Gap Year Travel Programs

After sitting in a classroom for so many years, it’s natural for you to feel an itch for adventure and independence. A gap year travel program is an exciting and fulfilling way to volunteer abroad for a newly graduated student after high school.

But there can often be some misconceptions that a gap year traveling program is just a fancy term for an extended vacation. The reality is quite different. So, what are the advantages of joining the best gap year travel programs over just booking a vacation; and where do you find a gap year travel program that will provide a true, life-changing experience that matches your bold choice and ambition?

Global Citizen Year takes you a step further and combines a deep cultural immersion that provides a lasting impact beyond that of a traditional study abroad or gap year travel program.

 

What is gap year travel?

Usually occurring between high school and college, gap year travel involves someone traveling to a new country to volunteer, experience a different culture, and live and work with members of the local community.

What is a gap year travel program?

A gap year travel program is a program typically entered after high school, which involves gaining both life experience and useful skills through volunteering and international travel.

What is the best gap year travel program?

Determining the best gap year travel program for you involves evaluating the following factors:

  • Program fit
  • Price
  • Destination
  • Duration
  • College credit
  • Living situation

 

VACATIONS VS.  GAP YEAR TRAVEL PROGRAMS

Vacations vs. Gap Year Travel Programs

However, that does not mean that you have to give up the good parts of a vacation in order to participate in a gap year travel program. Think about all the advantages of a vacation: fun, adventure, challenge and excitement. The best gap year travel programs can afford you all of those same experiences, while also preparing you for college, a career and life. A gap year travel program with Global Citizen Year will unlock the following benefits:

 

Experiencing a different culture.

While vacations allow you to witness a different culture, a gap year travel program allows you to actually live a different culture. You’ll live and work among locals, socialize, eat the food and speak the language. And when it’s all over, you’ll have made friendships that will last a lifetime.

 

Develop true grit.

Recent studies suggest that the number one indicator of success is not your IQ or your genetic makeup, it’s actually something deeper, known as grit. Grit is what drives talent to mastery and passion to action. This is an essential foundation for success in college and beyond, Global Citizen Year focuses on providing educational pathways to take you outside of your comfort zone and unlock your potential.

 

Seeing a new country.

A gap year travel program gets you away from the tourist areas and into the real world. You’ll go to more rustic places, and see things that most typical travelers won’t, making your experiences richer and more fulfilling.

 

Practicing a new language.

What better way to pick up a new language or practice one you learned in school than by living with and among native speakers for months at a time? Working alongside members of the community provides the full immersion needed for fluency in another language.

 

Meeting new people.

You may meet new people on a vacation, but you often don’t have the time to really forge a friendship. A gap year travel program gives you extended time living and working with the locals. Instead of seeing new people, you’re meeting and becoming a part of the community. Global Citizen Year also differentiates itself by offering a deeper 8 month departure than traditional gap year travel programs.

 

Trying something new.

Typical tourist activities pale in comparison to the kinds of experiences you’ll gain in the best gap year travel programs, and colleges look favorably on students willing to try something new. It shows courage, open-mindedness, and determination to go outside of your comfort zone, especially in an entirely new country.

 

Preparing you for college — and beyond.

Going abroad to take part in the best gap year travel programs helps students like you to become more mature and academically engaged for college. That year may be just what you need to help you decide on a course of study, or even just boost your resume.

 

Connecting you with friends.

By embarking on a bridge year, you will gain independence, but you won’t be alone. Global Citizen year applicants all share a curiosity and adventurous spirit that will allow you to bond quickly. During your nine months abroad, you’ll always have a network of like-minded people with whom you can communicate and share experiences. And when your bridge year is over, you’ll have friends you’ll never forget.

Do more than just travel, become a global citizen. Take part in one of the best gap year travel programs in the world with Global Citizen Year and enrich yourself with truly unique experiences and opportunities that will reach beyond college. Explore the application today and change your tomorrow.


Sources:

Wired: http://www.wired.com/2011/03/what-is-success-true-grit

Time: http://time.com/gap-year-college

 

 

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