By Anna Nickerson, Babson College Class of 2022 A Gap Year is an exciting opportunity for students, providing them with opportunities to get out of their comfort zones, gain valuable life skills, improve independent decision making, gain work experience, and so much more. But how does a Gap Year impact students further down the road … Continue reading Gap Years’ Lasting Impact
The traditional educational path often falls short for both students and the colleges they attend, with over 30% of freshmen failing to return to their initial college.
the 2019 Gap Year Conference continues the effort to challenge conventional thinking, and encourage people to rethink Gap Years and get more excited about this unique educational opportunity for students.
Katherine (far left) with Art History Abroad in Venice, April 2019. Earlier this year, our Founder, Katherine Stievater visited several Gap Year programs in Europe. While with one of these programs, she spent time with a group of Gap Year students in Italy, and had the chance to speak with them over the course of … Continue reading What’s Your Story?
By Anna Nickerson, Babson College Class of 2022 Anna near Boulder CO before embarking on her gap year. When I first took a gap year, I got a flood of questions from friends; “Will you feel weird about not still being in our graduating class? What about college? Can you defer? Are you planning to … Continue reading Transitioning from a Gap Year to College (Part 1)
Interview by Anna Nickerson Photo: Lucia (left) on the campaign trail in Northern Virginia! It is a common misconception that in order to take a gap year, you must travel abroad extensively. Many students choose to forgo travel-based programs and focus on other opportunities, such as Gapper Lucia Poggi. Lucia just finished up her gap … Continue reading Interview with Lucia Poggi (UChicago ’23)
Photo Credit: GYS student Would I be behind after taking a Gap Year? Absolutely not! We understand that this is a common concern of both students and parents though. One of the ways they express their concern is wondering if missing math or not being "academic” for a year will cause a form of learning “atrophy”. … Continue reading Six Questions Most Students Ask Before Taking A Gap Year
Photo Credits: Gap Year Solutions 1. Notebook/Journal. According to the Gap Year Association, a journal can be incredibly useful while you’re on your gap year, and can be a helpful place for processing, documenting, and occasionally venting too. We agree and highly recommend all gappers make this a habit during their year. 2. Hiking Boots. … Continue reading 12 Indispensable Items for Your Travels
By Anna Nickerson Photo: Anna kayaking in Maharashtra, India on her gap year program I took a gap year with a structured 9-month program last year. To say that it was the best decision of my life would be an understatement. As a result of my gap year, I grew in ways I didn’t know … Continue reading FOMO
After 13 years of rigorous academics in a very competitive school system, I felt burnout and lacked the motivation to continue on with my studies. I performed well in the classes I enjoyed, but not so well in others that bored me. Learning in the classroom was no longer something I enjoyed, it was something … Continue reading How My Gap Year Made Me A Better College Student (And Better Person)
