Gap Year Radio

Jackson Balin joins me from Queenstown, New Zealand to reflect on what he calls his “growth year." After realizing during his first year of university that he wanted more time for exploration, challenge, and perspective, Jackson stepped away from the conventional timeline and spent the year working in Tennessee and New Zealand through destination work experiences through Adventure EXP. We talk about culture shock, difficult friendships, resilience, meaningful work, and the surprising ways that service jobs and travel can shape a young adult’s understanding of purpose and identity. Jackson also shares how this year helped him reconnect with his love of learning and clarify his next step academically, while still embracing what he calls “the scenic route” through life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Jackson’s concept of a “growth year” and why he believes the phrase fits better than “gap year” What it felt like to leave university after realizing he was disconnected from his path The reality of working destination jobs in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Queenstown, New Zealand How work experiences can build resilience, empathy, and interpersonal awareness Why challenging experiences often become the most transformative parts of a gap year Thoughts on work, dignity, and learning from people with vastly different backgrounds How travel and work abroad helped Jackson gain clarity about returning to school Why he believes students should actively seek experiences that challenge them Advice for students considering destination work programs or a nontraditional path Resources and Links Mentioned: Adventure EXP University of Austin (UATX) Robert Putnam’s book Bowling Alone Trevor Noah's podcast interview with Robert Putnam Julia's gap year counseling: EnRoute Consulting - get info at enroutegapyear.com More episodes and resources at gapyearradiopodcast.com

Ellie Larkins joins the show to break down how work exchanges can become a powerful gateway into long-term travel, meaningful cultural immersion, and real-world skill building. What began as a short trip after university quickly evolved into years of global travel fueled by Workaway experiences across Europe and Australia. In this conversation, Ellie shares practical strategies for finding great hosts, avoiding common pitfalls, and using work exchanges to travel more deeply, build community, and create unexpected career pathways. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Ellie walks through how to get started with work exchange platforms like Workaway and why this style of travel creates a more meaningful and affordable experience than traditional trips. She shares how to evaluate host profiles, including what signals a high-quality opportunity and how to spot red flags early. We also get into the application process, including how to write outreach messages that stand out and why asking more questions, not fewer, leads to better experiences. Ellie explains how to balance independence with connection while traveling solo, and how hostels and shared work exchanges naturally create community. She also reflects on the unexpected skills she gained, from hands-on animal care to navigating new environments, and how those experiences ultimately led to a paid role working in animal sanctuaries. Finally, she offers grounded advice on staying flexible, packing light, and embracing spontaneity without losing your footing. What Even is "Work Exchange"? Work exchanges are a form of low-cost, immersive travel where participants contribute a few hours of help each day in exchange for accommodation, meals, mentorship, or cultural immersion. Through platforms like Workaway, Worldpackers, and WWOOF, travelers can connect with hosts around the world offering opportunities ranging from hostel support and childcare to farming, conservation work, language exchange, creative projects, and tourism support. Rather than traveling as a tourist, participants become part of a local household, business, or community for a period of time, often gaining confidence, practical skills, cross-cultural communication experience, and a deeper understanding of daily life in another place. Resources and Links Mentioned: Workaway (primary platform discussed) WWOOF, Worldpackers, HelpX (additional work exchange platforms) Hostelworld or similar platforms for finding affordable but also social accommodation Connect with Us: Listen to Gap Year Radio wherever you get your podcasts More episodes and info: gapyearradiopodcast.com

Eduardo Glenn shares how he used his gap year as a focused and intentional bridge between high school in Costa Rica and college in the United States. Centered around a deep commitment to competitive racing, his gap year became an opportunity to pursue a long-standing goal of winning a national championship, while also exploring professional interests through a VaCorps internship in South Africa and engaging in conservation work at home. This episode highlights what it looks like to design a gap year around a clear purpose while still leaving room for growth, independence, and exploration. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: This conversation explores how having a clear anchor or goal can shape a meaningful gap year, and why structure matters even when your time is flexible. Eduardo shares how racing helped him build emotional resilience and mental discipline, and how those skills translated into real life and college. We talk about the value of independence, from living abroad to learning basic life skills like cooking and navigating a new environment. There’s also a powerful discussion around solitude versus loneliness, and how learning to enjoy your own company can fundamentally shift your college experience. Eduardo also reflects on why he felt more prepared for college after his gap year and how international experiences helped build confidence in cross-cultural communication. Resources and Links Mentioned: VACorps Internship Program Cloudline (engineering internship experience) Cirenas Costa Rica (sea turtle conservation program) Jorge Solano, Global Mentors (Eduardo's gap year counselor)

Suzanne Roske, founder of Vamos Coaching and Gap Year Association Board member, shares her journey from a 25-year corporate career to moving her family to Oaxaca, Mexico for a life-changing sabbatical. What began as burnout and a quiet inner voice turned into a bold experiment in slowing down, redefining success, and building a more intentional life. This conversation explores what an “adult gap year” can look like, and why creating space to pause might be the most powerful step toward meaningful change. Resources and Links Mentioned: Suzanne's company Vamos Coaching Suzanne's Memoir: I'm Supposed to Be Doing This Envia (microfinance + cultural immersion in Oaxaca) Designing Your Life (Stanford Life Design Lab) Oaxaca Lending Library Connect with Julia & Gap Year Radio: Listen to more episodes of Gap Year Radio: gapyearradiopodcast.com Follow us on Instagram: @gapyearradio Email your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] Want to work with Jula on you gap year planning? Visit enroutegapyear.com to learn all about how gap year counseling can help you plan a great year! If you have a moment, please leave a review so more people can discover Gap Year Radio! Intro/Outro Music: Quasi Motion by Kevin MacLeod; licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License More info: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/Global_Sampler/Quasi_Motion/

Luke Morton shares how a planned nine-week gap experience with Warriors Academy in South Africa turned into a two-year journey of personal growth, global connection, and skill-building. From an early experience in self-mastery that reshaped his mindset, to a second year earning 19 certifications as a multi-activity instructor, Luke walks us through how stepping away from the traditional path helped him find clarity, confidence, and direction. Now, he’s preparing for his next challenge: a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Resources and Mentioned: Warriors Academy Appalachian Trail (Luke’s upcoming thru-hike) Connect with Us: Listen to Gap Year Radio wherever you get your podcasts More episodes and info: gapyearradiopodcast.com

In this episode of Gap Year Radio, I speak with Sammie Westfahl about her experience in Aerie Backcountry Medicine’s Fall Semester in Wilderness Medicine, an immersive program that blends emergency medicine training, rescue skills, wildland fire operations, and international expedition travel. Sammie shares how this sequence of certifications, field training, and international immersion challenged her academically, strengthened her confidence, and continues to influence her work today in fire ecology and volunteer EMS. Certifications and Skills Covered in the Semester -National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) -Wilderness EMT (WEMT) -Wildland Fire Line Qualification (Red Card) -High-Angle Rope Rescue Training -Expedition leadership and backcountry risk management -Clinical observation in international healthcare settings Aerie Backcountry Medicine https://www.aeriemedicine.com Connect with Us - Listen to Gap Year Radio wherever you get your podcasts or at gapyearradiopodcast.com - Contact Julia for help with gap year planning at enroutegapyear.com

In Episode 2 of Season 10, I sit down with Adam Salzman, founder of AdventureEXP and author of The Suitcase of Life, for a practical conversation about personal finance on a gap year. We unpack why budgeting is really a “priorities list,” how students can build financial confidence through real-world decisions, and how destination work experiences can help young adults earn money while they travel. Adam shares mindset shifts, tools, and systems that make budgeting less intimidating, plus advice for parents who want to support learning without rescuing every mistake. Resources and Links Mentioned: AdventureEXP: adventureexp.com Numbeo: cost-of-living comparisons (numbeo.com) Rome2rio: route planning (rome2rio.com) Nomadic Matt: country budget guides (nomadicmatt.com) Adam’s book: The Suitcase of Life: A Field Guide for Young Travelers, Thinkers and Doers Figuring It Out as They Go Connect with Us: Listen to Gap Year Radio wherever you get your podcasts More episodes and info: gapyearradiopodcast.com Share and follow along: #explorethegapyear

In this Season 10 opener, I sit down with Arjun Malaviya, who began solo traveling on his 17th birthday and visited 100 countries in 13 months. We dig into how his parents’ “experiences over stuff” mindset shaped his love of travel, and how he built a rhythm for constant movement with flexible planning and a strong bias toward local connection. Arjun shares practical tools (Rome2Rio, Google Translate, GuruWalk, Facebook travel groups), his budget strategy for making $22K stretch across the globe, and the real safety calculations behind trusting strangers. We also talk about the harder moments, including a kidnapping experience in Myanmar, and what he learned about risk, perspective, and resilience. The episode lands on the bigger why: travel as a pathway to global citizenship, confidence, and the ability to connect with anyone, anywhere. Connect with Julia & Gap Year Radio: Listen to more episodes of Gap Year Radio: gapyearradiopodcast.com Follow us on Instagram: @gapyearradio Email your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] Want to work with Jula on you gap year planning? Visit enroutegapyear.com to learn all about how gap year counseling can help you plan a great year! If you have a moment, please leave a review so more people can discover Gap Year Radio! Intro/Outro Music: Quasi Motion by Kevin MacLeod; licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License More info: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/Global_Sampler/Quasi_Motion/

Nancy hit pause on her engineering degree and found herself living solo in Palermo, Italy, caring for two kids and soaking in the rich, sensory experience of Sicilian life. In this episode, she shares what it’s really like to be an au pair abroad - from daily routines and bonding with her host family to solo adventures and personal reflection. She also discusses the process of finding a placement through Scotia Personnel, a Canadian agency that helps young people find vetted international opportunities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Nancy found her au pair placement through a structured agency What daily life is like working with a host family in Palermo The joys of unstructured time, solo exploration, and personal growth Why a slower pace and cultural immersion can shift your mindset in powerful ways Honest advice for anyone considering working as an au pair Resources and Links Mentioned: Learn more about au pair placements through Scotia Personnel: https://www.scotia-personnel-ltd.com/ Want to plan your own intentional gap year? Visit enroutegapyear.com Connect with Us: 🎧 Listen to more episodes: gapyearradiopodcast.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gapyearradio 📩 Questions or comments? Email us: [email protected] 💬 Leave us a review to help more gap year curious folks discover the show!

In this episode of Gap Year Radio, Julia talks with Dillon Sheekey, an alum who used his gap year to reconnect with his creativity and develop a deeper sense of presence and purpose. Through three distinct experiences: a semester in the Southwest with ARCC Programs, an immersive art residency at Cow House Studios in Ireland, and a summer job on Nantucket. Dillon explored what it means to live intentionally and grow as both an artist and a human being. He shares how spending time in nature, disconnecting from technology, and living in a small creative community helped him understand himself in new ways. If you're interested in using a gap year to explore your artistic side, connect with nature, or simply slow down and reflect, this is the episode for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🎨 Why Dillon wanted to prioritize art and creative expression on his gap year 🌵 How his time in the Southwest with ARCC helped him disconnect from tech and reconnect with the natural world 🖼️ What it’s like to live and create at Cow House Studios in rural Ireland 📷 How darkroom photography and stop-motion film became new creative outlets 🧭 What Dillon learned about presence, purpose, and redefining education outside the classroom 🌍 Why the people and places you surround yourself with matter when you’re shaping your path Resources and Links Mentioned 📌 Cow House Studios A residential arts program in Wexford, Ireland cowhousestudios.com | @cowhousestudios on socials 📌 ARCC Gap Year Programs Outdoor, service-learning, and cultural immersion programs arccprograms.com | @arcgap on socials 📌 EnRoute Consulting Gap year counseling and planning support enroutegapyear.com Connect with Us 🎧 More episodes at gapyearradiopodcast.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gapyearradio 📩 Email your questions or comments: [email protected] ⭐ Leave a review so others can discover Gap Year Radio

Welcome back to another installment of our Frequently Wondered Questions series, where we answer some of the most common questions about gap years. Today, we're tackling one of the biggest ones: “Why should I take a gap year?” But instead of hearing the answer from me, we’re handing the mic to the people who know best: gap year alumni. In this episode, you’ll hear from Aliza, Marco, Journey, Katarina, Andrew, and Luke-all sharing what they would say to someone considering taking a gap year. These are real students who’ve hit pause, taken the leap, and gained perspective-whether they traveled, worked, volunteered, or just took time to grow. Their voices are a powerful reminder that there’s no one way to take a gap year, but plenty of reasons why you should. If you’re a graduating senior wondering if now is the right time to do something different, this one’s for you. Resources and Links Mentioned 📌 EnRoute Consulting: Need help planning your own gap year? Learn more about working with Julia: enroutegapyear.com 📌 Featured Guests’ Episodes: Catch the full stories of this episode’s alumni guests in our past interviews: Aliza: Season 7, Episode 2 Marco: Season 3, Episode 5 Journey: Season 8, Episode 6 Katarina: Season 9, Episode 7 Andrew: Season 4, Episode 2 Luke: Season 7, Episode 4 Connect with Us 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Gap Year Radio: gapyearradiopodcast.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gapyearradio 📩 Email your gap year questions or comments to: [email protected] ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review—it helps more people discover Gap Year Radio!

Not every gap year takes place before college - and not every gap experience involves travel. In this episode of Gap Year Radio, we explore what it looks like to bring intentionality into a mid-college gap year, through the lens of Connor’s experience with the College for Social Innovation’s Gap Semester in the City. Like many students, Connor’s college journey hasn’t been a straight line. After stepping away from his four-year degree, his break left him feeling aimless after a while. He knew he needed something different - something more intentional. A friend led him to the College for Social Innovation’s Semester in the City, where he spent a semester living, interning, and learning in Boston. In this conversation, Connor shares how this experience helped him reconnect with his values, gain confidence, and envision new possibilities for his academic and career journey. From learning how to navigate a new city to developing a deeper understanding of social impact work, Connor’s story is a powerful reminder that growth happens when we step outside of the expected path. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🧭 Why Connor hit pause on college to gain clarity and direction 🏙️ What it’s like to live and work in Boston through the College for Social Innovation 💼 How his internship with Boston Cares helped him build confidence and professional skills 🤝 The importance of community, mentorship, and values-driven learning 🧠 How a gap semester helped Connor reflect, recharge, and reimagine his next steps Resources and Links Mentioned 📌 College for Social Innovation – Gap Semester in the City 📌 EnRoute Consulting: Need guidance designing a purposeful gap year or semester? Connect with Julia at enroutegapyear.com Connect with Us 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Gap Year Radio: gapyearradiopodcast.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gapyearradio 📩 Email your gap year questions or comments to: [email protected] ⭐ If you have a moment, please leave us a review—so more people can discover Gap Year Radio! 🎶Thank you to Kevin Macleod for the use of Quasi Motion in our intro and outro music :Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

In this episode of Gap Year Radio, host Julia Rogers dives into the essential topic of budgeting for your gap year. From understanding what your gap year expenses might look like to exploring creative ways to fund your adventure, Julia provides actionable advice for planning a gap year on a budget. Whether you're looking to save, earn, or find funding options like scholarships and grants, this episode covers it all. Tune in for tips on how to manage your finances so you can enjoy a fulfilling gap year without breaking the bank. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: -Understanding your gap year expenses -Ways to save and earn money for your gap year -Tips for low-cost and free gap year experiences -How to approach funding your gap year with a strategic mindset Resources: Gap Year Association - Find scholarships, programs, and funding opportunities: gapyearassociation.org Gap Year Association page on Financial Aid and Scholarships - Check out their list at Gapyearassociation.org Budgeting Apps: Use tools like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), or PocketGuard to track your spending. Connect with Us: 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Gap Year Radio: gapyearradiopodcast.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gapyearradio 🌍 Email your gap year questions or comments: [email protected] ✍️ Leave a review so more people can discover Gap Year Radio!

It’s college decision season! If you’re considering a gap year but wondering how to fund it—or if colleges even support it—this episode is for you. Duke University is one of the few schools in the U.S. that doesn’t just allow students to take a gap year—it actually funds them. Today, we’re diving into a firsthand account of what it’s like to participate in the Duke Gap Year Program, one of the most innovative university-supported gap year initiatives in the country. My guest, Katarina, was accepted to Duke but decided to take advantage of the school’s gap year funding to design her own unique experience. What followed was a year of pivots, problem-solving, and unforgettable learning. With Duke’s support, she: - Backpacked through 15 countries - Interned at the National Bank of Moldova (yes, she landed that job through a cold email!) - Summited Mount Kilimanjaro on a last-minute adventure - Built a global network of friends and mentors—all by staying flexible and open to change In this episode, we’ll break down how the Duke Gap Year Program gave her the freedom to plan a meaningful year, the challenges she faced along the way, and how she leveraged creativity and adaptability to make it all happen. If you’re curious about how to balance structure and flexibility in your gap year, or want to hear how Duke is leading the way in making gap years more accessible - this is the episode for you! What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🎒 How Duke’s Gap Year Program works & what it provides for students 🌍 How Katarina adapted when her original plans fell through ✈️ The reality of planning a last-minute, multi-country backpacking trip 📩 How she landed an internship at the National Bank of Moldova—by sending a cold email 🏔️ Why she said YES to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (even though it terrified her) 🤝 How she built a global network of friends & travel buddies along the way 💡 Her advice for anyone considering a gap year but unsure where to start Resources and Links Mentioned 📌 Duke Gap Year Program – Learn more about how Duke supports and funds gap years: dukegapyear.duke.edu 📌 Eurail Pass – The train pass Katarina used for her 3-month backpacking trip: eurail.com 📌 Hostelworld – The go-to site for booking hostels: hostelworld.com 📌 Gap Year Planning Help – Need guidance in structuring your gap year? Work with Julia at EnRouteGapYear.com Connect with Us 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Gap Year Radio: gapyearradiopodcast.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gapyearradio 📩 Email your gap year questions or comments at: [email protected] ⭐ If you have a moment, please leave a review—it helps more people discover Gap Year Radio!

In this installment of Frequently Wondered Questions on Gap Year Radio, host Julia Rogers discusses how to effectively utilize unstructured time during a gap year. From short periods of downtime to longer stretches at your disposal, Julia offers practical advice on using this time to develop new skills, rest, and even earn money. She emphasizes the importance of reflection, setting goals, and staying organized with time-blocking techniques. Additionally, Julia introduces the 'three P's' – people, place, and purpose – as key factors in creating a meaningful and fulfilling unstructured portion of your gap year experience. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Gap Year Radio 00:15 Understanding Unstructured Time 02:58 Strategies for Short Unstructured Periods 05:50 Managing Longer Unstructured Periods 06:16 The Three P's: People, Place, and Purpose 11:06 Practical Tips for Structuring Your Time 18:58 Concluding Thoughts and Resources Resources: Gap Year Webinar March 13: Register at enroutegapyear.com Gap Year Parent Webinar Series: Register Here: enroutegapyear.com/parents Bliss bean on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBlissBean EnRoute Consulting: Julia's gap year counseling service- if you are interested in working together, get in touch at enroutegapyear.com Connect with Us 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Gap Year Radio: gapyearradiopodcast.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gapyearradio 🌍 Email your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] ✍️If you have a moment, please leave a review so more people can discover Gap Year Radio!

In this episode of Gap Year Radio, host Julia Rogers speaks with Ben, a gap year alum who integrated mindfulness practices into his varied experiences. Ben recounts his journey, highlighting his residency at Zen monasteries in the US and Japan, a farm stay in Costa Rica, and learning audio engineering. He shares insights into how these experiences enhanced his personal growth, creativity, and approach to college. Listen to Ben's wisdom for advice on incorporating mindfulness into gap years and balancing diverse interests with intentionality and community support. Resources: Dharma Gates: Resource for finding meditation retreats: https://www.dharma-gates.org/ The Rec W: Audio Engineering program Zen Mountain Monastery, New York: https://zmm.org/ EnRoute Consulting: Julia's gap year counseling service- if you are interested in working together, get in touch at enroutegapyear.com Connect with Us 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Gap Year Radio: gapyearradiopodcast.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gapyearradio 🌍 Email your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] ✍️If you have a moment, please leave a review so more people can discover Gap Year Radio!

One of the biggest myths about gap years? That they’re only for certain types of students. In this episode, host Julia Rogers breaks down this misconception and explores how gap time can benefit students from all backgrounds and academic paths. From high achievers on the brink of burnout to hands-on learners seeking real-world experience, Julia shares key student profiles that thrive on a gap year, offering insight into why intentional time off can lead to greater success -whether that’s in college, career training, or another post-secondary pathway. If you’ve ever wondered who actually takes a gap year and why, this episode will challenge conventional wisdom's outdated assumptions about life after high school. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: -Why the traditional “straight to college” model doesn’t work for everyone. -Six key student profiles that thrive on a gap year. -How a gap year can make the transition to college easier, not harder. -Why students who take gap time feel more confident and intentional about their next steps. Resources and Links Mentioned: EnRoute Consulting – Learn more about working with Julia as a gap year counselor (enroutegapyear.com). Connect with Us 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Gap Year Radio wherever you find your favorite pods 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gapyearradio 📩 Email us your gap year questions: [email protected]

In this episode of Gap Year Radio, host Julia Rogers chats with Abby, a gap year alum and current aerospace engineering student, and her mom, Elena, about Abby’s incredible year of exploration and growth. From volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand to road-tripping through 10 National Parks, Abby’s experiences shaped her confidence, independence, and readiness for college and beyond. Elena shares her perspective as a supportive parent, offering tips on researching programs, addressing common concerns, and empowering independence. Together, they discuss scaffolding gap year experiences, overcoming challenges, and why a gap year is valuable for all students, including high-achievers who know what's next. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🌍 How Abby’s gap year journey unfolded across Thailand, East Africa, and the U.S. 🌍 Why structured programs like Pacific Discovery and ARCC helped build her confidence for independent travel. 🌍 Elena’s advice for parents: how to research gap year programs and support independence. 🌍 How Abby’s gap year shaped her mindset for college and prepared her for a career in aerospace engineering. 🌍The value of “being bad” at something—and how it fosters resilience and growth. Resources and Links Mentioned Pacific Discovery: Explore immersive adventure and service programs around the world. ARCC Programs: Offering gap year and teen travel programs focused on global education and service. Gap Year Association: Resources for planning a gap year, including fairs, program directories, and alumni support. Connect with Us 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Gap Year Radio: gapyearradiopodcast.com 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gapyearradio 🌍 Email your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] ✍️If you have a moment, please leave a review so more people can discover Gap Year Radio! 🎶Intro/Outro Music: Quasi Motion by Kevin MacLeod; licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License More info: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/Global_Sampler/Quasi_Motion/

Welcome back to Gap Year Radio! After a 2024 hiatus, we’re thrilled to kick off Season 9 with a very special episode. Big changes are in the air, and we’re sharing all the updates, memories, and excitement for what’s ahead! ✨ Life Updates Margo tied the knot! Julia welcomed a golden retriever puppy to her family! ✨ Reliving Podcast Memories This episode is bittersweet as we celebrate Margo’s incredible contributions to Gap Year Radio. She’s stepping away from the mic to focus on new adventures, but not before reminiscing about her favorite podcast moments. ✨ Exciting Updates & What’s Next The USA Gap Year Fairs are happening NOW, and we’re talking all things gap year planning! Whether you’re exploring programs, looking for advice, or ready to take the leap, we’ve got you covered. Julia is taking the reins as your solo host, and we can’t wait to share what’s in store for Season 9. Expect inspiring stories, fresh perspectives, and a brand-new short-format series to answer all your FAQs! You can find Gap Year Radio on instagram and facebook @gapyearradio or online at gapyearradiopodcast.com You can email us your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] And lastly you can download our show wherever you find your favorite podcasts, and if you have a moment, we’d love for you to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so more people can discover Gap Year Radio!

This episode we are super excited to welcome two more guests for our Mindful Volunteering Part 2 episode, Emily and Andrei. These two are former students of Claire Bennet from our Mindful Volunteering Part 1 episode and are currently in the midst of their gap year through the Princeton Novogratz Bridge Year Program in Udaipur, India. They spend some time telling us about the Novogratz Program and how their long-term service/work sites have been set up. Additionally, they reflect upon their perspectives on service, both before their gap year as well as how their time in India has changed their perspectives, and they also give some great advice for things that you can do to make a shorter-term service placement effective if you only have a bit of time. If you want to learn more about Princeton Novogratz Bridge Year program you can find them only at oip.princeton.edu/our-programs/novogratz-bridge-year or on Instagram @novogratzbridgeyear.

On this episode of Gap Year Radio we are so excited to welcome Claire Bennet, co-author of the book Learning Service: The Essential Guide to Volunteering Abroad. On this episode, she discusses with us the many nuances of international service, aid and development, voluntourism, and other topics related to volunteering abroad. She reframes for us what is often referred to as "Service Learning", to describe this restructuring of the ideology into "Learning Service", where learning really is prioritized before everything else. You can follow along on the principles from Learning Service on Instagram @learning.service and on their website https://learningservice.info .

On today's pod we are excited to welcome Nora Livingstone, the cofounder and volunteer coordinator of Animal Experience International, which is an organization that offers ethical and life-changing trips for students, professionals, and animal lovers to volunteer around the world with organizations that are working ethically and sustainability for animal conservation. Nora is a Nature Canada Woman for Nature and is on the advisory board of the Orangutan Project and the Women’s Advisory Council of JourneyWoman. Nora holds FEMA certifications for volunteering, leadership, and deployment during natural disasters, and has volunteered with animals all over the world. This episode discusses some of the ethics around volunteering with animals and pitfalls to look out for as you are looking at your own potential volunteering experience, as well as the five freedoms of animal welfare and how those fit into the Fair Trade Learning Standards for the Gap Year Association. You can learn more about Animal Experience International online at https://www.animalexperienceinternational.com/.

Happy Gap Year Exploration Month! In this special before-and-after episode of Gap Year Radio, we embark on an awe-inspiring conversation with Journey Fleishman, a remarkable gap year student who undertook the incredible feat of hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in the Western US. Julia and Journey take a deep dive into the challenges, triumphs, and transformative experiences that Journey encountered during her epic adventure. Part I was recorded before she hit the trail and Part II was recorded after she finished the hike. The resulting conversation takes us through her decision to embark on this ambitious journey, discussing her motivations, preparations, and the support network that helped her along the way. We delve into the physical and mental challenges of hiking over 2,650 miles, from the southern border of California to the northern border of Washington, experiencing the diverse landscapes and climates that the PCT offers. The episode explores the personal growth and self-discovery that Journey experienced during her time on the trail, shedding light on how this epic adventure transformed her perspective on life, nature, and her own capabilities. Journey shares anecdotes of encounters with fellow hikers, illustrating the strong sense of community that exists within the PCT hiking culture. Listeners will gain insights into the practical aspects of long-distance hiking, including gear choices and the daily rhythm of a thru-hiker's life. By the way, her top gear choices are the REI Magma 15 sleeping bag, her ULA Circuit pack, and her trusty ground pad! Whether you're an experienced hiker, aspiring adventurer, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this episode of Gap Year Radio is a captivating and motivational exploration of an extraordinary gap year experience. Journey Fleishman's Pacific Crest Trail adventure reminds us all that the path less traveled can lead to remarkable personal growth and unforgettable adventures.

Happy October, and welcome to Gap Year Exploration Month! Julia and Margo are excited to chat with the listeners this episode about the many opportunities coming up this month to #explorethegapyear, as well as trending gap year destinations for 2024, helpful apps and hot travel tips, working holiday visas, sustainability, slow travel, and much more. Visit www.gapyearradiopodcast.com for more information on Gap Year Exploration Month and other helpful resources from the episode!

Join us as traveler and disability advocate Johileny Meran shares invaluable insights on how to empower students with disabilities to explore the world. We discuss her study abroad experience in London, receive tips for creating more inclusive gap year experiences and feel reaffirmed in the transformative impact of international experiences for all. Johileny is a graduate of NYU's College of Arts and Science, having received a bachelor's of Arts in Global Public Health/Sociology with a minor in Disabilities Studies. Johileny Travel tips: Take photos of any equipment that gets loaded on the plane in case it is damaged out of your sight. Go on short trips to get used to navigating travel with your equipment and luggage. Get to know your equipment inside and out in order to make your own repairs and make sure your travel/medical insurance covers your equipment. Enjoy your travels! It is so worth it. Resources for Gap Year and College Aged Travelers with Disabilities: Mobility USA library of resources for people traveling with a disability. NYU Accessibility in Study Abroad is a resource for NYU students traveling abroad and features AccessibleGO is a full-service travel platform dedicated to helping people with disabilities make the most out of their travels.

We are thrilled to have Sarah Bryden of the Elemental Self on this episode to discuss sexual education, emerging sexuality and healthy relationships to self and others with emerging adults and gap year students in mind. For gap year students themselves, we will discuss how to frame your sexual health in the context of you gap year experience; Sarah will share some wisdom about how to frame sexuality in your gap experiences. For parents, caregivers and educators, Sarah highlights some important reminders about having open and honest conversations about these topics to ensure that young adults are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate their relationships safely and with confidence. Join us for this enlightening discussion! Sarah's Bio: Sarah Byrden is a somatic practitioner, educator and wilderness guide and has been facilitating in these mediums for over 20 years. She has dedicated over 2 decades to deep study and apprenticeship in western and non-western modalities, and teaches from her own life-long journey in the realms that she offers. Her 2nd TEDx talk, based on the perspective and approach shared in this podcast, has garnered nearly 3 million views. Along with her company The Elemental Self, Sarah is the founder of The Body of Sex, a sex-education and empowerment mission for college-aged students and adults of all ages. She lives in the unceded Tewa territory of Santa Fe, NM.

Today on the pod we have Dave Dennis joining us from Cornerstone Safety Group. Dave is co-founder and Executive Director of Cornerstone Safety Group, a risk management services company supporting travel and experiential education organizations. With a master’s degree in risk management and 27 years of experience in domestic and international operations, Dave has been the Vice President of Risk Management at some of the industry’s largest companies, responded to thousands of incidents, and consulted for more than 60 organizations developing customized risk management systems.  This episode provides an overview of how to look at personal safety when it comes to a gap year experience. Whether you are considering going with a structured program provider for your gap time or venturing out on a more independent or self-designed experience, this episode will provide you with resources and food for thought as you go about assessing these potential experiences. Additionally, we discuss mental, physical, and emotional health when it comes to a gap year and how to plan ahead to ensure that you are taking care of yourself to the best of your ability during this time. Dave brings with him to the pod nearly three decades of experience working in the travel/experiential education realm and provides some invaluable resources and insights to the listeners! You can find Dave and the folks at Cornerstone Safety Group online at cornerstonesafetygroup.org and on LinkedIn as well as by email at [email protected].

Today on the pod we have Dave Dennis joining us from Cornerstone Safety Group. Dave is co-founder and Executive Director of Cornerstone Safety Group, a risk management services company supporting travel and experiential education organizations. With a master’s degree in risk management and 27 years of experience in domestic and international operations, Dave has been the Vice President of Risk Management at some of the industry’s largest companies, responded to thousands of incidents, and consulted for more than 60 organizations developing customized risk management systems.  This episode provides an overview of how to look at personal safety when it comes to a gap year experience. Whether you are considering going with a structured program provider for your gap time or venturing out on a more independent or self-designed experience, this episode will provide you with resources and food for thought as you go about assessing these potential experiences. Additionally, we discuss mental, physical, and emotional health when it comes to a gap year and how to plan ahead to ensure that you are taking care of yourself to the best of your ability during this time. Dave brings with him to the pod nearly three decades of experience working in the travel/experiential education realm and provides some invaluable resources and insights to the listeners! You can find Dave and the folks at Cornerstone Safety Group online at cornerstonesafetygroup.org and on LinkedIn as well as by email at [email protected].

Happy Earth Month and Welcome to Season Eight of Gap Year Radio! As we navigate the era of climate change, it's become increasingly crucial for us to consider the impact of our travel on the environment. With this in mind, let's delve into the world of sustainable travel and explore why it matters now more than ever before. Our guests Daniel Ponce-Taylor and Arantxa López Martínez are both world travelers, program directors and sustainability experts. This is a great episode to jump start your sustainable gap year thinking! Find our full show notes will sustainable gap year tips at gapyearradiopodcast.com You can find Arantxa and Spanish gap year online at SpanishGapYear.com You can find Daniel online at ioi.ngo You can find Gap Year Radio on instagram and facebook @gapyearradio or online at www.gapyearradiopodcast.com. You can email us your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] You can download our show wherever you find your favorite podcasts, and if you have a moment, we’d love for you to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so more people can discover Gap Year Radio! Intro/Outro Music: Quasi Motion by Kevin MacLeod; licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License More info: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/Global_Sampler/Quasi_Motion/

We're back! Julia and Margo are feeling rejuvenated after their gap year from the pod and are excited to bring you new and exciting content this upcoming season. Tune in here for a preview of all the guests, themes, and ideas that you can look forward to this season, as well as a recap of all that your cohosts have been up to for the last year! Intro/Outro Music: Quasi Motion by Kevin MacLeod; licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License More info: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/Global_Sampler/Quasi_Motion/

Today on the pod, your co-hosts Julia and Margo come together to get excited for Gap Year Exploration Month (which begins today)! We discuss the various opportunities this month to #explorethegapyear, and how you can remain engaged through this exciting month of opportunities. Additionally we delve into the somewhat daunting task of funding your gap year. We provide you with various ideas and tools to make your gap year dreams become a reality. Intro/Outro Music: Quasi Motion by Kevin MacLeod; licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License More info: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/Global_Sampler/Quasi_Motion/

This episode features Sam Ballard, an alum of Dynamy Internship Year's class of 2021. Sam spent both his fall and spring semesters of his gap year with Dynamy, a domestic gap year program based in Worcester, Massachusetts. Sam was able to participate in two very different internship opportunities in Worcester during his year, with his fall semester being at an automotive shop and his spring semester being at a digital marketing agency. Sam shares with us the many insights gained from these two unique working opportunities, as well as more about the structure of the program at Dynamy and how that has not only helped to direct his studies in college this year but furthermore allowed him to develop many useful life skills that have proved incredibly helpful now at college!

Today on the pod we have Kevin Fagan joining us, a gap year alum who participated in Where There Be Dragons' Andes and Amazon semester for his fall term, and then spent the second half of his gap year solo backpacking through Europe. Kevin shares with us some highlights from his semester in South America with Dragons and some of his biggest takeaways from this experience, as well as how that semester helped launch him into more independent travels and adventures for his spring semester. Kevin is a recent graduate of Gonzaga University and is now working in sustainability consulting in the Spokane, Washington area, and as someone who is five years out from these experiences is able to share with us how his gap year continues to impact his passions and career path today. Intro/Outro Music: Quasi Motion by Kevin MacLeod; licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License More info: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/Global_Sampler/Quasi_Motion/

In 2019, Luke participated in the Tufts 1+4 Bridge Year program with Amigos de las Américas in Cuenca, Ecuador. He lived with a host family and worked at Fundación Crea tu Espacio, a non-profit that aids migrants during their transitory periods. Some of his responsibilities included working at daycare centers for toddlers, organizing fundraisers, facilitating workshops, and assisting with a community-based project to build an auxiliary location for the Fundación. Luke also talks about how his gap year offered him the space to explore his sexual orientation and ethnic identity. tells us why his bridge year was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of his life. You can find Gap Year Radio on instagram and facebook @gapyearradio or online at gapyearradiopodcast.com You can email us your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] And lastly you can download our show wherever you find your favorite podcasts, and if you have a moment, we’d love for you to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so more people can discover Gap Year Radio!

Listen to our conversation with Jenae Edwards, who tells us all about how she filled an unexpected covid gap year with meaning. ⁠ ⁠ Jenae used her gap time to create art and delve deeper into my love of art, while picking up a new skill of skateboarding and learning a lot from the community on her island. She says her perspective of home has completely changed as a result of spending her gap time in the Bahamas...how you wonder? Well take a listen to find out! You can find Gap Year Radio on instagram and facebook @gapyearradio or online at gapyearradiopodcast.com You can email us your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] And lastly you can download our show wherever you find your favorite podcasts, and if you have a moment, we’d love for you to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so more people can discover Gap Year Radio!

Episode 702 brings you our conversation with Aliza Saunders, a 18/19 alum of Tinvu: Building Justice. Tivnu is a nine-month gap year program focused on social justice engagement. ⁠ ⁠ Participants create a community living together, discovering the Pacific Northwest, and exploring the bond between Jewish life and social justice while working with Portland’s cutting-edge grassroots organizations.⁠ You can find Gap Year Radio on instagram and facebook @gapyearradio or online at www.gapyearradiopodcast.com. You can email us your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] You can download our show wherever you find your favorite podcasts, and if you have a moment, we’d love for you to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so more people can discover Gap Year Radio!

We open our newest season with covid gapper Dan Schmidt who has a super interesting gap year story. As a creative, Dan expanded his professional skill set by spending a large chunk of his year as a videographer for the Adventures with Purpose YouTube channel. He helped bring the channel from 250,000 subscribers to over 1 million, all while traveling the country, learning to pilot drones and solving missing person cases through AWP efforts. Adventures With Purpose specializes in raising submerged vehicles out of bodies of water. AWP got started as an environmental operation but has since helped solve 10 Cold Cases, providing answers and closure for families seeking answers. They have also removed 100+ vehicles from lakes and rivers since 2019. You can find us here at Gap Year Radio on instagram and facebook @gapyearradio or online at gapyearradiopodcast.com You can email us your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] And lastly you can download our show wherever you find your favorite podcasts, and if you have a moment, we’d love for you to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so more people can discover Gap Year Radio!

Today on the pod we are excited to have Ethan Knight, founding director of the Gap Year Association. Julia and Margo take some time to talk to Ethan about the history of the Gap Year Association (GYA), his personal path that brought him here, the meaning of life, climate based gap years, and the current state of the field after a challenging pandemic year.  You can find Ethan and his colleagues at the Gap Year Association online at https://www.gapyearassociation.org/ or on Instagram and Facebook @gapyearassociation.

Today on the pod we have Vanesia Dedmon joining us to share about her semester with Carpe Mundi in Spring of 2019 in Spain and Morocco. She shares with us some of her biggest takeaways from her time abroad, as well as a few highlight memories from homestays and trekking in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, to a week on foot on the Camino de Santiago in Spain, to name a few.

Maytal Agasi took a gap year because she wanted to break out of the classroom and have an adventure in the real world. And boy, did she! Maytal spent her gap year working on a sustainable farm in Israel with Eco-Israel, traveling and participating in service-learning projects in East Africa with Carpe Diem Education and working closer to home as well. Maytal tells us that her gap time away from formal education gave her an outlet for the first time in her life to learn effectively.  Through these experiences, her ambitions shifted completely. Originally aiming to major in art history, her time in Israel transformed her into a proud environmentalist and permaculturalist. Her experience in East Africa offered her a chance for a big adventure -  to travel in a new place while learning about the culture through ethical service projects and homestays.  Maytal took her gap time a couple years ago, long before the pandemic upended the way we can travel. She tells us how her gap time prepared her for the challenges of the pandemic and how she took the pandemic disruption as an opportunity to have another adventure.  You can find Eco Israel at https://eco-israel.org/ and Carpe Diem Education at carpediemeducation.org. You can find Gap Year Radio on instagram and facebook @gapyearradio or online at www.gapyearradiopodcast.com. You can email us your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] You can download our show wherever you find your favorite podcasts, and if you have a moment, we’d love for you to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so more people can discover Gap Year Radio!

Today on the pod we have Alison Sever, Program Director of Rising Earth Immersion at the Eco-Institute at Pickards Mountain, as well as Kaylah Brathwaite, Fall 2020 alum of the Rising Earth Immersion Program. This program is a holistic environmental leadership program that focuses on social justice, spirituality, and mindfulness. Alison and Kaylah tell us more about the philosophy and curriculum behind the REI program, as well as their own personal gap year and justice origin stories. You can find Rising Earth Immersion online at https://eco-institute.org/rising-earth-transformative-permaculture-immersion and on Instagram @the.eco.institute. You can find Gap Year Radio on Instagram and Facebook @gapyearradio or online at www.gapyearradiopodcast.com. You can email us your gap year questions or comments at [email protected]. You can download our show wherever you find your favorite podcasts, and if you have a moment, we'd love for you to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so more people can discover Gap Year Radio!

In this episode, you are going to hear from two exceptional Americorps NCCC members, Emma and Amelie. Emma and Amelie are currently in the middle of their service year and tell us all about the projects they have completed and a few that are still in front of them. Something similar across all NCCC experiences is the diversity of projects Corps members participate in - from disaster relief to trail building to volunteering at the Humane Society to vaccine distribution, these young women and their teams are making the US a better place one project at a time. They'll tell us more about the experience and what to expect as a Corps member. Find NCCC at https://www.americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder/americorps-nccc and on istagram at @americorpsnccc You can find Gap Year Radio on instagram and facebook @gapyearradio or online at www.gapyearradiopodcast.com. You can email us your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] You can download our show wherever you find your favorite podcasts, and if you have a moment, we’d love for you to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so more people can discover Gap Year Radio!

In this episode, we continue to #explorethegapyear this Gap Year Exploration Month by learning about the diversity of gap year opportunities in Israel. Beyond the religious and cultural significance of the country, travel to Israel offers the opportunity to delve into its natural beauty, foodie culture, tech-startup excitement, archeological landmarks, and plenty of adventure. First we speak with gap alum Ayden Novick who spent his year with Young Judea in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Next you'll hear from Phyllis Folb, a gap year expert and executive director of the American Israel Gap Year Association. She also just wrote a book called Find Your Right Direction: The Israel Gap Year Guide. Find Phyllis at https://www.instagram.com/israelgapyear/ and aigya.org Find Young Judea at youngjudea.org Connect with Gap Year Radio: www.gapyearradiopodcast.com email [email protected] Insta: https://www.instagram.com/gapyearradio/

We kick off Season Six (when did that happen?!) with an overview of Gap Year Exploration Month with youtuber Beatrice Naujalyte of the Bliss Bean. Beatrice will walk us through all the exciting ways to #explorethegapyear in February! Gap Year Exploration Month, or GYEM (pronounced “gem”), is a time to share information, recognize, support, and celebrate those who are considering or have taken a gap year. For the month of February, educators, program providers, industry groups, gap year alumni, and others come together to grow awareness of the gap year option and its benefits. More info: GapYearExplorationMonth.com Find Beatrice at www.theblissbean.com You can find Gap Year Radio on instagram and facebook @gapyearradio or online at www.gapyearradiopodcast.com. You can email us your gap year questions or comments at [email protected] You can download our show wherever you find your favorite podcasts, and if you have a moment, we’d love for you to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts so more people can discover Gap Year Radio!

Margo and Julia close out Season Five of Gap Year Radio by looking behind and looking ahead. We talk to international educational consultant Kempie Blythe about the results of the 2020 Gap Year Alumni Survey, a massive nation-wide survey conducted by the Gap Year Association. Kempie gives us a highlight reel of survey results that showcase the benefits and outcomes of the gap year option. Afterwards, Julia and Margo give an overview of gap year opportunities on offer for winter/spring 2021 and the safety protocols programs have in place to manage covid risk for students and communities. If you are taking a gap year or gap semester and looking information on what is possible, this episode is a must-listen! Resources we cite include: Gap Year Association: gapyearassociation.org GoOverseas: gooverseas.com Ladder: https://ladder.to/ Let's Gapp ‌You‌ ‌can‌ ‌find‌ ‌us‌ ‌here‌ ‌at‌ ‌Gap‌ ‌Year‌ ‌Radio‌ ‌on‌ ‌instagram‌ ‌and‌ ‌facebook‌ ‌@gapyearradio‌ ‌or‌ ‌online‌ ‌at‌ ‌gapyearradiopodcast.com‌ ‌ ‌ You‌ ‌can‌ ‌email‌ ‌us‌ ‌your‌ ‌gap‌ ‌year‌ ‌questions‌ ‌or‌ ‌comments‌ ‌at‌ ‌‌[email protected]‌ ‌ If‌ ‌you‌ ‌have‌ ‌a‌ ‌moment,‌ ‌we’d‌ ‌love‌ ‌for‌ ‌you‌ ‌to‌ ‌leave‌ ‌us‌ ‌a‌ ‌review‌ ‌on‌ ‌Apple‌ ‌Podcasts‌ ‌so‌ ‌more‌ ‌people‌ ‌can‌ ‌discover‌ ‌Gap‌ ‌Year‌ ‌Radio!‌ ‌ ‌

Joining us on the pod today is Tyler Newman, a current gapper and founder of a gap year program called Year of Mastery, which is an opportunity for students to unlock their fullest potential through 12 months of passion exploration. She tells us more about her accessible, student led peer support model that gives students the platform they need to succeed in their gap year. She also discusses her other personal endeavors, including tutoring in her free time, as well as the other projects she has recently founded. She shares about Afro Puff Chronicles, which gives womxn of color a platform to speak their truth through a celebration of art and writing, and her upcoming Women of Color virtual conference in March.

Today on the pod we are excited to host Jane and Jason Sarouhan, long time gap year counselors and co-founders of J2Guides. Many students this year have opted for the cross country road trip as a part of their gap year, and Jane and Jason have begun their own van life adventure this year with their daughter. They share with the listeners the fun adventures of life on the road, as well as what students might need to consider when planning their road trip.

"It all started with a conversation." That's how Justice in June co-founder Bryanna Wallace describes the genesis of the massively successful Justice in June resource. The conversation was a heart-to-heart with her best friend from college Autumn Gupta after the murder of George Floyd earlier this year. After this conversation, Autumn leapt into action to create a resource to help people become better allies to the black community. What started off as a google doc has grown into a website, an educational tool and another modality to ensure people continue active anti-racist education and action. In our conversation, we hear about the origin of Justice in June, how people can plug into the resource and their strategies for getting through this week and beyond, no matter the outcome of the election! You can find Justice in June online online at justiceinjune.org on Twitter and Instagram @justiceinjune And you can find us here at Gap Year Radio on Instagram and Facebook @gapyearradio or online at gapyearradiopodcast.com. You can email us your gap year questions or comments at [email protected]. And, something new we’re trying out… if you have gap year planning questions please email us a voice memo of your question and we may use it in an upcoming episode!

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a covid gap year student? Are you curious what you'd do on a virtual gap year program? Today we hear from current gap year student Anushka Goel, who is participating in Global Citizen Academy. Global Citizen Academy is the virtual offering from Global Citizen Year, an organization that aims to build the next generation of global leaders. Anushka tells us how she is building that skill set alongside her virtual internship with OXFAM. You can find Global Citizen Academy online at globalcitizenyear.org on Twitter and Instagram @globalcitizenyr. And you can find us here at Gap Year Radio on Instagram and Facebook @gapyearradio or online at gapyearradiopodcast.com. You can email us your gap year questions or comments at [email protected]. And, something new we’re trying out… if you have gap year planning questions please email us a voice memo of your question and we may use it in an upcoming episode!

Joining us today on the pod is Caleb Kyle, who spent last year on a gap year adventuring in the outdoors through New Zealand and Costa Rica. He discusses with us the two programs he participated in, and explains the experience one can have with Outward Bound in Costa Rica. He received numerous useful certifications during the program, and also shares with us the struggles they faced when the pandemic cut their time in Central America short.