Resources
Information for Parents
We’re here for you every step of the way.
Gap year planning can be an overwhelming task to do. Don’t worry, we are here to help you.
Impact Gap Year has partnered with the world’s leading volunteer, study and travel abroad organizations, meaning we treat all of our participants’ safety as if they were our own children. From our countless high-rated reviews to the bright futures many of our outstanding prior participants have pursued as a result of their volunteer experience, you can be certain that your child will leave feeling even more confident in themselves and their prospects.
We are proud to say that Impact Gap Year and our partners have a combined 20+ years of experience.
Why should parents allow their children to take a gap year?
Parents should consider allowing their children to take a gap year for several compelling reasons:
Personal Growth and Maturity:
A gap year provides an opportunity for young adults to explore the world, gain new experiences, and develop a greater sense of independence.
Self-Discovery:
Taking a break from formal education can help young people discover their passions and interests. They can use this time to explore various career paths, hobbies, or volunteer opportunities, which can ultimately lead to more informed decisions about their future.
Cultural and Global Awareness:
Traveling or living in different parts of the world during a gap year exposes young individuals to diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives.
Career Advantages:
Contrary to the belief that a gap year might hinder career prospects, many employers value the skill gained during this time, such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and a global perspective.
Practical Life Skills:
During a gap year, young adults learn practical life skills such as budgeting, time management, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication.
Volunteer and Service Opportunities:
Gap years often include opportunities for volunteering or engaging in community service. These experiences instill a sense of social responsibility and empathy, helping people become more compassionate and socially aware individuals.
Networking and Connections:
Traveling or working in various locations can lead to the development of a diverse network of contacts, which can be valuable for future academic and career endeavors.
Enhanced Confidence:
Successfully navigating the challenges of a gap year can boost as student’s self-confidence and resilience. This newfound confidence can have a positive impact on their academic and personal lives.
It’s important for parents to support their children in planning a purposeful gap year to maximize its benefits. Encouraging open communication and setting clear expectations can help ensure that the gap year is a valuable and enriching experience.
What does an Impact Gap Year look like?
Our gap year programs are created to cater to travelers with varying interests so project elements include themes of conservation, community, business and education. This way, each program will utilize each individual’s unique skill set and encourage real, long-lasting change.
Participants will work in 2-5 different countries helping the local community with needs ranging from childcare to construction or work through an internship in a different setting. Each program is distinct and thoughtfully designed to take you to countries on three different continents, offering opportunities for volunteering, studying, or interning abroad.
We have a total of 8 programs, 10 destinations and 4 project categories. Feel free to browse which is the best for your child!
Budget
Our programs start at $5,000 for a 3-month teaching and volunteering in Southeast Asia (Thailand and Cambodia). This becomes higher as the duration gets longer and more countries are added to different continents. What’s included in the program fee are the accommodation, meals, 24/7 support, materials and equipment for local work, among other details. Please note though that, flights and visa fees are excluded in the program fee.
We understand that it may be a challenge to put together such an amount but we offer the option to pay in installment to lessen the burden towards paying the amount in full upfront. You can also visit our sister site, FundMyTravel, a popular fundraising tool for travelers. You can launch a campaign page to be shared with your family and friends where they can donate towards your travel costs.
Here are some of the ways we assist our participants during their journeys abroad:
visa assistance
Impact Gap Year works with each participant to ensure they have the correct visas when they arrive.
airport pickup
Participants will be met by a member of the Impact Gap Year staff to transport them to their project destination when flying into one of our used airports. Alternative meeting points can be arranged.
Trained Onsite Staff
Participants are in the hands of our highly skilled and experienced onsite personnel with years of volunteer experience.
24-7 Emergency Support
The contact information for each participant’s on and offsite program coordinators can be found on our Safety and Support page. You will have 24-hour access to our contacts to resolve any immediate problems that may arise during your child’s stay.
Communication
During your pre-departure orientation, we will be sharing your project leader’s contact information so communication can be easily handled. At all times, our team and the staff on the ground will be here to support you and your child. If you or your child have any concerns, feel free to contact anyone from our team.
Contact
At Impact Gap Year, we are committed to creating a world where individuals are empowered to lead. where ethical practices prevail, and where young people are equipped to create positive change. Join us on this journey of growth, collaboration, and impact.
3015 E Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA
+1 970-399-9968 
© Copyright Impact Gap Year, 2023, Designed by Impact Gap Year
