The Gap Year Podcast

Madelyn Steed, the Board Member and Co-Founder of the CanGap Association shares how her Gap Year came about and her developmental experience with Katimavik. The exploration and experiential learning she did through her time with Katimavik set her life on a completely different trajectory, and has helped her make a stronger impact in the world around.

Full Show Notes

Katimavik! 

One of the worst feelings ever is FOMO, the fear of missing out! For many gappers, September is one of the most difficult times, you see your friends move into nice dorms, make new friends and have these memorable experiences! However, this is just a small piece of your journey and soon you will have exciting adventures to share and you won’t be stressing about midterms! 

You also want to kickstart your gap year with an epic Frosh Week and this year we are hosting a FREE 3 Day Frosh Event from September 14-16! Mark your calendars and get your tickets at https://www.cangap.ca/frosh because you DO NOT WANT TO MISS OUT!! 

It is time to STOP second guessing your decision and kick your FOMO in the butt!! Launch into your unique year of self-discovery, growth and adventure with the Gap Year Frosh Week! 

Full Show Notes 

When we think about exploring different cultures, oftentimes we think about places outside of our Canadian border, places like Santorini, Greece; Tokyo, Japan; or even Sydney, Australia. However, taking a step back, there are so many places that are enriched with fascinating experiences, delicious food, kind people and amazing festivals, like the Quebecois culture! 

In today’s episode, Sandy shares her experience with the Explore Program, where she was able to learn the French language through experiential learning in Quebec!

Check out the Explore Program! 

Most grade 12’s are presented with 3 options for Post-Secondary. University, College, or the Workplace. However, are these the only viable options for students? What about taking a gap year, and using this time to learn more about yourself, your values, your interests, and maybe even starting your own business?!

Listen to Olivier’s journey to taking a gap year, what he has been up to, and his entrepreneurial tips! 

What is the value of a gap year?  What do you “get out of it”? How do you communicate all of the amazing ways you have grown & changed and the things you have learned? How do you show the world hours of stories in a way that they can understand it? 

If you could get an award for living your best life and being able to effectively communicate it, this would be it! The Student of Leadership & Humanity Award is an external recognition of how you have grown and changed because you engaged in experiences throughout your EPIC gap year. It certifies your development and worthwhile gap year. 

In this episode, we will take you through all of the components, and how you can leverage this award for your benefit!

Earn this as part of the Gap Year Gameplan or take it on Solo! 

Full Show Notes

Do not miss out on today’s episode as Michelle explains the signature program at CanGap, the Gap Year Gameplan. This is the solution to help you on your gap year journey. With over 10 years of experience all condensed into one impactful year, this is your one-stop-shop for your gap year, so that in the end you leave with fulfillment, memories, and life-long friendships! 

Learn more about the Gap Year Gameplan and how it is the solution to your problems, an opportunity to connect with experts and other gappers, andthe SOL&H Award!

Get on the List! Gap Year GAMEPLAN!! 

Full Show Notes

Imagine being at sea, on a Pirates of the Caribbean Esque Tall Ship, surrounded by marine wildlife, exploring the natural wonders of the world, visiting new countries, meeting new people, hearing their stories and perspectives on life. In this episode, Michelle Dittmer speaks to an Alumni of Class Afloat, Eloise, about her fascinating experience aboard a Tall Ship!

Full Show Notes

Class Afloat

Have you read the NYT article all about that blah feeling we are all having these days? It's called languishing and it is REAL.  It's not depression, but it's definitely not thriving and a lot of us are feeling a lot of this.  

While this term is new to me, the concept is not - many people fear that they will not thrive on their gap year and NOW coming off of more than a year of a global pandemic taking over our lives and stealing our joy, this would be the worst case scenario for a gap year.

GOOD NEWS - there are some great tips on how you can prevent or redirect feelings of languishing on your gap year.  Take a listen to some of our top tips!

Helpful Links:

Full Show Notes

Explore, Dream & Design Your Gap Year Workshop

Gap Year GamePlan 

Some people start planning their gap year in grade 9, while others don't plan until they have been sitting on the couch for a month. So is there an ideal time to plan?

Yes there is an ideal time but no, you are never too early OR too late.

This episode explores the benefits of planning in the spring before your gap year starts - providing you with confidence and a plan that will help you get excited about life after high school graduation.  It will also let you be part of conversations with your peers around what you are doing next year.

No matter what, to maximize your gap year, you need to get intentional about how you will be spending your time, so no matter when you come to this realization, you can make things happen.  There are programs, experiences and opportunities available year-round, however, some of the more popular ones, ones with high financial aid/subsidy or ones that start in September can often close registration earlier so better to get ahead in the game.

Check out the Gap Year Gameplan as a resource for gap year planning AND a year-long support for your gap year.  Spring Registration closes May 10, 2021.  You can check back for our summer and fall cohorts if you miss this round.

Full Show Notes!