Students See World During 'Gap Year'

by Tovia Smith 

Resource: National Public Radio

Signs You Need A Gap Year:

• Life feels like a treadmill, and you're only 18.
• Something inside you is telling you that the world is just a little bit bigger than your high school football stadium. 

As many high school graduates spend time this summer getting their new laptops and linens to take to college, others are getting their passports and heading off on a kind of sabbatical. A growing number of students are taking what they call a "gap year." It's a break from the academic grind and a chance to explore the real world.

"Once you lock in to the next four years of college, there are expectations, and you'll never have this time to do whatever you want," says James Clark, a 17-year-old who just graduated from one of the best prep schools in the Boston area.   Click here to continue reading this article. 

AustraLearn understands how unique each student can be from the next. That’s why our Global Directions program offers a variety of pathways designed to address the needs and wants of varying individuals. Students choose the pathway that suits their needs, timeframes, and budgets.

Programs can take place in Australia, New Zealand, Asia or a combination of locations. Each Global Directions student commences their program in a supportive environment with other participants. Where and how a student’s experience progresses from there is up to them. Each choice is designed to expose students to their desired level of independence and learning outcomes.

Individual programs

Students can undertake any program as an individual experience. Programs that are shorter term and that can be undertaken by students over age 18 and who have finished high school are great options for a GAP experience and are in one of four main categories. Examples can be found at:

1. ASIA -  Japan cultural immersion and travel or learning Mandarin in Singapore are examples of a few of the programs available to GAP students. www.asialearn.org
2. SEMESTER ABROAD PROGRAMS - Information about completing a semester of study at a university in Australia or New Zealand. Students should call our office for the updated list of schools who will accept pre-university students or those interested in a freshman semester abroad.
3. INTERNSHIPS Independent-minded students can undertake unpaid internships in Australia or New Zealand. Because these are customized placements, students should email or call 1-800-980-0033 for an individual consultation.

Program Pathways

In addition to undertaking programs individually, GlobaLinks has created several “Pathways” as part of our Global Directions program. We’ve combined a number of our programs to form logical paths and connecting points between programs for students who would like to complete more than one program.

Because we have a number of pathways still being developed, options are not currently listed. More details will be available shortly!

In the meantime, if you are a student, you may create a MyLearn account to save information about programs you find interesting. In your MyLearn account you can also request newsletters about different programs such as GAP, Asia or Short Courses. As soon as you are ready, you may apply on-line at any time.

As always, if you have questions please phone or email at any time studyabroad@australearn.org or (800) 980-0033

If you are an advisor who would like more information, please provide us with your contact information to receive more information. You will have the option to indicate programs about which you’d like further information, such as GAP. Newsletters and announcements are sent only periodically to keep advisors up to date. Please call or email our office at any time with questions you have or if you need assistance for one of your students.

REPUTATION – EXPERTISE – EXPERIENCE

Our Global Directions program was founded on 19 years of service in education abroad to over 20,000 students. The cornerstone of our philosophy is cultural integration. We strive to provide students with the highest level of essential services for successful adjustment and integration to each destination. Our support begins from the day a student contacts us and continues throughout the experience with 24-hour in-country support.