The Foreign Service Journal, June 2006

74 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J U N E 2 0 0 6 S CHOOLS S UPPLEMENT tioned URL). In my case, I turned 22 during my senior year in college (I would have graduated at the age of 21 if I hadn’t taken a gap year) and opted to pay for the TCC program myself. Keys to Success The key to a successful gap year is planning ahead. Nelson says experts recommend planning for time off as part of the college process; however, the reality is that students often think about doing so only when they get college acceptance letters. Nelson says it is important to research different programs and look closely at one’s internal motivation for taking a gap year. Otherwise, she says, the student could end up with a bad match. Nelson also suggests doing upfront research on the finan- cial and academic risks of taking a gap year. She notes that students can sometimes receive college credit for programs or even get scholarships if they plan ahead. “You could have more positive gains,” she explains. Nelson and Haigler’s book, as well as other publications on gap years (see Resources, p. 66) offer detailed advice on planning and logistics for a gap year. There are also organiza- tions such as the Center for Interim Programs that help young people plan them. Those who have taken gap years also have some suggestions. “Ex- plore your choices,” says Terrell. “I considered becoming an au pair in Australia for a while, or spending a month or two with my grandparents. There are also programs like City Year [a national service organization for youth between the ages of 17 and 24]. I have a friend that worked in a local theater for her gap year, and others who studied in Spain and Germany.” Miller adds: “Make the best of it, and remember that the most valu- able thing you take away from it will most likely be something unexpect- ed.” Continued from page 70 Experts recommend planning for time off as part of the college process; however, students often do so only when they get college acceptance letters.