The GAP year? That year between…

Well…a Gap Year is a tradition in which many Europeans engage... Between their high school graduation and college OR between college graduation and starting a full time job

The Gap year is………….. New graduates spending time - up to a year - pursuing interests, trying out new things, and following their heart and passions. A gap year is constructive time out - it can be anywhere, anytime, doing anything.

Do you wish you Woulda… Had an Internship? Studied Abroad? Taken a foreign Language? Chosen a Minor? Applied to Graduate school earlier?

It is a Journey That can lead to

It Has Its benefits

It Has Its Worries How will you be insured? The basic things to check whether policy covers: Medical, medical conditions Working abroad Do they provide a 24-hour helpline Are there any exemptions Hazardous sports: It is important to make sure that you are covered for the activities you are likely to take part in-Be aware that companies may make a distinction between doing a hazardous sport once (and spending your whole time doing them

There is a name for people who do this- Gappers

The Gap Year is really Legit- There are websites dedicated to this Our own SU Gap website Gap Year Jobs Escape Artist RealGap Experience GapGuru

What can you do during a Gap Year? Travel Have an Adventure Get a one year Internship Get a one year job Help Yourself Help Others

Have an Adventure-in the US or Overseas Adventure Jobs $$$ Adventure Jobs

Get an Internship that last ONLY one year Internships Abroad Look to the Federal GovernmentFederal Government *Global Experiences.com-Founded by SU Alumni, Steven Reilly. Places students exclusively in internships. *Global Experiences.com AustraLearn

Get a Job that last ONLY one year-Overseas Teach English Overseas $$$ Footprints Job Opportunities Internationally (it last 2 years) $$$ Transitions Abroad

Get a Job that last ONLY one year-in the US A network of national service programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps members serve through more than 2,100 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. They tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, and help communities respond to disasters. Created in 1993.

Get a US Job for one year Continued City Year unites young people of all backgrounds, ages 17-24, for a demanding year of community service and leadership development in 16 U.S communities and Johannesburg, South Africa City Year

Helping Others-Abroad Volunteer Abroad You will find a variety of needs Varying lengths of time Some cost $ Some are religious The St. Vincent Pallotti Center American Friends Service Committee

Helping Others-at Home Volunteers.gov-building Americas Communities of Service Volunteers.gov

Help Yourself Study for the GRE Study a foreign language Take prerequisites to get into grad school And couple it with volunteering

To Be a Successful Gapper Write a preliminary goal statements for your year off. Include strategies for monitoring and assessing your progress. Be prepared to answer questions that will potentially be asked by employers or graduate school admissions personnel.

You can Gap and Thrive!