Gap programs for high school graduates are highly recommended as they offer valuable experiences while equipping graduates with valuable skills. You can choose from a variety of programs, from education experiences to profound learning adventures and wilderness exploration. As a high school graduate, the skills you pick up here will set you up for life in college and beyond.
Different types of gap year programs hold different learning experiences. Gap pre-college programs offer students the opportunity to travel the world and learn new cultural experiences, social dynamics, and social justice. This article covers some of the best and most popular gap programs for high school graduates.
Why High School Students Should Attend a Gap Program
You should attend a gap year program because they offer life experience that could greatly impact your academic, personal, and professional life. Completing high school can be confusing for you as you might struggle to find your purpose, direction, and career path.
The gap year experience opens your mind to the broader world and supplies you with the right motivation to find your purpose. Cultural excursions to Central America or South America can increase your international understanding, especially if you stay with a host family. Language immersion is also a great way to become fluent in a new language.
Some pre-college gap programs contribute to college credit to help with your college education. They can also give you time to discover which undergraduate program will best serve your future goals. There is an abundance of program options that will help you pick up a wide range of soft skills and practical skills. These will come in handy when attending college.
High School Student Requirements for Gap Program
Organizations offering gap programs for high school graduates have different requirements for interested gap year students. One of the standard requirements for most gap programs is that you need to be between the ages of 17 and 23.
Can High School Students Attend a Gap Program Online?
Yes, high school students can attend a gap year online. Some organizations, like American University, offer online gap programs. There are a wide variety of gap programs that will give you the perfect experience and life skills, from outdoor education to full-time service disaster relief.
You can also gain volunteer experience, civic leadership skills, or assist with sustainable community service projects. Students can also pick up valuable transferable skills if they attend internship programs or apprenticeship programs.
How High School Students Can Get Into a Gap Program
- Research and identify your ideal programs. Getting into a gap pre-college program starts with researching and identifying one which suits you the most. Which country would you like to visit? What skills, lessons, or experiences do you want? There are many different gap year programs for students, all serving diverse purposes.
- Create an account with the program provider. The next thing to do is touch base with the program provider. Feel free to ask any questions during this process. Some organizations might ask you to create an account or complete registration if you want to enroll in the program.
- Submit your application. Before submitting your application, make sure you complete and surpass the requirements. Check your schedule and make sure everything lines up in your favor.
- Pay the tuition fee and get started. Once your application is accepted, paying tuition is the last thing you should do to get into gap programs for high school graduates. Some educational programs even provide need-based financial aid.
Popular Gap Programs for High School Students
| Program | Cost | Location | Duration |
| American University Gap Program | $12,376 (7 credits), $17,680 (10 credits) | Off campus houses near AU’s main campus in Washington | Varied (one or two semesters) |
| Amigos De Las Américas – Gap Semester Cuenca Ecuador | $13,775 | Online and Ecuador (Pre-training online then ground training upon arrival in Ecuador) | 15 weeks |
| ARCC Gap Year | $14,500 | East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) | About 2 months |
| Carpe Diem Education | $17,900 | Italy and Greece | About 2 months |
| Gapforce- Australia Adventure | £2,650 (4 weeks) £3,750 (7 weeks) | Australia | 4 weeks or 7 weeks |
| High Mountain Institute | $16,900 | Central Patagonia | Varied |
| International Volunteer HQ- Volunteer in Madagascar | $565 for 1 week | The islands of Nosy Komba, Nosy Be, Ampoagna Beach and surrounding islands | You can volunteer for 1-12 weeks |
| Irish Gap Year | $16,550 | Dublin | 79 days |
| Pacific Discovery – (Hawaii Gap SemesterConservation, Surfing & Cultural Immersion) | $14,000 | Hawaii | 60 days |
| Youth International | $4,950 ($5,550) | Kenya, Nepal | 1 month |
The Best Gap Pre-College Programs
American University Gap Program
- Discipline: Public policy or international affairs
- Learning Method: Internship
The American University is a private research institution based in Washington. US News and World Report rank this university as the 79th best in the country. The American University offers an academic internship program designed to teach you more about public policy and international affairs issues.
This program features three core elements including a seminar, internship course, and an optional elective. The seminar and optional elective programs contribute to three college credits, while the internship contributes to four.
This program will give you the college experience and skills you need to succeed in the internship and your future career. Some of the recent Gap alumni were admitted to top universities in America, including Brown University, Georgetown University, Northwestern University, and Harvard University.
Amigos De Las Américas: Gap Semester Cuenca Ecuador
- Discipline: Soft skills, Spanish classes
- Learning Method: In-person (visual and auditory), online (pre-departure training)
This is one of the best gap year opportunities if you aspire to travel to Latin America and learn a foreign language. This 15-week gap semester program features service projects, internship placements, and excursions. There are language programs designed to teach international students Spanish and English.
The staff-to-student ratio is 7:1, which means the faculty will frequently interact with students to ensure they are faring well and having a good learning experience. You’ll learn Spanish, take salsa and cooking lessons, go on scavenger hunts, complete sustainable service projects, and visit some of the country’s main attractions, including national parks.
ARCC Gap Year: East Africa
- Discipline: Varied
- Learning Method: Hands-on learning
East Africa is known for its diverse culture, amazing sights, and majestic wildlife. Through this gap program, you’ll get to work at a Rhino sanctuary, discover the history of Zanzibar’s Stone Town, and partner with a local non-profit organization to clean up marine pollution. You’ll experience deep immersion into different cultures in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Carpe Diem Education
- Discipline: Science, environmental studies
- Learning Method: Hands-on experience
Italy and Greece are known for their history, culture, and influence on modern philosophy, religion, economics, and politics. This gap program with multiple host countries allows students to learn, experience, and tackle questions involving these two countries’ environmental and social climates. Your journey will begin in Italy and end on the Island of Crete.
Gapforce: Australia Adventure
- Discipline: Environmental conservation
- Learning Method: Hands-on learning
If you fancy volunteering in a worthwhile environmental cause, consider this program offered by Gapforce. The seven-week tour features volunteering on an environmental conservation project. Other highlights of this program include surfing at Byron Bay, overnight sailing around Whitsunday Islands, and snorkeling on the great barrier reef.
High Mountain Institute (HMI) Gap Experience
- Discipline: Environmental studies
- Learning Method: Hands-on learning
HMI’s Gap Experience program gives students great outdoor adventures, environmental studies, leadership skills, and community development skills. This program also offers students the option to earn up to six college credits through participation in environmental studies through Western Colorado University. However, this will cost an extra $169 per credit.
International Volunteer HQ: Volunteer in Madagascar
- Discipline: Environmental studies
- Learning Method: Hands-on learning
Volunteering is one of the most popular options for students attending a gap year program before they begin their postsecondary education. International Volunteer HQ offers several volunteer opportunities in Madagascar that will aid in your personal development.
Environmental conservation, community, and leadership development are some of the main features of these volunteer opportunities. Check COVID-19 and travel restrictions, as well as other visa requirements.
Irish Gap Year
- Discipline: Varied
- Learning Method: Hands-on learning
The Irish Gap Year program is the only accredited program provider in Europe. They are an education institution based in Ireland where the host community runs an ideal program to help students on their journey of self-discovery.
Pacific Discovery Hawaii Gap Semester Conservation, Surfing & Cultural Immersion
- Discipline: Environmental studies
- Learning Method: Hands-on training
Pacific Discovery offers popular gap programs that help students learn more about the environment. This particular program will introduce you to sustainable living from local non-profits and farming techniques used by Hawaiin farmers. This program also features optional college credit.
Youth International
- Discipline: Environment studies
- Learning Method: Hands-on training
Youth International offers experiential learning programs to teach students more about cultural exchanges. Participants volunteer in community service projects and enjoy outdoor experiences. Students seeking college credit will be pleased to know that this organization offers optional credit academic programs affiliated with partner organizations such as Western Colorado University.
Next Steps After Your Gap Program for High School Students
Filling out college applications, waiting for that acceptance letter, and attending college are the next steps once you’ve completed your pre-college gap program. You would have had challenging experiences and international experience that’ll add to your academic studies and professional journey. Most gap year programs feature college credit courses that contribute to completing a college degree.
If this is not an ideal option, consider joining a high school coding bootcamp. Coding bootcamps are programs designed to teach coding skills in a short period of time. In just a few months, you can have the skills to become a software engineer, web developer, or iOS developer. Additionally, you can conveniently learn online from the comfort of your home.
Gap Programs for High School Students FAQ
Do a gap year after high school by applying to volunteer abroad, learn a foreign language, complete an internship program, complete a community service project, or travel to learn more about the environment and different cultures. These are some of the most popular gap year opportunities explored by high school graduates.
According to GoAbroad.com, the best gap year program is Sea Mester’s Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages at Sea. This gap year program has a perfect rating score of 10. Other excellent gap year programs include Centro MundoLengua: Gap Year in Sevilla, Spain, and Pacific Discovery Hawaii Gap Year Program.
No, kids cannot take a gap year in high school. Students take a gap year after completing high school. Many gap year organizations impose age requirements on students who wish to enroll in gap pre-college programs. For instance, students must be between the ages of 17 and 22. They also need to be high school graduates.
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If you’re looking for a gap year with no money, look for volunteer programs in your state or region, learn a new language, sign up for an internship, or learn a new instrument. Many gap year program opportunities don’t necessarily cost money. Consider a short-term or stand-alone program in your region that doesn’t require money.
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