Are Gap Years Programs really worth it?
YES! They are amazing opportunities to learn, grow, and experience the world… just make sure you pick the right program! (Don’t be like me).
If this sounds like you, keep reading: You just graduated high school (or are about to) and you don’t know where you want to go to college, don’t know what you want to study and you’re kind of freaking out about your future. Am I on the right track?
Maybe you want to explore the world and make a difference or earn some money before you figure out if college is even right for you.
It wasn’t until I had almost graduated high school that I learned what a “Gap Year” was and that they had programs you could do. Then I realized there were Gap Year Fairs you could go to where you could learn about all the different types of organizations out there. This was when I decided that that’s what I wanted to do; take a Gap Year and make a difference!
I was stuck between two programs that really spoke to me. The first was Carpe Diem and the second was Where There Be Dragons.
After a lot of considerations I chose Carpe Diem because their program included service work which was something I’d been passionate about for a long time. Helping others and making a positive impact in the world was what really convinced me.
Long story short…
I was so excited to make a difference, to make new friends, learn about the new culture, and earn college credits all while exploring a new country! (Semester in Guatemala, Central America, 2017).
I feel it’s important to note that I am a world traveler and had experience in other countries at this point —- from Japan & Thailand, Denmark & Spain, to Costa Rica & Panama —- so being abroad was nothing new to me.
BUT I had the worst experience of my life (up until then).
I was bullied, ignored, isolated, and teased.
I was put in dangerous situations, received little to no help from my leaders, and feared for my life at times.
I was heartbroken when my leader told me to my face, “We’re never going to make a difference here. If anything, we’re just a burden on these people. They’d have to teach us stuff and probably have to redo whatever we did. We’re not really going to be helping anyone down here.”
So, no. I would not recommend Carpe Diem as a Gap Year Program; not just because of my experience, but because of their promise of service work that does more harm than good in the communities and sets unrealistic expectations of the participants. (If you want to hear more about my traumatic experience I will be posting another blog about it soon).
