Ten Reasons to Work with a Gap Year Consultant

Now that gap fairs have wrapped up after touching down in 43 cities across the United States; now that college decisions have been sent and deferments requested; it is TIME to map out your gap year ahead!

If you have googled gap year on the internet or collected piles of literature at one of the gap fairs in your city, then you may very well feel overwhelmed with how to begin sorting through options and discerning the differences between the variety of gap programs available.
If this is the case, then seek out the assistance of an experienced gap counselor to help you design a fulfilling, safe, and affordable gap year experience. The best gap advisors are veterans of gap years themselves, parents of teenagers, travelers, and linguists. They possess a deep familiarity with the finest gap programs in the field and enjoy a strong relationship with the staff members who run them. They provide expert guidance and assurance to parents in choosing the best match based on the students’ budgets, interests, and goals.

Here are ten reasons to use the services of an experienced, seasoned gap advisor:

1. A gap advisor takes the time to get to know the student and assess their interests, skills, and goals.
2. A gap advisor understands and explains the nuances between the varied gap programs in an effort to select the most appropriate program for the student.
3. A gap advisor provides the range of gap program fees (including lower cost options) taking into account the student’s gap year budget.
4. A gap advisor uses stringent vetting criteria for each potential gap program that matches student’s interests.
5. A gap advisor facilitates communication between student and gap program staff in the application process, thereby reducing stress for parents.
6. A gap advisor provides gap program alumni contacts with whom the student can communicate to learn first hand about that particular program.
7. A gap advisor offers pre-departure travel safety, packing advice, and recommendations.
8. A gap advisor checks in and monitors the student’s gap experience over the course of the program (if internet is available) and helps with problem solving if needed (and not addressed by the gap program staff itself).
9. A gap advisor meets with the student and or requests an evaluation online or by phone post-gap experience to gather information about the gap program as well as hear about their experiences.
10. A gap advisor assists with re-entry post-gap and if needed, during the transition adjustment to college.

Marion Taylor is the founder and and owner of Taylor the Gap, providing Gap Year consulting services. She is a GYA Accredited Gap Year Consultant. For more information, contact Marion at: info@taylorthegap.com