Working with Gap Year Consultants
One of the goals of the Gap Year Association is to facilitate greater accessibility to gap year programs. The best way to start this process is by using the "Planning Your Gap Year" page which provides essential steps to build a successful and structured gap year. Additionally, if you'd like help with your gap year, there are a small number of Professional and Associate Gap Year Consultants to guide you through the process and facilitate the experience. All gap year consultants are able to work remotely and can frequently be the shortest path to a great outcome - they do charge fees, but those frequently save the client money over the course of their gap year, for the time savings, the assistance with program-fit, and their ability to tap high quality networks that can save money by sidestepping any brokerage or "middle-man" fees.
The Professional Gap Year Consultants highlighted below represent a broad range of different approaches to place students. Each gap year consultant has a different method of working with students and their families in matching gap year placements: in some cases it is a comprehensive fee which includes the vetting of placements and support in the field, while others offer an hourly rate. In most cases, a gap year consultant's support facilitates the selection process and improves outcomes based on their experience and expertise of the gap year programs and years of experience. It is worth noting, that gap year consultants are not college consultants, and college consultants rarely offer gap year expertise.
Professionally Certified Gap Year Consultants
En Route Gap Year Consulting
EnRoute Consulting envisions a world where high school graduates use a gap year to become more compassionate, driven and resourceful global citizens. Founder Julia Rogers provides gap year students with the guidance needed to maximize the potential of this transformative moment in life. Her personalized approach to gap year planning offers unparalleled support throughout the entire year - from initial planning to college/career transition after a year of life-changing experiences. Packages range from $1,350-$2,350.
Taylor the Gap
Taylor The Gap is a personalized gap year consulting service nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, in Boulder, Colorado. Founder and owner Marion Taylor, accredited by the Gap Year Association since 2018, works with young and adult students nationally from all orientations, abilities, and economic backgrounds, and emphasizes student ownership and direction based on interests and goals. Complimenting her social work background, Marion’s unique perspective is based on a lifetime of personal gap experiences, on parenting four gap year children, and on regular research and vetting of both domestic and international gap programs. She also serves as an annual keynote speaker at USA Gap Fairs nationally and at colleges and high schools in the Rocky Mountain West. Marion served for two years as a director of the Gap Year Association Board and continues as co-chair of the membership committee. Marion is registered with Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) in case of security alerts or travel advisories which is especially important in this time of COVID-19. Time out may be a gap year or semester between high school and college, between college terms, after college, mid-career, or during retirement. This period of self-exploration instills confidence, focus, and motivation for future educational pursuits in younger students, while enabling older adults to find purpose and connection in their later years. Fees range from Long’s Peak plan @ $2,000 to Mt. Elbert plan @ $2,400 with financial assistance available upon request.
J2Guides
J2Guides, co-founded by husband-and-wife team Jason and Jane Sarouhan, is an innovative counseling service and educational platform that brings empowerment, affordability and expertise to the center of the gap year conversation. Jane and Jason are the only Gap Year Association accredited gap year counselors who have held every role in this field. Building on their 45 combined years in experiential education, J2Guides offers a tiered service that educates and engages students in articulating their goals, cataloguing their resources, researching program options, and planning their gap years, all at their own pace and budget. $600 - $2000 depending on level of service; scholarships available.
Center for Interim Programs
Founded in 1980, the Center for Interim Programs is the first independent gap year counseling organization in the United States. Holly Bull and Kate Warren offer over 50 combined years of experience as gap year counselors, program researchers, program directors, overseas volunteers, and gap year students. To date, Interim has worked with more than 8,000 gap year students (of all ages), and researched, visited, and/or vetted over 6,500 programs and placements worldwide. They are sought after as contributors to publications such as the New York Times and Newsweek, keynote speakers for the USA Gap Year Fairs, presenters for NAFSA, NACAC, HECA, IECA, GYA, webinars, and high schools and conferences nationwide. Their highly personal and comprehensive service matches the needs, goals, and budget of each individual with the most suitable and wide ranging opportunities available. Free 90-minute brainstorming session. $2800 for unlimited lifetime service per individual. Needs-based scholarships available each year.
Gap Year Solutions
Gap Year Solutions helps students increase college success through transformational gap experiences. Founder Katherine Stievater works with students across the U.S. to structure work, service, travel and other activities into a customized plan. Her approach focuses on student ownership, and building life skills such as problem solving, independent living, and resilience. As an industry thought leader, Katherine speaks regularly about gap years at high schools, libraries, and college fairs across the U.S., and has served as a keynote speaker for USA Gap Year Fairs. With four boys of high school and college age – including one who completed a gap year before college and another who spent his junior year of high school in Spain – Katherine understands today’s teens and what they need to be ready for college. She is the only accredited Gap Year Counselor who is also a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. Katherine’s process with her students creates trust and powerful mentoring relationships. She encourages students to embrace this unique opportunity to step off the traditional path, be authentic, and continue to discover themselves! Headquartered in Boston, MA. Inquire for pricing. Financial assistance available.
A Gap Away
A Gap Away Founder Sandy Storer brings to her work 30 years professional social work and education experience, a lifetime of adventurous travel, and deep appreciation for the value of taking time for personal growth. From the outset Sandy’s goal is to help clients build the skills to plan and execute their own gap year. Sandy’s unique model focuses on empowering clients to set personal goals, craft a gap year vision, and design a set of experiences to meet their specific purpose. Coaching services are structured to accommodate individual levels of need. The fee structure is based hourly and allows clients to work within their own budget and at their own pace. $200 Gap Year 101 consult; $150 hourly for ongoing coaching. Sliding fee scale available. Sandy offers annual merit-based scholarships for students self-funding their gap year.
Gap Year Consultants
Taking Off
http://www.takingoff.net
Taking Off has long been a major proponent of the gap year. We have successfully guided many students in choosing situations that are a good fit with who they are and what they hope to do. Led by Maureen Lavin-Arcand, Taking Off helps clients explore and identify interests, evaluate priorities and secure experiences tailored to their specific needs while implementing a safety-conscious, meaningful and well thought out plan. We provide unlimited individual consulting for a set fee with other options available.
• Scituate, MA. • $2,250 with options to work with families on unique rates.
Global Routes
https://globalroutes.org/gap-programs/
Global Routes Independent Track (GRIT) Gap Years are tailored to the individual goals and interests of each participant with the dedicated support and mentorship from Adam Aronovitz, Global Routes Director and Lead Gap Guide. After an initial scoping session, we’ll work together on the scope and sequence for your experience, selecting partner host organizations and immersive opportunities that best fit your goals, interests, and dreams. We’ll support your Gap goal-setting, skills assessment, Gap design, safety considerations, and pre-trip planning and will be in contact throughout your experience to debrief, adapt, and plan next steps.
Global Routes has led the field of international immersion education for more than 50 years and has facilitated Gap experiences for more than 30 years. Adam has on-the-ground experience in more than 80 countries across the globe and personal relationships with incredible partner organizations across this fine planet. This type of gap experience is best for motivated and engaged students seeking a more independent experience than a group-based program but also want expert support along the way to plan and navigate their Gap experience.
Once you’ve filled out your ‘Design your Gap’ intake form, eligible gappers will be invited to a free consultation call to explore your goals and options.
• New Orleans, LA. • From $795 to $1,395 for a 2-week to 12+ month long Gap experience design.
Free To Roam Adventures
http://www.freetoroamadventures.com/gapyear/
Free to Roam Adventures embraces a student-driven approach to gap year planning by offering personalized support and mentoring for students to explore their own unique interests and future pathways during their gap year. Together with students, Susan researches a combination of experiences, international and domestic, that equip students with the skills to succeed in college and the confidence and motivation to become true owners of their own lives. Founding Director, Susan Staley has firsthand experience as a gap year student, gap year program leader, and director of study abroad in 25+ countries throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America & Australia and Oceania. Packages range from $775 - $2,075, scholarships available.
• Nashville, TN., serving clients around the globe • Packages are $1,950 for a full year of advising and half that for a semester or summer.
SEEC Gap Year Consulting
https://www.seectimeout.net/about.html
Marsha Ray, M.A., in 1998, founded Student Extended Experiences Consulting, Inc., (SEEC), to help students create and design dynamic GAP years or undergraduate academic sabbaticals. Her professional experiences are grounded in the field of education. After residing and teaching in France and Italy for 17 years, she returned to the U.S. to teach at DePaul University, where she was also the interim co-director of DePaul's International Studies Department. Fluent in French and Italian, she brings an informed and unique voice to study abroad advising and has extensive knowledge of UK universities. She has chaired the Board of Directors of Siena Sojourn Italy and presented on the value of the GAP year at major professional state educational conferences in Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota as well as at HECA and IECA conferences. Her professional achievements speak well of her comprehensive knowledge and ability to advise young people, as they move ahead on their educational journey.
• Chicago, IL., serving clients around the globe • Packages $800 - $2,200
Gap Year Explorer
http://gapyearexplorer.com/index.html
Gap Year Explorer provides opportunities, guidance and insight for those students who elect to take a year off before or during their studies. We customize a student's year to include personal interests and curiosities. Located in the DC area but assist family nationally.
• Washington, DC. • Packages range from $295-$495.
American Israel Gap Year Association
http://AIGYA.org
Our Mission: For students to take ownership of their Jewish Identity and to solidify Israel engagement through the Israel Gap Year experience across all denominational lines.
Our Belief: In the value of experiential learning during the gap year for academic direction, remaining true to Jewish values and fortifying young adults against the pressure to conform as they begin their college career.
Our Purpose: To serve as an objective and inclusive resource for families and educators to understand the breadth of Israel experiences available.
Our Programs: AIGYA Israel Gap Year Fair, counseling, workshops, and research.
World Student Support
http://worldstudentsupport.com/
World Student Support offers gap year options for students between high school and college, or for those who wish to take a break from higher education. Like College Counseling and School Placement, finding gap year options requires personalized attention to meet the goals of each student in order to optimize the best outcomes. Sandy, owner of World Student Support, and her family lived abroad for many years and have a variety of travel experiences under their belts. These experiences prompted the desire for students to live beyond the classroom - allowing for experiential learning at its best, as well as tremendous self-reflection.
• Golden, CO., packages vary from $1,500-2,500 depending on the length of time out. No additional cost if the family is part of College Counseling Package.
Sarah Persha, MA
http://www.deandoering.com
Sarah Persha, MA, independent educational consultant and mental health specialist, works with teens and young adults and their families by providing educational options and guidance through the educational years and life transitions. Sarah assists teens and young adults as they explore the educational paths leading to a motivated and purposeful adulthood. As a Gap supporter, Sarah has gained years of experience to better serve students considering gap years in her pro-bono role with the Gap Year Association in Portland, Oregon, where she is also headquartered. She serves as Educational and Clinical Advisory Board Member, interfacing with experiential education programs worldwide and educating teams of global education leaders in current issues and trends relating to emerging young adults. SARAH LOVES TO TRAVEL AND LOVES TO SEE HOW TRAVEL TEACHES STUDENTS TO THINK AND FEEL DIFFERENTLY! She knows that the broadening and stretching of a GAP experience, if chosen well and wisely, results in the insight and empathy and motivation that are hallmarks of an exciting young life. Fees vary in package options. sarah@deandoering.com
School Counseling Group
https://www.schoolcounseling.com/
Erin Summers is a gap year counselor at The School Counseling Group in Washington, DC. Whether looking for a summer, semester or year-long program, Erin will help students explore various opportunities and provide support to parents throughout the process. Erin knows that no two students are going to plan the same gap year experience. For this reason, she will spend time developing a strong rapport with students and putting them at the center of the planning process. Erin believes that this solid relationship will allow her to create a gap year experience that will be the right fit for each individual and provide for a safe and enriching time away. Rates range from $1,000-$2,500.
Realiteach
https://www.realiteach.com/
Realiteach was founded on the belief that transformative growth occurs when learning is relevant and is directly experienced in the real world. Dr. Corinne Guidi uses eight pillars of wellness to lead students on a journey that takes them inward and outward to explore their life path more fully and find their inner compass. From mindfulness to career learning and money management, Realiteach's wellness seminar is weaved into every participant’s journey. Students will shift from grades to growth with continuous support from the beginning of their gap year and beyond as they transition to their next step. Realiteach wants students to move toward future decisions with confidence and to do so with the knowledge and tools to live a more conscious life. Fully personalized from $975 - $1575 depending on duration.
ROI Education
https://www.roieducation.com/
ROI believes in the power of self-determination to find purpose and meaning in one's adventures, work, and academics. MaryAnne Gatos, founder of ROI Education, consults with gap year students to help design personally relevant gap year plans. Providing consistent support throughout the year, MaryAnne helps students find amazing experiences and purposeful work in the world as they uncover their courage, resourcefulness and determination for college. Consulting ranges from $125/mtg to $1,250 for a comprehensive support package.
Claster Educational Services
https://clastereducation.com/about/
Claster Educational Services offers comprehensive gap year counseling backed by our experience running programs for hundreds of students in a dozen countries on five continents. We start by helping students articulate their goals for their "year on" and work with them to develop a plan that is well-aligned with those goals. We use proven strategies to help students get the most out of a gap year before, during, and after the experience.
Lilley Consulting
https://www.lilley-consulting.com
Lilley Consulting believes in proactively addressing head-on the expectations of higher education by presenting alternatives that foster growth, individuation, and purpose. Joanna Lilley, founder of Lilley Consulting, is a unique Gap Year Consultant as she assists high school seniors and students who were not successful in college, specifically with pre-existing mental health concerns. She presents relevant options that provide necessary therapeutic supports coupled with a traditional gap year experience. The last thing you want is your loved one to struggle because they enrolled in a program that couldn’t support their mental health! Joanna will assist your young adult by finding that ideal gap year program that matches their wants and needs. She also provides support and resources for families around the transition from parenting a child, to parenting an adult. Consulting packages start at $2,500, and increase with add-ons such as case management, and transition planning. Contact Joanna to learn more about therapeutically-supported programs.
Elite Prep Hawaii
https://www.eliteprephawaii.com/
Aloha! My consulting practice offers a warm, creative approach to the gap year planning process for students from Hawaii, the Pacific region, East Asia, the US, and beyond. With a multicultural perspective, I have been an international educator for over a decade: this is the experience and creative perspective that I bring to gap year planning including internship and work-related experiences, travel and language-related programs, and programs that allow for career exploration.
Pilcrow Advisors
https://www.pilcrowadvisors.com/
You are exactly the right person to advocate for your child. But sometimes, it can feel impossible to know exactly what to do. The options can seem overwhelming. Pilcrow Advisors, a therapeutic & educational consulting practice, is here to help. That’s what we do best. We uncover all of the resources available for your child’s unique needs. We help you sift through the overwhelming options to help you make confident and informed decisions that support your child’s intellectual, emotional and social development.
Pilgrim Bespoke Consulting
https://www.pilgrimbespoke.com/
Pilgrim Bespoke Consulting takes a self-directed approach to the gap year. We co-create bespoke project-based learning journeys with young people. Charting alternative learning pathways through indie travel and affordable, ethical volunteering, we help learners navigate real-world opportunities to earn while they learn. Our personalized gap year consulting service is based on autonomy, breakthrough, community, interconnectedness, mastery, and purpose. We have an hourly rate ($100) fixed, full-time rate ($1000) or take a commission based on what you earn.