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Gap or Service Year Programs

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on March 21, 2016 at 7:13:22 pm
 

Gap or Service Year Programs

 

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in gap years amongst US college-bound students, to the point that there are now multiple "gap year fairs" each year (similar to a college fair, but focused on gap year opportunities). See http://usagapyearfairs.org/fairs/ for gap year fair information. The remaining links here are to specific programs, or to services that aggregate and curate information on multiple programs.

 

The American Gap site is a good resource: http://www.americangap.org/

 

This site may also be helpful to those interested in taking a gap year: www.TheLeap.co.uk

 

Andover also maintains an extensive list of year off or gap year programs, which can be found here: 

http://www.andover.edu/Academics/CollegeCounseling/GapYear/Pages/DesignYourOwnYearOff.aspx

 

Aardvark Israel - http://www.aardvarkisrael.com

"Aardvark Israel was founded as a vehicle to maximize the number of young Jews coming to Israel for meaningful, life-changing experiences that strengthen their Jewish identity, commitment to Israel, and foster personal growth."

 

African Leadership Academy - http://www.alagapyear.org

"The African Leadership Academy Gap Year is a once in a lifetime experience for recent  high school graduates from around the world. This selective program aims to develop  young people into the global leaders of tomorrow. In September 2008, up to 20 Gap Year students will join a unique community of 100 of the most outstanding young leaders from across the African continent on our campus in South Africa. Participants will be exposed to the African continent while developing their leadership skills and designing innovative solutions to challenges facing needy communities across Africa."

 

AFS Intercultural Programs - http://www.usa.afs.org 

"AFS Intercultural Programs, a non-profit organization with over 60 years of experience in international student exchange, offers Gap Year programs in over 25 countries. Whether you want to go abroad for a summer, semester, or year, there are many AFS options to choose from: study at a high school or university, immerse yourself in a new culture and language, or work on a community service project! Whichever path you take, an AFS gap year program will be rewarding and enlightening. AFS also offers hosting of international students and summer-, semester-, and year-long programs abroad for students still in high school."

 

ANDEO - International Homestays - http://www.andeo.org 

"ANDEO International Homestays works closely with each applicant to customize a Gap program that fits their individual goals and interests.  The two core components of all Andeo programs are small-group language courses and a homestay with a local 

family.  From there, participants choose their own path! It may lead them to an organic farm in Japan, a theater stage in Germany, a community service project in Peru, or a photography studio in Italy, to list just a few. Andeo Gap programs can last from four weeks to a full year and can begin at anytime.  Academic credit is available for all programs."

 

Audubon - http://www.audubon.org

 

Americorps- http://www.americorps.org 

"The experience of a lifetime awaits you as a member of AMERICORPS NCCC – a full time, residential, national service program in which 1,100 18-24 year-olds serve each year. For 10 months, members work in teams of 8-12 on projects, usually lasting 6-8 weeks each, that improve the environment, enhance education, increase public safety, address unmet human needs, and assist with disaster relief. In exchange for their service, members receive a $4,725 education award, room and board, a modest living stipend, leadership development, and the knowledge that through active citizenship, people can indeed make a difference."

 

Africa & Asia Ventures

http://www.aventure.co.uk/

We specialize in group-based, full-immersion experiences: volunteers go out as part of a group but then get split into, typically, twos or fours and live with the locals the way the locals live. The program ends with a period of independent travel when volunteers can travel wherever they like - with the benefit and support of our 24/7 in-country management teams.

 

Bitterroot Dude Ranch - http://www.bitterrootranch.com/employment.htm

 

Bridgton Academy - http://www.bridgtonacademy.org 

"Bridgton Academy's mission is to provide a program for young men in a unique, oneyear postgraduate environment to prepare for the rigors of college and beyond. Bridgton Academy consists of an adult community committed to developing the whole student by providing a dynamic and challenging skills-based curriculum, a diverse campus life, and an appropriate extracurricular program to promote mental, social, and physical growth. The Bridgton Academy graduate should have grown through the postgraduate experience so that he enters college with improved confidence, values, judgment, life skills, and maturity to succeed."

 

Brown Ledge (documentary filmmaking) - http://www.brownledgegapyear.com/

"The Brown Ledge Gap Year Program gives students life and work skills, as well as training them in documentary production to help them investigate and respond to the world around them. The program starts with an intensive training session in techniques and styles of video, audio and digital photography. Participants will then travel to two unique American cities—New Orleans and El Paso—where they will live together, while individually doing half-time internships or community service and creating their own documentary work."

 

Camp Hill Association - http://www.camphillassociation.org

 

Carpe Diem International Education - http://www.carpediemeducation.com 

"I cannot describe how proud and excited we are for her. Twisted ankle, near death experience on the Nile and she is still so, so happy and amazingly excited for what is yet to come! I have no doubt in my mind that it is all thanks to Carpe diem's team.  THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH FROM THE BOTTOM, MIDDLE AND TOP OF MY HEART."  Carpe Diem runs semester and year-long experiential programs focusing on the development of students into and beyond their comfort zones.  We travel primarily to the eveloping world where volunteerism, cultural exchange, and language studies are core to our ethos.  University credit is optionally available as is Federal Financial Aid.

 

The Center for Cross-Cultural Study - http://www.cccs.com 

"The Center for Cross-Cultural Study, which has provided unique study abroad experiences for 40 years, offers high school students the opportunity to engage in Spanish culture and language, while obtaining college-level credit. With summer programs and gap semester/academic year options in both Seville and Alicante, Spain, CC-CS encourages gap year students to join us in an in-depth cultural immersion experience. Studying abroad with CC-CS involves homestays, excellent professors and interesting classes. Academically rigorous in-class instruction is enriched with cultural visits to places of interest

 

Center for Interim Programs (program search consulting) - http://www.interimprograms.com/

 

Chinese Government Scholarship Program (for NAIS school graduates only; scholarships offered on a competitive basis)

http://en.csc.edu.cn/Lianhua/c1e7463d02704511940e91faa7ba7942.shtml

If you have questions at this program, contact Paul Miller (miller@nais.org).

 

CIEE Gap Year Abroad - http://www.ciee.org/gap-year-abroad/

 

City-Year - http://www.city-year.org

 

Dynamy Program - http://www.dynamy.org

 

Dynamy Internship Year - http://www.dynamy.org/Internship%20Year.asp

"Dynamy Internship Year is the oldest and only residential internship program in the country. Our mission is to offer young people, ages 17-22, a transformational gap year (or semester) opportunity. Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, Dynamy Internship Year integrates full-time mentored internships in over 240 organizations with urban and backcountry leadership experiences, personal and college/career advising, city apartment living, optional college seminars and the company of a remarkable group of peers."

 

Education First - http://www.ef.edu/pg/gap-year/

 

Enrichment Alley - http://www.EnrichmentAlley.com

 

Frontier Gap - http://frontiergap.com

Frontier was established in 1989 as a non-profit conservation and development non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem integrity and building sustainable livelihoods for marginalised communities in the world's poorest countries. Our first projects were in Tanzania, one of the world's poorest countries. Carrying out groundbreaking surveys in remote forest, savannah, and marine environments, our dedicated teams of volunteers set about building a comprehensive picture of areas that were heretofore ignored, despite being, as we discovered, among the most biodiverse areas in the world.

 

Gap at Glen Brook - http://www.gapatglenbrook.org/#intro

"Our staff can teach you skills of passion, sustenance, and the crafting of a life. Here, you will intuit your goals and passions through community living, a farm-to-table lifestyle, outdoor adventure, and self-sustainability."

 

Gap Guru - http://www.gapguru.com/

 

The Gap Year Advantage - http://gapyearadvantage.com

"Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson have a combined 40 years of experience in the fields of  education policy and practice. They have written a comprehensive guide to planning time off before or during college. With college costs rising each year and increased 

competition for acceptance into college, parents and their children are looking for ways to stand out and to get the most out of an expensive education. Taking a 'gap year' between high school and college-a growing trend in the United States-or structuring time off during college offers the opportunity for students to gain focus and discipline, learn to set realistic goals, get real world experience, and build a stand-out resumé."

 

Gap Year South Africa - http://www.GapYearSouthAfrica.com 

"Gap Year South Africa offers you one of the most affordable Gap Year experiences, specializing in Sports Coaching, Teaching, HIV/AIDS & Health Awareness, Environmental Awareness and Medical projects in South Africa. Our projects assist in social and economic development and address priority areas such as moral regeneration and social cohesion by our volunteers engaging with the local community and providing essential life skills through teaching and sports coaching. We offer projects from 5 weeks to 3 months long and are looking for enthusiastic volunteers."

 

Global Citizen Year - http://www.globalcitizenyear.org/program

"Global Citizen Year (GCY) is building a movement of new American leaders who will lead the fight against global poverty.  Each year we select and train a diverse cohort of emerging leaders who will participate in a transformative “bridge year” between high school and college.  With our support, GCY Fellows defer their college enrollment and spend a year living with families and working as apprentices with community organizations in Asia, Africa, or Latin America -- learning a new language, re-shaping their sense of themselves in the world, and preparing to begin college with global perspective and a clearer sense of purpose."

 

Global College – Long Island University - htCanceltp://www.liu.edu/globalcollege 

"Global College of Long Island University is the only global studies program in the nation that integrates a series of year-long cultural immersions into a progressive, four-year Bachelor of Arts degree. Students travel, live and study in our centers in Costa Rica, China, India, Japan, South Africa and New York City, acquiring a cross-cultural education that is increasingly valuable to employers as economic, technological, political and social issues become more globally interconnected. Undergraduates may participate as freshman, transfer or study abroad applicants!"

 

Global Learning Across Borders - http://www.global-lab.org 

"Global Learning Across Borders exists to educate and inspire new generations of people to become responsible and committed global citizens in their local communities and beyond. We do this through international cultural immersion and community service programs for young adults; global studies professional development programs for educators; and by partnering with schools to help design and implement experiential global curricula and service programs."

 

Global Routes - http://www.globalroutes.org 

"Global Routes is a tax-exempt non-profit organization that believes the future of our global community is dependent upon understanding, open communication, mutual respect and interdependence between diverse peoples. Global Routes designs experiential community service projects and teaching internships that allow students to expand their world view and challenge their understandings by living and working with people in communities throughout the world. Programs are designed to facilitate personal growth, contribution and adventure. High school summer programs are 2-5 weeks; semester long Teaching Internships are offered to Gap Year and college age students during the fall and spring."

 

Global Service - http://www.globalservicecorps.org

 

Global Quest- http://www.gquest.org/

 

Global Vision International - http://www.gviusa.com 

"By joining one of our programs worldwide you can help critical conservation and education projects ranging from teaching Literacy and English to indigenous communities in Latin America to wildlife research and conservation in Africa. Our international network of over 150 field staff ensure your peace of mind, cultural orientation, in-depth training and 24-hour support throughout your stay. So, join the world's most exciting and progressive volunteering organization and experience the world through new eyes." 

 

Global Volunteers - http://www.globalvolunteers.org

"Join our worldwide network of long-term, ethical service on a volunteer vacation abroad or a USA volunteer program. Live and work directly with local people on life-affirming service programs for one, two or three weeks. Extended stay options up to 24 weeks. We support some 100 host communities in 20 countries year-around through short-term volunteer teams."

 

GlobaLinks (AustraLearn) - http://www.australearn.org 

"AustraLearn provides college/university students with study abroad opportunities in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Students may participate in a semester or year abroad or earn an entire degree at one of more than 30 major universities. There are also opportunities to participate in a high quality internship in Australia or New Zealand or a January term or summer abroad program."

 

Himalayan Gap - http://www.himalayangap.com 

"Learn Hindi in the Himalayas, volunteer in mountain villages, play a traditional Indian instrument, breathe easy with daily yoga and spend your weekends rafting, hiking, exploring a Tibetan Buddhist monastery and discovering the culture of North India. At Himalayan Gap, we believe in catering to only 25 students at a time to make your gap year experience truly personal. With the directors supervising every group themselves, we do not outsource any part of your experience to other tour operators. All programs culminate or start with an optional 3 week trek to the base of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest."

 

Himalayan Intercultural Immersion Program/VIS - http://www.vermontis.org 

"Vermont Intercultural Semesters (VIS) is an international semester program of cultural immersion, currently in Ladakh, a former Buddhist Kingdom in the Himalaya that is now part of India. VIS is unique because it offers affordability & accreditation for HS students, ho earn 5.5 academic credits, cultural immersion – students live with peers abroad for 3-4 months, and mutually beneficial studies involving both sets of students." 

 

i-to-i Meaningful Travel & TEFL Courses/Placements - http://www.i-to-i.com 

"i-to-i provides volunteer travel opportunities across the globe with trips, tours, and challenges in Latin America, Asia & South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand, and Africa. Experience these amazing parts of the world not only as a traveler, but as a friend to its people, working side by side with the local people to build homes, work with wildlife, help the environment, work with children, play sports, teach English and much more!  Our TEFL courses are recognized throughout the world and we can even help you find placement for global job opportunities when you are ready to begin your adventure. Whether you fancy volunteering around the globe or want to teach English abroad, i-to-i will get you there!"

 

The International School for Earth Studies (ISES) - http://www.earth-studies.ca 

The International School for Earth Studies (ISES) is a private, interdisciplinary institution specializing in earth-based studies.  We seek students who wish to pursue interests related to responsible and sustainable environmental stewardship.  Our programs encourage students to explore, develop and nurture the seeds of greatness which exist within every individual, with a view to developing tomorrow's environmentally sensitive spokespersons and leaders. Our principle goal is to help students develop vision and responsibility inspired through appreciation and love for natural places and the greater environment.

 

Institute for International Cooperation and Development - http://www.iicd-volunteer.org

 

Kroka Expeditions - http://www.kroka.com 

"Founded in 1996, Kroka Expeditions is an Earth Living Skills School dedicated to assisting young people in developing strong character, responsibility, community, and a sense of place in harmony with nature. All of our programs offer sustainable community living experiences balanced with state-of-the-art instruction in adventure sports and the ancient art of wilderness living."

 

LeapNow - http://www.leapnow.org

"LEAPNOW offers two programs that put the best aspects of a gap year into action.  During the LEAPYEAR program, students venture out on a 3-month group semester in Asia or Latin America, followed by an intensive Rite of Passage and a 3-month individual internship anywhere in the world.  The One Revolution program offers participants a chance to deeply engage by volunteering or interning on three continents in five months.  Both programs include contemplative retreats on our California campus to focus on the development of conscious community and communication, learning to live in integrity and exploring questions of identity. LEAPNOW also arranges individual internships for traditional gap years."

 

Lexia Study Abroad Programs - http://www.lexiaintl.org 

"To ensure that your study abroad commitment is more than simply an exposure to another culture, Lexia has developed an approach that is based on full participation in the daily life and work of a community. Lexia's programs, all of which are located in dynamic urban centers, emphasize student engagement in active, reflective learning, small, individualized classes, affiliations with local academic institutions, a dedicated, onsite resident director and staff, individualized, personal advising, and an independent academic research project."

 

Living Routes - http://www.livingroutes.org 

"Earn college credit from University of Massachusetts Amherst on our semester, Summer and January-term study abroad programs (open also to gap year/high school students). Through academic and experiential coursework, environmental community service learning, and cultural excursions, you develop the understanding, skills and commitment to restore our planet and prepare for careers that make a difference. Living Routes is a carbon neutral organization."

 

Magic Carpet Rides - http://magiccarpetrides.com/

"Are you ready to serve the world, immerse yourself in Spanish and climb Mayan temples hidden in the jungle? Join our Magic Carpet Ride to Central America!  According to the Lonely Planet, 'If continents had their own ecosystem of gap-year opportunities, this region quite possibly offers the most abundant and varied of them all.' Magic Carpet Rides provides volunteer opportunities aligned with your interests, cultural immersion through home-stays, one-on-one conversational Spanish instruction, and activities like salsa dancing, and natural exploration including hiking active volcanoes, diving the barrier reef,  and exploring underground caves by candlelight."

 

Map the Gap International - http://www.mapthegapinternational.com 

"MTGI offers structured “service-learning” programs that combine language and cultural immersion, community service, and sociopolitical insights from experts to create a meaningful and impacting adventure for students. Programs – in Mexico, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Italy and Thailand – include 3 weeks of intensive language study, followed by ongoing language support; 8-10 cultural and recreational excursions; community service placements, with orientation and support; presentations from experts about issues affecting the communities served; room and board (usually homestay); international health insurance coverage; transportation to and from airport in host country, as well as for all planned activities; 24-hour local support; and possible college credit."

 

MASA Israel Journey - http://www.masaisrael.org 

"MASA enables young Jews (ages 18 to 30) from around the world to build a lasting relationship with Israel, strengthen their Jewish identity, and gain meaningful and beneficial experiences by participating in a long-term program in Israel. MASA is the culmination of a dream expressed by Ariel Sharon that all Jews should spend a semester to a year in Israel. Officially established by the government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel in 2003, MASA is your gateway to over 150 long-term programs in Israel."

 

Mine the Gap - http://www.minethegap.us.com 

"Mine The Gap, Inc. offers a comprehensive and community-focused experience for students who are looking for a program that will prepare them for their next phase of life. Partnering with established, local community-based organizations, Mine The Gap offers learning opportunities across a broad range of areas including: community service, the environment, creative and artistic expression, health and fitness, civic engagement and preparation skills for college. This unique gap year program provides students a new perspective or added insight as they further define their role in the community and in society as a whole."

 

New York Film Academy - http://www.nyfa.com

"The New York Film Academy was founded on the philosophy that 'learning by doing' combined with the best industry practices is more valuable than years of theoretical tudy in the cinematic arts. This educational model allows students to achieve more in less time than at any other university, school or institute in the world.  We offer courses in filmmaking, acting for film, screenwriting, producing, animation and broadcast journalism.  Our programs vary in length from as short as one week to two years."

 

NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School)http://www.NOLS.edu

"For 41 years, students with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) have learned and mastered outdoor skills, developed leadership and studied environmental ethics in some of the most wild classrooms in the world! Join NOLS Director of Admission, Bruce Palmer as he shares stunning pictures and cinematography for snowy Alaskan peaks to dense Patagonian rain forests, the majestic Himalayas to sparkling coastal Baja and the rugged Rockies to the remote Australian Outback."

 

One World 365 - http://www.oneworld365.org/activity/gap-year

"One World 365 is a directory of meaningful volunteer and travel opportunities worldwide. Our extensive website features hundreds of inspiring trips in over 100 destinations and we help thousands of people travel abroad with purpsose every year."

 

Outward Bound - http://www.outwardbound.org

"Scale a wind-swept mountain peak. Ride a surging whitewater river. Hike into a remote forest glen. Sail to an offshore island. On Outward Bound you’ll travel to places you’ve only dreamed of and carry away something you’ll remember for the rest of your life."

 

Oxford Advanced Studies - http://www.oasp.ac.uk 

"The Oxford Advanced Studies Program offers young people the opportunity to study in the historic city of Oxford, home to one of the world's most celebrated universities. Participants include those looking for credits to complete High School, ‘Interim Year' students who have deferred college entry, or college students taking a semester in Oxford. All are looking for a study abroad experience that will expand their intellectual and cultural horizons as well as being relevant to the academic work they will do when they return home. The tutorial mode of teaching encourages students to think for themselves and to explore ideas freely under close supervision."

 

Planet Gap Year (searchable directory) - http://www.planetgapyear.com/

"Planet Gap Year aims to create the first interactive on-line community for US high school graduates and college students to plan a productive gap year. We provide free on-line information and resources for planning a gap year or and are primarily targeted to US students aged 18 to 24. The Planet Gap Year Blog and Stories features facilitate a forum for US students who are on, or who have recently returned from, a gap year to share their experiences and encourage other US students to follow them. We believe that productive, well planned time off experiences are essential to the development of all 18-24 year olds."

 

Projects Abroad - http://www.projects-abroad.org/

"We help to create local employment wherever we send volunteers. We employ many people directly and provide plenty of work indirectly through the services we provide for volunteers. We have also devolved various 'Head Office' functions, such as management accountancy, which is done in Mongolia, and design work in Mexico. Because we work with local colleagues at all levels, our extensive network of local knowledge enables us to channel the skills of our volunteers to places they are really needed."

 

Rustic Pathways - http://www.rusticpathways.com 

"Rustic Pathways is proud to offer gap year experiences in every country where we operate, encompassing most of Asia, Africa, The South Pacific, Central and South America. Within these regions we have extensive knowledge and resources available to create an endless array of extraordinary community service, language immersion, and cross-cultural adventures programs. You can arrange Rustic Pathways Gap Programs that last anywhere from a few weeks to fifteen months or more!"

 

Seamester - http://www.seamester.com

"SeaMester delivers unique educational journeys at sea where students spend a semester sailing between islands, countries, even continents throughout countless global locations. It offers students the gift of discovering the world by sea, knowledge beyond the classroom, and their utmost potential. Set your course and study abroad by spending a semester at sea exploring the world. Along the way, earn college credits and work toward professional certifications in sailing and scuba diving in some of the world's most incredible destinations."

 

Semester at Sea

http://www.semesteratsea.com

 

ServeNet

http://www.servenet.org

 

School of Everything

http://www.schoolofeverything.com/

 

School Year Abroad

http://sya.org/s/833/home.aspx

 

SFYI International School - http://www.ssfyi.org 

"SFYI International School (SFYI) offers a Gap Year study abroad program for young adults interested in other cultures, the arts, adventure, travel, and language immersion. Located in the quaint French village of Villesèque des Corbières, students will immerse themselves in the language and culture of this proud region. Extensive travel and lessons span from Spain and France to the far reaches of South Africa. While artistry and culture influence our students’ experiences, the geography also offers boundless potential for outdoor experiences, such as canyoning in Spain and camel trekking in Morocco. Experience a combination of culture and activities not often offered in most educational settings."

 

Sojourns Abroad - http://www.sojournsabroad.org 

"Sojourns Abroad offers distinctive, semester long choices in Europe, fall and spring. In Paris Sojourn and Siena Sojourn you settle into 'homestay,' immersed in the enriching European culture without being in a 'study abroad' program. You learn French or Italian in intimate language classes (without tests), enjoy a weekly classic foreign film series, a creative writing tutorial, culinary lessons, wine tastings, museum visits and outdoor adventures. Also, midweek excursions, week end overnight trips and numerous choices for individual art, photography, dance, music and social service projects. The subtle focus on global citizenship enables you to return thinking and feeling like a world citizen."

 

Spain Exchange - "SpainExchange.com is a comprehensive international student resouce which includes study abroad schools and programs in nearly every country worldwide [...] and information on studying and living in many parts of the world."

 

Student Conservation Association - http://www.thesca.org

"SCA is a nationwide force of high school and college-age volunteers who are committed to protecting and preserving the environment. We are conservation in action. Through internships, conservation jobs and crew experiences, SCA members are rising to meet environmental challenges while gaining real, hands-on field experience. They complete projects in every conservation discipline—from archaeology to zoology—and everything in between."

 

STA Travel Services - http://www.statravel.com

"STA Travel is the largest youth and student travel organization in the world serving over two and a half million students each year. With more than 400 retail locations around the world, a 24-hour call center and an online presence on http://www.statravel.com, students, youths under 26, and teachers have access to an array of discounted travel products designed to meet their needs. STA Travel creates opportunities for students and youth adults to make the most out of their time and experience the world face-to-face, in any way they choose. STA Travel is a certified ASTA Green Member."

 

Taking Off - http://www.takingoff.net 

"Taking Off is a gap year consulting firm working with people (ages 16 and up) who are taking time away from a traditional classroom setting before, during or after college and beyond. Taking Off works closely with the student to develop and implement a well thought out plan which maximizes the individual's time and experience and ensures that "stopping out" doesn't become "dropping out." In short, Taking Off advocates taking responsibility for your future: we provide the options and help you make the choices to secure meaningful experiences tailored to your specific needs."

 

Teen Life's Guide to Gap Year Programs - http://www.teenlife.com/?page=Guide_GapYearProgram

 

Thinking Beyond Borders

http://www.thinkingbeyondborders.org/

"Thinking Beyond Borders is a program designed for gap year students to explore international development through global service learning and academic study.  Thinking Beyond Borders takes 16 graduating high school seniors around the world for 8 months to study global development issues from social, political and economic perspectives.  Students study the AIDS epidemic and public health in South Africa, sustainable agriculture in India, public education in China, and clean water issues in Ecuador.  While in each country, students live with local families, work with non-government organizations, study with professors and meet with local politicians to create a broad perspective of the issue. After 6 months overseas, students return to the United States to translate their learning into action."

 

Thames Academy at Mitchell College - http://www.mitchell.edu/miscpage.asp?mp=457 

"Thames Academy is Mitchell College’s innovative post-graduate or pre-college transitional experience. It is a year of academic preparation that students take between the end of high school and the start of their college studies. Unlike traditional postgraduate programs at independent or prep schools, Thames Academy enables students to take a reduced load of college level courses for credit. It is also unique in that it provides a highly structured academic program within a collegiate environment and cocurricular interaction with two-year and four-year students. Students admitted to Thames Academy will have already obtained their high school diploma and are college age."

 

Time Out Associates (program search consulting) - http://whereyouheaded.com

 

Travellers Worldwide - http://www.travellersworldwide.com 

"300+ projects – 19 countries!! Since 1994, Travellers Worldwide has offered project placements for students and adults all over the world. Each participant is assisted in all planning aspects of their chosen international experience which includes options such as care and community projects, teaching, sports coaching, work experience, conservation, language and cultural courses, drama, dance, music and much more. Travellers Worldwide is a leading international provider of project placements overseas. With us you will have a truly unique experience that is fulfilling, very worthwhile... and lots of fun and adventure!"

 

Up With People - http://upwithpeople.org

"Up with People provides students with an extraordinary six-month tour. Our student ambassadors experience an intense, hands-on, education in which they form a global network of lifelong friendships. Up with People students travel with 100 young adults from over 20 countries to many fascinating cities on several continents. They live with host families in each city, develop and refine leadership skills beneficial to any career path, conduct service learning projects, perform a one-hour professional musical production in each community, and gain college credit at several universities in the U.S."

 

Where There Be Dragons - http://www.wheretherebedragons.com

"For 17 years Where There Be Dragons ("Dragons" for short) has pioneered unparalleled small-group learning adventures in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Through rugged and off-the-beaten-path travel, service work and remote wilderness exploration, Dragons provides an honest and authentic immersion in the cultures, landscapes, and development issues in the world's most intriguing locales. Summer programs are for students 15 and up. For gap year students, Dragons runs three-month fall and spring semester programs in the Himalayas, China, India, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Andes and Amazon."

 

Winterline - http://www.winterline.com

"We are a unique and innovative nine-month global gap year program, offering high school graduates and young adults the opportunity to step out of the ‘rush to and through college’ and explore what they really want to do with their lives. We believe that high school graduates are much better prepared for college – and for a career – when they take the time to explore and pursue a wide variety of possible interest and skills."

 

Woolman Semester - http://www.woolman.org/woolman.html 

"The Woolman Semester welcomes high school juniors, seniors, and first-year postgraduates who are taking a 'gap year' from all over the country for a single semester. Similar to a semester-abroad in concept, the Woolman Semester immerses students in the studies of peace, social justice, and sustainable living on a 230-acre rural campus in Northern California. Project based course work and off-campus opportunities facilitate personal growth and leadership skills through self-exploration and an intellectual commitment to being an informed global citizen. Quaker education is informed by the values of peace, equality, honesty, community, simplicity, and stewardship of the Earth."

 

World Campus - http://worldcampus.org

"World Campus — Japan programs are unique short term educational experiences in Japan with participants from around the globe. Opportunities are given to gain international skills as well as increase personal and professional networks all in the 

authentic backdrop of Japanese culture, politics, and business. All participants experience both modern and traditional Japan in part through staying with local host families for a week at a time in each community they visit. Online applications to join one or multiple programs can be found at http://www.worldcampus.org and stories and photos from past programs at http://www.worldcampusblog.org."

 

Young Judaea - http://www.youngjudaea.org

"Our first-year university program in Israel — dive beyond the headlines and family trips — see a new side to Israel! Spend nine months on a unique volunteer and study program in Israel. Participants earn up to a year's worth of college credit while volunteering, speaking Hebrew, learning the history of Israel, exploring the country, and more! Optional specialty tracks in Visual Arts, Design, Performing Arts, Medicine, Sports, and Culinary Arts. Our Olami international travel options allow students to travel to countries like Uganda, Morocco, Portugal, Kazakhstan, India, and others! Our participants come 

from North America, Great Britain, and Israel."

 

Youth for Understanding - http://www.yfu-usa.org 

"American Overseas programs offer US high school students and recent graduates the opportunity to experience the world firsthand. By going abroad with YFU USA, you will live in a totally new culture—not as a tourist—but as a member of a family. Choose from over 100 programs in more than 30 countries to learn a new language and global perspective while on an academic year, academic semester, or summer program."

 

Youth International - http://www.youthinternational.org

"Youth International focuses upon inter-cultural exchange, volunteer work, home stays, and outdoor adventure. Travel for three months, from September to December or February to May, with a team of up to 14 people, ages 18 to 25, and two leaders. Explore three different countries in: Asia (Thailand, India, Vietnam) or South America (Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador). Help build an orphanage in Bolivia, live with tribal families in Thailand, meditate with Tibetan monks in the Himalayas, visit the Taj Mahal, do conservation work in the Ecuadorian rainforest, sail the Galapagos Islands, hike the Inca 

trail to Machu Picchu, and much more!"

 

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