What is a Gap Year Experience?
A gap year (also known as “year out”, “year off”, “deferred year”, “bridging year”, “overseas experience”, “time off” and “time out”) is a term that refers to a prolonged period (often, but not always, a year) between a life stage. The most popular gap years are taken between college and graduate school and a profession. Gap year programs can be done here in the United States through programs like Americorp, Teach for America, etc. or they can be done abroad through various programs such as Peace Corps or J.E.T. Some students spend time traveling. Others spend their time working, and many combine these into an international working holiday. A popular option for gap year students, also known as “gappers”, is international volunteering. Also, many gap year students earn money while overseas by working cash in hand, often in the hospitality industry. Another growing trend for gappers is to enroll in global education programs that combine language study, home stays, cultural immersion, com
