Top Programs For Gap Year Students: Why More Students Are Choosing Gap Years

As a 2020 high school graduate, most of my classmates entertained the idea of taking a gap year. An extraordinary event like a global pandemic certainly has a way of putting things into perspective, perhaps loosening our fixation on the traditionally immediate transition from high school to college.

Over the past few years, both inside the classroom and in professional spheres, I have met multiple peers, coworkers, and instructors who decided to participate in a gap year program. The theme amongst these people? Everyone’s jealous of them!

 

What is a Gap Year?

Let’s start with the basics- a gap year isn’t a code for, “I have no plan for my future.” Ultimately, your gap year should push your career forwards and align with your long-term goals, personally and professionally.

Often lasting for a semester or full-year, a gap year can be described as an “effective pause” in your academic journey or career trajectory. Regardless of if you take a gap year before college, mid-college, after college, or during your professional career, you decide the meaning of your gap year!

 

Why are Gap Years growing more popular?

I believe that the popularity of gap years has soared in response to COVID-19. Many students who have graduated recently were deeply affected by virtual learning and general isolation. Thus, why wouldn’t students want to spend more time engaging with the physical world around them?

COVID-19 also undoubtedly interrupted spoken and unspoken societal notions of a “normal” education timeline. Ultimately, education and employment opportunities adapted and rolled with the punches. However oddly, the world kept spinning. Perhaps the pandemic, arguably proof that time moves on and life promises nothing, has also encouraged students to take their chances and break away from the pressure of a “neat-and-tidy” college timeline.

Gap years are also likely increasing in popularity due to positive statistics and experiences reported from gap year participants. Let’s look at some numbers from The Gap Year Association:

• 90% of students return to college after a year-long gap year
• The three most likely reasons students take a gap year are to “gain experience/ grow personally” (92%), “travel, experience other cultures” (85%), or to “break from their academic track” (82%).
• In a self-report survey, 98% of students agreed that their gap year program helped them grow personally, 93% said the time increased their interest in cultures and countries, 84% agreed that the year helped them develop necessary skills for their career, and 73% of gap year attendees noted that it increased their “readiness” for college.

 

 

Why a Gap Year Program?

A gap year program is a great chance to ensure you use your time wisely. Formal programs for a gap year offer stability and order to a year that may seem overwhelming with its possibilities.

Think of a gap year program as a custom-designed road map that guides you in adhering true to your personal goals for your gap year experience.

 

Top Gap Years Programs

Whether you're searching for a non-traditional educational experience, time immersed in a new culture, international volunteer work, exploring potential career paths, or looking for leadership or personal development programs, here are some resource recommendations to get you started. Find a gap year program that fits you, your goals, and your style.

 

United Planet

United Planet, an NSHSS partner, offers both incredible programs and scholarships… What could be better?

For NSHSS members over the age of 16, United Planet offers five special $500 scholarships that can be put towards one of these Long-Term Volunteer Abroad or Internship Abroad Quests!

United Planet's ultimate purpose is to “create a global community, one relationship at a time.” United Planet’s Gap Year programs offer adventures from six months to a full year. The choices for location are various, with programs located in Kenya to Germany.

No matter where you choose to go, United Planet offers a range of crucial services to students during their time away, such as cross-cultural training, food and lodging, transportation to airports, travel and medical insurance, language instruction, stipends, security aids, and many more resources.

 

 

Gap Year Association

The Gap Year Association (GYA) provides an impressive assortment of unique gap year program providers. GYA lists programs that are accredited and non-accredited, but even to receive a listing on the site, programs must meet a minimum set of eligibility criteria.

From opportunities to volunteer via instructing surfing in South Africa (check out SurfPop) to an Ireland-based Gap Year (Irish Gap Year), they have multitudes of recommendations. With their unique and engaging opportunities, GYA can serve as your database for your programs search.

 

TeenLife Gap Year Programs

While not a program in itself, TeenLife offers great resources on specific program suggestions. In particular, their 2025 Gap Guide is especially insightful, offering a comprehensive breakdown of A to Z programs they recommend.

 

But…. What's the meaning of a gap year?

At NSHSS, we like to say that intentional should be the defining characteristic of your gap year.

Whether you participate in an internship, take some time away for personal time, or volunteer with service projects internationally, remember that productivity is relative. A “successful” gap year looks different from individual to individual.

By spending this time pursuing your genuine interests, your passion and fondness for your gap year will be a highlight of both interviews and stories you share with family and friends for years to come.