Costs. Experiential learning programs vary greatly in cost, depending on their country of location, length, and whether they focus more on volunteer-style experience or are course-driven (which often require experts such as professors or professionals to teach you along the way). Be sure to check what is included and get a picture of what additional expenses will be required of you.

Deciding if the position is a good investment or your time and money means analyzing your goals. Are you looking for this program to help you get a job? To help you decide if a certain career is right for you? To make a difference in the world? Think about your goal and then you can evaluate whether the program is a good investment. You can fundraise to help support your efforts.

Accommodations. Accommodations on hands on learning gap year programs can vary significantly, so you should talk with the programs that interest you to hear about accommodations and set your expectations. Ask to see photographs, or talk to past participants about the housing. For most people, the accommodations aren’t the most important factor, as long as they are safe, but knowing what to expect can make all the difference! Generally, your housing will vary based on program type: more academic programs may use dorms, volunteer programs may use on-site shared housing for volunteers, and community programs may use shared, simple apartments.

Visas. A big benefit of using an organized program for your gap year is that they can assist you in understanding what—if any—visa is needed and securing that visa. Generally, visa fees are not included in program fees. Getting ready for your gap year experience means making sure you have the proper permissions to be in your program country. Need to find an embassy to secure your visa? Start here.

Safety. The advice for safety abroad is a lot like the advice at home: keep your wits about you, don’t go out alone in the evenings, don’t go home with strangers, and make sure someone always knows where you are. Once you find a program you like, talk to them about what they advise for keeping safe. Purchasing an international phone plan for your cell phone and getting travel insurance are additional good ways to make sure you have a good safety net in-country.