A gap year is a life changing experience for STEM students which puts them in research settings, in different countries, and in the middle of real world internships before entering college. If you are looking to study science abroad, improve your coding at home and in the field, or get involved with conservation these 10 programs provide a well laid out opportunity for academic and personal growth. Below are our picks for best gap years programs for future scientists, engineers, and tech experts.
1. Global Citizen Year
Global Citizen Year puts students in immersive apprenticeships in Brazil, Ecuador, and India. In the STEM track students work in public health, environment science, or tech based projects which at the same time gives them cross cultural experience and to grow as leaders also they get to see the impact of their work.
2.The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Internships
Spend your sabbatical with us at the Smithsonian as we study wildlife conservation, genetics, and environmental monitoring. We have opportunities for you to be a part of our cutting edge research and conservation projects which also include field work and lab work.
3. Amigos de las Américas STEM Gap Program
Amigos runs a STEM oriented gap year program in Latin America which has students do community based science projects, environmental education, and sustainable development. Also they include language immersion and cultural exchange into the mix.
4. Biosphere Expeditions
Join us on scientists’ wildlife research expeditions which take place all over the world. We have projects which may see you tracking big cats in Africa, studying coral reefs, or monitoring Arctic ecosystems. It is a hands on way to get involved in conservation science and gain field experience.
5. Coding Nomads Global Coding Bootcamps
Coding Nomads is a go to for those looking to break into programming. We see they provide intense bootcamps as well as remote internships. What they teach is very much in demand Python, Java, data science etc. and what’s great is that students get to put what they learn into practice in real world projects and internships at tech companies.
6. Earthwatch Institute Student Fellowships
Earthwatch provides grants for students to take part in environmental research trips around the world. Projects range from climate change research to marine biology and archaeology. Students work with scientists which in turn puts them into the field of research.
7. The Intern Group STEM Internships Abroad
The Intern Group works with students to find out paid and unpaid internships in STEM fields in cities such as London, Madrid, and Hong Kong. We have internships available in engineering, biotech, IT and more which also gives a great international work experience.
8. Global Pre-Meds Gap Year Programs
Future medical students and health professionals have the opportunity for rotations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Students present to wide range of health care environments and clinical practices across different cultures.
9. Outward Bound Science Expeditions
On Outward Bound we combine adventure with learning on our gap year programs. We have wilderness exploration, environmental science, and leadership training. In the great outdoors students develop resilience, team work and scientific observation skills.
These gap years’ programs we see as a chance for STEM students to try out what they’re passionate about, to gain that which is practical and to build a base for the road to college and beyond. What you are into research, travel, or internships there is a program which will fit your aims and which in turn will spark your interest.
If you are a high school student wanting to go above and beyond in order to stand out on college applications, RISE Research can offer you the opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from elite universities around the world.
With its independent research projects and mentors’ tailored guidance to each student, RISE Research allows for your work to lead to recognized publications, and to an academic profile that is conference-ready. There are flexible program dates and opportunities for ambitious students to apply all year, and family can travel anywhere in the world. If you want to learn more, to determine eligibility, costs and how to get involved, be sure to visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college prep experience to the next level!
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