Gap Year Experiential Learning Programs

I had already started college when I discovered this program and decided to throw a Hail Mary by applying. To my surprise, 2 weeks later, I was in New Hampshire meeting the cohort and team I would have by my side for the next 9 months. To me, Baret was extremely unexpected, but it was the best decision I ever made. To start, I got to travel the world and visit places I had always dreamt of visiting. Not only that, but I got to do it while surrounded by people, from all over the world, that I now consider my second family. I explored beautiful cultures, captured amazing memories, and grew more than I could ever have imagined. Traveling wasn't the only thing that stood out about Baret, but I also learned so much, both bout the world and about myself. I got to discover myself, and there were so many people throughout this program who were supporting me in that journey, while I was doing the same for them. Not only was it having my classroom be the whole world, but it was the sheer care and love that was placed into this program that made it so memorable. Based on the experiences I lived, the things I learned, the wonders I saw, and the people I met (including my girlfriend!) I can easily say that my year with Baret Scholars was the best year of my life.

I never planned on taking a gap year, but it was undoubtedly the best decision I could have made. I made lifelong friends, lived incredible experiences, and traveled the world for a year. I learned so much, grew in ways I never expected, and made hundreds of meaningful connections. A huge part of that growth came from being a Baret Scholar. Baret Scholars is unlike any other program I know about—you travel to so many places and see so many amazing things. Museums, architectural landmarks, cultural sites, design studios, and entire cities you’ve only ever read about suddenly become classrooms. You meet local experts, attend workshops, and have conversations with people who are shaping their fields. Every trip pushes you to think differently, question what you know, and understand the world from multiple perspectives. It’s a program that challenges you, inspires you, and gives you experiences that stay with you long after the travel ends.