Time Out-Gap Year Options

As college admissions have become increasingly competitive, a number of students opt to defer college admission and explore other avenues for a year before attending college. Many colleges support this idea. The following list of programs highlights a few of the options available, including two services that match students with appropriate options. The Guidance Department has a more thorough list available for students interested in investigating this opportunity.
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​AFS International Programs, Inc.:
​Provides intercultural learning opportunities with the aim of promoting a more just and peaceful world. Students age 18 and over work in over 50 countries in community service organizations or businesses in countries abroad while learning new skills, the language and culture. (212) 299-9000 AFS International Programs, Inc
​City Year:
​Putting idealism to work-City Year, an AmeriCorps program, is a national service organization which unites young adults, ages 17-24, from diverse racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds for a demanding year of full-time community service, leadership development, and civic engagement. (617) 927-2600 City Year

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS):
​NOLS is a wilderness education school offering expedition courses in eight countries from ten days to a full semester in length. Students learn leadership skills, wilderness first aid, and outdoor skills while learning about responsible outdoor recreation. (307) 332-5300 National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS):
​School for Field Studies, Environmental Field Studies Abroad:
​Students will conduct hands-on, community-focused environmental fieldwork on programs in Australia, Canada, Kenya, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the British West Indies. (800) 989-4418 ​School for Field Studies, Environmental Field Studies Abroad:
​The Experiment in International Living:
​An international nonprofit organization promoting intercultural learning through homestays, educational group travel, study abroad, language training au pair, and other cultural immersion programs in over 25 countries. (800) 345-2929 ​The Experiment in International Living
​The Center for Interim Programs:
​Founded in 1980, with offices in Massachusetts and Colorado, Interim is a service that enables people to pursue structured alternatives to formal education or work by matching clients’ interests with over 2,500 internships, volunteer positions and cultural study programs worldwide. (617) 547-0980 The Center for Interim Programs
​Time Out Associates:
​A service that works with individual clients to search for options for summers, semesters and full year experiences. Clients include high school and college students looking for a break before taking the next step. (617) 698-8977 Time Out Associates Additional Resource:
​USA Gap Year Fairs is a national circuit of events that bring together reputable Gap Year organizations, students and parents, and Gap Year experts. www.usagapyearfairs.org