Gap Year Application

A life changing year abroad

A gap year program like this will deepen capacities and build character in profound, life-changing ways.  Tribal Gap Year students don't have the option to just get on the tour bus, disappear into the group, and follow the program -- independence, self-reliance, and strong relationships are the unique hallmarks of this cultural immersion program.

A Unique Gap Year Program for Independent Young Adults

We plan the trip and support the student every single step of the way - our host families are our personal friends, and we are in constant communication and collaboration with the broad networks of support in each community. And yet, each student is truly independent in the world, building new relationships, following interests, and negotiating local and international travel on their own.

We call this Structured Support and truly believe that this unique blend of planning and independence is the ideal way for young adults to experience the life -changing gifts of cultural immersion.

The Ideal Gap Year Applicant

Ready to stretch, eager to explore, passionately curious, creative problem solver, ready to develop the confidence to step into the unknown -- if this describes who you are now, or who you strive to become, this is the ideal program for you.

Our Gap Year students are ready to develop the skills to navigate the world with confidence and curiosity. Each extended homestay brings new opportunities to develop relationships and to explore a completely new environment - the ideal Gap Year student is open to the challenges of change and can find the balance between observation, reflection, and engagement.

Benefits of a Gap Year

The benefits of a Gap Year are various and many are intangible. Yet, others are very concrete and easily translated to college, work and other life experiences. So, while no one can tell you what you personally will gain from your Tribal Gap Year, here is a short list of benefits:

Cultural Perspective

Gain insight on how the world really works. While discussing the world and it’s challenges theoretically has its value, experiencing the world first-hand will add a practical/tangible source of knowledge that can only be gained in-person. At the same time, abstract thinking is improved by encountering new language and cultural diversity.

Learn Multiple Languages

Learn Spanish, Swahili, and Nepalese on the Tribal Gap Year. While you learn the words, you will also learn the dynamic cultural communications of each country; not just the academic language, but the spoken language, the dialect components, and the language of a place and culture. Every time you learn a new language, it opens a door to new opportunities, previously unforeseen.

Prepare for College

Prepare for the workplace

Learn what you have to offer the world

Travel

Independence

Build Lifelong Relationships

Develop Practical Life Skills

Farming, Animal husbandry

Art & Music

Whether you feel unsure of going to college immediately after primary education, or you simply need a break in between, a gap year can help prepare you for college in many ways. After a year of travel, many “Gappers” feel refreshed and ready to refocus on their studies. Often the occurrence of college “burnout” is much lower for Gappers because of the break from traditional studies. This period of allowing your mind to wander (or self-reflect, really), can actually lead to a greater sense of purpose and passion for a particular area of study. Knowing what you are going to college for, prior to enrollment, can save time, money, and frustration.

“Able to work independently/self-starter, able to work well with others, able to think outside of the box”... Many of the qualities that employers are seeking in a candidate are the very same qualities you will acquire during your Tribal Gap Year. Employers often see a gap year as a competitive advantage because they know that real-world skills are acquired during a gap year.

As you explore your role within the communities you serve, you will also discover your unique talents and passions. Imagine building a playground in Tanzania uncovers a talent for carpentry, or working with the Q’ero tribe in Peru leads to a passion for healing with herbal medicine... The hands-on nature of a Gap Year will give you experience no class room can. You may learn not only what you want to study, but the skills required to serve the subject best.

Learn all of the logistics of traveling while being safely guided. A gap year can give you the distinct advantage of learning how to navigate on your own while still having a team to prepare and guide you from one country to the next. You can be independent without being alone. Also, as many start a career immediately after graduating college, traveling is not something everyone gets to experience. A gap year offers an opportunity to see the world before taking on life’s obligations.

After being under the direction of parents, teachers and other adults, learning how to make decisions on your own is one of the main benefits of the gap year experience. Through traveling and immersing yourself in new and different cultures, you learn how to be present and take responsibility for various roles along your way. Find out what happens and who you become when you step outside your comfort zone.

There is no better way to get to know someone than to become part of their community and home. The relationships you will build during your gap year can become ties that link you to a place for the rest of your life. Having these relationships can build confidence in your ability to make connections in a new learning environment and assure you that you have friends around the world.

During your Tribal Gap Year, you will learn the many facets of how the society functions through their daily lives and build life skills through becoming a member of the society.

Learn how other cultures grow their food and what the best  practices are both on a practical and sustainable level. Witness how different cultures depend on their livestock for farming, food, and ritual.

Examine the art of each culture and how it is expressing the reality that people live in. Experience how the communities are brought together by music. Create art with the local tribes and see how it brings a new awareness about the culture and people.

  • Tribal Gap Year

    Begin your application now.

    APPLY NOW

FAQs

  • In each location, the student has both a host family and an local GOGI Coordinator to rely on for support, ideas, transportation, and cultural outings. We believe that exploring the land and culture independently is a great learning experience, and the student has many opportunities to follow interests, develop projects, and pursue new experiences. Students stay in close communication with both the local coordinator and the home GOGI office, and together, a unique cultural experience is crafted based on the interests of each student.

  • There will be a language instructor in each location to facilitate your DYNAMIC CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS in Spanish, Swahili and Nepalese.

    Language is a large part of the curriculum during this Gap Year. Students will describe themselves at the beginning of their stay with a tribe; writing about their feelings, observations and identity at the beginning of their stay, and again at the end of the stay, noting how they may have changed. You will write about how you may (or may not!) identify with each particular tribe. The writing is initially done in English and by the end of the stay is done in the native language as well. Self-awareness is a big component of Gogi Abroad and incorporating the native language of each place greatly enhances this.

    Our program emphasis is focused not solely upon the academic language, but the spoken language, the dialect components, and the language of a place and culture. Students will have daily language classes with a teacher from each of the four locations. This tutelage will help students connect and engage more fully with the people, culture and history during each of their stays.

  • Communication is an essential element of GOGI program success. Through messaging apps and phone conversations, Liz is in frequent communication with host families, students, and parents. Especially during transitions and travel days, Liz is an active communicator with all parties to ensure that all details are covered and the student is packed and prepared for smooth travels.

  • With a single backpack, this trip around the world is an exercise in minimalism. An unlocked cell phone is the most important piece of equipment, and each student builds a comprehensive first-aid kit with the assistance of their personal doctor. Beyond that, the packing list is simple and basic, ensuring that the Gap year student moves easily and comfortably on their journey around the world.

  • It is required that Gap Year students are fully immunized with the recommended American immunizations, plus some additional immunizations as recommended or required for the different countries. Planning for the process needs to begin at least six months before the trip, and consultation with qualified Travel Clinic is required. A clinic specializing in travel will also prescribe several types of antibiotics to be carried in the first-aid kit.

  • No, GOGI Abroad’s Tribal Gap Year is for all young adults age 18-22, looking to immerse themselves in ancient cultures through independent world travel.

  • The eight month program typically begins in October and runs through May, but the schedule can be adapted in either direction as needed.

  • The 2018-19 tuition for the eight month program, including all room and board, language instruction, and local transportation and cultural activities is $17,000. Airfare, medical/travel insurance, visas, SIM cards, and entrance fees to national parks are additional costs.

    We offer a payment plan, and encourage students to apply for a scholarship.