Gap Year Ideas

Applying to College
1

<p>So I'm a graduated senior who has deferred enrollment and wants to pursue a gap year to travel, volunteer, and learn. Unfortunately, I have been OVERWHELMED by the enormous number of programs and websites that all claim to be something sensational. As such, I am searching for advice.</p>

<p>Firstly, I would prefer to go somewhere english speaking (UK, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, even somewhere in the USA is fine). </p>

<p>This MUST be a program that will be attractive to admissions counselors. I know how it sounds, but I have to be realistic and admit that this is probably a step that could help me pursue an ivy or other top university.</p>

<p>I know some spanish from 4 years in high school. I scored a 6 on IB Spanish SL but am not fluent by any means. I would be willing to learn but don't necessarily want to be immersed.</p>

<p>I love the outdoors (hiking, kayaking, etc.) and would like the program to be somewhat involved in the outdoors- conservationism and sustainability would be cool study topics and volunteer opportunities for me.</p>

<p>That said, does anyone have some suggestions of programs for me? Cost needs to be under 7,000 dollars but preferably as low as possible. Semester Program (no more than 4 months) another must. So, in summary: Studious in nature, volunteerism of some sort involved, outdoors, hopefully english speaking, etc. Also, I don't want to be dropped of in the middle of Australia and left to fend for myself. I want structure and guidance. Thanks for your time!</p>

2

<p>What do you actually want to do? Its all well and good saying i want it to look impressive, but if you dont enjoy it, its gonna be one heck of a waste of time.</p>

<p>Ill suggest [this[/url</a>], only because its where i want to go. Courses differ from school to school, but one of my favorites is [url= <a href=“http://www.oytun.no/english/index.php?side=travelphoto]Travel”>http://www.oytun.no/english/index.php?side=travelphoto]Travel</a> Photography]( <a href=“http://www.folkehogskole.no/index.php?page_id=44]this[/url”>http://www.folkehogskole.no/index.php?page_id=44) at [url=<a href=“http://www.oytun.no/english/index.php”>http://www.oytun.no/english/index.php&lt;/a&gt;]</p>

3

<p>you also might want to check out NOLS–they have great semester programs, but can be pretty pricey. [NOLS</a> - National Outdoor Leadership School](<a href=“http://www.nols.edu%5DNOLS”>http://www.nols.edu)</p>

4

<p>Samual - how amazing - I have never heard of the Norwegian folk schools before. This is something like $12,000 u.s. for the year? </p>

<p>And at these
<a href=“http://www.folkehogskole.no/index.php?page_id=50&set_session_n=0&set_session_navn_0=sess_top_selected_id&set_session_verdi_0=0[/url]”>http://www.folkehogskole.no/index.php?page_id=50&set_session_n=0&set_session_navn_0=sess_top_selected_id&set_session_verdi_0=0&lt;/a&gt;
they will teach you Norwegian, so you don’t need to be fluent before you go.</p>

<p>Very interesting!</p>

5

<p>Try <a href=“http://www.fieldstudies.org/index.cfm[/url]”>A Big and Beautiful Forest - School for Field Studies. The credits are easily transferable to any school in the US and the cost is cheaper than private school tuition. I wish I was going!</p>