<p>The results are in and I got into Penn's College of Arts and Sciences! </p>
<p>For quite some time now, I've been strongly considering a gap year. The financial aid package is super awesome, but I've always wanted to take a gap year to take a break from studying and to live life and learn about culture. I also don't think I'm ready for college yet, considering that I've pulled too many all-nighters this year. My parents are against this proposal because I don't have anything concrete and because they're afraid that I might never go to college, and in the back of their minds they're afraid that I'll get raped or something.</p>
<p>I would like to teach English in South America to polish up my Spanish and learn about the culture (I'm thinking Mexico since I went on a school trip in February and LOVED IT, but am definitely considering other places too!). I'd also like to teach English in Korea because I am Korean American but can speak as well as a 10 year old and know very little about the culture. I'd also like to work with Partners in Health, which sometimes sends volunteers to Mexico and Peru (among other places) with a monthly living stipend.</p>
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<li>How can I convince my parents to let me take a gap year?</li>
<li>What are some reputable and cheap gap year possibilities? I don't want to simply lounge around all year without a living stipend. I'd prefer Europe, South America or Asia.</li>
</ol>
<p>One opportunity I found is a program called TALK which is funded by the Korean government. It would allow a Korean American (me) to teach in a rural Korean school for a year after one or two years of college. My parents approve, but worry over the potential rape-factor.</p>
<p>Congrats on your acceptance.
I think the TALK program is very good. Does it offer stipend? And don’t worry about the rape- factor, you can’t avoid it anywhere. Ask the program how safe it is before making decision.</p>
<p>How does asking for a gap year work? Do you accept admissions, pay the deposit, and then write a letter asking for approval? Or do you re-apply next year?</p>
<p>Hi, if you’re piecing things together for budget travel, and would like a short-term introduction to the Himalaya, try Himalayan Gap Year - they a offer variable length program which is reasonably affordable (and scholarships) - it’s in northern India - a nice spot, relatively safe, etc.</p>
<p>cali: I think Penn would like to know as soon as possible b/c they’d give your Sept slot to someone on the waitlist. You definitely need to accept before May 1.</p>