Exploring a Possible Gap Year for Students and Recent Grads

Cultural study semester in Asia

This section is devoted to assisting students and recent grads as they explore the gap-year option. The Interim Sample Programs and Sample Scenarios tabs describe the "What" and "Where" of the actual gap-year experience. But knowing the "What" and "Where" about the gap year is not all there is to consider before you say "Yes" to an Interim Gap-Year experience. There are questions to be answered and a few considerations to examine.

Examining the Benefits

The benefits of an Interim Gap Year are numerous and vary from student to student. In our interview process we listen to you as you express your particular ideas and feelings about taking gap-year time. Then, based upon what you tell us and our experience, we offer considered thoughts and suggestions that support you. And we make program suggestions that we believe will lead to the benefits that will best achieve the goals and objectives you establish for yourself. For it is our belief that the core value of a gap year is to be able to say, 'I can choose and create my life.' A list of some of the most frequently recognized benefits for students and recent grads can be read here in the Benefits section.

Addressing the Concerns

Many of our students and recent grads have not traveled far from home. Even when they have, they may not have traveled much alone or lived on their own. They may also feel uneasy about taking a different path from that of their peers. At Interim, we provide our gap-year students with a "landing pad" and extensive support as they adjust to new freedom and responsibility. Our Concerns section addresses the various common questions that students have as they consider a gap year.

Read About Your Peers' Experiences

If, after looking at sample programs, student scenarios, benefits, and concerns, you still aren't sure if a gap year is for you, take a look at a few of the Comments of earlier Interim Gap-Year students and recent grads. No one we have spoken with has regretted taking a gap year but many people regret not taking one!

Considering the Costs

An important question that comes to many students' and parents' minds concerns the cost of a gap year. First, we at Interim work closely with you to discover what you, and oftentimes your family, can afford to spend before recommending programs. Please review the page about student Costs to get an idea of the costs you might incur and those that you might forego or offset during your personal gap year.

Getting Your Gap Year Started

Once you've looked at costs, benefits, assured yourself that your concerns are manageable, and maybe even read a few testimonials, you can look at how to Get Started. Take a look at the process and then either fill out an Interest Sheet or Contact Us to assist you.