In this 5 minute video, mygapyear clients, alumni and parents share their gap year experience, what they have learned and the advantages of taking a structured and personally coached gap year. Industry experts and post-secondary institutions also weigh in on the subject. Hear what the experts have to say about taking a gap year.

This 15 minute video will introduce you to mygapyear through interviews with clients, alumni, their parents, university staff, gap year industry experts as well as the mygapyear staff. We share some of the realities of gap years - What are universities saying about taking a gap year? What personal growth can occur if you decide to take a year away from normal routine? How does mygapyear's unique model of coaching, emotional intelligence development, leadership development and plan research help to make the year successful? This video answers your questions and makes you think about the advantages of taking a gap year.

"After being accepted at *University, my daughter decided to defer her start date at university for a year.  She wanted a break from the routine of academics while she explored some of her other interests.  As a parent, this kind of break can be worrying; I was interested in making sure she didn’t just waste her time off school, but I also knew that my influence would only go so far.

mygapyear helped S* make the most of her time off. Julie and Tara’s ability to accurately probe her objectives and then to bring forward ideas that on our own we would never have discovered, was exceptional.

Just have a quick look at the internet; there seem to be a million opportunities for young people, but sorting through all the prospects is daunting. Besides the pure volume of information, there is always the concern that what you are looking at may not be quite as it seems. mygapyear acts as a resource to work through all the possibilities much more efficiently.  They bring focus and credibility to what is available. In the end, mygapyear helped my daughter enact a plan that included local (hobby) classes, volunteer work and the culmination – a job overseas (as a camp counselor).

Besides the service they provide in building a program to meet the client’s objectives, Julie and Tara also showed great commitment to seeing things right through to the finish.  They maintained regular contact with our daughter directly and through that relationship were aware of how things were developing as the year moved on.  This provided an opportunity to adjust things if it became necessary or helpful.  I always felt they took a real and direct interest in her success and I am sure she would agree.

Looking back, I think this past year has been of great value.  There is no doubt to me that mygapyear helped both my daughter and I make the most of it! "   LB - Parent

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"Although I love to travel, I had too many personal commitments at home and was not able to take a trip during my year off. Instead I remained in Toronto, and surprisingly still had an amazing year. It was precisely the decision to stay at home that made my year so rewarding: I was able to balance working part-time, creating a portfolio for university, going out with friends, and spending time with family. mygapyear even found me volunteer opportunities and a very educational online course to take in my spare time.

It was a year full of self-discovery. I learned that when I’m faced with obstacles (no matter how big or small) I will always power through with determination. I am more independent, resilient, and confident in my ability to deal with stress. I no longer dread starting school and I look forward to new challenges and opportunities. The people at mygapyear were extremely helpful and encouraging, they kept me motivated and offered advice when I was under pressure. I recommend mygapyear to anyone who wants to experience new things and learn about their true personality and goals, but isn’t sure where to begin. They will be with you every step of the way." MP - Client

 

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"With a better understanding of what I enjoy and who I am, I realized that there was a university better suited to me. Taking the year with mygapyear has given me confidence in where my education and future are going. mygapyear gave me the opportunity to discover on my own what it is I want to do."  MR - Client

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"As parents, we had the opportunity to watch M* grow over the course of the year, and feel reassured that she is ready to tackle her freshman year at University with a new sense of purpose and motivation. We could not be more delighted with the outcome of her gap year and the guidance she received from mygapyear." CR - Parent