Gap Year

Explore the gap year pros and cons of solo vs. group programs to find the right balance for you between independence and shared experiences.

Discover the power of taking a gap year after high school—adventure, cultural immersion, and self-reflection highlight this transformative experience.

Explore gap year scholarships, financial aid, and other funding options. Invest in your future today with NOLS.

NOLS gap year travel programs blend adventure, experiential education, leadership, environmentalism, and cultural immersion for a life-changing experience.

Learn how to apply to college after a gap year with NOLS for a standout application showcasing growth and skills.

Rock Climbing for Beginners with NOLS - Learn the basics and embrace personal growth, environmental stewardship, and leadership while climbing in breathtaking locations.

Explore NOLS Outdoor Rock Climbing Courses, where you'll gain essential climbing skills, develop leadership abilities, foster environmental stewardship, and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes!

Discover the best Gap Year Programs for Outdoor Enthusiasts! From East Africa's cultural immersion to the PNW's wilderness skill development, embark on unforgettable adventures with NOLS.

Discover gap year benefits and get tips to support your child's gap year decision with insights from a parent's perspective.

Looking for affordable gap year programs? Here's how to find programs that offer incredible yet budget-friendly experiences and learning opportunities.

Yearning to dive deep into the heart of global cultures? Uncover the best destinations for an authentic cultural immersion during your gap year abroad.

Discover the 10 best gap year ideas to enhance your professional skill set, gain valuable experiences, and make your resume stand out to future employers.

Dive into gap year statistics to explore how a gap year fosters personal development, cultural immersion, academic momentum, and career success.

NOLS gap year expedition grad Luna Rosal gives insight into both the fun and challenges she experienced on a NOLS gap year.

Camper life comes with some challenges; however, it’s the most freeing thing I have experienced since my gap year, and I can’t recommend the experience highly enough to anyone interested.

Out of the blue, a tip from an old mentor pointed me towards NOLS as an alternative, and maybe more fitting, way to continue my education.

5 Gap Year Myths Debunked - Worried that a NOLS gap year expedition is beyond your reach in terms of timing, finances, or technical skills? Guess again!

After taking a NOLS Semester in New Zealand as part of her gap year, Claire Tiedemann headed off to Oberlin College, where she was recently recognized for her outstanding 2019 performance on the track and field team.

NOLS grad Alison Peterson shares how she developed deeper relationships with those around her on a Semester in Baja.

Tricia shares her story of a gap year filled with glacier walks, ABBA songs, and Kiwi slang on a Semester in New Zealand.

Claire found the new experiences and energy she needed to refresh from school on a Semester in Baja

In a post on College Outside, NOLS grad Will Black reflects on the transformative power of his experience mountaineering in the Himalayas.

NOLS staff share why they love off-grid gap years. Escape the routine and disconnect from the world by getting off the grid for a gap year.

The true value of a leadership gap year isn't adding an impressive list of activities to your resume—it's about developing valuable life skills.