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? 

For some students a GAP year can be a life changing event that positively informs the rest of their lives, Travel, Service or Learning a Second Language can have that kind of effect.  At other times GAP years can be less inspirational, like any adventure in life you do not know what will happen until it happens.  

​Check the Learning Clicks Archive 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 we can not and do not accept any responsibility for the behavior or actions of the listed or related organizations.

Resources for Planning

Pros and Cons, Ideas, Stories and Logistic Advice from the Government of Alberta ​
Ideas and resources to organize your GAP year
Programs and assistance ​
Updates and news on countries and their visas 
Read this short article for volunteer opportunities and check out Katimavik below 

Programs or Companies 

Formerly International Rural Exchange or Agriventure.  This company helps you to travel and work in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan and England. Several of our students have travelled with the help of this group.
Projects Abroad offers pre-planned trips for high school students or recent graduates.  Look for service projects overseas, second language learning and more. 


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CanGap is developing into a central hub of GAP year opportunities and information.  This large site includes program, resources and even: GAP Year Scholarship - yes $750 towards your GAP Year if you win 
Travel programs for ages 12 to 22, with trip leaders facilitating programs all over the world. 


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Sail a tall ship while earning academic credits and exploring the world.  Programs for High School, GAP Year and University. 

Programs and assistance to work and travel in Australia 
Look at semester long or year long travel options. 


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Most of the travel options are between 11 and 25 days long and include middle and high school offerings.  While not really a GAP year find adventures all over the world. 
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.
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. ​
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.  
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Partnering with the Government of Canada SWAP offers Working Holiday opportunities for youth.  Students get assistance with work visas, job search and travel.  SWAP offers cultural exchange opportunities all over the world. 
Many programs and initiatives including Climate Change programs in Calgary.  Find many relevant adventures here. 
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Programs and assistance to travel and work in many different countries 
Assisting Canadians aged 19-35 to experience secure paid work placements in agriculture, horticulture and hospitality sectors, with screened and accountable host families in Canada and participating countries
A matching service between caregivers and families from all over the world. 
​The Naval Experience Program (NEP) will provide you with exposure to life in the Royal Canadian Navy and help you decide if life in the Navy is the right fit for you.

Following a streamlined enrollment, eight-week basic military training and four-week naval training, you will join the Naval fleet on either the East or West coast. Over the course of several months, you will learn the ropes of being a sailor by shadowing a variety of jobs and gaining exposure to several skills and opportunities. The program will include time at sea, giving you a sense of the adventures to be found in a naval career.  This is a paid position.