Jane and Jason Sarouhan are the J2 behind J2Guides, a gap year consulting service that puts students at the center of the gap year planning process. Jane and Jason have been leaders in gap year and experiential education for over 25 years. They are nationally accredited Gap Year Association Consultants and keynote speakers at the USA Gap Year Fairs. For over 2 decades, Jane and Jason have dedicated themselves to supporting young adults as they stand at the crossroads of adulthood.
Empowerment, expertise and affordability are central to the J2Guides’ counseling approach. Jane and Jason work closely with every family to curate an effective process with targeted, vetted programs that will best meet the needs, interests, goals and budget of each gap year student. From ambitious, high-achieving, college-bound students to non-traditional learners and students struggling with confidence or mental health, there is truly a gap year for everyone.
No two students or gap years are the same, which is why J2Guides offers a tiered, progressive service model:
Explore the Gap - Learn how to plan a fulfilling and intentional gap year! Sharing our 25 years of experience we - Jane and Jason - guide you through the process and strategies that are fundamental to planning a successful gap year: setting goals, establishing a budget, assessing safety and researching gap year opportunities. By the end of this gap year planning master class, you will know your gap year vision and have the tools to achieve it. Join a cohort of other gap-bound students, or work independently. Can’t make the live workshops or have an expedited timeframe? All workshops are recorded, and a self-paced option is available. Want more support after Explore the Gap? Add-on Plan the Gap whenever you are ready.
Plan the Gap - Many families want personalized, reputable program recommendations to help them meet their gap year goals. Plan the Gap includes: Explore the Gap (above), one-on-one planning meetings with your gap year counselor, and cohort workshops during the gap year to support you at important transitions between your programs and placements. In your one-on-one meetings, you and your counselor will create a gap year plan with specific, high quality, vetted opportunities. Our recommendations are tailored to your specific interests, needs and budget - we do not take commissions from any programs. Want more support after Plan the Gap? Add-on Bridge the Gap any time during your year.
Bridge the Gap - Our most comprehensive service, Bridge the Gap is ideal for students who want support planning a full gap year with multiple experiences. Bridge the Gap kicks off with our signature gap year training Explore the Gap (above); individual planning meetings, program recommendations and workshops from Plan the Gap (above); and now an additional 3 hours of one-on-one calls for students to continue their work with Jane or Jason planning a full and meaningful gap year. These sessions can be used at any time during your gap year so you can make the most of our guidance - including new ideas, program options and mentorship - when you really need it.
Reviews (3)
HUGE help from J2Guides
Reviewed
on Sep/27/2021 by jpalm
My son was undecided about his plans for Fall 2021 so he enrolled in J2Guides "Explore the Gap" course. I was able to sit in 2 of the 4 sessions you provided to Hunter and they were, in a word, fantastic. Jane and Jason, the course leaders (and founders) had so much enthusiasm and knowledge about the subject that it gave my son the confidence to say that he needed some time before going to university. The resources are also great - easy to understand and, in many cases, use. Hunter is currently in Ecuador (Fall 2021) and is having an amazing, immersive and safe experience. Pandemic willing, he will travel to Asia in the Spring for more of the same. Thank you!
Saved the year for my son!
Reviewed
on Nov/20/2020 by Steve
My son had been working with Jane and Jason even before COVID showed up. They displayed a vast knowledge of not only available programs around the world, but also a very insightful perspective of the gap year process. They took the time to help my son think long and hard about what he wanted from a gap year, and how to develop a plan to meet that end. Jane and Jason were incredibly committed to helping my son find a program where he would really fit in and build relationships as well as pursuing his personal goals. When Covid hit, and international opportunities began to shrink, J2Guides didn't miss a step. My son was presented with new options for what to do with his gap year. Jane and Jason helped him match to a program that fits him like a glove. He is thriving with new levels of independence, self reliance, daily adventure and great new friends. He called yesterday after finishing five days rafting the Grand Canyon. (I am so jealous). With the rest of the year still to plan, Jane and Jason continue to be a valuable resource with many ideas for the spring. I am so appreciative for the guidance and support my son has received from J2Guides. His gap year would not have been the same without their help.
Saved my teen's Gap Year!!
Reviewed
on Nov/16/2020 by Julie
I am a parent of a 2020 highschool grad who was all set to go on an international Gap semester before enrolling at Middlebury college in Feb 2021. Obviously, none of that could happen during this unprecedented time and like many other parents, I watched my teen's plans crumble before her eyes. With the help of J2Guides, she was able to pivot and plan a totally different domestic Gap semester, including figuring out WHY she was even taking a Gap year, budgeting for it, deciding between several fabulous options and is right now, taking part in an incredibly enriching, safe, challenging program right here in the States. Because of this program and the fact that her college is just not going to be the same as she expected, she has decided to take an additonal semester off, defering enrollment until Sept 2021. As a parent, I am eternally grateful to Jane and Jason because they have taken on the role of mentor, advisor, cheerleader and guide at a time when hope is hard to come by and teenagers don't always want to hear their parent's advice. I can wholeheartedly recommend their program, their integrity, knowledge, enthusiasm for both travel and education, plus the fact they are WALKING THE WALK.
Testimonials(3)
Jason and Jane are both incredibly engaged, positive and professional in their work. They hold the unique perspective of having been field instructors and program directors for gap year programs, giving them valuable insight into how programs work, what questions to ask, and how life-changing the right program can be for a young adult.
- Scott Burnett- November 17, 2019
Jane and Jason worked closely with my son to plan his gap year. Their approach was incredibly effective from both the parent and student perspective. J2Guides shepherded my son through this stressful and complicated process of figuring out his best course of action after he graduates from high school. Jane and Jason are patient, kind, realistic, thoughtful, thorough, and incredibly passionate about their work. We initially thought we might be able to navigate this ourselves just using the internet.... and we were incredibly wrong. These two are professionals worth their weight in gold and they truly made this process so much more enjoyable for the whole family! We could not have asked for a better experience or outcome.
- Tammy Stone- March 1, 2020
Jane and Jason worked for Global Routes (an organization I co-founded) for nearly 15 years, as field staff, then as program managers, and ultimately as executive directors. They both demonstrated the highest degree of professionalism, capability, compassion and excellence in every aspect of running an educational non-profit. When they moved to gap year advising, that knowledge of the industry, their compassionate caring, their willingness to advocate for clients really held sway. So much so that my wife and I called upon them when our son was looking to deep-dive into an interest of his. They directed us to two experiences, both of which were critical in the development of his interests and more importantly his sense of self. I can't recommend Jane and Jason more highly.
- Kenneth Hahn- November 15, 2019
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My son was undecided about his plans for Fall 2021 so he enrolled in J2Guides "Explore the Gap" course. I was able to sit in 2 of the 4 sessions you provided to Hunter and they were, in a word, fantastic. Jane and Jason, the course leaders (and founders) had so much enthusiasm and knowledge about the subject that it gave my son the confidence to say that he needed some time before going to university. The resources are also great - easy to understand and, in many cases, use. Hunter is currently in Ecuador (Fall 2021) and is having an amazing, immersive and safe experience. Pandemic willing, he will travel to Asia in the Spring for more of the same. Thank you!