Best Gap Year Study Abroad Programs For 2023
A gap year offers you time to reflect and focus on what you want to do next. We make it fun to go abroad. Meet other people, see new cultures, travel and study.
What should you consider if looking for the best gap year programs? Well, to begin with, it all comes down to your ideal location and type of program and how your personal preference and individuality fit into the context.
Have you ever dreamt of traveling all around the world? You’re not alone—the gap year phenomenon has never been as widespread. The gap year is an opportunity to explore another country, learn a new language, immerse yourself in a completely different culture, and gain valuable life experience. But it can also be a time to relax, reflect and discover your passions—or even discover new ones.
Asia Exchange is the world’s most affordable international study abroad provider focused on Asia. We have sent over 10 000 students from over 100 different countries abroad. Please have a look at what our students have said below:
Study Abroad
with Asia Exchange & Beyond Abroad
Easy application process
Just fill out an online application form and submit it with a few attachments.
Acceptance even in one day
Your study placement can be confirmed as quickly as in day.
Secure study
place
Once you get the confirmation, it’s a done deal!
Most affordable tuition fees
Tuition fees start from 1790 EUR per semester.
Get all the support you need
Our on-site team helps you get the most out of your time abroad
Apply easily with friends
Share life-changing experiences together
What is a gap year study abroad program?
A gap year study abroad program is for everyone who wants to take a break to gain clarity about their future and themself. You will study abroad at a university for one or two semesters in your dream location. Changing your usual environment and taking a break from everything helps to gain fresh perspectives. Most commonly, high school or college graduates take a gap year when they are uncertain about their next steps in life or enjoy some time abroad before starting the next chapter. During a gap year study abroad program, you will get to know a new culture, gain valuable international experience, learn a new language, expand your worldview, and make friends from all around the world. Living and studying abroad will allow you to grow personally.
Consequently, you will become more independent and learn a lot about yourself and others. Moreover, you gain valuable academic knowledge in the process! Once the gap year is over, we can safely say that you’ll have a better sense of who you are and what you want from your life.
Why study abroad during your gap year?
Studying abroad during your gap year is an excellent opportunity to refocus your life! While there are numerous things you may do during your gap year, such as traveling, interning, or volunteering, studying abroad for a semester or even a year is one of the most fantastic options. Why? You’ll learn new things and discover a subject of study that interests you, earn credits that you may apply to your degree later, and you’ll have the opportunity to travel and conduct volunteer work on the side. This way, you may accomplish something worthwhile while traveling across the world — you’re not wasting your time!
Our destinations are home to some of the world’s most fascinating and diverse civilizations. In an increasingly fast-paced world, there is a growing demand for short, intense study abroad programs worldwide. A gap year study abroad program is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Studying abroad is a great way to make the most of your time!
How do I apply, and how does this gap year program work?
The gap year study abroad program has no difference from Asia Exchange’s “normal” study abroad semesters. Besides, you don’t have to be enrolled in a university to join! This means you will be studying with university students alike. You will get the whole experience.
Firstly, you have to choose your gap year destination and host university. Therefore, do your research on the destinations available and the courses offered at your dream university. You can check out our blog and students interviews to get a better idea of what might suit you best! You can easily and comfortably apply online for your gap year study abroad program after deciding on a gap year program! Look up the required documents and application instructions on the page of your chosen university and submit your application!
We’ll process your application in 1-3 working days, after which we will send you an email with a confirmation of your study abroad placement and further instructions. Soon after you get the initial acceptance letter, including a detailed destination guide, we’ll send you an invoice for the application fee. This small fee is payable within ten days, and by paying it, you accept your placement in the program, and your adventure begins! Here are some helpful links for your travel preparations:
- Student’s checklist
- How to find accommodation when studying abroad
- Booking flights
- Getting travel insurance
- Getting vaccinations
You’ll receive the invoice for the tuition fee about 2.5 months before the start of the semester and the host university’s official acceptance letter a month before the semester starts at the latest. Afterward, you can apply for your visa.
When is the best time to take a gap year?
The perfect time to take a gap year is when you feel like you need one! This can be after graduating high school, during your studies, or after finishing a degree. A gap year can be a helpful tool to become aware of your next steps in life when you are still uncertain about what to do next. We highly recommend high school graduates go abroad for a gap year study program if they don’t know if studying is for them or want to find out which degree would suit them best. But it can also be a break between your life plans to gain new perspectives on life and personal growth. After all, you should follow your gut, and when you crave doing a gap year, the perfect time is now!
What are the best gap year study abroad programs?
You choose between eight countries for your gap year study abroad program!
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Firstly, you can visit Bali, Indonesia, also known as the island of gods. Live in a tropical island paradise and study at Udayana University, Warmadewa University, or Undiknas University.
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Or move to Bangkok, Thailand, for one or two semesters. Experience the city that never sleeps and explore the country during your studies at Siam University.
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If you prefer Europe, we highly recommend considering Sardinia, Italy, for your gap year. The University of Cagliari is one of the oldest universities globally, and the island offers the most beautiful coastline.
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Do you prefer Latin America for a gap year? Study abroad at the Latin American University of Science and Technology in San José, Costa Rica, and travel through the breathtaking country. Meet young people from all over the world and experience the pure Vida lifestyle.
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Additionally, the capital of Ireland, Dublin, is one of the most popular study abroad destinations in Europe. Improve your English and live in a historic student city while spending your semesters at the American College Dublin.
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South Korea as your summer school choice? Spend an engaging academic summer at the no. 1 international university in Korea, located in the dynamic capital city of Seoul! The Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Summer School is known for its high-quality curriculum in international studies, globalization and as many as 40+ foreign languages. Dive into the Korean language and culture and earn up to 10 ECTS in the span of one month.
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Join the Korean Language, Culture and Business Immersion Program in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. It is the ideal choice for anyone wanting to stay for 3 months in Korea and to learn about the Korean Language. Additionally, you will have the chance to join some of our intriguing eCampus distance learning courses free of charge.
These programs will run in 2024:
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Moreover, you can study in Cienfuegos, Cuba, at the Cienfuegos University. Cuba is a unique place full of culture, welcoming people, and an incredible Caribbean flair.
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Do you want to live in one of the most modern cities in the world? Spend your gap year in Shanghai, China, and study at Shanghai University. Learn Mandarin and build an international network with people from all over the world.
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Finally, you can choose Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as your gap year destination. Live and study for one or two semesters at Foreign Trade University in one of the world’s most rapidly growing metropolitan areas.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a gap year cost, and what are the most affordable destinations?
Moreover, you should consider additional costs that are not included in the above fees. These include accommodation, visa, insurance, flights, etc. Again, these prices vary between the destinations. In general, Asia is more affordable than Europe and Latin America. Especially Bali is an excellent destination for little prices and high living standards, while South Korea, for example, can be pricier. You can find more information about the costs on each destination page.
Why is Asia Exchange the best option for a gap year study abroad program?
Asia Exchange’s gap year study abroad programs are among the most affordable you can find. We help you spend the best possible gap year because we know what a fantastic experience it is and what a difference it can make in your life. Since 2007 we’ve helped more than 10,000 students from 100+ different countries study abroad worldwide. All our employees have studied or worked abroad, so we know what it’s like! And with this knowledge and experience, we support you in the best way possible before, during, and after your gap year experience.
You had to be willing to put in a lot of time, effort, and maybe money if you took the risk of obtaining a study abroad placement on your own. You need to figure everything out on your own, including available courses, semester lengths, application procedures, prices, visas, scholarships, travel vaccines, etc. Asia Exchange takes care of all these factors and supports you step by step. We strive to make studying abroad as straightforward and cost-effective as feasible for everyone.
Book A free Zoom Meeting with us
You want to know more about studying abroad in South Korea? Then book a free Zoom meeting with us!
Are you interested in learning more? Read about our gap year experiences in our blog.
Moving to South Korea – A student experience
From Stockholm to Seoul! Someya started her full degree program in South Korea in March 2021. She will be studying international business for four years at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul. Someya is sharing her honest experience with us. (Part I)
Gap year programs abroad after high school or university
Are you about to graduate High School or university? But you are unsure about your next chapter in life? A gap year program is a perfect solution if you want to travel the world and discover a study field of your interest while making friends from all over the world. I’m pretty sure one of Asia Exchange’s and Beyond Abroad’s gap year programs is for you. Choose between one of the following universities in Asia, Europe, or Latin America.
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