<p>Hey guys, i was thinking of doing a gap year between high school and college, and do some traveling and/or an internship. the only major downside is the cost. Any thoughts on this idea? Anybody doing a gap year? thanks</p>
<p>Take a look at Americorp and Cityyear and SCA. I believe all of these organizations provide gap years at no cost to you. In fact, the first two provide a small payment at the end of your year.</p>
<p>The other option is to contact a nonprofit that has a mission you care about and offer your services, as a volunteer, for the coming year. If you have skills they are interested in (computer skills, foreign language skills, etc…), they may be willing to take you on. (Try docent at a museum, asst. fire fighter/EMT, IT guru anywhere, marketing/fund-raising asst anywhere, hospital asst., etc…) D has an internship at a local nonprofit-she is the IT guru, automating manual systems, developing reports, updating the website and helping to create outcomes measures. The experience is invaluable, she loves the passion of the staff, and they clearly value her since they have now started to reimburse her transportation costs.</p>
<p>You can have a great year, learn a lot, contribute to something important, and return to school with a new sense of purpose.</p>