This document provides information about gap year programs. It includes profiles of two students who participated in gap year programs, one in Nicaragua and one in Sweden. It also features articles on the benefits of gap years and common myths about gap year programs. The guide provides an overview of various types of structured gap year opportunities, including academic programs, community service, internships, travel, and environmental conservation. It aims to help students explore the range of experiences available during a gap year.

1. G U I D E TO
2013
Gap Year PROGRAMS
Debunking
7 MYTHS
of Gap Year
Programs
A comprehensive guide
to Gap Year Programs
A T E E N L I F E M E D I A P U B L I C AT I O N

2. 51 THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

3. Presenting TeenLife’s
2013 Guide to Gap Year Programs!
The only free comprehensive resource of its kind.
ollowing the rave reviews from parents, students,
and educators about our past “gap guides,” my staff
and I are proud to unveil our latest Guide to Gap Year
Programs!
Something exciting about this year’s edition is that it’s our first
all-digital guide. This opens up a world of opportunities for
discovering more about gap year programs.
You will still find the same informative program listings, beautiful
photography, and in-depth material. But with the new digital format,
you can share all this information with friends and family by sending
them a simple link to our guide. You’ll also have direct access to
websites for gathering details about programs that catch your eye.
Plus, all this invaluable information is at your fingertips no matter
where you are, since our guide is available for your iPad, iPhone
and Android.
Ethan Knight is our guest writer this year, with his insightful article “The Gap Year—
Boosting Higher Education Through Life Lessons” on page 16. He also helps separate fact
from fiction with his informational piece, “Debunking the Myths of Gap Year Programs”
on page 24. As the founder of The American Gap Association, we are excited to share his
expert advice and knowledge.
On pages 7 and 20, we have two students who share their very different gap year
experiences with us. One participated in an academic program in Sweden, the other
helped start youth groups in Nicaragua. Their inspiring stories highlight how taking a
structured gap year program can shape future college plans and life goals.
If you like what you see in this guide, there’s more on TeenLife.com! We list more than
300 gap and post-graduate year programs as well as expert advisors who can help you
make a more informed decision about your gap year activities. We even have gap year
articles on our blog!
Be sure to register as a member of TeenLife to join the thousands of parents, students,
educators, and advisors nationwide who enjoy hearing about unique opportunities for
middle and high school students all year long.
THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS 1

4. Discover Civilisation with AHA
‘Incomparable to any other gap year’
SES Discover Civilisation with AHA 2013 GUIDE TO
‘Incomparable to any other gap year’ GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
COURSES AND CULTURAL EXCHANGES
P U B L I SHE R
Marie Schwartz, President & Founder
What? ‘Inspiring journeys to
London, Paris, and the length of
Italy with expert tutors, seeing MA R K E TI N G
and discussing many of the Where? Cities famous Cara Ferragamo Murray
What? Inspiring journeys
world’s greatest achievements in for Art, Music and Food:
art, architecture and sculpture. Vice President of Marketing & Communications
the length of Italy with London, Paris, Venice,
Learn how these fit into the
expert tutors, seeing and Verona, Florence, Siena, “I know that AHA has inspired me Camille Heidebrecht
greater picture of of the world’s
discussing many Western Naples, Rome, Sicily and more in such a short time than my Director of Marketing & Managing Editor
y Civilization and find like minded
greatest achievements in art, Where?
much more...Cities famous for 14 years at school and I will be
friends as youand sculpture.
architecture travel. Most art, music and food: Venice, making every effort tohas inspired me
“I know that AHA return to
Jon Blumenfeld
eed. importantly,these funinto the more in such a short time than my
Learn how have fit doing it. Why? DiscoveringSiena, Rome, Italy14 years atyears and toI try and
Verona, Florence, art with for many Associate Manager,
school and will be
greater picture of Western AHA is an Sicily and many more... recapture the magic and glory ofto
Naples, experience which
When? 12 and find like making every effort to return Social Media & Member Marketing
Civilization week semester will last you a lifetime. our time. I feel incredibly lucky
Italy for many years and to try and
course (London, Paris, Italy)
minded friends as you travel. Why? Discovering art with to have had such a breathtaking of
recapture the magic and glory Chris Connolly
starting September 2013; experience and made such
Most importantly, have fun AHA is an experience which our time. I feel incredibly lucky Marketing Associate
six-week Italy Courses starting firm friends, both students and
doing it. will last you a lifetime. to have had such a breathtaking
November, January, April and tutors. I really feel that AHA is
experience and made such
August 2013; two-week Italy incomparable tobothother gap
firm friends, any students and
When? Four July and
courses starting six week yeartutors.genuinely can’t think of
and I I really feel that AHA is
courses in November, January,
A DV E R TI SI N G SA L E S
August 2013. a better way to haveany other gap
incomparable to spent mine.”
April and August and two
Student, Early ISummer Course 2012 of
year and genuinely can’t think Stefanie Magner
week courses in January, July a better way to have spent mine.” Director of Sales, stefanie@teenlife.com
and August.
mps Student, Early Summer Course 2012 Dina Creiger
world’s Account Director, dina@teenlife.com
Ben Welbourn
upport Account Manager, ben@teenlife.com
A RT H I S T O RY A B R O A D www.arthistoryabroad.com O P E R ATI O N S
A RT H I S T O RY A B R O A D www.arthistoryabroad.com Maria Kieslich, Senior Director of Operations
Alice Vaught, Lesli Amos, Customer Service
l Art History Abroad
Eye,Red House, 1 Lambseth Street,
The
l Tel: 01379www.arthistoryabroad.com
Website: 871800
l
Suffolk IP23 7AG
l
l Email: info@arthistoryabroad.com A R T & P R O D U CTI O N
Kathryn Tilton, Designer
Mozambique Namibia Nepal New Zealand Nicaragua Nigeria Norway Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay
Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Romania Russia Rwanda Senegal Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles
South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Swaziland Switzerland Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Turkey Uganda
Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Vanuatu Venezuala Vietnam Zambia Zimbabwe
11
PUBLISHED BY
FRESH DESIGN • IMPROVED SEARCH • UPDATED CONTENT TeenLife Media, LLC
1330 Beacon St., Suite 268
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 277-5120
Check out the new
info@TeenLife.com
www.TeenLife.com
TeenLife.com.
Copyright © 2012 by TeenLife Media, LLC
Brookline, Massachusetts
2 THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

5. Table of Contents
4
GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
5 Academic
8 Adventure/Trips
10 Community Service
11 Environmental Conservation
11 Internship & Work Experience
12 Travel/Culture
15 Gap Year Advisor
7
STUDENT PROFILE
Allie Donahue shares her exciting gap
year experience starting youth groups
in Nicaragua.
16
THE GAP YEAR PROGRAM—
BOOSTING HIGHER EDUCATION
THROUGH LIFE LESSONS
Ethan Knight, founder of the American
Gap Association, explains the benefits
and rewards of taking a gap year.
20
ABOUT TEENLIFE
Find out more about what we offer
and how to register on our site.
22
STUDENT PROFILE
Nikole Hampton explains how her An AFRICA CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE gap year
gap year spent in Sweden fostered a student sings along with a baby baboon. See listing
passion for international relations. on page 11, ad on page 25.
24
DEBUNKING THE MYTHS
OF GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
Ethan Knight turns fiction into fact
with this informative piece on common
27 INDEX
Featured Listings
misconceptions about gap year programs.
28
CHECKLIST OF GAP YEAR
Cover Photo: Gap year students with the INTERNATIONAL
MUST-HAVES
SCHOOL FOR EARTH STUDIES (ISES) are introduced to Things you shouldn’t forget when
Seppala Siberian Sleddogs in Western Québec. See listing traveling on a gap year.
on page 11, ad on page 18.
THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS 3

6. Gap Year
Programs
A student traveling with LEAPNOW
speaks to a Sadhu in India. See listing
on page 15, ad on page 6.
Once an anomaly in the world of education, taking a gap year has grown in popularity. Gap year
programs provide students with the unique opportunity to learn valuable life lessons, engage in
self-exploration, and in many instances develop a clearer direction for college studies.
Often taken between high school and college, gap year programs challenge students through
study, service, travel, and cultural exchange. Whether they have chosen a direction that is
academic, special interest or travel-based, these programs teach through experience rather
than in a typical classroom setting.
The range of exploration is limitless. Students can experience different cultures first-hand,
study community development or dive into environmental issues. They can learn how to be
entrepreneurial, understand religion, or excel in sports, music or the arts. There are literally
hundreds of gap year opportunities worldwide. Start your search with the comprehensive list of
structured programs listed in this guide, then check out TeenLife.com for more!
4 THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

7. GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
Academic
CENTER FOR STUDY ABROAD (CSA)
Since 1990, CSA has provided low cost study
abroad programs worldwide. Open to all
students and adults. Earn high school credit
(and college). Programs held at universities
and institutes worldwide. Housing is provided
in student residences, student apartments,
hostels, and with local host families. Easy reg-
istration and confirmation system. Quick con-
firmation documents. Flexibility with program,
housing, travel, and payment.
Program Locations: Europe, Asia,
Latin America
Contact: Program Director
Phone: (206) 583-8191
E-mail: studycsa@aol.com
Address: 325 Washington Avenue S. #93
Kent, WA, 98032
Website: www.centerforstudyabroad.com
Request More Information
CLASS AFLOAT
Class Afloat offers young people a unique
journey of education and personal discovery.
For eight months, students live, study, travel
the world, participate in volunteer service
projects, and sail aboard the SS Sorlandet, a
1927 square-rigged tall ship.
Program Locations: 17 countries,
20 ports of call on four continents
Contact: Holly Clarke, Admissions Associate
Phone: (902) 634-1895
E-mail: hclarke@classafloat.com
Address: 97 Kaulbach Street, P.O. Box 10,
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, B0J 2C0 Canada
Website: www.classafloat.com
Request More Information
LEXIA GAP YEAR
Lexia Gap Year students gain international
experience while earning college credit in
Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, or Rome. Living with
local residents, students learn a new language,
travel on excursions, and get prepared for
college. Students explore their future majors
by personalizing their study program.
Program Locations: Barcelona, Berlin,
Paris, Rome
Contact: Emilie Schmidt
Phone: (671) 800-7954 / (617) 945-2621
E-mail: eschmidt@lexiagapyear.org CLICK HERE TO SEARCH
Address: 25 Mount Auburn Street, Suite 100,
Cambridge, MA 02138 TEENLIFE.COM FOR AN EXTENSIVE
Website: www.lexiagapyear.org
LIST OF GAP YEAR PROGRAMS.
Request More Information
THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS 5

8. GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL YOUTH FOR UNDERSTANDING USA (YFU)
St. Andrew’s is an independent college preparatory, boarding, YFU is a non-profit international exchange organization
and day school with a concentration of arts, academics, athletics, with partners in 64 countries. Since 1951, YFU has exem-
and activities for students in grades 3 - 12 and postgraduate. plified excellence in high school exchange worldwide. YFU
Located on a 100-acre campus, class sizes average 10 students brings 2,000 students to the U.S. and sends 400 U.S. teens
with a student-faculty ratio of 5:1. Students feel comfortable overseas. YFU offers traditional exchange, volunteering, or
exploring, trying new things, and discovering who they are. university study for our Gap Year programming options.
Program Location: Barrington, Rhode Island Program Locations: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil,
Contact: R. Scott Telford, Director of Admissions Bulgaria, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland,
Phone: (401) 246-1230 x3023 France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia,
E-mail: stelford@standrews-ri.org Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Rus-
Address: 63 Federal Road, Barrington, RI 02806 sia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Thailand,
Website: www.standrews-ri.org Uruguay, Venezuela
Contact: Admissions
Request More Information Phone: (800) 833-6243
E-mail: admissions@yfu.org
Address: 6400 Goldsboro Road, Suite 100,
Bethesda, MD 20817
Website: www.yfu-usa.org
JOIN TEENLIFE.COM NOW!
Request More Information
6 THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

9. STUDENT PROFILE
In Her Own Words
While spending 10 weeks in Nicaragua with the
Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD)
before college, Allie Donahue developed youth
groups for at-risk children through grant
funding. During this time she gained a greater
understanding of a potential career path,
a far-off country, and of herself.
Why did you decide to participate in a gap semester?
Although I’ve always loved school and worked really hard, I
felt too burned-out to give college the attention it deserved.
I wanted to be totally focused and present when in school.
I also wanted to learn a new way to define success apart
from my grades and test scores. My development work in ALLIE DONAHUE
Nicaragua was certainly not measurable by numbers but by Freshman at Whitman College, Graduate
my dedication and project work that made an impact in the of St. Mary’s Academy in Portland, Oregon
community. I realized that in real life the path to success
isn’t always as clear as it is in school.
“ IAND NOT MANY KIDS MY AGE GET TO COUNTRY
MANAGED A PROJECT IN A FOREIGN
DO THAT.
”
Tell us about your placement. How has your gap year affected you personally?
I chose a placement with public health, so I worked with My self-confidence has grown immensely. I managed a
the Monimbo Health Center in Nicaragua. Each intern project in a foreign country and not many kids my age get
is expected to develop his or her own small project with to do that. That makes me feel extremely powerful—and
a mini-fund that all interns are given and then write a ready to handle many challenges later on in life.
grant through FSD to support it. I won full funding in
early November 2012. What have you found to be the most exciting aspect of
your gap year program?
I chose to form two youth groups, one for girls and one for I’ve discovered that I really love doing development
boys (both ages 14 to 19), in a small town outside of Masaya work. I enjoy the balance between the intellectual,
called Pacayita. We held lectures about good health and at- like grant writing, and the daily interpersonal connection
risk topics, planted and maintained a garden, and painted with people in a different culture. I’ve had an enormously
a community mural. By the time I left, there were about 20 fulfilling experience in Nicaragua and would love to
boys and 10 girls. A Nicaraguan counterpart continues to be return to Latin America after college to do this same
the leader to ensure the project’s sustainability. sort of work.
What skills have you developed in your work? Would you encourage other students to take part in a
I’ve learned a ton about grant writing. If I write another gap year?
grant, which I hope to do in the future, I now know how Absolutely. I am so much more confident, independent,
thoughtful and detailed I need to be going into the process. and prepared to go to college and learn everything I can.
THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS 7

10. GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
An ANAKE OUTDOOR SCHOOL student enjoys
the sunshine while tracking mammals along
the Pacific Coast near Reedsport, Oregon.
See listing on page 8, ad on page 11.
Adventure/Trips
ANAKE OUTDOOR SCHOOL HURRICANE ISLAND OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL
At Anake Outdoor School you will experience nine months of in- For 50 years, we have taught in the planet’s wildest natural
depth training in a powerful set of nature awareness and wilderness classrooms. Each semester course is an expedition travel-
survival skills. You will develop a deep relationship with the natural ing through different terrains and often to different countries.
world, a powerful connection with your learning community, and Students will thrive learning new skills around a challenging
learn an incredible amount about yourself. curriculum designed to cultivate leadership capacity, promote a
Program Location: Duvall, WA deeper self-awareness and discovery that there is more in them
Contact: Seb Barnett, Anake Outreach Coordinator than they know. 60- to 85-day courses offered year-round for
Phone: (425) 681-2612 ages 18+. Scholarship and credit available.
E-mail: seb@wildernessawareness.org Program Locations: Midcoast and Mountain regions of Maine
Address: 26425 NE Allen Street, Duvall, WA 98019 (spring/summer/fall), Florida Keys and Everglades (winter)
Website: www.AnakeOutdoorSchool.org Contact: Debbie Murray, Director of Admissions
Phone: (855) 802-0307
Request More Information E-mail: info@hiobs.org
Address: 39 Mechanic Street, Suite 310, Camden, ME 04843
Website: www.hiobs.org
Request More Information
8 THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

11. Do great for others!
Do good for yourself.
FSD’s international programs have been called “the gold standard”
by The Huffington Post. Our internships in 10 global sites allow you to learn about
the world—and about yourself.
Live with a host family, and you do more than experience a community:
you become part of it. Plus, you’ll gain valuable skills in program design,
budgeting, and project building that can form the cornerstones of your career.
Our alumni attend the nation’s finest universities, including Harvard,
Duke, Stanford, Wesleyan, and Northwestern. . .and hold positions in law,
medicine, philanthropy, international affairs, and many other fields.
Best of all, the sustainable approaches you forge in your gap year will serve a
community long after you’ve returned home.
info@fsdinternational.org www.fsdinternational.org (415) 283-4873

12. GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
Community Service
FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (FSD)
Founded in 1995, Foundation for Sustainable Development
(FSD) enhances the capacity of community organizations
around the world to address local health, social, environmental,
and economic issues. Our model incorporates four programs
that support underserved communities in a collaborative
and sustainable manner.
Program Locations: Argentina, Bolivia, India, Kenya,
Nicaragua, Uganda
Contact: Gap Year Director
Phone: (415) 283-4873
E-mail: info@fsdinternational.org
Address: 1000 Brannan Street, #207,
San Francisco, CA 94103
Website: www.fsdinternational.org
Request More Information
Students enjoy cultural immersion during FOUNDATION
FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT programs. See
listing on page 10, ad on page 9.
A R GEn T In A ChIn A COS TA R I C A En GL A n D
FR A n CE IR EL A n D I TA LY SPA In
INTERNATIONAL TRAvEL, sERvIcE
ANd sTudy AbROAd pROgRAms
SUMMER • GAP YEAR • CUSTOMIZED
www.aspirebyapi.com
10 THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

13. GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
Environmental Internship &
Conservation Work Experience
AFRICAN CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AMIGOS DE LAS AMÉRICAS
EXPERIENCE FOR EARTH STUDIES (ISES) The AMIGOS Gap Year Program
African Conservation Experience The International School for combines field volunteer work,
organizes volunteering placements at Earth Studies (ISES) is a nature exposure to our partner agencies
wildlife conservation projects in southern education center that rescues working in international development,
Africa. You can join a project for two to 12 indigenous wildlife, engages in family home-stays, and excursions
weeks and be involved in wildlife veterinary domestic animal husbandry, around the country. It offers hands-on
work, caring for animals at a rehabilitation promotes environmental awareness, experiential learning opportunities
center, helping with game capture, field and connects students with nature that prepare young people for college
research and wildlife surveys, or marine and the land. and beyond.
conservation. Program Location: Quebec, Canada Program Location: Nicaragua
Program Locations: South Africa, Contact: Geoffrey Cushing Contact: Susie Ventura
Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mauritius Phone: (819) 647-3226 Phone: (800) 231-7796 x113
Contact: Carol Moen Wing, E-mail: gdcushing@earth-studies.ca E-mail: info@amigoslink.org
North American Volunteer Officer Address: 197 Fierobin Road, Address: 5618 Star Lane,
Phone: (510) 530-5303 Ladysmith, Quebec J0X2A0 Houston, TX 77057
E-mail: carol@conservationafrica.net Website: www.earth-studies.ca Website: www.amigoslink.org/gap
Address: P.O. Box 2739, Oakland, CA 94602
Website: www.conservationafrica.net Request More Information Request More Information
Request More Information
A gap-year adventure awaits you at Anake Outdoor School!
Mastered the skills to survive in
the wilderness with my classmates
Found my true passions within
a supportive community
Next step: Change the world. Visit Anake.org
THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS 11

14. GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
Travel/Culture
ADVENTURES CROSS-COUNTRY (ARCC)
DISCOVERyou than you know
there is more in ...
N
Since 1983, ARCC has offered diverse pro-
grams for young adults. ARCC Gap Semes-
ters combine community service with rich
academic fabric highlighting global issues.
Take the opportunity to live and learn in
some of the greatest classrooms on Earth.
Embark on a journey of discovery of
people, places, cultures, and ideas.
Program Locations: Kenya, Tanzania,
Uganda, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru,
China, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam
Contact: Bridget Reynolds
Photo: Andy Bartleet
Photo: Luke O’Neill
Phone: (415) 332-5075
E-mail: info@adventurescrosscountry.com
Address: 242 Redwood Highway,
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Website: www.arccgap.com
Request More Information
From 30 days to 85 days,
ART HISTORY ABROAD
E
from sailing to dogsledding to
W
Inspiring two- and six-week journeys
paddling whitewater, Outward through Italy and 12-week semester
Bound courses offer opportunities programs covering London, Paris, and
Italy. See and discuss many of the world’s
for you to develop real-world
N
greatest achievements in art, architecture,
decision making, group
W E
Photo: Luke O’Neill
S and sculpture with expert tutors. Learn
management and leadership skills how these fit into the greater picture of
Western Civilization and find like-minded
in spectacular settings that will friends as you travel.
challenge and inspire you. Program Locations: London, Paris, Italy
Contact: Nicholas Ross
Phone: +44 (0) 1379 871 800
N E-mail: info@arthistoryabroad.com
W E
Address: The Red House, 1 Lambseth Street,
S
Eye, Suffolk IP23 7AG
Website: www.arthistoryabroad.com
Request More Information
1-855-802-0307 ASPIRE BY API
S
Aspire by API is dedicated to providing
Call us to find the program for you. comprehensive summer study abroad
Ask about scholarship & academic credit opportunities. programs for high school students, as well
as gap year abroad programs for recent high
www. hiobs. org
school graduates. Our language, service,
and cultural immersion programs provide
students with opportunities to get involved
with the local community, earn college credits,
and develop relevant global skills in an
exciting, enriching, safe, and secure setting.
Program Locations: Argentina, China, Costa
CLICK HERE TO SEARCH Rica, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain
Contact: Courtney Link
TEENLIFE.COM FOR AN EXTENSIVE Phone: (877) 600-8977
LIST OF GAP YEAR PROGRAMS. E-mail: hello@aspirebyapi.com
Address: 301 Camp Craft Road,
Suite 100, Austin, TX 78746
Website: www.aspirebyapi.com
12 THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS Request More Information

15. GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
BEL CAMINO
Bel Camino’s Semester in Siena offers
young adults a three-month immersion
in the language, culture, and landscape
of Italy. Highlights include a homestay,
language study, cultural excursions,
instruction in the creative arts, and a
week-long hike in Tuscany.
Program Locations: Siena and
Toscana, Italy
Contact: Carla Fabian
Phone: (305) 877-4937
E-mail: info@belcamino.org
Address: 5001 London Walk (Quayside)
Miami, FL 33138
Website: www.belcamino.org
Request More Information
A teen playing with children from the
Samburu School in Nanyuki, Kenya,
with ADVENTURES CROSS COUNTRY.
See listing on page 12, ad on page 14.
• Innovative Academic Pro-
grams
• Boarding (Grades 9 -PG) and
Bridge Year
St. Andrew’s is the only school in Rhode Island to offer a postgraduate
Day (Grades 3 -12) program. The Bridge Year for graduated seniors provides an
• 100 - Acre Picturesque opportunity to build upon strengths and to address weaknesses.
Some students come to St. Andrew’s for an additional year to improve
their grades and enhance their academic profiles, or for an extra year
of high school athletics. The Bridge Year Program allows for an
additional year of skill-building and maturation,
which makes students more competitive in the college admissions
process and better prepared for the rigors of college.
63 Federal Road • Barrington, RI • tel: 401-246-1230 • tty: 800-745-5555 • inquiry@standrews-ri.org
Visit our Web site at www.standrews-ri.org
THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS 13

16. HAVE YOU EVER...
...SIPPED TEA WITH A
THAI MONK?
CARPE DIEM EDUCATION
Carpe Diem Education offers three-month
and yearlong international programs to vari-
ous regions of the world. All programs are
...DANCED WITH A designed to inspire growth and transformation
through community service, adventure travel,
MASAI WARRIOR?
language study, home stays, and authentic
cultural exchange. Carpe Diem students are
eligible for college credit and financial aid
through Portland State University.
Program Locations: India, Australia/New
Zealand/Fiji, South America, Central America,
Southeast Asia, East Africa, Brazil, Indigenous
America
Contact: Nick Berger
Phone: (503) 285-1800
E-mail: info@carpediemeducation.org
Address: 1529 N. Killingsworth Street,
Portland, OR 97217
Website: www.carpediemeducation.org
Request More Information
GAP SEMESTER CESA LANGUAGES ABROAD (CESA)
PROGRAMS Learn a foreign language with CESA. We have
provided language courses abroad since 1980
for all ability levels, including complete begin-
AFRICA ners. Short- and long-term programs avail-
KENYA, TANZANIA, UGANDA
90
able. Native speaking teachers provide quality
tuition, in professional language schools plus
ASIA local accommodation arranged. Start dates
CHINA, THAILAND, CAMBODIA, VIETNAM
DAYS offered throughout the year.
LATIN AMERICA Program Locations: France, Spain, Italy,
Germany, Austria, Portugal, Russia,
COSTA RICA, ECUADOR, PERU
Morocco, China, Japan, Argentina, Chile,
Mexico, Ecuador, Peru
Contact: Katherine Brand
Phone: +44 1209 211800
E-mail: info@cesalanguages.com
Address: CESA House, Pennance Road,
Lanner, Cornwall, TR16 5TQ GB
Website: www.cesalanguages.com
adventurescrosscountry.com • 1-800-767-2722
Request More Information
To find local
events in your
area, check out the
TeenLife.com/ CLICK HERE TO SEARCH
TEENLIFE.COM FOR AN
calendar. EXTENSIVE LIST OF GAP
YEAR PROGRAMS.
14 THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

17. GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
LEAPNOW: TRANSFORMING
EDUCATION
YOUNG JUDAEA
Young Judaea is built on a
Gap Year Advisor
LEAPYEAR is an eight-month experiential framework that emphasizes peer
ISA GAP YEAR
year of college designed to shorten life’s leadership, political non-partisanship,
We offer students expert advice and
learning curve by combining six months and religious pluralism. Our programs
guidance before, during, and after their
of group and solo travel with two months focus on instilling our members with
ISA Gap Year experience. Our programs are
of inner-focused residential retreats in three core values: Judaism, Zionism,
ideal for students who want to earn college
California. Find your purpose and lay a solid and Jewish identity.
credit, delve into unfamiliar territory, and
foundation for life while earning academic Program Locations: Israel,
prepare for a study abroad experience full
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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS 15

18. Author Ethan Knight
visiting Peru’s
15th-century Inca site,
Machu Picchu
THE GAP YEAR
PROGRAM—
Boosting Higher
Education
Through Life
Lessons
by Ethan Knight
Founder of the the American Gap Association
HERE WAS A TIME WHEN EVEN THE SUGGESTION OF TAKING A YEAR OFF BEFORE
STARTING COLLEGE CONJURED UP LESS THAN DESIRABLE QUESTIONS: WILL THE
STUDENT RETURN TO COLLEGE AFTERWARD? HOW WILL COLLEGES VIEW THE
TRANSITION? HOW WILL THE STUDENT’S TIME BE SPENT DURING HIS OR HER BREAK?
But as today’s forward-thinkers lies, teachers, guidance counselors, WHAT IS A GAP YEAR?
are realizing, taking a gap year actu- and college admissions experts have
According to the American Gap
ally gives students the opportunity to become more supportive of taking a
Association, “A gap year is a struc-
think outside the pencil box through gap year. Although slowing the mo-
tured period of time when students
exciting non-traditional learning mentum of continuous schooling with
take a break from formal education to
experiences. Once an anomaly in a year “off” seems risky, the data, in
increase self-awareness, learn from
the world of education, the number contrast, is clearly in favor. If a student
different cultures, and experiment with
of students entering this world of engages in a “structured gap year,”
possible careers. Typically, these are
hands-on (experiential) life learning they are 90 percent likely to return to
achieved by a combination of traveling,
is steadily growing. Even the highest- college within one year, far more likely
volunteering, interning, or working. A
achieving students are entertaining to graduate on time and with a better
gap year experience can last from two
the idea of “the gap year,” as they GPA, and have been shown to engage
months up to two years and is typically
discover benefits like increased in more campus activities.
taken between high school graduation
focus, maturity, self-confidence, and As you decide how to incorporate and a student’s junior year of college.”
growth that only real-world explora- a gap year into your teen’s educational
tion can offer. To simplify the concept, its core
future, here’s more information on how
meaning is time taken away from the
An increasing number of fami- to approach the concept of a gap year.
traditional pedagogy of learning in
16 THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

19. THE GAP YEAR PROGRAM—
BOOSTING HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH LIFE LESSONS
order to explore the world, even if it’s in HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT vide an educational stipend; in other
the student’s own backyard. Every gap GAP YEAR PROGRAM? cases they can cost as much as a year
year program offers unique knowledge of college. Some gap year programs
gained through the experience of deal- Figuring out what to do for a gap even are accredited first year college
ing with challenges, independence, risk year program is perhaps the most programs that offer Federal Financial
taking, and cultural immersion. This is challenging aspect in taking one. As Aid, arguably providing the best of
a true opportunity for an eager student Holly Bull, the President of the Center both worlds. Most importantly is the
to recapture a love of learning, deter- for Interim Programs, states, “The reputation of the program, thankfully
mine interests, and make decisions on most important element in a student’s something that can be determined
the right path to higher education. gap year is [his or her] making the easily through the non-profit Ameri-
choice to take one.” But the options can Gap Association’s accreditation
In fact, burnout from the com-
for what to actually do typically should process.
petitive pressure of high school and a
involve a lot of research and, ultimate-
desire “to find out more about them-
ly, almost always involve a process of Structuring a gap year is best
selves” are the two most commonly
elimination. thought about in terms of location,
cited reasons for taking a gap year. The
types of gap year programs are limit- Given the rising costs of college, activity, and learning goals. Because
less, with focuses on such exciting ave- expenses are a concern for many. The of their impact on the development of
nues as teaching, academia, adventure, good news is that a gap year does not young adults, the majority of opportu-
arts, community service, environmental need to cost a lot of money. They can, nities tend to start with more struc-
conservation, culture, and more. in some cases, pay expenses and pro- ture and eventually transition into
THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS 17

20. THE GAP YEAR PROGRAM—
BOOSTING HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH LIFE LESSONS
less. Opportunities typically contain at a language school for the first few AmeriCorps for a domestic non-profit
elements of volunteer work, cultural weeks, join a structured program, or organization. Gap year students in the
and language immersion, and service even remain domestic and take his or past have taught basketball to Cam-
learning. her gap year in the U.S. bodian orphans, worked with baboons
in South Africa, lived with a cowboy in
Location is more than just geo-
WHERE TO GO? Argentina, and worked on indigenous
graphical. It can also be decided in
issues in the Southwest. Some gap year
Where your student wants terms of living arrangements (rustic,
programs also pay a small stipend for
to spend his or her time can be a urban, or middle-of-nowhere) or even
participation. Think of this as a phe-
jumping-off point for choosing the topographies. Some students are
nomenal opportunity for your student
right program. Perhaps he or she is intrigued by settings that spark certain
to experiment with a proposed career
inexplicably drawn to Europe or Africa, interests like oceans, mountains,
interest. Discovering that he or she
as they spread their wings to global or plains.
loves (or hates) something before com-
destinations. Sometimes students
WHAT TO DO? mitting the next few years to its study is
don’t know exactly what they want,
a hallmark of a successful gap year.
but they do, however, know what they The sky’s the limit in terms of
don’t want. In some cases the hurdle exciting experiences a student can
WHAT TO LEARN?
of learning a second language can turn have during a gap year program, from
into a regional limitation, and in this veterinary medicine with cheetahs A student’s learning goals are
case, the student might want to start in Namibia to volunteering through another filter that can be helpful. Their
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
FOR EARTH STUDIES (ISES)
is a nature education centre
that rescues indigenous
wildlife, engages in domestic
animal husbandry, promotes
environmental awareness, and
connects people with the Land.
International School
www.earth-studies.ca for Earth Studies (ISES)
18 THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

21. THE GAP YEAR PROGRAM—
BOOSTING HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH LIFE LESSONS
choice of gap year program allows
the student to showcase talents and
explore new fields of interest.
Whether your student wants to
learn Spanish, Chinese, or Arabic,
secondary language fluency will be
incredibly beneficial and invariably
opens more doors down the road. In
this case, choosing a country that af-
fords a language immersion opportu-
nity might be best.
Should the student want to
learn art, studying with the best in
Italy might be a way to test whether
it’s a realistic career or something
best kept as a hobby. If service work
is important, volunteering in a gap
year program in an underprivileged
country teaching English, building a
new school, or planting a sustainable
garden might fit the bill.
Tanzanian boys become
fascinated by a CARPE DIEM
HOW DOES A GAP YEAR PROGRAM student’s digital camera. See
FIT INTO PLANNING FOR COLLEGE? listing on page 14, ad on page 17.
Gap year programs are a phe-
nominal way to help a teen define what
he or she wants to achieve in life. But tion, it’s vital to communicate these to university’s rules for gap year credit,
college still holds a vital role in deter- the counselor who can guide you and placement following the program,
mining the path to that journey. There- your student through the university’s and your gap year program’s budget
fore it’s important to create a seamless processes as well as offer advice. and timeline considerations. Contact
transition from a student’s gap year each school’s admissions officers for
program to college coursework. Some gap year programs offer
their help.
college credit, and this often turns
Once a student has chosen his into a better use of a “freshman year”
or her college or university, the best than a true and typical freshman WHERE CAN I FIND MORE
plan is to go through the application on-campus experience. For more INFORMATION ABOUT GAP YEAR
process, get accepted, and then defer. information on the many scholarships PROGRAMS?
Be honest with your college. Many and grants available, please visit
colleges are supportive of taking a gap Along with TeenLife’s 2013
www.americangap.org.
year. Your student should simply have Guide to Gap Year Programs and the
a frank discussion with the university’s In some cases, universities have extensive number of program listings
Admissions Counselor so that there rules around getting credit while on a on TeenLife.com, there is a plethora
remains a positive relationship in the gap year. For instance, there might be of information and useful resources
planning of your student’s educa- implications to reapplying as a transfer to help research a structured gap
tion. If his or her attendance plans student if a certain threshold of credits year program. The American Gap As-
change, whether through timing or is attained, or even the potential to sociation (AGA) is a nascent nonprofit
actual choice of university, or if their obtain a generous financial aid award. organization established to help in the
educational goals take a new direc- It’s essential that you look into each (continued on page 21)
THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS 19

22. About TeenLife
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20 THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

23. CESA
process. I launched this associa- Languages
tion in 2012 as an accreditation and
standards-setting organization Abroad
for gap year programs and we are
recognized as such by the U.S. De-
partment of Justice and the Federal
Trade Commission.
The AGA continues to advance
the field of gap year programs by
collaboratively pioneering research
on its benefits, as well as serving
as an information and advocacy hub
for university admissions personnel
and educational counselors. While
the main goal is to focus on ac-
creditation such that every student
signing on with an AGA member
organization will have the best and
safest experience available, the AGA
will not be accrediting individuals
nor individual project sites.
In early 2013, you can look
forward to seeing our finalized Stan- Gap Year language courses
dards, as well as a list of organiza-
tions that have passed our rigorous
accreditation process. Please check
Travel & learn
the website for more information. a new language!
The AGA also provides many
other resources for students on a
more independent path. Our orga-
Visit us now at:
nization encourages the use of our cesalanguages.com info@cesalanguages.com
Standards to make sure that every
safety net and guarantee for a qual-
ity experience is recognized. For fur- Spanish | French | Italian | German | Portuguese | Russian | Japanese | Chinese | Arabic
ther information, scholarly articles,
news about gap year programs,
and instructions on how to build the
perfect gap year for your teen, visit
SPRING
www.americangap.org, or e-mail me 2013 Look for the Spring 2013
at ethan@americangap.org. COMIN
issue of Life with Teens IN MAR G
CRIB
E
magazine featuring CH!
SUBS OW S
N om/mag WITH TEEN
FOR PARENTS
life.c ! THE MAGAZINE
Olympic Gold Medalist,
teen
FREE
IT’S
MEDAL WINNER
TEEN OLYMPIC
A former gap student, Ethan Knight
has been working within the world of
TALKS GOLD!
Should Your
Teen Have a
Credit Card?
NOMINATE
ALY RAISMAN.
gap years since 1996, with a career YOUR TEEN
background at LEAPNOW, his launch
of Carpe Diem Education, and his RESERVE YOUR FREE COPY
2012 introduction of the non-profit PUBLISHED
BY
10 AT WWW.TEENLIFE.COM/MAG.
the American Gap Association,
E
TIPS TO MAK
YOUR
THE MOST OF VISIT
COLLEGE
www.americangap.org.
TeenLife.com
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VOL. 1, ISSUE
THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO GAP YEAR PROGRAMS 21