Gap year after high school: programs, top destinations and benefits

You have your whole future planned out, right? No? Hey, I’m here to tell you that that's okay.

What was once seen as a 'life delay' can now be transformed into a brand new opportunity. Taking a gap year is an investment in yourself. During this year, you will get to know other cultures, learn new languages and find out what you really like to do.

I’m Raquel, from the @solanomundo blog and I've been a travel journalist for six years now. I love it, but I didn’t exactly find that passion right after high school. I studied many different things, got involved in projects and traveled alone on a budget through my country.

So now I can share with you one of the alternative possibilities of going straight from high school to college: the gap year. A valuable life time period to self-knowledge, open yourself up to new possibilities and travel a lot with Worldpackers volunteering opportunities.

Gap year after high school guide: an overview

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of this adventure, providing you with essential information and insights to make informed decisions about your own gap year journey.

We will begin by defining what a gap year is and discuss its potential benefits as well as the types of gap year programs available. Next, we'll provide a breakdown of the stages necessary to plan and organize your gap year after high school, including monetary aspects and how to pick locations that fit with your interests.

Last but not least, we will cover volunteering opportunities with Worldpackers and learning new languages and cultures, as well as exploring different countries and cities. While there are numerous advantages of taking a gap year, it's important to also consider potential drawbacks such as loss of educational momentum or financial difficulties. Are you ready? Let's do it!

Personal and professional skills gained during a Gap Year

Taking a well-planned gap year after high school can be an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to develop valuable personal and professional skills.

These newfound abilities will not only benefit your future academic pursuits but also help you thrive in the workforce. Let's explore some of these essential skills:

Language acquisition

Gaining proficiency in a foreign language through travel during your gap year can expand potential for career prospects, intercultural communication and networking. 

Becoming fluent in another language opens up countless opportunities for networking, career advancement, and cultural understanding. 

Effective communication techniques

Traveling and volunteering with Worldpackers exposes you to people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. 

This experience helps develop effective communication techniques by teaching you how to listen actively, express yourself clearly, adapt your communication style based on different situations or audiences.

Problem-solving abilities

A gap year often involves facing unexpected challenges while navigating unfamiliar environments. 

As a result, travelers learn how to think critically about problems they encounter along their journey - whether it's finding accommodation at short notice or dealing with lost luggage at an airport. 

Developing strong problem-solving abilities prepares students for college life as well as various career paths.

Bonus skill: adaptability & resilience

Adaptability: A successful gap year requires flexibility when plans change unexpectedly (e.g., canceled flights, sudden illness). 

Adapting swiftly and proficiently when plans alter abruptly due to unexpected conditions is an invaluable skill that will benefit you for life.

Resilience: Traveling can be challenging at times - but overcoming obstacles during your gap year builds resilience. 

This trait helps individuals bounce back from setbacks more easily, making them better equipped to handle the ups and downs of college life or future career challenges.

Gaining the skills and aptitudes during your gap year that are beneficial for both personal and professional development can not only make your journey more rewarding, but will also give you a leg up in terms of succeeding in college or future job opportunities.

With Worldpackers' range of volunteer opportunities available for your gap year, you can make a positive impact on the world while having life-changing experiences.

Top destinations to visit during your gap year

When planning your gap year adventure, consider visiting some top destinations known for offering unique cultural experiences along with opportunities for personal growth through volunteer work or language immersion programs. 

Here are a few countries that you should definitely add to your list:

Australia & New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand offer an incredible variety of landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities. 

With their friendly locals, these countries make it easy for travelers to immerse themselves in the culture, while also gaining valuable experience through volunteering or working holiday visas.

Southeast Asia: Thailand and Vietnam

The vibrant cultures of Thailand and Vietnam attract many gap year travelers due to their affordability and diverse range of experiences. 

From exploring ancient temples in Thailand to cruising the stunning Halong Bay in Vietnam, Southeast Asia offers countless opportunities for personal growth while engaging with local communities through various volunteer projects.

South America: Peru and Argentina

In South America, Peru and Argentina are popular destinations for gap year travelers due to their rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. 

From hiking the Inca Trail in Peru to learning tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these countries offer a wealth of opportunities for personal development while participating in volunteer projects that make a positive impact on local communities.

Europe: Spain and Italy

The enchanting charm of Spain and Italy draws many young travelers looking to immerse themselves in European culture during their gap year. With countless historical sites, world-renowned cuisine, and diverse language-learning opportunities available throughout both countries.

Spain and Italy provide excellent settings for those seeking meaningful travel experiences combined with personal growth through volunteering or internships.

No matter which destination you choose for your gap year adventure after high school graduation, remember that the most important aspect is what you gain from the experience - new perspectives on life, valuable skills learned along the way as well as unforgettable memories made.

Top Gap Year volunteer opportunities with Worldpackers 

Participating in volunteer opportunities through platforms like Worldpackers during your gap year enables you to build your resume while making meaningful contributions to communities worldwide. 

Here are some top volunteer opportunities available at Worldpackers for those looking to make the most out of their gap year experience.

1. Teaching English Abroad

Becoming an English instructor overseas is a great way to get immersed in new societies and aid others enhance their language capabilities. 

Many nations, particularly in Asia and South America, are seeking native or fluent English speakers to act as instructors. 

2. Ecological projects 

Worldpackers also offers volunteer opportunities to work on ecological projects. This includes working on conservation projects or with organizations that focus on sustainability.

3. Farms around the world

Volunteers can also work on farms around the world, which provides an opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices while making a difference in local communities.

4. NGO's and social impact projects

Worldpackers offers volunteer opportunities with NGOs and social impact projects. These programs enable volunteers to work with organizations that focus on issues such as poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare.

How a Gap Year prepares students for college success

Gap year students often benefit from the journey, finding themselves better equipped to handle college's demands and more likely to pursue majors they are passionate about.

Discovering passions and purpose

This time off allows young adults to explore different interests and gain real-world experience in various fields before committing to an academic program.

Better academic performance

Research suggests that taking intentional breaks between high school and college can lead to improved academic performance once students enter higher education institutions. 

Focused learning approach

• Maturity: The experiences gained during a gap year help foster emotional maturity in young adults, allowing them to approach their studies with greater focus and dedication upon entering college.
• Perspective: Exposure to new cultures, environments, or volunteer opportunities like those offered through Worldpackers, helps broaden perspectives which can be applied when tackling complex subjects or engaging in classroom discussions.
• Motivation: A gap year can reignite a student's passion for learning, making them more motivated to excel in their chosen field of study.

Financial benefits

A well-structured gap year may also provide relief from the financial burden associated with attending college. By working full or part-time jobs during this time off, students can save money to help cover tuition costs and reduce reliance on financial aid. 

Also, participating in volunteer programs like those offered by Worldpackers allows travelers to gain valuable experience without having to pay expensive program fees.

In essence, taking a gap year after high school equips students with essential skills and experiences that contribute significantly towards their success in college. 

From discovering passions and purpose to achieving better academic performance, it is evident that a well-planned break between high school graduation and post-secondary education can be an invaluable investment in one's future. The benefits include personal growth, improved academic performance and financial savings. 

The cons of taking a gap year after high school

A well-planned break between graduation and college can be an invaluable investment in one's future that sets students up for success. 

However, not every student will benefit from taking time off; those who struggle with motivation or require structured environments might find it more beneficial continuing directly into college or vocational training programs. 

Let's see the cons of taking a gap year after high school:

• Potential loss of educational momentum
• Lack of structure and guidance during the time off
• Financial difficulties due to travel expenses
• Challenge to re-adjust when returning to academic life

Take a Gap Year with Worldpackers: travel more, pay less

Taking a gap year is ultimately up to each individual student based on their goals and circumstances. 

A well-planned gap year can provide numerous benefits such as self-discovery, professional skills development, language learning opportunities while exploring different countries. Students should weigh both pros and cons of a gap year before making this decision.

With Worldpackers, you can find amazing volunteer opportunities in many countries around the globe to have life-changing experiences during your gap year. Considering the potential for personal and professional development, why not seize this opportunity to take a gap year?

Take a gap year after high school and join Worldpackers to make a meaningful impact on the world through volunteer travel. Explore new cultures, gain valuable skills, and create lasting memories with this life-changing experience.