WHAT IS A GAP YEAR/GAP TIME?
Interim defines gap time as a focused period of time in which an individual takes and intentional break from a current academic or professional path in order to explore other interests and skills.
It is an opportunity to gain life experience, travel new parts of the world, and consider how certain pursuits may fit into a longer-term plan of school, profession, or personal enrichment. It is a rite of passage into the next chapter of life, a chance to ask: “Who am I?”, “What is important to me?” and, “What do I want to create for myself?”
It is an opportunity to gain life experience, travel new parts of the world, and consider how certain pursuits may fit into a longer-term plan of school, profession, or personal enrichment. It is a rite of passage into the next chapter of life, a chance to ask: “Who am I?”, “What is important to me?” and, “What do I want to create for myself?”WHO TAKES GAP TIME?
Anyone who is interested can take a gap year. Interim works with individuals of all ages, interests, and backgrounds from straight-A high school seniors accepted into top colleges, to students simply eager to explore the world before college, to those weary of the academic process or who did not receive hoped-for college acceptances, to students with learning differences, to graduates who do not want to attend college, and college students and graduates questioning majors and/or job prospects.
We also counsel mid and post-career adults, from young professionals considering a career change, to retirees curious to further explore their interests and the world.
We also counsel mid and post-career adults, from young professionals considering a career change, to retirees curious to further explore their interests and the world.
WHEN DO PEOPLE TAKE GAP TIME?
Gap time can be taken after high school, during college, or at any break between life’s major chapters. It is for anyone, at any age. The term gap year does not mean that one has to plan a full year of activities. Individuals can take a summer, semester, six months, or even more than a year of gap time.
WHERE & HOW DO PEOPLE SPEND GAP TIME?
One of the challenges in creating great gap time is figuring out the correct combination of vetted experiences to meet one’s goals, budget, and timeline.
There are thousands of options, both in the U.S. and abroad, that one can engage in during gap time including: group travel programs, volunteer placements, internships, apprenticeships, language schools, wilderness courses, academic semesters, research trips, skill-building classes, and much more.
Many gappers also incorporate time to travel, visit friends or family, as well as stay home to take classes, apply to school, and/or work to save money. The reality is that your gap time can and should be tailored to whatever time, resources, and goals you have to work with.
There are thousands of options, both in the U.S. and abroad, that one can engage in during gap time including: group travel programs, volunteer placements, internships, apprenticeships, language schools, wilderness courses, academic semesters, research trips, skill-building classes, and much more.Many gappers also incorporate time to travel, visit friends or family, as well as stay home to take classes, apply to school, and/or work to save money. The reality is that your gap time can and should be tailored to whatever time, resources, and goals you have to work with.
IS GAP TIME EXPENSIVE?
WHAT OTHER QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE?
Is gap time safe? What do colleges think of it? Is gap time for me? Why use a gap year counselor? More FAQ, Facts & Figures, and Testimonials should provide many of these answers, but please do not hesitate to contact us with your specific questions.
