Three Reasons to Participate in an International Gap Year Program

by Kristen White Blogger

High school is a set of formative years where there is a lot going on like building the foundation for college, taking required courses for graduation and participating in school events. On top of that many teenagers range in maturity and self-confidence levels and so may not be ready to go on their own to a foreign country even when supported by a quality program and family at home. For this reason, the gap year is the perfect time to take advantage of the opportunity and get the same benefits of being involved with an international platform that engages with host families and community activities.

The best gap year programs abroad are designed specifically for this age group and understand that young adults have several reasons for traveling. They want to learn a new language to help with their upcoming career plans, enhance their college application or see the world before they settle down into another several years of school and then into the work force. The organization puts together a comprehensive experience that includes trips to local tourist destinations and activities that align with the interests along with connecting host families willing to take in older participants.

Young adults who just graduated from high school are typically between the ages of 17-19 years which means they have a little more maturity and experience than someone mid-way through high school. They have also completed their studies and are waiting for college to start so they have some time to focus on themselves and doing something different. For some individuals, they are better prepared emotionally and mentally to make this trip so far from home and away from their traditional support system.

For all participants, the agency puts together a great checklist with tasks that need to be completed before travel as well as helpful tips on how to make the experience abroad easier and less stressful. Another benefit to traveling during the gap year is that individuals have a better idea of what they want to do with their future so every friendship and contact developed during the trip can be useful towards helping that goal. International exposure provides a unique world perspective which can translate into a view that global employers are looking for in their employees so this travel easily makes an individual more marketable and allows them to stand apart from the competition.

The decision on when to travel is personal for each participant whether they want to engage in year-long foreign exchange program or take advantage of the study abroad high school summer option or wait until they graduate and have that freedom on their own. Regardless of which is selected, make sure to research the best agency online to connect with so that everything is in order and the experience is positive from the time spent with the host family to the activities planned out during the time away. There are so many benefits that it is well worth the investment of time and money into the teen or young adult’s future.