[From Wikipedia] In the United States, the practice of taking a "gap year" before entering college remains relatively rare. Students either enter college (half enter the post-secondary system through community colleges) or the labor force directly after high school. After college, most university undergraduates directly enter the labor force. This trend can be partially traced to American culture, which stresses economic independence as well as the considerably higher cost of post-secondary education in the U.S. Many American students may not be able to afford a year off. In 2004, over 65% of 4-year college students relied on loans to finance their education, with the average debt of roughly $20,000. Among graduate students average debt totaled roughly $42,000 in 2004.

Some organizations have offered young Americans structured gap year programs. These include:

CIEE, offering gap year abroad programs in China, Japan, and other countries.

Dynamy, with sites in Worcester, Massachusetts and Santa Rosa, California.

City Year, an American gap year option with locations in urban centers around the U.S.

LEAPNOW: Transforming Education, offering a year-long program with one semester group travel in either India or South America and one semester individual internship.

Carpe Diem Education - "Our students - through service, travel, community, and cultural exchange - receive a unique and personal insight into themselves and the cultures they live within while also giving back through service in every country we travel."

Rustic Pathways, offering cultural immersion community service and travel programs around the world.

Andeo International Homestays, offers language immersion and homestay programs around the world, 4 weeks to 12 months.

GapYear.com is a how-to site with a live chat.

Year Out Group is a nonprofit British organization that lists gap-year organizations and programs.

Payaway is another British site that offers leads on gap-year jobs.

Americorps (800-942-2667) places volunteers in community service around the country. They require a one-year commitment.

Earthwatch (800-776-0188) offers internships for volunteers and placements on scientific expeditions worldwide.

 

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