A gap semester, sometimes called a mini-gap year, is a break that students take from their studies, usually after school or university.
These breaks are shorter than a traditional gap year, typically lasting three to four months, about the length of a semester (hence the name!).
Benefits of a gap semester
- Less disruption: A gap semester won't impact your academic progress in the same way that a full year off could.
- More affordable: Due to the shorter timeframe, gap semesters are less expensive than full-year programs.
- Flexibility: If you have a full year to spare, gap semesters offer the flexibility to combine different experiences or tailor your break to your interests.
- Ideal starting point: A gap semester can be a perfect "trial run" for a longer gap year experience, or to try volunteer work in the field you are interested in!
Why you should consider a gap semester
There is a common myth that needs to dispelled: universities and employers will look down on you for taking a gap year.
This is NOT true.
According to the Gap Year Association, 90% of students who take a gap year return to college within one year. Gap years also offer incredible chances to learn, with those who have taken one claiming that being in a new environment, meeting new people, travelling independently, and volunteering are the most crucial learning experiences.
These result in significant personal growth, giving you the chance to learn new skills, expand your world view, increase self-confidence, become more mature, and engage in personal reflection.
To summarise, reasons to consider a gap semester include:
- Personal growth: Students report significant personal development, increased self-confidence, and greater maturity after their gap experiences.
- New perspectives: Traveling and volunteering abroad expose students to different cultures and ways of life.
- Academic benefits: Studies show gap years can lead to better grades and increased job satisfaction after graduation.
- Career exploration: Over half (60%) of students who take a gap year report it influenced their choice of major or career (the percentage is much higher for medically-minded students).
In some countries, it is even normal to wait a year after high school before heading off to college. In Norway, Denmark, and Turkey, the majority of students take time out after graduating from high school.
It all factors into the general consensus that those who take a gap semester or gap year can quickly become more mature, self-reliant, and independent people as a result. That’s more than enough reason to get away and have a good time while remaining firmly focused on your future.
What can I do on a Gap Semester?
If you’re still reading this, something must've struck a chord. That's great, as we offer dedicated Gap Programs for people aged 17 to 24, with the knowledge, experience, and connections to give you an incredible and totally safe international travel experience during your gap year.
Our international Gap Programs range between 4 and 10 weeks long, stretching across the whole globe. They are designed to blend adrenaline, exploration, education, and sustainable travel to provide you with an unforgettable gap year experience.
Some of our most popular Gap Programs with Australian travellers include:
- Gap Adventure: Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand (10 weeks - with February start dates!)
- Gap Adventure: Costa Rica & Panama (6 weeks)
- Gap Project: Nepal & Cambodia (10 weeks - with January start dates!)
- Gap Adventure: Vietnam (4 weeks - with February start dates!)
Alternatives to a Gap Semester
For a more traditional gap year, we offer a 28-week Global Gap Year combining multiple Gap Projects that will take you to Peru, the Galapagos Islands, Kenya, Tanzania, Nepal, and Cambodia. It starts in September and ends in March.
If you would like more flexibility, our Flexi Trips offer over 130 individual projects in 20 destinations. You can fully customise your start date and trip durations too.
Do you have more questions about your gap year options?
Get expert advice and support to choose the perfect gap year experience for you! Complete the form below and a Project Expert will be in touch.
Specialist medical programs
If you’re one of those medically-minded people mentioned earlier, you’re in the right place.
You’ll want to explore our Medical Internships or Pre-Med programs.
If you have your sights set on medical school, we have purpose-built Pre-Med Programs, designed to give your application the edge.
High School Specials
Still not graduated high school? No problem. Get a head start by completing a High School Special.
These are tailor-made volunteer trips and internships abroad for teens aged 15 to 18.
They’re fully supervised, feature 24/7 support, and are timed to take place during your school breaks.
You’ll be joining other teens from around the world to learn, explore, and make a difference.
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