Gap Year and Gap Semester Programs

Gap Year and Gap Semester Programs at Skyterra Young Adult

Gap semester programs to help guests who need to reset

Skyterra Young Adult helps men and women ages 18 to 29 who deal with various challenges in their journey of becoming independent. Our program is designed for young adults who want to build confidence, learn important life skills, and launch into life. Many guests choose to take a gap semester or year as a way to focus on wellness while discovering who they truly are and want to become.

Is a gap semester right for you?

Gap years have been common in places like the United Kingdom for more than 50 years but they are still a novel concept in the United States. A gap semester could be a helpful option for:

a high school graduate who wants a solid foundation of executive functioning and life skills before heading off to college,
a college student looking to discover more about themselves, seeking to build a more solid foundation before continuing on their academic journey,
and/or a young adult seeking professional guidance regarding anything from mental health to weight loss in a world that just feels like it’s moving a bit too fast.

Each individual’s motivations may differ slightly from one another but ideally the desire is the same: the chance to grow into themselves and gain valuable perspective on life. For some it might be a good idea to take a few weeks away while others might need several months. These decisions can depend on one’s financial situation, as well as what they are hoping to accomplish during their time off.

Why should I take a gap year or semester?

Personal Growth: Gap experiences often lead to increased maturity, self-awareness, and improved decision-making skills as students navigate new challenges and experiences independently.
Global Perspective: Traveling during a gap year exposes students to different cultures, languages, and ways of life, fostering a broader worldview and cultural understanding.
Career Exploration: Engaging in internships, volunteering, or work experiences allows students to explore potential career paths and gain practical skills that can be beneficial in their future studies and careers.
Clarity of Goals: A gap year can help students gain clarity about their academic and career goals, ensuring they make well-informed decisions about their future education and profession.
Enhanced Resilience: Facing diverse situations during a gap year fosters resilience and adaptability, as students learn to overcome obstacles and handle challenging circumstances.
Unique Experiences: Gap years provide opportunities to pursue passions, hobbies, and interests that may not be possible during a structured academic schedule.
Improved Academic Performance: Taking a break can lead to increased motivation and focus when students return to college, potentially enhancing their overall academic performance.
College Admissions Advantage: Many colleges and universities view gap experiences positively in admissions, appreciating applicants who demonstrate maturity, unique experiences, and a strong sense of purpose.
Networking Opportunities: Gap year activities can help students build valuable connections with professionals, mentors, and like-minded individuals, enriching their social and professional networks.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: A gap year can be a time to recharge mentally and emotionally, reducing burnout and stress associated with continuous academic pursuits.
Valuable Life Skills: Experiencing independence, budgeting, problem-solving, and communication during a gap year equips students with practical life skills.
Contribution to Society: Engaging in volunteer work or community service during a gap year allows students to make a positive impact on the world around them.

While a gap year or gap semester can offer numerous advantages, it’s essential for students to plan their experiences thoughtfully, set clear goals, and discuss their plans with parents, mentors, and college advisors to ensure the most fulfilling and productive break from academics.

This page aims to cover a wide range of topics, but we understand that not every section will be relevant to everyone. Click any of the links below to quickly jump to the sections that catch your interest.

Why should I take a Gap Year or Semester
How to Spend your Gap Year or Semester
Gap Semesters at Skyterra Young Adult

Resources

How to spend your gap year or semester:

Travel Abroad: Embark on an adventure across the United States (or even other countries!) while exploring diverse cultures, historical landmarks, and natural wonders. Or perhaps, you travel to a country where the language interests you and enroll in an immersive language course to enhance your linguistic abilities. Some may choose to enroll in a cultural exchange program that allows you to live with host families and experience day-to-day life in a foreign country.
Volunteering and Community Service: Engage in community service projects within your own country, assisting local charities, environmental initiatives, or social welfare programs. You can even participate in volunteer programs abroad!
Work and Internships: Pursue internships in industries that interest you, gaining real-world experience and building connections for future career opportunities. Maybe you take a part-time job to save money for college, post-grad or fund your gap year adventures while acquiring essential work skills.
Personal Development: Enroll in skill-based courses or workshops to develop skills such as photography, cooking, painting, or coding, allowing you to explore your passions. Join leadership development programs or workshops to enhance your leadership qualities and team-building abilities.
Outdoor Adventures: Participate in outdoor education programs, like wilderness survival courses, rock climbing, or scuba diving, to challenge yourself physically and mentally. Plan hiking trips to explore scenic trails, national parks, and remote destinations, fostering a sense of adventure and appreciation for nature.
Personal Projects: Dedicate time to create art, write a book, compose music, or start a blog, expressing your creativity and sharing your talents with the world.
Social Impact Initiatives: Launch your social impact project, addressing issues you are passionate about, aiming to make a difference in and outside of your community.

Skyterra Young Adult: Skyterra’s Young Adult’s gap semester program is a comprehensive wellness and self-discovery program designed for young individuals during their gap year or transitional period. This immersive program focuses on holistic well-being, emphasizing physical fitness, mental health, nutrition, and personal growth.

Here’s what you’ll receive:

Movement-Based Classes and Activities: Participate in a variety of fitness activities like group workouts, yoga classes, and meditations.
Improve Executive Functioning Skills: Sharpen your time management and organization skills to reduce stress, improve focus, and ready yourself for “real life”.
Health Education: Attend nutrition classes, culinary demonstrations, and mindfulness practices.
Personal Coaching: Receive one-on-one coaching sessions to set personal goals, explore career aspirations, and develop life skills. This includes a weekly group check-in with our Gap Semester Coordinator.
Group Support: Engage in group discussions and support sessions to connect with peers and share experiences. Learn to manage the social pressures of college and post-grad, specifically building health relationships, substance awareness, etc.
Custom University Plan: Built over the course of the semester, we’ll guide you as you navigate your school’s dining hall, fitness opportunities, extracurricular activities, campus resources such as counseling centers, medical centers, etc. and more so that you’re ready and equipped for your upcoming semester at school.
Recreation and Adventure: Experience a world of exploration and fun in the beautiful Pisgah Forest of North Carolina including activities like hiking, paddle boarding, pickle ball, archery, and so much more.

The Skyterra Young Adult Program provides a safe and supportive environment for young adults to discover their potential, build resilience, and establish a foundation for a healthier and more fulfilling life as they transition to college or the next phase of their journey.

Gap Year Program at Skyterra Young Adult

Skyterra Young Adult and similar programs offer college students a productive and enriching alternative to a traditional gap year or gap semester. These programs provide a unique opportunity for personal growth, skill development, and self-discovery, all while addressing specific challenges that college students may encounter.

Addressing Mental Health and Well-being: Students often face stress, academic pressures, and mental health challenges during their academic journey. Programs like Skyterra Young Adult offer a supportive and therapeutic environment to address these issues. Through counseling, mindfulness practices, and wellness-focused activities, students can prioritize their mental health and build resilience before resuming their studies.
Gaining Life Skills: Gap programs often include life skills training that can be invaluable for college students. They learn practical skills such as time management, budgeting, cooking, and problem-solving, which are essential for successful independent living and academic achievement.
Fostering Self-Exploration and Clarity: Gap programs provide college students with a space for self-exploration and reflection. Away from the pressures of academia, students can clarify their values, interests, and career aspirations, helping them make more informed decisions about their academic and professional paths.
Enhancing Emotional Intelligence: Gap programs offer opportunities for emotional growth and the development of interpersonal skills. Students engage in group activities, teamwork, and community living, fostering empathy, communication, and conflict resolution abilities.
Building Resilience and Confidence: Participating in a gap program challenges college students to step out of their comfort zones and face new experiences. Overcoming these challenges builds confidence and resilience, enabling students to approach academic and life challenges with a more positive mindset.
Exploring Alternative Interests: Gap programs often include a variety of experiential activities, from outdoor adventures to cultural immersion. These experiences expose students to new interests and passions they may not have explored in a traditional academic setting.
Creating Meaningful Connections: Gap programs facilitate connections with like-minded peers and mentors. These meaningful relationships provide a supportive network that can endure long after the program ends, offering ongoing support and encouragement during college and beyond.

By offering a balanced mix of personal development, skill-building, and experiential learning, gap programs like Skyterra Young Adult provide college students with a transformative experience that enriches their lives and prepares them for a successful return to their academic pursuits.

The Five Pillars of Wellness offer a holistic gap semester experience that prepares students for college and adult life in various ways:

Self-Care and Stress Management: The pillar of self-care equips students with essential stress management strategies that can be invaluable during their gap year and beyond. Learning to prioritize well-being, manage stress, and build resilience enables students to approach challenges with a more positive and proactive mindset, setting them up for success in college and adult life.
Fitness and Mobility: Engaging in regular physical activity during the gap year promotes physical and mental well-being. Students develop healthy habits, improve their fitness levels, and gain a sense of accomplishment through various physical activities. This pillar fosters a positive relationship with exercise, encouraging students to continue prioritizing their health throughout college and adulthood.
Culinary and Nutrition: During the gap year, students learn about nutritious eating habits, mindful eating, and culinary skills. Developing a balanced approach to nutrition sets the foundation for maintaining healthy eating habits while at college and throughout their adult lives.
Recreation and Adventure: The recreation and adventure pillar offers students unique experiences that build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of independence. These experiences challenge students to step out of their comfort zones, preparing them to embrace new opportunities and experiences in college and beyond.
Mindfulness and Yoga: Mindfulness and yoga practices during the gap year enhance self-awareness, emotional regulation, and mental well-being. These skills are valuable for college students, helping them manage academic stress, maintain focus, and cultivate a positive mindset during their academic journey.

By incorporating these five pillars of wellness, Skyterra Young Adult provides a comprehensive and productive gap year experience that prepares students for college and adult life. Beyond gaining essential life skills, students also develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a sense of purpose that will guide them through their academic and professional endeavors in the future.

Is it time to take a break?

Academic life can be overwhelming, but you can take a productive break. At Skyterra Young Adult, we’re here to help you gain independence and learn life skills while going on adventures with other young adults. Contact us today to learn more about our gap year and gap semester programs for young adults.