Is your teen starting a gap year? Worried about the challenges ahead? Tune into our latest episode to learn how to ease the transition and avoid common pitfalls that lead to family stress and conflict. 

Gap Year Expert, Michelle Dittmer explores how to set expectations, foster independence, and create a family contract that balances freedom and responsibility. Make sure to Download the template and set your teen up for success this year. Let’s make this gap year one of growth—for everyone!

Topics Discussed

• Top 2 Biggest Mistakes: The episode highlights two major mistakes families make during the gap year transition:

1. Not letting go of childhood expectations and behaviours, 

• Independence vs. Responsibility: Michelle discusses the importance of balancing independence with responsibility, ensuring young adults develop the skills they need to thrive after the gap year.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• FREE Gap Year Family Contract: https://www.cangap.ca/resources#contract

Many people hesitate to take a gap year, believing it to be too expensive. However, the cost of a gap year can vary widely and can actually be quite affordable! In this episode, Michelle share practical steps and tips to help you plan a budget-friendly gap year that’s within your reach. Take a listen!

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CanGap helps you decide on a gap year, access resources for your journey & connect with other Gappers!

Take the Gap Year Quiz: www.cangap.ca/quiz

Plan your gap year in 4-steps: www.cangap.ca/planner

Join our Gap Year Gameplan membership: www.cangap.ca/gameplan

Subscribe to our list: https://www.cangap.ca/subscribe

Telling your parents you want to take a gap year can be the hardest part about your decision and can make for a very difficult conversation. In this episode, Michelle Dittmer, President of the Canadian Gap Year Association takes you through all the steps to ensure you have a successful conversation with your parents, from preparing for it to conducting it.

CanGap helps you decide on a gap year, access resources for your journey & connect with other Gappers! Take the Gap Year Quiz: www.cangap.ca/quiz Plan your gap year in 4-steps: www.cangap.ca/planner Join our Gap Year Gameplan membership: www.cangap.ca/gameplan Subscribe to our list: https://www.cangap.ca/subscribe

Thinking of applying to higher education programs now, but still want to take a gap year? This is totally possible by deferring your acceptance! This guarantees you a spot for the following year so you don’t have to worry about applying or getting accepted - you can just enjoy your gap year!

You may be wondering, how can I apply for a deferral? In today’s episode, we’ve got you covered with a guide on how to defer your acceptance, tips and tricks, and how to weigh your options in the event you can’t defer your acceptance. 

Topics Discussed

• What is a deferral and researching the deferral process at your respective institution.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Get support to light up your gap year! Book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

In our latest episode of the Gap Year Podcast, we're breaking new ground with our first-ever family interview! 🎉 Join us as we dive into the transformative journey of Pranav and his parents, Pooja and Ashu. From initial skepticism and fear to becoming the biggest supporters, this episode is a heartwarming testament to the power of trust, communication, and growth. 🌍✨

• Hear how Pranav's gap year adventures in Asia helped him gain independence, confidence, and a clearer vision for his future.

Tune in to hear this inspiring story of courage, transformation, and the lifelong benefits of taking a gap year! 🎧💪

Topics Discussed

• Pranav's Gap Year Experience: Pranav discusses his gap year activities, including volunteering, traveling in Asia, and how these experiences prepared him for university.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Get support to light up your gap year! Book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

On today’s episode, we dive into the inspiring world of gap years with our fabulous guest, Sukaina. From Toronto to Portugal, her journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and lifelong learning is a testament to the transformative power of taking a step back to explore. Whether you're fresh out of high school or contemplating an adult gap year, this episode is packed with insights and motivation to make that leap. Don't overthink it, just do it!

Topics Discussed

• Embracing Cultural Exploration: Sukaina shares her journey from owning a bakery in Toronto to immersing herself in Portugal, driven by a desire to explore her familial roots and learn the Portuguese language.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Get support to light up your gap year! Book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

The Canadian Gap Year Association just wrapped up on their incredible gap year tour! Michelle shares valuable insights from her coast-to-coast travels. Whether you are a highschool student, parent or educator, this episode is packed with gap year expert tips, gap year strategies and valuable resources to tap into. Unlock the potential of your own gap year adventure! 

Take a listen! 

Topics Discussed

• Community Connection: We explore the power of community and meaningful interactions, both within Canada and beyond, as essential components of a transformative gap year journey.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Deferring your University Acceptance: Hear from Michelle - https://youtu.be/JfhKMRCdWhQ?si=nBCSD8F3V2BTOUzV 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

Are you a parent curious about what a gap year can actually look like for your teen?

In this episode, we're joined by Stacy who shares her experience navigating her son’s gap year. From wilderness adventures with Outward Bound to unexpected life-changing moments, discover how a gap year supports future planning and the transition into young adulthood.

Topics Discussed

• Stacy's Perspective - Gap Year Parents: Gain insights into navigating a gap year as a parent firsthand, as Stacey shares her experiences and reflections on her son's journey.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• CanGap’s Partner Programs https://www.cangap.ca/programs

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

Calling all parents of neurodivergent youth! 🌟 In today’s episode Michelle unravels the unique challenges of guiding your child from adolescence into adulthood. Society's norms may not fit their journey, but CanGap has got your back! 

Michelle shares valuable insights and practical advice to empower you on this journey. Discover the support and understanding you've been seeking, as this episode is your roadmap to navigating the complexities with confidence and compassion. 

Topics Discussed

• Navigating Unique Challenges: We discuss the distinct challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent youth transitioning into adulthood, shedding light on the fears and uncertainties of this journey.

• Empowering Dialogue: It is so important to embrace open communication and understanding between parents and their neurodivergent children, fostering a supportive environment where needs and goals are openly discussed.

• Community Support: Explore the importance of building a network of caregivers of neurodivergent youth, offering mutual understanding, shared resources, and invaluable tips for navigating this phase of life.

• Celebrating Resilience: Celebrate the resilience and strengths of neurodiverse individuals, emphasising their worthiness of acceptance, happiness, and fulfillment in a world not always designed for them.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• CanGaps Neurodivergent Programs GET ON THE WAIT LIST https://www.cangap.ca/neurodiversity

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

Neurodiveristy is beautiful and unique - it’s what makes us all human - but does come with struggles experienced by neurodiverse folks and their families shared amongst the neurodivergent community. In today's episode, Michelle explores how gap years are an incredible tool to support the lived challenges of many neurodiverse youth, helps build confidence and leads to a path of self-discovery. We also share several fantastic resources for you to tap into! 

Topics Discussed

1. Neurodiversity Awareness: Michelle explains what neurodiversity is highlighting the diverse range of neurological profiles (autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, bipolar, learning disabilities, Tourette's) and the common struggles faced by neurodiverse individuals and their families.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• CanGaps Gap Year for Neurodivergent Youth: https://www.cangap.ca/neurodiversity

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect