Taking a gap year is only for some, but some teens find it helpful to take a break from the day-to-day stresses of academia. Taking a gap year is a great opportunity for teens and can be especially helpful for young adults who haven’t settled on a particular career path yet and don’t want to enter college to take general studies courses.
Helping your teen enroll in a program during their gap year may sound counterintuitive, but it’s one of the most valuable ways for them to spend their gap year! Some high school graduates prefer to spend a year traveling or working, but entering a dedicated gap year program has many benefits.
Some gap year programs offer job training, extensive travel, or other real-world experiences to help them settle on a career path and prepare for adult life. Read on if this sounds like the perfect opportunity for your teen!
Here are the ten best gap year programs for 2024:
#1 Wilderness Adventures Leadership Institute (WALI)
Located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the Wilderness Adventures Leadership Institute is an amazing opportunity for high school graduates who want to take a gap semester and learn valuable skills. This program takes young adults into the great outdoors to teach them valuable outdoor skills, leadership skills, and plenty of life lessons.
Through the WALI program, high school graduates will enjoy a gap semester while earning their Wilderness First Responders certificate and engaging in meaningful work with National Forest Rangers and non-profits. Participants may also receive CPR/First Aid, Swift Water Rescue, and Leave No Trace Trainer certifications.
#2 Sea Education Exploration: Ocean Exploration Gap Year Program
The Sea Education Exploration program run by Boston University offers a 12-week gap program that takes students out onto the ocean to learn more about marine life, maritime history & culture, and leadership.
This program is an excellent opportunity for teens. There are two options for this program: one provides young adults with college credit, and the other provides an ocean adventure free from the pressures of grades.
#3 Gap Year at SOAR
The Gap Year at SOAR is specially developed based on current research and parent feedback to support the journey of young adults with ADHD and other learning disabilities. This program is suitable for young adults with learning disabilities who graduated high school but aren’t quite ready to enter college or the workforce.
In this program, young adults will learn independent living skills, community involvement, expedition planning, volunteer opportunities, and more. Participants will spend time exploring the West and learning life skills at SOAR’s Eagle View ranch in Dubois, Wyoming.
#4 Pacific Discovery Gap Year Program
Pacific Discovery has multiple 10-week gap year programs. They aim to give young adults a transformative experience through international travel, authentic immersion, meaningful service, and wilderness adventure. You can take their programs consecutively and take an optional 3-week independent extension to create a full gap year experience.
Through Pacific Discovery, young adults experience adventures in Australia, Ecuador, New Zealand, Peru, Guatemala, Nepal, the Galapagos Islands, and more exciting places. This gap year program will enhance your teen’s understanding of themselves, the world, and their passions.
#5 Gap Year at The School of The New York Times
Each generation of graduates presents a new generation of global thinkers. The Gap Year at The School of The New York Times is a gap program dedicated to helping young adults learn more about themselves, the world, and their future. Young adults will study with New York Times journalists and other industry experts to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of themselves.
There are six and twelve-week programs available. While your teen won’t receive college credit for this program, it’s still the perfect way for them to expand their views and pick the minds of veteran journalists.
#6 Spanish Gap Year Program: Spain by Train
This 12-week program allows participants to explore all regions of Spain and live with local Spanish citizens. Young adults in this program will be fully immersed in Spanish culture while cycling the Camino de Santiago, cookery workshops in the Basque Country, surfing in Asturias, history and architecture tours in Barcelona, art workshops in Madrid, and many other invaluable cultural experiences.
The Spanish Gap Year Program awards students a certificate from the University of Salamanca upon completion, which will transfer as six college credits.
Are you ready to help your teen expand their skills and explore their interests? Visit us at Impressive Teens, where we gather all the best programs for teens!
#7 Give & Surf Gap Year Program
Teens participating in the Give & Surf Gap Year Program are given an immersive experience while participating in various activities in Panama. They’ll have the opportunity to learn Spanish, volunteer in after-school programs, and participate in a wide range of activities and excursions.
This program serves students in Panama who are adversely affected by poverty and difficulties accessing education. Young adults enrolled in this program will help bring fun and educational activities to local children while learning more about themselves and the world.
#8 EF Gap Year: Customizable 25-Week Program in Multiple Destinations
Enrolling in the EF Gap Year Program allows young adults to improve their language skills, intern in 10+ countries, build real-world skills and ultimately learn more about who they want to become.
This program gives young adults a huge advantage when entering or returning to college. They may receive college credits or test out of language classes entirely, and they’ll have undergone an invaluable cultural experience.
#9 Ananda College- New Horizons Gap Year
This gap year program is dedicated to students who want to explore their innermost selves before entering the world of college academia. Courses in Finding Your Calling, Meditation, World Courses, and Spirituality and Consciousness will help your teen discover who they are, who they want to become, and how they get there.
The New Horizons Gap Year program allows students to share what they’ve learned with others and have meaningful experiences in Greece, Italy, India, and the US.
#10 AMDA Gap Year Programs in Acting and Musical Theater
The AMDA Gap Year Programs offers world-class training in the performing arts for fifteen weeks in the fall/spring and eight weeks in the summer. Participants can take courses in Acting for Stage & Screen, Musical Theater, or a course that combines both practices! This is ideal for passionate students who want an immersive performing arts experience and a chance to pursue their passions!
Are you determined to find the best opportunities for your teen? Check out Impressive Teens, where we list all the best resources to help prepare teens for their futures.
Enroll Your Impressive Teen in a Gap Year Program
Gap-year programs are an excellent way to give your teen a break from brick-and-mortar schools. These programs allow young adults to expand their horizons while learning more about themselves, the world, and life. Your teen will never forget this amazing opportunity, which will be the perfect way to help them transition from high school to adult life.
Related: 10 Mistakes Teens Make When Writing Their Resumes (And How to Write a Stellar One)
