Gap Year Programs in the United States

Discover new interests and develop skills in fields like volunteering, education, specialized courses, or the arts.
Immerse yourself in American culture, connect with diverse communities, and participate in local festivals, traditions, and everyday life.
Gain work experience or participate in meaningful service projects.

Understand the benefits

A gap year in the United States offers numerous advantages:

Skill development. Gain hands-on experience in various fields, from environmental conservation to business.
Cultural immersion. Experience the diversity of American culture, from rural towns to major cities, offering exposure to different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives.
Personal growth. Build independence, resilience, and a global perspective through diverse experiences.
Career exploration. Explore potential career paths by gaining hands-on experience in industries like technology, environmental conservation, arts, or education, helping you make informed decisions about your future.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can take a gap year in the US! The US is a great gap year destination, as it's such a huge destination with varied landscapes and regional cultures.

The best gap year programs in the USA include Outward Bound USA, Pacific Discovery, and The High Desert Center. The best programs will have valuable inclusions such as housing and planned excursions.

The Best Gap Year Programs in 2023-2024

The cost of gap year programs in the US depend on inclusions and location. Some programs cost up to $5000 per month. If you want to take an independent gap year, keep in mind the living costs in the US, and lack of accessible public transportation.

You can do almost anything during a gap year in the US! Consider wilderness-focused gap years in places like the Pacific Northwest, learning Spanish in the Southwest, or internship programs in LA or New York.

Have You Heard of Domestic Gap Year Programs?

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Latest Program Reviews

Life changing experience

November 24, 2025by: Luisa Rulfo - MexicoProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

10

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 unforgettable year with Baret Scholars

November 17, 2025by: Antonio de Azevedo Sodré Neto - BrazilProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

9

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.

Life changing experience

November 24, 2025by: Luisa Rulfo - MexicoProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

10

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 unforgettable year with Baret Scholars

November 17, 2025by: Antonio de Azevedo Sodré Neto - BrazilProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

9

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.