Gap Year Planning Amid COVID-19

Students who a few months ago thought they would be going away to college in the fall, are now dealing with uncertainty, with some considering the gap year option for the first time as they find themselves having to choose a college without being able to visit in person. Know that you are not alone. This experience is a powerful reminder of how interconnected and interdependent the world is. We are all experiencing the vulnerability and collective strength that comes from that interdependence.

There is no specific formula for what a gap year looks like. While a gap year this fall might look a little different than some did pre-COVID-19, there’s no reason to expect the potential benefits will change.

Moving Forward with Gap Year Planning

1) Focus on Your Gap Year Goals  

Ask yourself: Why do I want to take a gap year & What do I hope to get out of my gap year? With those goals in mind, I am working with clients to come up with at least 3 different options for each of their gap year phases (fall & spring). If one of your gap year goals is improving a foreign language, you might consider different options for language learning including different destinations for immersion experiences, as well as online learning options. This allows you to have some flexibility and adjust your plans based on what the situation is in the month or weeks before you are scheduled to launch that phase of your gap year.

2) Consider Dividing Your Gap Year Into Shorter Blocks 

By breaking your gap year into different blocks of experiences and locations, you allow yourself flexibility with your plans and don't risk having your entire gap year upended if one part of your gap year needs to be rescheduled. This also allows you some extra time to shuffle plans around, postpone, or make changes as necessary.

An example for the fall semester might look something like this:

Mid-September - Mid-October  4-week Outdoor Education Program in the U.S.  +  Mid-October - November  Online Teaching English as Foreign Language Certification Course  +  November - Mid-December  4-6 weeks of Volunteering as a Teaching Assistant in Central America.

OR

September 4-week Filmmaking Workshop + October Return home to apply to colleges & volunteer locally + November U.S. Road Trip with a friend while working on creative project to build your portfolio. December - January Work at home to save money for spring travels (ie. filmmaking internship abroad)

3) Consider Domestic Options (at least for the fall)

Maybe you were hoping to do some volunteering abroad to help people in need during your gap year. Coronavirus has highlighted the inequity that exists in our own society, as low-income families face food insecurity and children without internet access miss out on remote learning opportunities. There are likely families in your own community who could benefit from your unique skill set. You might consider tutoring younger students at your local elementary or middle school. You could volunteer at a local food bank or as a driver for meals on wheels. Check with local volunteer organizations or look on idealist.org to see if there are volunteer opportunities listed near you.

If are looking for a year-long service opportunity you might consider applying to be a fellow with CityYear. City Year is an affiliate of Americorps that recruits qualified volunteers to serve as tutors and mentors in public schools across the U.S.

Those that are passionate about conservation and the environment might seek out opportunities to volunteer with a Conservation Corps in their region. Depending on where in the country you serve, you might be involved in trail building and habitat restoration, disaster response, historic preservation, organic farming, urban forestry, or a range of other activities

If you are interested in politics, you might consider dedicating a portion of your gap year to political organizing. You could volunteer for a local candidate or work on a get out the vote campaign. Visit Election 2020 Gap Year for more ideas on ways to become politically engaged during your gap year.

4) Look for Opportunities to Earn College Credit

The coronavirus pandemic has affected many families’ financial situations, making it even more important that a gap year experience be affordable and offer excellent value. Keep in mind, if you defer your offer of admission for a gap year, most colleges will stipulate that you can not earn college credit elsewhere during your gap year. Earning college credit might only be an option if you decide to re-apply to colleges next year, rather than requesting a deferral.

One option that many students are weighing is whether to take a gap year or enroll at a local community college. Why not both? Students could choose to enroll part time at a local community college while also participating in a regular volunteer activity (tutoring, food bank, conservation work, political organizing, etc.).

Some organized gap year programs also offer the option to earn college credit outside of a classroom. A gap semester program with the option to earn a semester of college credit would allow families to get more value for their money. Imagine traveling with a group of peers, engaging in adventure activities, service, and cultural exploration while earning a semester of college credit. Students would get a semester of experiential learning with a small cohort of peers AND a semester of college credit, (often for less than at a 4 year institution). A gap year program with college credit typically costs around $10-15,000 and is sometimes eligible to be paid with a 529 college savings plan.

If a student were to choose to pursue both of these scenarios, (community college + volunteering locally in the fall & a gap year program with college credit in the spring) they might find themselves having completed a year worth of college credit during their gap year.

5) Ask About Cancellation Policies & Itinerary Changes 

Many gap year organizations have already begun creating contingency plans for the fall. Most providers have extended their refund policies, so that students can cancel without significant financial penalty up until a later date than usual. Inquire directly with any program providers about questions or concerns you might have about contingency plans they might be considering (changing itineraries, shortening trips, etc.) and specific details about cancellation and refund policies. Be sure to ask what would happen if the program is interrupted. Would refunds be issued? How much? Be sure that you fully understand the terms you are agreeing to and are comfortable with them.

Understand what travel insurance does and does not cover. Many insurance providers are not offering cancel for any reason coverage, or coverage for travel plans that are canceled or interrupted due to the pandemic (ie. flights canceled or borders closed because of COVID).

6) Remain Informed

Follow the news coming from public health experts at the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. The U.S. State Department provides advice for U.S. travelers, and also allows travelers to enroll in the S.T.E.P program to receive alerts based on your travel itinerary. I recommend that ALL travelers enroll in the S.T.E.P program, whether there is an ongoing pandemic or not. Just because it might be deemed safe for Americans to travel, you want to ensure that you are not a vector for COVID-19 and unknowingly bring it to an unaffected area. Speak with your physician for advice on ways to stay healthy and avoid becoming a vector for COVID-19. You can view a comprehensive list of country specific international travel restrictions and domestic (internal) restrictions on International SOS.

7) Remain Cautiously Optimistic

This will be over, eventually. In the meantime we can all do our part to stop the spread by staying home this spring.

A gap year consultant can help find and coordinate a variety of experiences that align with your goals and budget. We find opportunities that might not be specifically marketing themselves as a “gap year program”, but align with your interests and budget, and could make a great addition to your gap year. The expertise and flexibility that a consultant offers can help families save time and money. Plus, we serve as mentors to students to help them think critically and make meaning from their gap year experience. If you’d like advice or just need assistance deciding if a gap year is right for you, you can schedule a no-obligation brainstorming call here.

I feel hopeful and cautiously optimistic about the future. I am hopeful that when this is over, with lessons of empathy, resilience and interconnectedness, we can all move forward in our lives with greater compassion, grit, and a stronger sense of community.

Susan Staley

Gap Year Planning, Where to Start

The gap year is still a relatively new phenomenon for most Americans, so it’s not surprising that many families find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory as they approach the gap year planning process. First off, it is important that the student be an active and willing partner in the decision to pursue a gap year. Like so many growth experiences, one gets out of a gap year what one is willing to put into it.

To guide the gap year planning process, I generally recommend that students come up with some goals for their gap year, ie. become more independent, improve language skills, gain professional experience through an internship or work experience. Gap year goals will help to give a clear vision of what the intentions are for a student’s gap year. Remember, a gap year is intended to be a year of growth and development, not a year of aimless wandering. Next they’ll want to determine how long the gap year last. Will it be a full year? 14 months? 1 semester? The choice is yours. It is recommended that you have a planned start / end date for your gap experience before it begins.

Once you have determined gap year goals and length of experience you’ll need to come up with a budget. How much money do you have to work with? Good gap years do not need to cost $30,000+ (though some do). It is possible to have a transformative gap experience on a budget. (See Paying for a Gap Year). Be realistic with your budget. If you are a Sophomore or Junior, you might consider getting a summer job to help pay for it. You might also consider imbedding some work experience into your gap experience to help fund travel later during your gap year.

Once you have determined your budget for your gap experience, you can begin looking at programs that match your gap year goals and budget. Keep in mind that your gap year does not have to consist of one single experience. Many gappers participate in 2-3+ experiences during their gap year. I generally recommend that students begin with a more highly structured and supported experience and transition into more independent ones. There are thousands of gap year opportunities, both experiences that are specifically tailored and marketed as gap year experiences, as well as experiences that might be suitable for a gap year, yet do not specifically market themselves as such.

When evaluating gap year programs you can consider online reviews, but don’t hesitate to reach out to the organization directly to ask questions or even request to speak with a former participant or parent. Glossy photos and marketable buzz words do not make up for quality programs and demonstrated experience. If you have any medical conditions or severe allergies, inquire if they are able to, or how they might support someone with those needs. Ensure you are clear about what type / level of support is offered and that it matches your needs. Will there be someone checking in with you each day, weekly, monthly? What happens if you need to visit a doctor? Will someone be available to assist you, or are you capable and comfortable navigating this on your own? Be honest with yourself about your capabilities and areas where you need more support. Clear, honest communication and appropriate expectations are critical for a positive gap experience.

You might be wondering where college fits into the gap year planning process. It is different for everyone. Generally I recommend that students apply to college their senior year, while they have the support of their college counselors. After receiving offers of admission and determining where you’ll attend college, you should contact your admissions office to request a deferral. You’ll want to demonstrate that you have a solid plan and intend to use your gap year to become an even more qualified candidate. You might not have your gap year plans firmed up by this point, but you should at least be able to articulate why you want to take a gap year and some goals you have for your time. More and more colleges and universities are embracing and even encouraging students to take advantage of the gap year, so you should not let fear of losing your spot deter you from taking a gap year. Be aware of how a deferral might affect any scholarships or financial aid you may have been awarded, as well as any restrictions on earning college credit during your gap year.

For students who may need to apply to college during their gap year, you’ll want to ensure that you dedicate sufficient time during your gap year to completing those applications and admissions essays. Whether it be having a summer experience and then returning home to work on applying to colleges, or having college applications prepared before you depart for a fall gap experience, be sure to plan in advance.

Feeling overwhelmed with gap year planning or having difficulty finding the right fit? Students or parents might wish to schedule a no obligation exploratory conversation to answer questions or clarify what a gap year might entail.

Paying for a Gap Year

Whether you are a student or parent of a student interested in a gap year you are probably trying to figure out how (and why) you should pay for a gap year when you’ve got college tuition to worry about. This is a totally reasonable concern. However, a well-planned gap year does not require you to spend thousands of dollars. Some of the most transformative gap years are also the most affordable.

You may find that a gap year actually helps to save you money. According to data from the nonprofit Complete College America, only 20 percent of students complete a bachelor’s degree in four years. Only 57 percent of students who enroll in college will graduate in six years. That means there is a very high likelihood, that students entering college next year, right out of high school, will take longer than 4 years to graduate, accruing more debt as a result. In contrast, research has found that students who take a gap year are more likely to graduate in 4 years or less. A gap year allows students to explore possible career or major options, work a minimum wage job (gaining critical perspective on the opportunity value of a college degree), travel, and often take a much needed break from academia for their personal mental health. The result is a more mature, focused, and generally well-prepared student entering college.

Work Work Work

Self-funded gap year travel is much more affordable than most peer-based travel programs. I paid for 2 months in Australia, New Zealand & Fiji by babysitting and working at a frozen yogurt shop for a year. Working to pay for your own travel makes the experience more meaningful, because you know how hard you worked to get there. Funding your own travel experiences also means you will likely be more frugal and make better choices when spending money during your travels.

Working during the summers throughout high school could allow you to save up enough to spend your entire gap year abroad. Many students spend part of their gap year working while living at home to fund travels during the second half of their gap year. There are also opportunities to work while you travel during your gap year through programs such as Work Away or Woofing.

Consider the Cost

Destination matters when paying for a gap year - Southeast Asia, Central, or South America are less expensive than Australia, New Zealand, or Europe. Staying in one place is cheaper than hopping from one destination to the next. You don’t have to leave the United States (or your home country) for an epic gap year travel experience! The cost of your airfare will take up a big portion of your gap year budget. Instead of planning a round the world trip, spend several months getting to know the hidden gems and off the beaten track places of a country or continent. A few months of volunteering followed by several weeks of independent travel is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture without spending a ton of money. Use local transport options and eat local food (or cook your own food) for a more authentic experience. Staying in hostel dorms, with family, friends, or camping will cut your expenses a considerable amount.

Start Planning Early

Fully funded gap year opportunities often have earlier application deadlines, so start researching opportunities during your freshmen - junior years so that you can anticipate application deadlines. Do your research and find a scholarship or program that really suits you and your gap year goals. Work hard on your application, and ask someone to read over your essay if one is required. Be sure to allow enough time for any references or recommendations to craft a thoughtful letter of recommendation for you.

Some universities, such as University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Florida State University, and Tufts University offer gap year programs with merit and/or need-based scholarships to fund some admitted students’ gap year experiences. If you are considering applying to a school that offers a gap year program, get in touch with the school’s Office of Admissions to find out what you need to do to be considered for their gap year program.

Be Proactive

In order to increase accessibility, more and more gap year programs are offering financial assistance and need-based scholarships. Not all programs spend money to advertise their financial aid though. If the program you are interested in does not specifically advertise financial aid, reach out to ask if they do offer scholarships or financial aid. If you are planning an independent gap year, but need some help with planning details, many Gap Year Consultants (myself included) offer need-based assistance or scholarships for their advising services.

More students are interested in having an internship experience during their gap year. If you have a particular career or job that interests you because of someone you know that does it, ask them if they might be able to help you secure an internship during part of your gap year. Be sure and make it clear you’d like to gain real experience and an understanding of what a career in the field is like. You shouldn’t waste a semester in an unpaid internship if all you will be doing is making coffee (unless you are interning at a coffee shop).

Don’t Give Up

If you don’t get that scholarship or internship you had been hoping for, don’t give up! Failing and learning to bounce back is an important part of growing up. I have found that when things don’t go as planned I am usually pleasantly surprised with the result, and I’ve learned to become more adaptable and resilient because of my failures.

Maybe you’re reading this because you didn’t get in to any of the colleges to which you applied and you find yourself facing a gap year by default. You didn’t plan for one and haven’t saved for one. All is not lost! Many organized gap year programs have begun partnering with community colleges or universities to offer college credit options for gap experiences. The catch is, if you are admitted to a college and choose to defer your admission for a gap year, most schools stipulate that you cannot earn college credit during your gap year. Therefore, you can only take advantage of the opportunity to earn college credit during your gap year if you have not deferred admission for the following year. Getting practical or travel experience while earning a semester of college credit is a pretty good silver lining! Some programs that offer college credit can also be paid for using a 529 college savings plan.

If you are planning to re-apply to colleges during your gap year, it is important that you plan ahead and allow enough time to dedicate to applications / interviews. Work on applications over the summer and have them all ready to submit if you will be traveling during the fall semester. Use your gap year to learn more about yourself, your interests, skills, and goals for the future. If you approach your gap year with the right intention, it won’t be a waste of time or money, but a wise investment in your future.

Scholarship Resources:

Gap Year Association

GoOverseas

GoAbroad