What is a GAP Year?
A gap year is an intentional period of time spent away from formal education. It can occur after high school or between years of study at post secondary. This could mean you are out seeking Travel, or Learning a Second Language, another great idea is to do Service somewhere in the world. Although it may not technically be a GAP year some students are taking a year to work and save money before attending college or university, we could call this a Savvy Saver GAP Year.
Is a GAP Year a Good Idea?There are good and bad experiences with GAP Year, in the same way that there are good and bad experiences at Post-Secondary school, with Work or with the Armed Forces.
Check the Learning Clicks Achieve for some GAP Year Stories - Joel and Nick have travel stories. |
Resources, Ideas and Programs for GAP Years
NOTE: The posting of information on this page is in NO WAY an endorsement or recommendation of a program or website, and Horizon School Division can not and does not accept any responsibility for the behavior or actions of the listed or related organizations.
Resource Pages Gov of Alberta ALIS - GAP Year Information - resource page Pros and Cons, Ideas, Stories and Logistic Advice from the Government of Alberta Government of Canada, Work and Travel Abroad - resource page Programs and assistance Lethbridge College GAP Year - resource page Ideas and resources to organize your GAP year. Programs or Companies A-Way to Work formerly International Rural Exchange (previously know as Agriventure) This company helps you to travel and work on agriculture establishments in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan and England. Several of our students have travelled with the help of this group. YMCA Youth Summer Work Student Exchange at www.summer-work.com Students between 16 and 17 have the opportunity to work in Canada while improving their second language. Students stay with a host family and work at a regular job for up 6 weeks ending in mid August. Projects Abroad www.projects-abroad.org Find a wide variety of volunteer projects all over the world, from journalism in Eastern Europe to service in South America or Africa. Amazing projects helping people in need. Katimavik at katimavik.org/en/ This is a built in Canada adventure. Young adults work in to diverse Canadian communities for a five month period helping to make communities stronger. A new program has been developed to help young adults develop work skills and experience. Check out their well ordered site for information on both programs. Other GAP Year Ideas or Programs CanGap Structured, themes GAP year programs and resources https://www.outwardbound.ca/ The outward bound programs are famous for their excursions into nature and the wilderness. See programs built around surfing, canoeing, Rocky Mountain adventures and more. www.rusticpathways.com Find Adventure, Community Service, Language Programs and Life Skills programs. www.swap.ca Information about the Student Work Abroad Program. With assistance getting visa's and booking flights. www.classafloat.com Education, Adventure and Summer Camps aboard a tall Sailing Ship. www.yci.org Youth Challenge International Life changing service trips overseas for youth aged 18 and up. www.projectvisa.com Updates on visa status with other countries |