Gap year students--students between high school and college--are finding NOLS to be a great option. Some opt for our aptly-named Gap Year Semester, others are looking into our popular "year-long" programs, while still others are mixing and matching semesters to customize their own school year in diverse and exotic locales around the globe.

More and more, high schoolers are turning their tassels and turning to NOLS--for an opportunity to travel, learn new skills, and see new places.
Photo: Rainbow Weinstock

Whichever route you choose, adding NOLS into your gap year options will not only give you a break from the traditional classroom, but add to your leadership and technical outdoor skills, while still allowing you to earn college credit. What's not to love?

To read about more students attending NOLS during their gap year, check out these stories:

"Besides fueling his interest in the environment, the rigorous but structured program, which included hiking, kayaking and sailing in Mexico's wilderness, allowed Ben Schweers to hone his ability to lead small groups of people -- skills he'd never really had a chance to show in a classroom." Read on:
post-gazette.com: The Gap Year: More students broaden their experience of the world

"For Gabby, [high school] graduation and subsequent NOLS training will allow her to pursue her dream for a career involving the outdoors..." Read on:
AZ Daily Sun: Off to the Outback

"Like Bill, today's students taking gap years often are among the hardest-working and highest-achieving in high school, and they relish the chance to take a break from studying." Read on:
Washington Post: Eye on the Goal

Testimonials from NOLS gap year students can also be found in the following books: Success Without College by Linda Lee and Taking Time Off by Colin Hall and Ron Lieber.