GAP YEAR
GAP YEAR
In the past few years many students have considered and taken a "gap year" prior to heading off to a college or university. A gap year is time taken away from school so that one can pursue a purposeful, educational, unique "once in a lifetime" experience that will broaden their horizons and enhance their understanding of our world. Some examples of a "gap year" may look like this:
Understanding the business side of dance by interning (in-person) at a local dance studio, teaching some dance classes, and helping organize dance competitions.
Working at a local thrift shop, and doing an online internship with a non-profit in Morocco working on human rights concerns and taking French language lessons.
Participating in a Spain-based online program exploring issues of cultural difference through the food we eat.
Helping a group of kindergartners socialize, make art and play games after school.
Serving as a teaching assistant in a home-based pod of elementary students, helping the children focus on learning during online classes.
Exploring the U.S. with structured "gap year" programs, primarily in more remote locations in the western, Rocky Mountain, southwestern and eastern states
A gap year is NOT "staying home and working because I do not know what I want to study." Taking a year away from school for this reason can be a very good idea. When speaking in reference to universities and their perception, a year away from school to work or "figure things out" is not a "gap year."
RESOURCES
STUDY ABROAD/5TH YEAR HIGH SCHOOL
PLEASE NOTE:
These links and resources are just a sampling, listed for informational purposes and convenience. No direct or implied endorsement by College Map Mentor should be construed.
STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS & INTERNSHIPS
There are some gap year programs that cost money to participate, while others compensate you for your time. Regardless, you may still need to cover your living costs and transportation. The following sites may help you find financial support for an internship abroad:
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. This scholarship is only open to US citizens who are also Pell Grant recipients.
Boren Awards for International Study are open to US undergrad students in world regions critical to US interests.
Critical Language Scholarship - Open to US citizens and sponsored by the US Department of State, this scholarship offers fully funded intensive language study programs abroad for U.S. undergraduate students. The focus is on critical languages that are less commonly taught, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and others.
Diversity Abroad can help you find programs abroad, internships and jobs, and scholarships. It is specifically geared toward young people from traditionally underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds.
Erasmus Intern (Erasmus+ Mobility for Traineeships) supports students wanting to do internships (from two to 12 months); however, students need to apply for the grant through their university. Any students going abroad with the Erasmus+ program can also receive an Erasmus grant, which will help you cover your expenses when living overseas.
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) provides scholarships and support to students, particularly those who are underrepresented, in the US. You need to be a citizen of the US or a permanent resident to be eligible.
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) targets high-achieving students, and international students are welcome to apply.
The Studyportals Scholarship is awarded to two international students who can prove that they have the potential to transform the world into a better place!
You can also check out the European Funding Guide, which shows you available internships. Additionally, the InterExchange site offers a list of funding sources available in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom.