Gap Year Programs in Eastern Europe & Russia

The most eye opening experience, questioning everything you go through, you knew, discovering yourself among a cohort of brilliant and unique minds. Every virtue is welcomed and supported to the fullest. We scholars discovered the impact of the frase "If you want something you just have to do it." We unlearned and relearned how to perceive life, how to grow, how to move forward, how to relate to people, how to experience life to the fullest. I believe the knowledge I gained from this experience gave me years of lived life worth of knowledge, unreachable without something like Baret.

My gap year with Baret Scholars changed me in ways I never expected. I traveled to 10 countries, learned from hundreds of experts, and faced challenges that forced me to grow up fast. One of the moments I’ll never forget was running out of fuel on the way to the Taj Mahal and relying on a village mechanic who didn’t speak my language but still helped us with a smile. Moments like that taught me humility, openness, and how much kindness exists in the world. I also had experiences that made me confront my own biases—like assuming my assigned roommate would be messy, only to discover he was more organized than I was. In China, I helped organize a photography exhibition with local artists, and their guidance showed me how powerful cross-cultural collaboration can be. This year made me more mature, responsible, and aware of the world around me. I met people who shaped the way I think, pushed me to be better, and showed me how much I still have to learn. I’d recommend this program to anyone who wants a gap year that truly changes you—not just where you go, but who you become.