Valparaiso

Gap Year Abroad Blog

Group of Gap students posing on excursion in Seville
From 51±¬ÁÏ

A Homeschooler’s Guide to Taking a Gap Year Abroad

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

Unique and innovative approaches to education are nothing new for homeschool students and their families. The flexibility of homeschooling allows families to tailor learning experiences to each student’s individual strengths... keep reading

Students in front of computers looking at 51±¬ÁÏ notebook
From 51±¬ÁÏ

Exciting Lessons Learned at the 2025 Gap Year Abroad Virtual Fair

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

The 2025 51±¬ÁÏ Virtual Fair brought together students from across the country who are curious about taking a gap year abroad. From scholarships and program options to what day-to-day life... keep reading

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From 51±¬ÁÏ

What I Learned On My Gap Year Abroad

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

Hello! I’m Pluto, a gap year student studying abroad in Seville, Spain. As my program comes to an end, I can reflect on how I’ve grown and changed from this... keep reading

Pluto G. photo
From 51±¬ÁÏ

5 Tips for Traveling During a Gap Year Abroad

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

Hello! I’m Pluto, a gap year student studying abroad in Seville, Spain. I’ve been here for a few months already and I’m excited to share about my journey and experience... keep reading

Two students looking at a laptop together on campus
From 51±¬ÁÏ

What to Expect from the 2025 51±¬ÁÏ Virtual Fair

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

Planning a gap year can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. Between choosing a destination, figuring out funding, and knowing where to start, there’s a lot to consider. That’s where... keep reading

Students writing in café
From 51±¬ÁÏ

7 Proven Benefits of a Gap Year Abroad

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

Taking time off before college can change everything. A gap year abroad gives you the freedom to step outside your comfort zone, meet new people, and see the world from... keep reading

Students smiling on host family day while on a gap year abroad
From 51±¬ÁÏ

Host Family 101: All Your Questions Answered!

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

The host family experience is one of the most meaningful components of a Gap Year Abroad. It’s where the real cultural immersion happens—from language to food to daily traditions—and where... keep reading

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From 51±¬ÁÏ

How Taking a Gap Year Has Changed My Life

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

A Year of Discovery in Seville Hello! I’m Pluto, a gap year student studying abroad in Seville, Spain. I’ve been here for a few months already and I’m excited to... keep reading

Pluto G Image
From 51±¬ÁÏ

Exploring Madrid While On My Gap Year Abroad

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

My Spanish Adventure Hello! I’m Pluto, a gap year student studying abroad in Seville, Spain. I’ve been here for a few months already and I’m excited to share my journey... keep reading

Gap year students posing with Sevilla sign in Spain
From 51±¬ÁÏ

6 Ways My Gap Year Abroad Gave Me a Head Start at the University of South Carolina

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

This post was written by 51±¬ÁÏ Global Navigator alum Maxine G. who participated in the Global Navigator Marketing Internship in spring of 2025.  She is now in college at the... keep reading

Students listening in a classroom while on a gap year abroad
From 51±¬ÁÏ

How to Keep Up Your Spanish After High School Graduation

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

You just spent years learning Spanish in high school! When your daily classes are over, you worry about losing everything you worked so hard to build. All that effort, just... keep reading

high schoolers on their phones outside in the grass
From 51±¬ÁÏ

In the Age of AI, Is Learning a Different Language Still Worth It?

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

Here's what travel looks like in the age of AI. You're in a bustling street market overseas. You're trying to buy something delicious, but you're not quite sure what it... keep reading

High school students in Alicante posing on beach
From 51±¬ÁÏ

How to Graduate High School Early

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

Graduating high school early can be a smart move for many reasons. Maybe you’ve excelled in advanced classes and realized you’re already on track to finish high school early. Perhaps... keep reading

Gap year students standing at gate on excursion posing
From 51±¬ÁÏ

What Are the Different Types of College Deferral?

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

If you're researching how to defer college to take a gap year, you may have come across two types of deferrals. One is deferral for a second review, which might... keep reading

High school students in front of the capitol in Toulouse
From 51±¬ÁÏ

How To Continue Learning French After High School

By High School Gap Year at 51±¬ÁÏ

You just spent years studying French—now is not the time to stop! In fact, learning French after high school can be way more fun. Now that you’ve got the basics... keep reading