Looking for a chance to step outside your comfort zone, meet people from different backgrounds, and learn more about yourself along the way? Gap year is the way to go!
During a gap year, you get time to explore new places, learn new things, and figure out what matters to you.
A gap year is a planned break from school or work that usually lasts 6 to 12 months. It’s a chance to hit pause instead of jumping straight into a degree program, long-term studies, or work after graduation. A gap year abroad is usually taken between high school and university, but there’s no age limit to discover more about the world and yourself!
A gap year abroad takes this concept across borders – it’s the next level of stepping outside your comfort zone. You’ll experience new cultures, share unforgettable memories with people from around the world, and grow in ways a classroom cannot even offer.
A gap year is a great time to explore your interests and dive into the unknown. Here are some gap year ideas:
Key features:
Yes! A gap year study program, including language programs, is a great option for all kinds of people, no matter age or experience:
Most gap year education programs require:
Some gap year study programs abroad may have additional requirements like:
A gap year abroad might be a great fit if you:
Career Clarity: Taking time off helps you figure out what you actually want to do—before committing to a long-term degree or job.
Real-World Skills: Studying a short-term course, working, or traveling teaches time management, budgeting, and independence in a way school can’t.
Stronger Applications: Gap year experiences can give your university or job application a unique edge with stories and skills others won’t have.
Mental Reset: A break away from home and routine can reduce burnout and help you return with better focus and motivation.
Global Perspective: Immersing yourself in other cultures can change how you see the world, and your place in it.
Study destinations: China, Costa Rica, Ireland, Italy, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand
Most students take a gap year after high school before going to university. Other students take a gap year during their university studies between academic years for practical experience or to study a new study field for a shorter period. But remember that there is no age limit for taking a gap year. The best time to take a gap year is simply put when you need it, and sync with when it suits your academic or career plan.
Popular destinations include China, Costa Rica, Ireland, Italy, Indonesia, South Korea, and Thailand. Take the opportunity to learn a language or dive into a study field of your interest.
Identify your primary goals. What do you want to learn and experience during your gap year? Then research programs that match your aspirations. Consider the structure of the program, its duration, and cost.
Some gap year study programs offer academic credit, but policies vary by school. University-affiliated gap year programs typically provide transferable credits. Always check with the university about their credit transfer policies before committing.
Not negatively, as long as you use the time well. Colleges and universities care more about how you spend your gap year abroad than the fact that you took one. Joining a structured gap year study program, learning a new language, or exploring academic interests can actually strengthen your application. Just be honest and clear about what you gained from the gap year experience and why you’re ready for university now.
With years of experience helping international students just like you, we at Beyond Abroad are here to help.
