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Gap Year Programs in New York,United States

A gap year in New York City? Sorry, all we hear is “a year of eating street pizza.” You’ll need to be exceptionally intentional about your gap year in the City that Never Sleeps, and have a decent savings account to boot. However, if you take the time to save and plan carefully, this is an experience that’ll surely transform your life—whether your goals are professional, personal, or academic.
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20 Gap Year Programs in New York,United States

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The Intern Group

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Internships in New York

Experience New York City, the world’s financial and business capital, with a career-boosting international internship. NYC provides unparalleled opportunities to gain professional skills, global connections, and real-world experience across finance, business, marketing, PR, tech, NGOs, and more. Our program partners with 3,000+ leading companies and NGOs worldwide, offering internships tailored to your career goals. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or professional, you can build a standout résumé and gain experience in a highly competitive global job market. Participants receive mentorship, professional development tools, and access to local networking and cultural events. Join our 15,000+ alumni network and gain international work experience that elevates your career while living and working in one of the world’s most exciting cities.

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Institute for Global Studies

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Arts and Culture Internship (Cultural Museum)

IGS has placed students in some of the world’s most exciting museums. Our internship placements typically fall into two categories: working on the floor or conducting research and marketing behind the scenes. Floor work includes assisting the docent in the setup and interpretation of current exhibits and galleries. This may include constructing backdrops and computer modeling. Once the exhibit is in place, you are asked to learn the history of the showcased items and share your knowledge with the visiting public. Behind-the-scenes work may include conducting original research on life histories or local historical events. This may include online research and library visits. Likewise, you may be asked to conduct interviews in the community and record knowledge that is in danger of being lost forever. Duties are usually associated with the following: Set up exhibits Conduct online research Interpret for the public Interview local residents Write for the museum’s website Social media outreach

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Global Work & Travel

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The Ultimate Gap Year to Work and Travel the USA

Live like a local whilst getting paid on a Working Holiday in the USA. What better way to spend your university break with the opportunity to travel to The Land of Opportunity! Head over for up to 4 months with an amazing job lined up from a range of fun host companies, from hospitality to hotels and from theme parks to ski resorts! After, travel to tick some must-dos off your American bucket list. Global Work & Travel will take the stress out of the whole process and help you navigate the tricky visa application by securing essential sponsorship so you can sit back and relax whilst your American adventure is taken care of. Our team will set you up with a paid job opportunity and 5 nights of hostel accommodation. We also arrange a US bank account, a mobile number, US medical insurance, and some awesome experiences including an overnight stay in Las Vegas! You’re not just signing up for a Working Holiday, you’re signing up for the best summer of your life! Get started today!

InterExchange

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Year-long Jobs in the USA - Placements for AUS/NZ Citizens

The InterExchange Work & Travel Year USA program is one of the best ways to experience life in the United States. InterExchange is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a sponsor of the J-1 Work Travel Visa, which allows citizens of Australia and New Zealand to work for up to 12 months in the United States. Find out what it’s really like to live, work and travel in the USA. You will be able to work and travel for up to a year—more than enough time to make friends, improve your English skills, and experience American culture firsthand. A four-month program is also available for citizens of other countries.

Intern Abroad HQ

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Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations across 24 career fields that are tailored to meet each individual’s academic, professional, or personal requirements. With over 200 internship programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to choose from, and options to intern from 2 weeks to 6 months either full-time or part-time, in-country or virtually, we facilitate career-enhancing experiences that work for you, not just the host organization. Intern Abroad HQ is proudly brought to you by the team behind International Volunteer HQ. We have collectively supported over 120,000 program participants since 2007 and are the only B Corp certified provider in our field.

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Pizarts

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Dance Gap Year in New York City

Headquartered in New York City, Pizarts Global Dance Hub is a culturally conscious, internationally engaged arts organization dedicated to empowering dancers and creatives through movement, mentorship, and global exchange. Founded by Dominique Robinson in 2014, the Hub serves emerging artists and teaching professionals by offering immersive experiences that blend performance, portfolio development, and cross‑disciplinary study. At the core of its offerings is the flagship “Dance Gap Year” program—an intensive 12‑week initiative that guides participants in dance, visual arts, music production, filmmaking, fashion design, and other creative fields. With the motto “Dig Deep. Discover More.,” Pizarts supports its students in building artistic agency, global awareness, and lasting creative impact.

A Guide to Gap Year Programs Abroad in New York

Prepare for a Gap Year

Set goals

What can’t be achieved in the city where dreams become reality? With countless things to do, it’s easy to feel scattered. To stay focused and make the most of your time, setting goals is ideal.

  • Identify what aspects of yourself you wish to develop. This could include enhancing self-confidence, gaining independence, or exploring new interests.
  • There are many must-see spots in New York. Make it a goal to visit and check off your bucket list items.
  • If you’re not yet fluent, use this opportunity to practice your communication skills in an English-speaking environment.

Understand the benefits

A gap year in New York will take some serious preparation and savings, but trust me, the experiences and rewards you’ll get in return are worth every penny.

  • Memorable adventures. From iconic landmarks to world-class entertainment and cultural events, New York offers countless memorable experiences that will enrich your gap year journey.
  • Building relationships. The city's lively atmosphere makes it a great place to meet new people. You’ll have the chance to connect with professionals, mentors, and fellow peers who can offer valuable guidance and open doors for your future career.
  • Diverse learning experiences. In New York, learning goes beyond the classroom. There are tons of workshops, seminars, and courses in all sorts of fields. Diving into these opportunities can give your education a fresh boost and help you pick up new skills

Things to know

The idea of spending your gap year in New York will definitely get you excited and on your toes, given its popularity and endless opportunities. Before you get swept up in the excitement, make sure to prepare thoroughly to ensure a hassle-free experience.

  • Cost of living - New York is famous for its high cost of living, so make sure to budget carefully for housing, transportation, and daily expenses. To manage costs, look for affordable housing and opt for budget-saving practices like public transportation and eating at low-cost spots.
  • Accommodation - There are various housing options, such as renting an apartment or sharing a house, each with unique pros and cons based on your budget and lifestyle. Begin your search early using local rental listings or student housing platforms to secure a suitable place.
  • Transportation - New York’s subway and bus systems provide comprehensive, convenient transit, and a MetroCard for unlimited rides is a practical choice. The city’s bike-friendly and walkable nature makes exploring shorter distances and neighborhoods enjoyable and cost-effective.
  • Health and safety - Ensure you have health insurance that covers you in New York, either through your current provider or local options. The city is generally safe, but like any large urban area, staying alert and following basic safety practices will help you have a secure experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can take a gap year in New York! New York is one of the most diverse cities in the world, offering a plethora of new experiences. Your best options for this destination would be paid opportunities, as NYC is notoriously expensive.

It'll be tough to find affordable options for a gap year in NYC, solely due to the cost of housing. To mitigate your living costs, rent an apartment with other travelers. You can also raise funds for your trip through FundMyTravel.

If you won't be earning an income during your gap year in NYC, your savings will need to be extensive for your gap year. Monthly living costs in New York, even in the most "affordable" areas, can be up to $3000 per month.

Gap year requirements for programs in New York will vary. Common requirements are native English skills, a college transcript, a background check, and resume/CV.

Latest Program Reviews

I learned a lot

December 31, 2024by: Sorin Leo - United States

Program: Internships in New York

7

I chose a program having to do with an industry i had little to no experience in, but I feel that jump into the deep end allowed me to learn so much. I loved having a group of fellow interns to talk with along with being solo in my specific internship. I faced some challenges with my supervisor but ultimately feel those challenges were also only more lessons to be learned and brought with me in the future. In terms of career prep and experience I think I have learned and gained loads from the program. :)

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