Gap Year
Graduated from high school, but not sure what happens next? No problem! A Gap Year abroad could be the answer. A Gap Year is the time between two stages of life that is used for travel, work or volunteering. But it is way more than just a “fill-in”! The power of this opportunity lies within its flexibility: Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose not only the length, but also the focus of your Gap Year. You would like to learn a new language, discover new cultures, get some work experience or volunteer? Or are you interested in combining some of these aspects? Then a Gap Year is the right fit for you!
If you are rather interested in following the academic path, there are also options. Several universities abroad offer so-called “Trial Studies”. In this trial program, you can choose several different courses to gain some experience studying at a university.
Studying abroad allows you to see diverse perspectives and broaden your horizon. Finding your place in the world is not always easy. There are so many options and decision to consider. However, the international relations and your personal experiences abroad are already the foundation for your future success. A Gap Year makes self-discovery and planning for the future possible. So, get out into the world!
Gap Year Abroad:
Search result: 22 Universities in 8 Countries
Australia (4)
Bond University
As Australia's first private, not-for-profit university, Bond University is consistently rated #1 in Australia for student experience*, offering a personalised study environment with small class sizes and Australia's lowest student: teacher ratio. Known for its three-semester-per-year timetable, students can fast-track their studies and graduate sooner. With limitless opportunities to gain a global perspective through internships, volunteering, international competitions, industry conferences, study tours and more, Bond students stand out at university and after they graduate. All students have access to state-of the-art academic, technological and recreational facilities on its campus on the Gold Coast, Australia's sixth largest and fastest growing city.
International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS)
Since 1996, the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) offers outstanding study opportunities in a beautiful location at Australia's east coast. Efficient teaching methods, highly qualified professors and excellent equipment at ICMS provide a distinguished study environment. The unique location close to the famous Manly Beach is highly popular with Australian as well as international students. Another campus for postgraduate students is located directly in the metropolis of Sydney which is only one ferry ride far from Manly.
James Cook University Australia
Your world-class education begins here. Ranked in the top 300 universities in the world*, JCU provides world-class facilities, career-focused courses, and leading research excellence across two campuses in Townsville and Cairns. JCU students participate in hands-on learning in unique and spectacular locations including the Australian Outback and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforests of the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef.
The international student populations in Cairns and Townsville are diverse and close-knit. Combined with a welcoming local community, international students are encouraged to become part of the local community and participate in Australian life through pursuing opportunities to enjoy a richly rewarding social and cultural life and experience indigenous cultures.
* Times Higher Education University Rankings 2022
Note: Business subjects run on a trimester model. All other subjects are on the semester model.
University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC)
UniSC is an Australian public university. UniSC’s main campus is located in Sippy Downs on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Set in the sunny state of Queensland on Australia’s east coast, the Sunshine Coast is a destination of endless beaches, expansive hinterlands and a warm climate, and a relaxed and friendly community. Approximately 328,000 people call the Sunshine Coast their home, making it the third most populous region in Queensland. Located only a short one-hour drive north of the state’s capital, Brisbane, it is home to the architecturally diverse UniSC Sunshine Coast campus – a campus renowned for its environmentally sustainable approach.
The campus sits on a 100-hectare designated wildlife reserve, which provides sanctuary to native Australian wildlife, including the resident Eastern Grey Kangaroos, reptiles, and birds.
At UniSC Sunshine Coast, you will become one of the locals in no time and enjoy making friends with Australians, while meeting students from around the world.
Canada (2)
Capilano University
CapU is a “home away from home” to more than 2,500 international students from 80 countries around the world. Join our global yet close-knit community! Minutes from CapU’s main campus in North Vancouver, B.C., you’ll find hiking and mountain biking trails, secret beaches and world-class ski resorts with spectacular views of the Vancouver skyline. Yet, you’re only 30 minutes away from Vancouver’s vibrant shopping, restaurants, and arts and culture scene.
Vancouver Island University
Founded in 1936, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public university with currently about 13,600 students and more than 120 study programs in various fields. Small class sizes of 34 students maximum provide the ideal learning environment and a dynamic dialogue between students and professors.
The main VIU campus is located in the harbor city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, attracting students with the warmest weather in Canada. This spectacular location allows for various outdoor activities and sports all year round due to the close proximity to the mountains, the forest and the ocean. Big city life in Vancouver is only a ferry ride away and the tourist attraction Victoria is reachable within a short car or bus ride.
Indonesia (1)
Udayana University
Originally established in 1962, Udayana University has become one of the foremost higher education institutions in Indonesia. It is the largest and most respected university in Bali and has a total of 12 faculties. Most of the international students come from China, Japan, German-speaking countries, Nordic countries and the United States.
In both its teaching and research, the university has strong links with local and international institutions, including government bodies, businesses, industries, and professional organizations. Udayna University also undertakes innovative research projects in biotechnology and biosciences, medical sciences and social sciences. The university regularly achieves Indonesian top awards for individual teachers.
The university strives to be a local, national and an international platform for transparent discourse. The university hosts national political debates and international seminars at regular intervals. It is an internationally recognized university and its different faculties have overseas partner universities in all continents.
Ireland (2)
American College Dublin
The American College Dublin is located in central Dublin. The beautiful historic campus is typical for Irish architecture and provides students with an intimate learning environment of high quality education. Dublin offers a vibrant nightlife scene and the perfect base to explore the island.
Dorset College Dublin
Dorset College is located in the heart of Dublin City, approximately 8 minutes’ walk to O’Connell Street, (main street of Dublin city). We are located in beautiful Georgian buildings with history and a great atmosphere with parks and amenities nearby.
Dorset College has approximately 1,200 students in total with a student centric approach from all the professors. Professors are known on a first name basis and get to know the students on a first name basis also. It is a lovely learning environment with a personal friendly approach to education. The student experience is fantastic in Dorset College with many clubs and societies and workshops organised throughout the semester. There are excursions to visit famous tourist attractions in Ireland such as the tallest Cliffs in Europe to Skellig Michael where star wars was filmed. There is plenty to do and see. The social life in Dublin is great and Dorset College has student nights organised throughout the year also.
Korea (1)
Hanyang University
Ranked under the top 150 universities in the QS University ranking, Hanyang University is a very impressive institution located in the Capital area of Seoul. A large selection of study areas from business administration, pharmacy as well as high-level engineering courses are only a few areas of the outstanding curriculum. High quality Undergraduate and Graduate degrees coupled with Korea’s first engineering institute make Hanyang University a highly reputable and academically valued institution across the world. Start your studies in fascinating Seoul today!
New Zealand (1)
Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) is an innovative, creative and multi-cultural institution with a high academic standard and top ranking throughout the past years.
The reputable university offers students a great, diverse selection of study programmes from humanities, business, cultures, languages, engineering, sciences and many more. The three campuses in Wellington give students the big city feeling surrounded by the breath-taking nature of this island.
Spain (2)
Nebrija University
Since its creation in 1995, Nebrija University has maintained the differentiating values of its educational model, based on quality teaching as well as on research as knowledge creation, which includes a comprehensive training of different skills, competences and abilities of all its students. These are key values that are crucial to achieve the development of individual talent and the best opportunities for professional integration too.
Our philosophy is to learn by doing, which becomes a unique university experience. In fact, it is a vital experience in the transformation of the student towards a global knowledge in order to start and lead the changes in which he or she is immersed.
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is perfect for a semester abroad. Students from over 50 different nationalities travel to Barcelona every year to take one or two semesters abroad at UAB.
Study abroad students can take part in one of the three programs:
The Pre-established Study Abroad Program; only offered to international students who can combine lessons in English with Spanish Language Lessons. The Selected Courses Study Abroad Program where international students integrate with Spanish students in lessons taught in Spanish, Catalan or English.
GAP Year Program; for students who have finished their secondary school studies and want to have a first experience at the university with other international students having lessons in English.
USA (9)
College of the Desert
College of the Desert is an American community college located in Palm Desert, California. If you are looking for a wonderful destination in the USA with affordable tuition in comparison to the common US institutions, COD is the place to study. The community college offers Certificate and Associate degree, but no full Bachelor or Master degrees for its students. However, the semester abroad program for international students is very attractive given the large variety of reputable study programs to choose from. COD offers a high-level of academic flexibility and an opportunity to study and live in one of the U.S. top tourist destinations. The Coachella Music Festival, outdoor sports, mountain adventures, and resort living are just some of advantages of COD's area, which is sunny 350 days of the year. The college also offers free and low-cost regional excursions to places like Hollywood, LA/San Diego beaches, amusement parks, and professional sporting events.
Hawai'i Pacific University
Hawai'i Pacific University is the largest private, non-profit university in the State of Hawai’i, and one of the most culturally diverse, private institutions in the U.S. HPU’s campuses enable students to enjoy the best of both worlds — a vibrant, international city and a stunningly-beautiful, tropical setting. The hands-on learning approach in combination with small class sizes, international classroom and an inspiring teaching faculty, all that combined is what makes HPU a one-of-a-kind destination for studying abroad in the US. Whether it is surfing in the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean or hiking in verdant rainforests, encounters with nature are part of everyday life on the island.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University is not only the oldest and largest university of the California State Universities System, but also one of the most reputable state-owned university in the entire USA. This research university offers a wide variety of top-ranking study programs from business, international business, fine arts, engineering and so many more. The beautiful, huge campus with Aztec style architecture, shops, bars and entertainment and lots of students dormitories makes the student experience in the "finest city of America" a once in a lifetime trip.
San Francisco State University
Founded in 1899, San Francisco State University is a premier public university located in the heart of San Francisco. SF State is part of the 23-campus California State University system, the university offers 125 different bachelor's degrees, 105 master's degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees among six academic colleges. The University also features a stand-alone Intensive English program under the College of Extended Learning, which also offer many global programs from academic certificate, semester abroad, undergraduate and graduate pathway to summer/winter camp, etc. to international students around the world.
Located in one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally diverse cities, San Francisco State University is a public university with approximately 30,000 students in the bustling heart of California in the Bay Area.
San Jose State University
San Jose State University is the oldest CSU founded in 1857. We are located in the heart of Silicon Valley; our school is the home of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. SJSU is the first public institution in the Western U.S. Students can choose from variety of courses that include 145 fields of study & 108 concentrations. San Jose State is well- known for it's diversity. Our weather is great all year long. San José is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., 100+ languages are spoken here.10th largest city in U.S., 3rd largest city in California. SJSU is 8 km to San José International Airport (SJC), 60 km to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Santa Barbara City College
SBCC is located 100 steps from the beach in Santa Barbara, California, which offers 283 days of sunshine and plenty of activities year-round. The prestigious Aspen Institute honored SBCC as #1 Community College for their outstanding achievements in the areas of teaching and learning. SBCC also ranked as #1 Community College Best Value Community College in the U.S. three years in a row for its low annual cost, reputation, and return on investment! The award-winning transfer center supports students if they seek to accomplish a bachelor's degree.
St. Francis College New York
For more than 160 years, we’ve been driven by dreams—powered by big ideas, bold ambitions, and the courage to bring them to life. In the heart of Brooklyn, minutes from Manhattan, you’ll join a diverse, inspiring community of enterprising peers and expert faculty—people who see the greatness within you. People who will do everything in their power to help you achieve your dreams.
St. Francis College (SFC) is located directly in Brooklyn, only a few minutes away from Manhattan and thus has a very central location. At SFC you study together with American students in the normal courses. In addition, SFC offers semester students a great scholarship that reduces tuition by over 40%. Advantages at a glance:
1. The college has a wide range of academically high quality courses.
2. The campus is located right in the heart of New York (Brooklyn)
3. You will study together with Americans in the same classes
4. St. Francis College has a total of 21 Division 1 Sports Clubs. A great atmosphere at the games and the cohesion of the students are certain.
5. Housing is already included in the package price of the college - with the difficult housing market in New York an absolute plus!
University of California San Diego
Situated on over 5 square kilometers of woodland overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the University of California San Diego has a truly spectacular location and the rich intellectual environment of one of the top research universities in the world. UC San Diego was founded by exceptional scholars who were not afraid to take risks to redefine conventional wisdom. Today the university continues to drive innovation to advance society, propel economic growth, and improve the world. UC San Diego offers well-recognized undergraduate and graduate degrees in such areas as engineering, business, medicine, natural and social sciences, arts and humanities, and public policy. UC San Diego is ranked 21st on the US News 2022 Best Global Universities.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Founded in 1947, University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) is a public university with nearly 18,000 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students. It is part of the 17-campus University of North Carolina System and AACSB accredited. With its more than 260 student organizations and beautiful American campus setting, UNCW offers a great academic experience. Wilmington itself is called „Hollywood of the East“ by locals as it is a well-known movie production and TV location. This wonderful and charming city on the southeastern coast of North Carolina is located just a few minutes from Wrightsville Beach which has been ranked one of the world’s best 20 surf towns by National Geographic.