Join Michelle Garbacz, OCT, our mygapyear Advisor, leadership specialist and teacher in an online discussion surrounding the benefits of a gap year, what type of students would benefit from taking a gap year and how to speak about gap years to parents and students alike. We will explore facts and myths about gap years as well as provide you with some resources to take back to your school so we can better serve our students as they make difficult life choices.

 

Webinars will be held on:

February 1, 2013@ 12:30-1:30

February 19, 2013@ 12:30-1:30

March 7, 2013@ 12:30-1:30

April 10, 2013@ 12:30-1:30

 

Please email home@mygapyear.ca for more information or to register to attend.

 

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Thank you for taking the time to investigate gap years as a choice for students who need a break or are uncertain of the direction they wish to take in the next phase of their life; this could be after high school, mid-post-secondary, or after post-secondary education. Many potential gappers report feeling worn out, “stuck” or unsure of their life path and wish to take some time to explore themselves, their strengths and experience things that put them outside of their “bubble” and give them a sense of how they can contribute to their local and global community.

We would like to provide you with some resources to spread the word about gap years:

Testimonials (link)

Our videos about gap years (link)

Receive electronic or print resources for your school (register here)

Online Training - Tips and Tricks for Promoting a Gap Year for Educators - email us for dates/times at home@mygapyear.ca

In Person Training / Information sessions: Have a mygapyear advisor or ambassador speak or present at your school or event. Email us to schedule a presenter.

“We at York University are pleased to be the first Canadian university to
formalize the process of deferment based on a gap year. We have done this
because we believe so strongly in the importance of taking a gap year before
jumping into university”
Ken Withers, Director, Recruitment and Applicant Relations, York University

“Students are coming to Ontario universities at a younger age than ever
before and many actually benefit from time off to learn more about
themselves. A gap year can prepare students for a more meaningful
university experience
Diane Crocker, Registrar and Director of Enrolment Management, University of Toronto


Here are some external articles/resources from around North America that speak to the power of taking a gap year:

York University - "Bridging the Gap"

Harvard University - "Time Out or Burn Out for the Next Generation"

Princeton University - "Creation of international 'bridge year' program"

MSNBC - "Should your child have a 'gap year' before college?"

Examples of universities’ and colleges’ transition programs:

York University

Brock University

Algonquin College