Sharp
Phone: (800) 985-4852
Email: travel@i-to-i.com
Address: 61-63 Chatham Street, 5th Floor,
Boston, MA 02109
Website: www.i-to-i.com

LEAPNOW
Phone: (888) 424-5327
Address: 11640 Highway 128, Calistoga, CA 94515
Website: www.leapnow.org

Map the Gap International
Phone: (203) 672-5950
Address: P.O. Box 872, Seymour, CT 06483
Website: www.mapthegapinternational.com

Masa Israel Journey
Phone: (866) 864-3279
Address: 633 Third Avenue, 21st Floor,
New York, NY 10017
Website: www.masaisrael.org

GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

SFYI International School
Phone: (877) 997-7686 Volunteers For Peace
Address: 54 Wildwood Lane, Sandpoint, ID 83864 International Voluntary Service for 30 years
Website: www.sfyi.org
Offering more than 3,000 affordable projects
Travellers Worldwide in over 100 countries, including the US.
Travellers Worldwide offers more than 300 ❖2-week to 1-year service projects.
voluntary projects abroad in 21 countries, including
care and community projects, teaching, sports ❖Custom built projects to meet your
coaching, conservation, marine, language and cultural,
personal or group schedule and interest.
drama, dance, and music—with even more experiential ❖$300 Registration for all projects.
internships to choose from! ($500 if you are under 18-years old.)
Program Location(s): Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Learn more at vfp.org.
Cambodia, China, Ecuador, Galapagos, Ghana, India,
Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Peru,
South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Name: Kristin Marucci
Phone: (603) 574-4935
Email: info@travellersworldwide.com
Volunteers For Peace, 7 Kilburn ST Suite 316, Burlington, VT 05401
Address: Suite 2A, Caravelle House, 17/19 www.vfp.org ~ 802-540-3060 ~ info@vfp.org
Goring Road, Worthing, SXW BN12 4AP England
Website: www.travellersworldwide.com

Where There Be Dragons
Dragons programs are rugged journeys that introduce
students to the distinctly unique qualities of life in
gap year abroad
language / culture / challenge
the developing world. Each carefully crafted program
combines remote travel with homestays, service work,
language study, and internships.
Program Location(s): Bolivia, Brazil, Burma,
Cambodia, China, El Salvador, India, Indonesia,
Jordan, Laos, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Peru,
Deferring college
Rwanda, Senegal, Sikkim, Thailand, Tibet for a semester or
Name: Chris Yager a year? Bridge
Phone: (800) 982-9203 the Gap between
Email: chris@wheretherebedragons.com
high school and
Address: 3200 Carbon Place #102, Boulder, CO 80301
Website: www.wheretherebedragons.com
college with a
Gap Year Abroad
program with
Gap Year Advisor CIEE. Six amazing
The Center for Interim Programs countries and cultures
Phone: (609) 683-4300 to choose from!
Address: 195 Nassau Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 5,
Princeton, NJ 08542
Website: www.interimprograms.com

w w w. c i e e . o r g / g a p

Australia is the smallest continent with the
biggest work opportunities in the Outback!

isitOz guarantees adventurous outdoor work
for students and visitors who want to experience
Australia’s sun, sea, and rugged terrain, while
earning good money at the same time. VisitOz
provides a wide range of jobs in just about any
farming or hospitality trade in the rural areas
and the Outback.
To give you an idea, farm and station jobs include everything
from working with horses, cattle or sheep, driving a tractor or bull-
dozer, mechanical work, fencing, and farm maintenance, to working
in stables, trail riding centers, with racehorses, polo ponies, and
camp draft horses. Hospitality jobs include working on Host Farms
and in hotels, bars, and roadhouses in the Outback. There are even
opportunities to be “homestead helpers” who assist with all duties in
the homestead and sometimes act as educational tutors.
Skilled plumbers, electricians, mechanics, construction workers,
and maintenance workers are also in high demand.
Participants in the VisitOz program don’t have to be experienced
agricultural workers. After the initial period to get over jet lag–with
sand, sea, surf and sun—every VisitOz adventure starts with a short
Introduction to Agriculture course at Springbrook Farm or one of the
other associate farms. At the training farm you’ll be given an intro-
duction to all of the farming basics and safety essentials you’ll need
to work in the Outback.
You will also need a Work and Holiday visa (good for up to one
year), which you can obtain yourself on the internet. Jobs are paid
at a union negotiated rate and all include free food and housing.
In just nine days after arriving in Australia, VisitOz participants
go off to the job of their choice. Come to Australia and do something
different!


A Gap Year Checklist
It is important to be prepared for anything and everything when
traveling with a Gap Year Program. Here is a general list of things
you must—and might—need to pack.

Necessary Travel Documents General Toiletries Weather Appropriate Clothing
Passport Shampoo T-shirts
Passport photos Toothbrush & toothpaste Shorts/short skirts
Debit & credit cards Deodorant Underwear
Prepaid currency cards Razors Casual light pants
Traveler’s checks Shaving gel or oil Jeans
Wallet or purse Suntan lotion Hat (hot or cold weather)
Prepaid international calling Moisturizing cream Comfortable travel shoes
cards (SIM cards) Insect/mosquito repellent Bathing suit
Insurance policy Antibiotic cream Sunglasses
Flight tickets Bandages Plastic rain poncho
Local bus/train tickets Lightweight travel towels Going out/dress up outfit
Youth hostel card Brush/comb
Student identity card Toilet paper
Immunization records Tissues Other Useful Items
Discount card (worldtravelcard.com) Nail clippers Book of language (and key phrases)
Multiple copies of trip documents to communicate with locals
Contact information for Day pack/backpack
U.S. embassies Sleeping bag
Alarm clock
Pen & paper or journal
Camera
ART HISTORY Combination padlock
ABROAD students Vitamins
admiring renaissance
Universal sink plug
murals on the
interior walls of the Glasses/contacts prescription
Barancacci Chapel in Ball of string
Florence. See listing Sewing kit
on page 30, ad on
page 20. Resealable plastic bags
Mosquito net
Balloons and other small
giveaways for kids you meet


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Join at www.teenlife.com now! N
AP
PA A O M
WA R D S . C

Student profile “this amazing globaland having
Taking a year off
experience
In His Own Words wanted tomy ideainofcollege.I”
changed
study
what

Describe your gap year experience.
I went on Thinking Beyond Borders’ global study program.
In eight months we visited seven countries total, and spent
five weeks living with host families and studying global
development issues in each of our four “core” countries.
In Ecuador we had seminars on water conservation and
natural resource management; in India we learned about
sustainable agriculture; in China we examined education
in developing nations; and in South Africa we discussed
Zander
public health issues and HIV/AIDS. In each country we did
Rounds
Graduate of a hands-on project to put what we learned into practice.
Brookline When we returned to the U.S. we spent time in New York and
High School, Washington, DC, meeting with international development
Brookline, MA
College: organizations. As part of the program, we also were required
Georgetown to visit high schools and present on our experiences.
University

What was most memorable about your gap year
experience?
Working with HIV/AIDS patients in South Africa is something
I will never forget. It was the most emotional part of the trip
because it was the first time I had seen people dealing with
death and loss. Getting to know each of my host families
was challenging, but really rewarding because I found I was
Why did you choose to participate in a gap year? able to form very strong bonds with people from completely
different backgrounds.
I had known for a long time that I wanted to do a gap
year between high school and college, and I thought I
knew exactly what I wanted to do: go back to China. I had
How did your gap year influence your future goals?
already done a high school exchange program in China Taking a year off and having this amazing global experience
my sophomore year and had spent the summer there changed my idea of what I wanted to study in college. In fact,
before my senior year. I planned to work on an organic during my year off I decided to transfer from Georgetown’s
farm for half the year and then teach English. My parents College of Arts and Science, where I was originally accepted,
wanted me to consider some other options, though. to its School of Foreign Service. I had to submit a whole new
application, but my gap year helped me realize I wanted a
How did you decide which gap year program to do? foundation in economics and government, so it was worth it.
My mother researched a lot of programs online, but I
was stubborn and wasn’t open to considering what she Would you encourage other students to participate
suggested. Finally, she persuaded me to come along in a gap year program?
to a Thinking Beyond Borders info session, which was Yes, definitely. Taking a gap year has helped me appreciate
being held at a friend’s house. I met one of the pro- college more. In my freshman class, about 13 other students
gram’s founders, and felt an immediate connection. The were coming from gap years, and I’ve become good friends
program’s mission to study international development with most of them. We share a special bond that comes from
resonated with me, so I decided to sign up. having seen the world through different eyes.

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Advertiser Resource Page
If you would like to know more about a specific advertiser, simply
go to the advertiser link below or click on it in our digital guide at
http://www.teenlife.com/2012GapYearGuide.

page

8 Adventures Cross-Country: Gap Year Programs (ARCC)* www.teenlife.com/arcc
13 African Conservation Experience www.teenlife.com/ace
20 Art History Abroad* www.teenlife.com/aha
22 Aspire by API: Gap Year Abroad Programs* www.teenlife.com/aspire
9 Basti Ram www.teenlife.com/bastiram
6 Bel Camino www.teenlife.com/belcamino
28 Carpe Diem Education* www.teenlife.com/carpe
6 CESA Languages Abroad www.teenlife.com/cesa
9 Cheshire Academy Postgraduate Program www.teenlife.com/cheshire
33 CIEE: Gap Year Abroad* www.teenlife.com/ciee
4 Dynamy Internship Year* www.teenlife.com/dynamy
10 Global Routes* www.teenlife.com/gr
21 Greenheart Travel www.teenlife.com/greenheart
32 International School for Earth Studies: Gap Semester (ISES)* www.teenlife.com/ises
13 Maasai International Challenge Africa (MICA) www.teenlife.com/mica
23 Pioneer Ranches Canada Gap Program* www.teenlife.com/pioneer
C3 Rustic Pathways: Gap Year Programs* www.teenlife.com/rustic
21, C4 Sea|mester* www.teenlife.com/seamester
27 Student Advantage www.teenlife.com/studentadvantage
C2 Thinking Beyond Borders (TBB)* www.teenlife.com/tbb
16 Up with People* www.teenlife.com/uwp
36 VisitOz: Work in Australia www.teenlife.com/visitoz
33 Volunteers For Peace (VFP) www.teenlife.com/vfp
15 Where There Be Dragons www.teenlife.com/dragons
24 Youth For Understanding (YFU) www.teenlife.com/yfu

*Indicates Keystone Exhibitor at USA Gap Year Fairs


Index
There are hundreds of gap year programs across the country and the world. We hope
that the programs listed in our Guide to Gap Year Programs will help you get started on
a wonderful adventure.

featured listings
17 Adventures Cross-Country: Gap Year Programs (ARCC)* 18 Kuchanga Travel
23 African Conservation Experience 29 The Leap*
30 ANDEO 32 LEAPNOW*
29 The Apprenticeshop 32 Map the Gap International*
30 Art History Abroad* 18 Maasai International Challenge Africa (MICA)
11 Aspire by API: Gap Year Abroad Programs* 32 Masa Israel Journey*
17 Basti Ram 14 National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)*
30 Bel Camino 14 North Carolina Outward Bound
23 Blue Ventures 18 Ocean Classroom: Horizon Gap Program
29 Bridge the Divide Foundation, Inc. 13 Ocean Classroom: SEAmester College Semester
14 Carpe Diem Education* 30 Pioneer Ranches Camps*
33 The Center for Interim Programs* 18 Projects Abroad*
11 Center For Study Abroad (CSA) 21 Raleigh International
12 CESA Languages Abroad 15 Real Gap Experience
12 Cheshire Academy Postgraduate Program 21 Rustic Pathways: Gap Year Programs*
17 CIEE: Gap Year Abroad* 13 Sea|mester*
17 City Year* 33 SFYI International School*
30 Class Afloat Gap Year* 13 Sol Abroad High School & Gap Year Programs
29 Dynamy Internship Year* 21 Thinking Beyond Borders (TBB)*
23 Gap Year South Africa* 33 Travellers Worldwide*
17 Global Citizen Year* 22 United Planet*
17 Global Routes* 15 Up with People*
18 Global Vision International* 29 VisitOz: Work in Australia
30 Greenheart Travel 22 Volunteers For Peace (VFP)
32 i-to-i Volunteering 33 Where There Be Dragons
23 International School for Earth Studies: 15 World Challenge Expeditions*
Gap Semester (ISES)* 14 Youth For Understanding (YFU) USA
12 ISA Gap Year*

*Indicates Keystone Exhibitor at USA Gap Year Fairs

Enlightening experiences, amazing
places, inspiring people...
Rustic Pathways offers unmatched Gap Year programs
from one to nine months on any budget.

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Service ■ Learning ■ Adventure ■ Discovery
1.800.321.4353 ■ gap@rusticpathways.com
rusticpathways.com/gap

www.seamester.com/gaP
The semester
abroad that will
put you miles
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Start your
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TeenLife 2012 Guide to Gap Year Programs

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