Interim Programs - Gap Year Help for Parents of Students and Recent Grads

Exploring a Possible Gap Year for Students and Recent Grads - The Parents' Perspective

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This section is devoted to assisting the parents of students and recent grads who wish to explore the gap year as a personal option. Interim Gap-Year Scenarios and Sample Programs describe the "What" and "Where" of the actual gap year experience. But knowing the "What" and "Where" about the gap year is not all there is to consider before agreeing to an Interim gap year experience. There are questions to be answered and a few considerations to examine.

Examining the Benefits

The benefits of an Interim gap year are numerous and vary from student to student. Why? Because in our interview process we listen to the students as they express their ideas and feelings about taking time off. Then, based upon what they tell us and our experience, we offer considered thoughts and suggestions that support them. We make program suggestions that we believe will lead to the benefits that will best achieve the goals and objectives they establish for themselves. From new personal skills through a broader view of the world, an Interim gap year can help students to grow in a manner best suited to their personalities. A list of some of the most frequently recognized benefits for students and recent grads can be read here in the Benefits section.

Addressing Your Concerns

For parents, common questions regarding concerns are: Is a gap year safe? Is a gap year for my child? Will my child go on to college? Will a gap year add to the already high cost of college? What do colleges think of the gap year? Why use a gap-year counselor? These questions are addressed under Parental Concerns.

Many of our students and recent grads have not traveled far from home. Even when they have, they may not have traveled much alone or lived on their own. They may also feel uneasy about taking a different path from that of their peers. At Interim, we provide our gap-year students with a "landing pad" and extensive support as they adjust to new freedom and responsibility. Our Student Concerns section addresses the various common questions that students have as they consider a gap year.

Testimonials

If, after looking at sample programs, student scenarios, benefits, and concerns, you still aren't sure if a gap year is for your student, take a look at a few of the Comments of earlier Interim gap-year students and recent grads as well as Testimonials from Interim parents. No one we have spoken with has regretted taking a gap year but many people regret not taking one!

Considering the Costs

An important question that comes to many parents' minds concerns the cost of a gap year. First, we at Interim work closely with you to discover what you can afford to spend before recommending programs. Please review the page about Costs to get an idea of the costs you might incur and those that you might forego or offset during your student's gap year.

Getting Your Student's Gap Year Started

Once you've looked at costs, benefits, assured yourself that your concerns are manageable, and maybe even read a few testimonials, you can look at how to Get Started. Take a look at the process and then have your student either fill out an Application or Contact Us to assist you.