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Gap Year Programs Post High School

Taking a gap year after high school and before college is gaining popularity, and for good reason. For young adults feeling burnt out or lost after high school, taking a gap year can help you hone in on what you want to pursue academically or professionally. You’ll gain essential life skills like self-reliance, resilience, cross-cultural communication, and critical thinking, all of which will serve you well later on in college or the workforce. A gap year might be just what you need to figure out who you really are.
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791 Gap Year Programs Post High School

CIEE High School Grads Abroad
102 reviews

CIEE High School Grads Abroad

CIEE Gap Year: French Language & Culture in Paris, France

Everyone dreams of a trip to Paris, but how many get to actually ...

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The Intern Group
9.07161 reviews

The Intern Group

Internships in New York

New York City—a global cultural and financial epicenter—offers an...

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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.54767 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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Impact Gap Year
93 reviews

Impact Gap Year

South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thail...

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Institute for Global Studies
9.577 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

Arts and Culture Internship (Cultural Museum)

IGS has placed students in some of the world’s most exciting muse...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.7777 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Top Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs & Internships Abroad

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunt...

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Pacific Discovery
9.435 reviews

Pacific Discovery

New Zealand & Australia Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery

Immerse yourself in New Zealand and Australia's extraordinary lan...

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MAXIMO NIVEL
8.867 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

Country Jumper Gap Year - Costa Rica | Guatemala | Peru

In three of the world's most beautiful countries—Costa Rica, Guat...

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Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
9.7651 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...

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Semester at Sea
9.5636 reviews

Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

Join Semester at Sea on this global journey and make the world YO...

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Raleigh International
9.0423 reviews

Raleigh International

Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose

Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica Expedition is a truly unique experie...

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VACorps
9.8866 reviews

VACorps

Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

The VACorps Gap Year Program is a transformative experience that ...

African Horse Safaris
102 reviews

African Horse Safaris

Endurance Training Programme in South Africa

Our exciting Endurance Training Programme based at Moolmanshoek, ...

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Go Abroad China Ltd.
9.6546 reviews

Go Abroad China Ltd.

GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program

Are you seeking meaningful activities that you can take on during...

See All 2 Programs
Hawaiʻi Gap
00 reviews

Hawaiʻi Gap

Hawaii Gap: Environmental Leadership

Immerse yourself in a master class in environmental science, envi...

Frequently Asked Questions

A gap year after high school refers to a one-year hiatus from conventional education. This break provides an opportunity for students to acquire knowledge beyond the confines of a classroom setting.

To apply for the best gap year programs after high school, research different options that match your goals and interests. Consider factors like program type, location, duration, and cost.

Taking a gap year after high school definitely has its pros and cons. If a gap year is not planned accordingly, it could lead to disappointment or wasted time.

When deciding where to take a gap year, consider your interests, goals, and budget. New Zealand, Australia, and England are some of the best destinations for a gap year after high school.

Latest Program Reviews

Life-Changing Gap Year in the Heart of China

June 16, 2025by: Noah Taylor - AustraliaProgram: GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program
10

I joined the GAC Gap Year Program right after high school, and it was truly transformational. I split my time between learning Mandarin, interning at a local startup, and participating in cultural activities like calligraphy and martial arts. The homestay experience gave me real insight into Chinese family life, and my language skills improved faster than I ever expected. It wasn’t just educational — it was fun, challenging, and eye-opening. If you’re a high school grad looking for something meaningful before college, this program is 100% worth it.

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