Costs. On the the best ways to get ahead (besides working that extra side job to save up) is to start a FundMyTravel campaign. This crowd-sourcing platform allows you to raise money for your gap year program. Some programs might include a scuba instructor certification while others are just looking for scuba diving instructors. Costs of living vary per country; if you are taking a gap year in a less developed nation you can expect your savings to take you a little farther. Plus side: if you move to a warmer country, you won’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on cozying up your wardrobe for winter. Farewell scarves, hello sarongs!

Accommodations. Programs have various methods for housing their gappers. Or they might not. After deciding which country you want to take a gap year in, check in with available programs and what living arrangements they provide. It shouldn’t be a dealbreaker if they don’t supply you housing, but this just means you need to put in a little extra work to find it yourself. Don’t worry, the internet is your friend.

Visas. Everyone going abroad for a whole year will need to look into getting a visa. Some countries are more flexible than others and some programs might even make this process seamless for you. Check out the GoAbroad embassy directory for more information on this.

Safety. Taking a gap year abroad is going to be a huge personal evolutionary leap for you, but you still need to play it safe. With scuba diving especially, stay with your diving partner, know your hand signals, keep an eye out on your bars, and take it slow (no one wants the bends as a gap year souvenir). Research countries before you decide to go somewhere. What we think about a place and what that place are actually like are often different. Just do a little pre-trip work to set yourself up for an amazing experience abroad.