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