Identifying Possible Gap-Year Activities
Deciding what to do during a gap year requires identifying your interests and checking into available options. The Web sites listed below offer a place to start. They are not, however, the only sources of gap-year information. For example, faith-based groups might have service or volunteer opportunities. Many employers offer internships and jobs. And you can learn more about positions overseas in the article “Working abroad: Finding international internships and entry-level jobs” in the fall 2006 issue of the Quarterly, online at www.bls.gov/ooq/2006/fall/ art01.pdf.
Finances associated with gap-year activities vary. Many domestic service programs offer a living stipend, health insurance, and an educational award of up to $4,725. Some provide housing or other benefits as well. International service opportunities can offer similar forms of assistance. Volunteer work is typically self-funded, while jobs, fellowships, and internships are often paid positions. And organizations that help plan a gap year usually charge a fee for their services, so be sure to look into their reputation.
This list is based, in part, on material originally published by the University of Delaware’s Bank of America Career Center. Used with permission.
General resources
Idealist www.idealist.org
ServeNet www.servenet.org
Domestic service
AmeriCorps State and National www.americorps.org
AmeriCorps Vista www.americorps.org/vista
AmeriCorps NCCC www.americorps.org/nccc
Public Allies www.publicallies.org
Teach for America www.teachforamerica.org
City Year www.cityyear.org
International service
Peace Corps www.peacecorps.gov
United Nations Volunteers www.unv.org
Volunteer
Serve.gov www.serve.gov
Global Volunteer Network www.volunteer.org.nz
Peacework Development Fund www.peacework.org
Projects Abroad www.projects-abroad.org
Global Service Corps www.globalservicecorps.org
United Planet www.unitedplanet.org
Jobs, fellowships, and internships
Studentjobs.gov www.studentjobs.gov
The Student Conservation Association www.thesca.org
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service www.fws.gov
The Washington Center www.twc.edu
CORO Fellows in Public Affairs www.coro.org
Washington Semester Programs www.american.edu/washingtonsemester
The Red Cross www.redcross.org
Odd/Adventure jobs
Back Door Jobs www.backdoorjobs.com
Cool Works www.coolworks.com
Outdoor Adventure Jobs www.oapn.net
Fun Jobs www.funjobs.com
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