Most students usually think the gap year is for all the jamborees. Unknown to some, gap year internships are about the best time to make lasting memories for yourself as an intern.
You not only have opportunities to make some good money but establish a connection with like-minded individuals whilst gathering some professional experience that will distinguish you from your peers.
There are several things you can do during your gap year internship and it shouldn’t be taken for granted.
You could be open to experts who could mentor you into having a clear vision of the career path you have chosen. The table of contents will give you an overview of this article. Kindly, read through.
What are Gap Year Internships?
Gap year internships are the period of learning available to students usually after high school and before they enroll into a college.
These are times when they travel down the road to self-discovery and make decisions that will give their entire lives meaning.
While some students spend this time travelling around, some others seize this opportunity to sharpen whatever skills they already have either by engaging in some volunteering work or even getting themselves some paid opportunities.
How Does Gap Year Internships Work?
There is really no particular formula for how this works. There is a long list of activities to do in the gap year ranging from volunteering internship positions, adventure, or learning a new language.
During this period, you can join a community of other interns to explore and grow your careers.
Gap year internships keep you right before the crowd by presenting you with opportunities to gain professional experience.
Interestingly, one of the best places to ever hone your skill is a startup organization. This is because you’ll have to learn from experts and expand your network.
At the end of your gap year internship, you may have built enough confidence to face real-world challenges. However, these are the basic ways you can undertake gap year internships.
Pros and Cons of Gap Year Internships
To every end, there’s always a disadvantage and an advantage. We’ll consider the pros and cons associated with being a gap year intern.
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Pros
It is important that you choose a skill you have a great passion for and groom it. Research shows that about 60% of students had their skills groomed during the gap year internship.
There are lots of skills you can grow ranging from gaining a leadership skills, learning a new language, to working on a project.
You can never go wrong with travelling the world. The transformation it gives hits different. It presents the world to you in a different light and that alone could mean, rediscovering your purpose and aspirations.
Students who make their gap years worthwhile are less distracted while in school and they are likely to graduate in four years or even less.
Focus is an art many have not mastered. So, many gap year interns have no issue with making life-changing decisions.
The skills you acquired during your gap year internship are the things to give your CV more flesh. It doesn’t just stop at impressing potential employers; it goes the extra mile to land you a more lucrative job.
Cons
While college is incredibly expensive, students fear that the gap year will be more draining as they may need some time to figure out what they want to do in the gap year.
Again, travelling abroad during the gap year is only a luxury very few students can afford. So, it is important that you understand the cost of your trip or gap year program beforehand, so, you don’t experience a financial setback.
To avoid this kind of story, you should be active during your gap year internship. Else, you may find it difficult adapting to school life.
Knowing that you may not be going to college with your mates can be so frustrating and leaves you devastated.
However, if you can see what the future holds, you will understand that an extra year doesn’t hurt and won’t have any effect on your life’s ambitions.
Gap Year Internships | Paid Opportunities
There is more to gap year internships than just travelling. Although not as demanding as a full-time job, it ought to be taken with every atom of seriousness.
Avail yourself the time to make the most of your personal interest as those experiences are what you need to take you places.
Look at the list of internships you can get involved with and choose the gap year internship that suits you best.
#1 Pave Internships
This internship opportunity is an organized stack of activities that gives you a whole new insight into how businesses are operated.
Pave Internships take you to Mumbai, India for a 10-day first-hand experience.
During this internship program, you will have to perform some tasks of going into the local markets to haggle for the lowest prices of Indian goods.
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#2 African Impact
There are several places in Africa where you can intern during your gap year. Such places include Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Zambia.
It stays all year round and is one place you can’t have a verbal expression of till you go there.
Although it is a volunteer gap year internship opportunity, it is one of the most voted organizations offering the best gap year internship programs you can think of.
#3 EF Gap Year
This gap year internship opportunity can take place anywhere in the world. It is an industry with an array of different international travel and work programs.
During this 26 weeks internship, you will undergo a language study, sightseeing, college application guidance, etc.
If all you’ve ever wanted was to include your experience with the brand name ‘EF‘ on your resume, all you have is now to go on that gap year internship.
#4 Linguistic Horizons
Located in La Coruna, Spain, Linguistic Horizons provides you with the best gap year internship experience.
Your internship opportunity with Linguistic Horizons could be teaching, working for a bioengineering firm, helping at an art museum, etc.
I bet that there is no other way to start your degree while feeling ahead of the game.
#5 Hutong School
The Hutong School goes on throughout the year and offers you a high-quality Mandarin immersion program. This is where you’ll gain hands-on experience in e-commerce, import, export, technology, etc.
Interning with Hutong School offers you free perks like apps for learning Chinese and a fresh experience in their culture.
#6 Thailand Culture ans Service
This gap year internship program offers you a 6-weeks travel option to go round Thailand in the company of a small group.
This volunteer internship program requires no specific qualifications other than your willingness to learn and embrace a new culture.
#7 Teach for America
If you are interested in teaching, Teach for America might just be an ideal fit for you.
While involving yourself as part of the movement, you earn a salary equivalent to a beginner teacher. At the end of the gap year internship program, This organization helps you to continue your career.
#8 EA Ski & Snowboard Instructor Training
Your quest for travel and adventure can lead you to a gap year internship program to being a snowboard instructor with EA.
They design the courses to give you the world-class training you need to go with an internationally recognized qualification.
As part of the courses, it entitles you to: a paid job offer, training and exam fees, season lift passes, accommodation, first aid training, and avalanche training.
#9 Dynamy Internship Year
This internship runs for about 12-52 weeks and typically takes on the form of a school calendar. You will learn to live independently with other students being responsible for your meal and schedule management.
Tuesdays through Fridays, you will garner as much experiential learning you need to face real-world challenges.
There are counselors available to put you through the path of transition.
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#10 Gap Year Internship in Seville, Spain
Seville is amazingly accommodating, making it a simple city to explore. While you’re interning there, you may even embrace a couple of parts of the Sevilla way of life; and an eagerness to live in the present without focusing a lot on tentative arrangements.
As part of the EF gap year internship module, you’ll have to experience a 9-5 working life and undertake a language course in a city of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doing a gap year internship helps you build a new set of skills while increasing your confidence.
The gap year is a time for personal development, acquiring a new skill, volunteering, etc.
According to NACE, having a paid gap year internship opportunity means you received a job offer.
Conclusion
Picking a gap year program from a long list of other internships can be daunting. However, ensure that you go for the best gap year program for you. The opportunities are large enough, regardless.
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