Discover effective strategies to discuss the benefits of a gap year with your parents. Learn how to explain your goals, address safety concerns, and explore funding options.
Why does someone choose to take a gap year? What do they really learn about themselves and about the world? Hear three of our alumni, Kelsey, Sharif, and Lance, speak about their gap journeys. Check out our newest video: The Impact of a Gap Year
While the data on students taking a Gap year is sparse, one thing is clear—more students are choosing to take a Gap experience, and the number grows every year. It allows students to explore their options and find their focus before committing to four years of university, setting them up for success. Students can tell…
Discover how Hannah Repke's gap year program experience throughout Tanzania, Morocco, and more prepared her for college and beyond.
Alex Biddle, a Rustic Pathways program manager in the Dominican Republic, uses her Spanish on a daily basis. While she manages service projects and oversees adventure programs, she frequently has to think on her feet and switch between two languages. Alex hasn’t always spoken Spanish, though. She began to learn the language during a ten-month…
It took Ilana Hamer, of Belmont, California, a while to decide whether to defer her first year of college to take a gap year.…
Learn about the benefits of a gap year from a Rustic alum. Discover how taking a gap year can provide time for yourself, career exploration, and life-changing experiences.
Sharif Campbell was the first member of his family to go to college. But he didn’t rush off to Tufts University, where he’s currently a sophomore studying international relations. Instead, Sharif took a gap year. Many universities allow students to defer their first year of college as the practice of taking a gap year becomes…
Embarking on a gap year in Morocco with Rustic Pathways was a journey of discovery and connection for Sophia Dong. Here, she shares her heartfelt reflections and top tips to make the most out of your gap year experience.
Detailed instructions for how to renew your U.S. passport if you are a teen traveler.
Supporting your child in their choice to take a gap year isn’t always easy. You might be worried they won’t return to school, nervous about them traveling abroad, or wondering if the investment is really worth it. We understand taking a gap year is a big decision for both our students and our parents. However,…
Name: Max Veenema Gap Year Program Leader: South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills How did you begin working for Rustic Pathways? I started working with Rustic in the Fiji Islands. I had come from California, where I spent much of my time in the Pacific Ocean. I wanted to experience a new culture while still…
Explore the insights of Allison Kuney, a Rustic Pathways gap year program leader, on creating transformational travel experiences. Learn about her journey, favorite travel stories, and the impact of gap years on students.