Gap Year
From AFSWiki
- AFS Offers participants four types of gap programs: 1) A fifth year of High School in a country that will accept graduates. This has been our traditional core offering. 2) A summer experience, such as a Community Service Program or a Language Study Program. 3) A semester or year Community Service Program, somewhat similar to a "junior" Peace Corps experience - project and destination choices vary widely and can be tailored to matching the needs in the destination country with the skills of the applicant. And 4) a University Program for a semester or year.
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Media about Gap Year and Beyond
- NPR story July 2008
- USA Today story June 2008
- How to Become a World Citizen Before Going to College, New York Times (September 2006)
- The Possibilities of a Gap Year, Chronicle of Higher Education (July 2006)
Ideas for Gap Year and Beyond with AFS
Age Range: While many gap program participants are recent High School grads, other adults interested in a break from college or from a career, are also eligible on a great many of the AFS gap program offerings. Please check the website for the age requirements of specific destinations.
Sample Programs: Many gap participants will engage in AFS programs that involve teaching English or helping to teach English, others can find projects with protecting the environment, serving in a Health Care Clinic, and much more. Our partner countries have good connections with local non-profit organizations and can design projects that best match the applicants interests.
College Advantage: Colleges are increasingly intersted in the student that takes time to explore the world and increase their Global Awareness and sensitivity. Please check out the College Advantage flyer on the AFS USA website for more information.
AFS's Gap Year and Beyond Offering
See http://www.afsusa.org/gapprograms
The following brief description of AFS's gap-year offering is intended to summarize AFS gap-year programs, for inclusion in lists or directories of gap-year options.
An AFS Gap Year is more than just a break after high school; it’s a stepping stone and a chance to open up new horizons. AFS has cutting-edge community service opportunities all over the globe for participants to see first-hand the interdependence of our world and the influence one can have on a community.
With over 40 Gap Year opportunities in 28 countries, AFS programs reach every corner of the planet. Programs range from Summer options (4-6 weeks) to Semester (5-6 months) and Year programs (10-11 months). Participants can work on environmental and conservation projects, teach in underprivileged schools, or help make sustainable changes working in less developed parts of the world. For shorter options, participants may choose a summer immersion program in one of the world’s most exciting destinations, such as: China, Egypt, Hungary or Turkey.
Most AFS Gap Year programs give the participant a chance to live with a host family at least part of the time, while allowing them to become more confident, self-reliant, and worldly before their next step in life. In addition, AFS Gap Year participants are eligible for scholarships and financial assistance. Each year, AFS raises and distributes approximately $2 million in scholarships and financial aid.
