<p>Hello,
I have been searching CC for suggestions regarding Gap Year programs - particularly specific organizations that another member has actually experienced - or perhaps know someone who did. My son received early admission to his top school and would like to take next year off. He would like to go to a Spanish speaking country and focus on service/volunteer work. I've found CC parents to be pretty thoughtful and thorough about topics like this. I'm hoping someone has suggestions or anything to share, endorse, forewarn against? We are all onboard relative to taking the time off. I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the slick websites claiming the same life changing experiences. Taking a Gap Year is still relatively new in our town, so I don't have access to many people who have sent their high school graduate on something like it. I would appreciate hearing about specific organizations that have provided safe and rewarding, well run experiences.
Thanks all.
mwlgal</p>
<p>mwlgal, I PM’d you :)</p>
<p>Katliamom, would you mind posting the information here? I’m also interested in similiar programs.</p>
<p>My daughter volunteered through this organization. [Volunteer</a> Abroad with Projects Abroad - Projects Abroad USA](<a href=“http://www.projects-abroad.org/]Volunteer”>http://www.projects-abroad.org/)</p>
<p>Rotary offers different programs. My son did a summer exchange in Spain through them and loved it. Most programs are full-year.</p>
<p>[Rotary.org:</a> New Generations programs - Home](<a href=“http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/YouthPrograms/Pages/ridefault.aspx]Rotary.org:”>http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/YouthPrograms/Pages/ridefault.aspx)</p>
<p>Another parent on this site told me about programs in South America run by this program.
[Youth</a> International Experiences The World](<a href=“http://www.youthinternational.org/]Youth”>http://www.youthinternational.org/)</p>