TeenLife’s Top 50 Gap Programs for 2024

Looking for the right gap program but not sure where to start? You can start by checking out TeenLife's Top 50 Gap Programs for high school graduate (or +18 years-old).

How Do We Pick Our Most Popular Gap Programs?

We use a combination of factors like views and user interaction (like viewing the website or submitting a request for information) to determine which programs make our top 50.

Want to break the list down and filter then by session length, cost, and more? Check out this page for the full list of the Top 50 Gap Programs.

This year, our top 50 gap programs are represented in one of the following categories:

• Academic
• Business/Entrepreneurship
• Career Exploration
• Community Service
• Environmental Conservation
• Language
• Outdoor Adventure
• Paid Work Experience
• Performing & Visual Arts
• Self-Discovery
• Special Needs
• Travel/Cultural Immersion

Academic | The Most Popular Academic Gap Programs

What is an academic gap program? It is a program that focuses on building your academic skills, often through college credit coursework, while also delivering a memorable and hands-on experience. Academic gap programs are often residential and can last an entire academic year or a month, depending on what you hope to learn during your program. Want to experience life in a new, exciting place but also build towards college graduation? Then check out the most popular academic gap programs for 2024.

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Business/Entrepreneurship | The Most Popular Business & Entrepreneurship Gap Programs

What is a business & entrepreneurship gap program? It is a program that is designed to foster your business skills and give you the resources and support you need to turn your business ideas into a reality. Whether it's advice from experts or introducing you to a peer group that can challenge you, these types of programs are for students who are ready to become the next industry leader. Check out the most popular business/entrepreneurship gap program for 2024.

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Career Exploration | The Most Popular Career Exploration Gap Programs

What is a career exploration gap program? It is a program to get you an inside look of what a career in a specific field would be like. Some programs allow you to shadow individuals in that career and others will guide you through all of the tough questions that involve your future. If you want a head start or need help, then a career exploration gap program could be the right choice for you. Take a look at the most popular career exploration gap programs for 2024.

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Community Service | The Most Popular Community Service Gap Programs

What is a community service gap program? It is a gap program that focuses on participants giving back to their community, here or abroad, while gaining meaningful experiences and life skills. You could do anything from work on a farm, help members of the community that are considered low-income, or a novel and unique approach to community assistance. It is a great way to gain real world experience while also working towards the goal of making your part of the world a better place. Learn more about the most popular community service gap programs for 2024.

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Environmental Conservation | The Most Popular Environmental Conservation Gap Program

What is an environmental conservation gap program? It is a program that is centered around natural learning environments and a shared passion for conservation. This means getting your hands dirty, experiencing nature, and finding a different way to learn. These types of programs are great for those who are looking to dedicate their lives to environmental conservation or who want to reconnect with the natural world. Check out the most popular environmental conservation gap program for 2024.

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Language | The Most Popular Language Gap Programs

What is a language gap program? It is a program that is designed to immerse you in a new language where you can live and experience life as a local. Many of these programs are designed to help you reach a certain level of fluency by the end, as well as a taste for what life would be like if you ever wanted to relocate. Want to learn a new language, perfect your accent, and see the world from a different point of view? Then don't miss the most popular language gap programs of 2024.

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Outdoor Adventure | The Most Popular Outdoor Adventure Gap Programs

What is an outdoor adventure gap program? It is a gap program that is focused around on outdoor experiences that are there to challenge you and help you find your physical limit. If you're obsessed with the outdoors, or want to be, then spending a month or a year outside in the wilderness might be what you need. Whether it's the mountains, woods, or sea or if it's during the summer or winter, there is an outdoor adventure gap program that can meet your requirements. Take a look at the most popular outdoor adventure gap programs of 2024.

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Paid Work Experience | The Most Popular Paid Work Experience Gap Programs

What is a paid work experience gap program? Just like the name implies, a paid work experience gap program is a unique opportunity to experience a gap year while also being paid for the work assigned. This could be anywhere from helping with customers, maintaining facilities, and more. If you want all of the fun and excitement of a gap program but need a way to make money to pay for the costs, then a paid work experience gap year is perfect for you. Check out the most popular paid work experience gap programs of 2024.

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Performing & Visual Arts | The Most Popular Performing & Visual Arts Gap Programs

What is a performing and visual arts gap program? It is a gap program that is for individuals who want to deepen and strengthen their skills and interest in the area of performing and visual arts. These programs can be for dancers, actors, musicians, and everyone involved in the field of art. Do you want to learn how to produce a play or to make your own unique sound? Then learn more about the most popular performing and visual arts gap programs of 2024.

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Self-Discovery | The Most Popular Self-Discovery Gap Programs

What is a self-discovery gap program? These might be the archetypal gap program. This might be what most people picture when they imagine a gap year. However, it is evolved and changed so much since the idea first began. Now, self-discovery gap programs are designed to empower you to make important choices that shape your future or gain a perspective you need before making a big and costly decision (like whether you should attend your dream college). You may not hike through the Himalayas (or maybe you will), but the destination is still the same. Take a look at the most popular self-discovery gap programs of 2024.

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Special Needs | The Most Popular Special Needs Gap Program

What is a special needs gap program? It is a gap program built for individuals who think and learn differently. Not everyone can learn the same way and our education system struggles to meet the needs of such a wide population. A gap program designed for individuals with learning disabilities can help them figure out the best way to learn or reach them in a way that emboldens their self-esteem and vision for their future. Learning disabilities can range from ADHD to Dyslexia, but are often lumped into the same group. In a special needs gap year, students can have a unique and tailored approach to their situation and can find the elements that unlock their potential. Check out the most popular special needs gap program of 2024.

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Travel & Cultural Immersion | The Most Popular Travel & Cultural Immersion Gap Program

What is a travel and cultural immersion gap program? Want to spend a month or a year abroad? Want to learn the language or plan your future in a new country with new friends and experiences? Then a gap program focusing on travel and cultural immersion may be what you're looking for. These programs can be structured around a variety of experiences from academic work to volunteering. But the main focus is the same: to broaden your horizons and to experience a world different from your own. Want to find that unforgettable experience? Then learn more about the most popular travel and cultural immersion gap programs of 2024.

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