The Trailblazer
Conformity? No thanks. You’ve never been one for following the crowd.
You’re stepping off the conveyor belt from high school to college and forging your own path.
During your gap year you’ll seek out unique opportunities in your community – learn an indigenous language, pick up samba, or advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
You might not have your whole life mapped out, but choosing your own adventure is half the fun!
During your gap year you’ll discover new interests and passions that can help give you new direction for college.
Live life to the fullest
Maybe like Ariel Vardy (Senegal ’14, University of Washington) you’ll live life to the fullest in Senegal – starting a bakery, harvesting honey, and immersing in the local culture. At college, Ariel continued exploring, questioning, and immersing, by daring to try new things like circus arts, joining a gospel choir, and teaching philosophy to kids. Now he’s joining Teach For America.
Find a new sense of purpose and direction
Maybe, like Alana Poole (India ’16, Tsukuba University), you’ll find new clarity during your bridge year about what your next steps should be. During her gap year in India, Alana decided to change her college plans and is now studying at Tsukuba University in Japan where she’s connecting with her heritage.
EXPERIENCE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
A GLOBAL CITIZEN YEAR FELLOW
Fellow / Ecuador
— Anna del Savio
I work with a group of indigenous artisans that make fair trade jewelry.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Amari Leigh
After my community garden apprenticeship, I like to hang out at the local waterfall with my friends.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Basil Wiering
I often hail a rickshaw into various parts of the city to meet friends and practice street photography.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Fernanda Tornell
I've developed my public speaking skills and encouraged hundreds of people to take care of our planet.…
Fellow / India
— Luciana Ribeiro da Silva
I apprentice with Teach For India and also volunteer with a non-profit working to end child marriage.…
Fellow / Ecuador
— Noah Hapke
I co-teach English classes at the school in my community.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Sarah Murray
My apprenticeship is at a school for people with disabilities where I help to lead gardening, games, and capoeira.…
Fellow / India
— Alana Poole
In the afternoons, I often go on home visits to meet my students' families and understand where they come from.…