Bruce Palmer of NOLS: On the Value of a Gap Year At this year’s GYA Conference I caught up with Bruce Palmer, long time director of GYA Accredited Program, National Outdoor Leadership School director and father of a student who completed a NOLS program. We talked about the importance of outdoor education, Gap Years and the value of this kind of experience in the life of a young person. Please tell us a little bit about who you are I’m the Director of Admissions and Marketing at NOLS and have worked with the organization for over 26 years. Previously I…
Learning & Reflection
How to Stay In Touch With Friends & Family On Your Gap Year by Megan Lee The thought of being away from home is one of the hardest challenges to surmount prior to a gap year – and that’s even before you go! The physical distance between you and home can be a tough pill to swallow while you’re actually abroad. Keeping in touch with loved ones is a surefire means to soften these blows. However, while important, communication can also become unhealthy. It can detract from your presence on your gap year, make you feel unnecessary amounts of FOMO…
Why Taking a Gap Year Matters by GYA Admin Why does taking a Gap Year Matter? The benefits of taking a Gap Year are many and blend together across multiple areas. Taking a structured Gap Year invariably serves to develop the individual into a more focused student with a better sense of purpose and engagement in the world. From Joe O’Shea’s book, Gap Year: How Delaying College Changes People in Ways the World Needs: “Some studies have looked at the academic performance of gap year students while in college. In Australia and the United Kingdom, economic researchers found that high…
Bridging Culture Gaps by Hannah Miller You don’t have to go overseas to experience a different culture – there are a variety of deep and wonderful cultures anywhere. Thus, the most important thing is the way in which you approach any different culture. For instance, traveling from North Carolina to Los Angeles is no doubt going to be a different experience and there’s often little need to go to the other side of the globe to push your comfort zone. That being said, in the words of Holly Bull from the Center for Interim Programs, “Perhaps the most important aspect…
Exploring the World & Myself: Why I’m Taking a Gap Year by Sophia de Bruin Everyone has different reasons for taking a gap year – whether it be simply a need for adventure and travel or a break from school. Preparing to begin my Gap Year has caused me to reflect on the reasons I decided to initially embark upon this crazy adventure. Like many things, my decision to take a Gap Year started with high school. I’ll be honest – high school was not at all an easy or enjoyable time in my life. While I did make some…
Why I Decided to Take a Bridge Year by Dominic Snyder I write in the dim airplane cabin, the glow of my laptop illuminating my face as the faint rumble of the engine forms a ceaseless background to the bustle of the flight attendants beside me. Sudden tremors of turbulence strike me as a representation of what lies at the end of this flight: the beginning of a journey that promises tribulation. As jet engines propel me ever farther away from my life of comfort and safety, the reality of what is to come seems all the more real. All…
The Importance of Journaling on Your Gap Year by Megan Lee Journaling: kind of like keeping a diary, but with fewer entries revolving around unrequited love or starting with “Sorry for not writing, I’ve been really busy…”. Your journal can be a useful tool on that epic journey towards “adulthood.” While you’re on your Gap Year, it can also be a helpful place for processing, documenting, and occasionally venting, too. Here’s what you need to know about why your packing list should include a journal and a fancy pen (I recommend G2s!): Memories Can’t Be Trusted Memories: while powerful, they…
Reverse Culture Shock: Why Does Everything Feel Weird Now? by Megan Lee Why Does Everything Feel Weird Now? You’re back. It’s been a whirlwind. Your mom and dad greeted you tearfully at the airport (only this time they were happy tears instead of sad ones). Grandpa swept you up in a big bear hug. Your friends went berserk at the sight of you, and you’ve had a wonderful time catching up, laughing, stuffing your face, and generally settling back into your old, familiar, friendly community. But then you wake up one morning, and it hits you: Did that gap year…
How to Maximize Your Gap Year Through Continuous Reflexive Learning by Amanda Wilks Taking a Gap Year is a great way to experience new things, you wouldn’t otherwise have time for later on. The things you do, and learn throughout this period can provide you with a wealth of knowledge you can harness for years to come, if you know how to use these experiences to their fullest. Before you begin your Gap Year, it might be a good idea to consider joining a Gap Year program. This way, you’ll make sure that you have a sound plan when it…
How to Raise Money for Your Gap Year by Megan Lee By: Jamie Shaw from www.2moveabroad.com Raising money for a Gap Year is achievable for anyone willing to put in a little bit of time and effort out of their already busy school schedule. With proper planning and the right kind of help anyone can afford a Gap Year or have it paid for by their fund raising activities. The key is finding all the available resources you have at your disposal to reduce your travel cost and other out of pocket expenses. Let’s take a look at all the…