Gap Year

Ready for an independent adventure?

Our Gap Year approach – The Global Routes Independent Track (GRIT) – is tailored to the individual goals and interests of each participant.

GRIT allows independent Gap Year travelers to benefit from our 50 years in international immersion and education. Within GRIT, a Global Routes Gap Guide assists you with planning, travel support, and mentorship for an impactful Gap Year experience.

Design Your Gap

How it Works

Complete the GRIT Interest Form
Your GRIT Guide will reach out to schedule your first informational meeting
Select your GRIT Support Level
Together, you’ll work on the scope and sequence of your experience, which can include:
- Determining destinations that are the best fit for your budget, interests, and goals
- Selecting partner host organizations for activities, accommodations, and volunteering
- Creating immersive opportunities to gain personal and professional skills, cross-cultural competence, or language abilities
- Pre-trip planning and safety considerations
Once you take off, you’ll remain in contact with your Guide as needed – they’re available throughout your experience to debrief, adapt, and plan next steps

GET STARTED

If you are unsure about your post-secondary plans, take a gap year! It was the best decision I ever made. Even though I felt anxious straying from the plans my friends were making, Global Routes made it easy to customize my GRIT experience just for me, my goals, my budget, and my time restraints.

Katie, GRIT Alum

"I went into my GRIT program as a new solo traveler who felt nervous to do this by myself. Although scary at first, this experience taught me so much about adapting and learning from others. Overall, I am so happy to have been pushed out of my comfort zone. I only learned and prospered from the decision to work with Global Routes GRIT.”

Grace, GRIT Alum

"I didn’t have a clue where I wanted to go [for my Gap]. I was overwhelmed by the logistics of forming a travel itinerary. Luckily for me, [Global Routes GRIT] gave me the perfect guide. I developed a plan with him to volunteer/work with five different companies in five different countries over a period of fifteen months."

Tucker, GRIT Alum

Choose your GRIT Support Level

Let's build your Gap Year

Map and Compass Package: $895

3 virtual calls to set goals, establish a detailed itinerary, and prep for departure
One on-the-road support session
Best for students who want to take the lead in their planning process, but could benefit from feedback and guidance connecting with ideal partner and host organizations

Passport Package: $1,595

6 virtual calls to set goals, establish a detailed itinerary, and prep for departure
Budget planning and customized packing lists
Individualized support booking flights and trip logistics
Best for students who want more consistent coaching before, during, and after their program

GET STARTED

Is the GRIT program for me?

Traveling abroad for any extended period of time is exciting and transformative. Your experience will have a long-lasting impact on the way you see the world and your confidence as a traveler.

Still, there’s a lot to consider. We’re here to make sure you have the most meaningful experience possible by guiding you through your program development process.

Our GRIT Gap experiences are best for intrepid, motivated, and engaged explorers, ages 18+ at the time of travel, who are seeking a more independent experience over a group-based program, but who also want expert support along the way to plan and navigate their Gap experience.

Once you’ve filled out your GRIT Interest Form, eligible “gappers” will be invited to a free consultation call with their GRIT Guide to explore their goals and planning options.

Example GRIT Components

Reimagine your Gap Year

The following are example experiences of previous GRIT participants. Your GRIT Guide will assist you with placements and connections unique to your goals and interests, but these examples can serve as inspiration!

More details...

Application process

We carefully select all of our GRIT program travelers, to ensure that this experience would be a good fit for you. We begin with asking you to complete the GRIT Interest Form in order to determine your interests, goals, dreams, travel experience, and skills. If it’s a fit, within one week, our team will review your form and invite you to a free consultation call. After your consultation, you’ll receive the onboarding documents and start off with the first scoping session. Please note that meetings generally take place via zoom or phone for your convenience.

Project focus areas

Wa tailor your trip to your interests, skills and desires. Some common focus areas include:

Reforestation & Conservation
Environmental Sustainability
Forestry
Education and Ecology
Agriculture and Permaculture
Research & Communications
Non-Profit Management

Potential destinations

Currently, we offer placements in the following countries. We are happy to chat through other possibilities with you as well, just fill out the intake form and we’ll get started.

United States
Guatemala
Ecuador
Bolivia
Peru
Nepal
India
Haiti
Kenya
Thailand
Indonesia (Bali)

Total cost

We offer two coaching support packages depending on the amount of support you want to develop your GRIT program.

As a side note: We’ll work with you to develop a rewarding and affordable experience on any budget. Other costs associated with travel, including airfare, activities, room & board, VISAs (if applicable), and travel insurance average $25-$35/day (or about $1000/month) including all on-the-ground costs.

Looking for a more structured Gap Experience?

Check out the transformative Gap Year semesters offered by our sister organization, Carpe Diem Education.

Carpe Diem Semesters