“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
You’ve done the research. You and your parents have read the articles citing the benefits of gap year programs. You spoke with others who went down this path. And now, you’re ready to go.
You’re ready to experience learning in the wild; to push yourself in unfamiliar and exciting settings; to focus on your interests- whether it’s teaching in the outdoors, volunteering in another country, or honing leadership skills that will fill a crucial spot in your college application. But before you go, plans need to be made and trip funds secured.
Deciding to take a gap year was the easy part. Making it happen can be a little more challenging and includes everything from planning the details to paying for the trip. We have some specific steps that will help you achieve your dream. Here’s how:
1. Make Your Plans
First things first, decide what course you want to take. Our online course finder tool makes it easy to search for gap year programs based on activities, locations and timeframe. Want to go rafting and volunteer in the Southwest this fall? The Southwest Leadership Semester fits the bill. Rather try your hand at dogsledding this winter? The Boundary Waters Dog Sledding to Florida Keys Sailing Semester has you covered, with the added bonus of catching some rays in Florida in the middle of winter. Whichever activities you choose, you can be assured that your course will exemplify Outward Bound’s expeditionary learning framework.
Easily find what semester course works for you with the Outward Bound Course Finder.
2. Talk with an Admissions Advisor
Once you have a course or two in mind, you might have some questions about specific course details. This is where the Outward Bound Admissions Advisor comes in. Call us at 866.467.7651 or use our online chat tool to speak with an advisor about any course related questions. Whether it’s a question about packing lists or what airport to fly into- our admissions advisors are here to help. Once you sign up for a course you will be assigned a course advisor who will be your main point of contact throughout the enrollment process up until you arrive on course.
3. Budget and Save
You have your time frame, you spoke with your advisor, now it’s time to set a budget. Start by making a list of everything you need for your trip. This includes transportation, gear and the course itself. Create a realistic savings plan that allows you to put aside a certain amount of money each week. Remember to plan accordingly, as a $500 deposit is due when you register for a course and the course needs to be paid in full 90 days from its start date.
Use different tools to help you stay on track.
- Open a separate “travel” account with your bank. Most banks offer automatic transfers, which you can set up on a weekly or monthly basis.
- Cut down on impulse buys. Every time you think about buying an item out of impulse, stop and think: I can own this shirt or I can sail alongside dolphins in the Florida Keys. Here is a visual to help with this train of thought:
To shop or to sail, that is the question.
4. Fundraise
Fundraising is a great way to help make your gap year dream into a reality. Individuals who are familiar with Outward Bound are aware of how transformative the experience can be, and are likely to lend a hand. Write letters to local businesses and community leaders explaining your goals and motivation- why are you going on course? What skills will you get out of it? Highlight the service aspects of the course and explain Outward Bound’s value of service, leadership and character. Whether the business donates a monetary amount or a raffle item for a fundraising event you’re organizing, their contribution could make all the difference.
Write letters to local businesses around town to help with fundraising.
“The more you can get your local community involved and aware of your fundraising efforts, the better. Friends, family, neighbours and local businesses helped me out the most, so be confident, be honest, and be prepared to ask.” -UK Outward Bound Alum, from The Outward Bound Trust Fundraising Pack
Another way to fundraise is through a donation based website such as FundMyTravel.com. As their website states “FundMyTravel was created for travelers, by travelers, in the hopes that more people will have the opportunity to discover their own meaningful travel experiences around the world.” Check out their Fundraising Toolkit for tips on how to create the perfect campaign.
5. Organize an Event
Get the community involved by organizing an event to help raise money for your gap year. Whether it’s a fun run, community garage sale or summer BBQ, spread the word and get others involved. Sell tickets to the event, ask local businesses to help with space, food and raffle items, and get ready to have fun!
Your guide to a great fundraising event!
6. Clean Out Your Closet
An easy and refreshing way to earn some cash is to clean out your closet. Take the clothes you no longer want to a consignment store and walk out with money in your pocket. Or, move from the closet to cleaning out your garage and hold a garage sale in your neighborhood. Make sure to promote the garage sale as a fundraiser and include the opportunity for people to donate straight to the cause.
Turn your unwanted clothes into cash and put it straight into your travel savings account.
7. Make and Sell Goods
Do you have a knack for homemade jewelry? What about a passion for photography? Whatever your talent is, turn it into a business and sell your items on a website like Etsy and at local shops around town. Again, make sure to mention that proceeds are going to your Outward Bound course to help get people on board.
Outward Bound alum Bethany sells vintage clothing at local fairs and markets.
8. Get a Job
One of the most straightforward ways to earn money is to get a job. There are plenty of seasonal summer jobs that can make a big difference in your savings. Whether it’s tutoring, washing cars, baby sitting, or working as event staff for summer weddings and festivals, a part-time job will get you one step closer to the ultimate gap year experience.
Set a photo of your destination to your phone or computer screen to keep your motivation high. Photo taken during an Outer Banks Sea Kayaking expedition.
Finally…
Once you’ve worked, cleaned, crafted and planned your way to your savings goal- do a quick dance! Now get ready to experience the semester of a lifetime with Outward Bound.
Don’t Forget the Most Important Step:
Make sure to keep a detailed list of everyone who helped you reach your goal. Once you return from your trip (or even before you go) make sure to send each person a thank you note. Collectively their contributions have secured your spot on a truly life-changing outdoor adventure.
Personalize your thank you notes for each individual.
Now, go! It’s time to get started with Step #1:
Gap Year and Gap Semester expeditions are offered year-round, so they fit with a variety of academic schedules. Go to www.outwardbound.org/why-outward-bound/gap-year-semester or call 866.467.7651 to explore the full list of options – from across the country to across the globe.
A Note to AmeriCorps Alumni:
Did you know, you could bypass all of these steps and use your Education Award to go on course with Outward Bound? Past alums have been everywhere from Alaska to Patagonia. Learn more here: www.outwardbound.org/classic/americorps-education-awards
