How a Post College Gap Year Can Make You MORE Hireable

GoAbroad shares our favorite gap year ideas after college

So you’ve just graduated from college and you’re not sure what to do next. What if someone told you that the best thing you could do for your future is to take a year “off” and travel the world? It might sound crazy, but it's the facts!

Taking a gap year after college offers a breath of fresh air and a heavy dose of perspective during a critical time of life. Most students are under a lot of pressure from family, friends, and (most of all) themselves to start building a career immediately after graduation. But, don’t just dive into the workforce or plough into your next degree program without knowing what you’re really after. In the long run, taking time after college to explore, discover what you’re passionate about, and gain valuable skills will pay ($$$) off! 

The career pastabilities are endless with gap year programs in Italy.

The benefits of the post college gap year

After years of nonstop studying, exams, and deadlines, taking a gap year after college can feel like a breath of fresh air. It is more than just a break; it is a chance to explore the world, gain real-life experience, and discover what truly motivates you before stepping into your next chapter.

From building confidence and global skills to reigniting your love of learning, here’s how a post-college gap year can set you up for long-term success (and unforgettable memories).

HUGE confidence boost

Long-term travel abroad develops recent graduates’ self-confidence and initiative. If you can thrive in a strange, faraway place for a year, you’ll be ready to take on anything back home.

Intercultural skills

Hello world citizen! Spending a gap year abroad after college gives students invaluable life skills that come in handy in business and beyond. Whether it’s adaptability, travel planning, scuba diving, parler français, or plumbing, you’ll be glad you learned it during a gap year after college. EF Gap Year, for example, offers language learning opportunities or internship programs.

Love of learning

Most students are pushed (or push themselves) to keep their nose down, stay in school, work hard, and get good grades from kindergarten through college. That’s 20+ years of long hours in the library, so even kids who started out with a passion for learning get burnt out. Taking a gap year after college is a great way to recharge and reignite that old motivation.

Focus

Spending a year roaming the world helps many students discover what makes them excited to get up in the morning. When you know what you want, nothing can stop you!

Find Out Why Gap Year Programs Aren't Just for Teens

You’ll never tuk tuk a post college gap year in Thailand for granted.

... and how these benefits translate into your hireability

Cool, but like, do any of these things really matter in my job search? Uhm—DUH. Yes! Employers and hiring managers aren’t just looking at your degree and GPA. In fact, that’s just a check to make sure you’ve met the minimum requirements for the job. What employers are really looking for is someone resilient, adaptable, and quick and eager to learn.

Knowing that you have what it takes to cut it abroad on a post college gap year will make your future job search seem like a cakewalk. Don’t downplay the awesome confidence boost from long-term travel abroad. You might not explicitly have it listed on your resume, but you can reference it in cover letters and use lessons learned abroad as examples and great anecdotes in an interview. Trust us, you’re glowing when you talk about life abroad and the struggles and triumphs of navigating a new transportation system or language.

And those intercultural skills? Consider that freaking GOLD DUST for employers. As globalization works its magic on the job market, the ability to work with people across cultures and language barriers is invaluable. You just moved to the top of the pile, my friend.

You thought you hated learning? Well, maybe cooping yourself up with your textbooks wasn’t your idea of a fun afternoon, but the truth is, even after you get that diploma, the learning never stops. It’s probably what drew you to a gap year—even if you didn’t quite know it at the time. Your curiosity about the world and new cultures, that love of learning, is going to pay off big time in your job hunt. If you’re willing to take on the world, employers are more than willing to take on you. That focus and growth mindset is easily worth a million bucks.

Get matched with a career-making post college gap year

9 Popular places for gap year programs after college

Here’s our go-to list of gap year ideas after college. Let this record of incredible places inspire you, and then go rogue and craft your own! You are a college grad, after all.

1. Italy

You'll never tire of views like these on your post college gap year in Italy

Travelers in Italy can count on hearty helpings of the world’s best pasta, pizza, and gelato. Oh, yeah, and the heart of a thriving empire – making the country an architecture or history student’s dream. You know what they say… When in Rome!

Pros: Italy gets sunshine most of the year—perfect for gelato sprees. Further, gap year programs in Italy include plenty of field trips, tours, and excursions. With so much history, you'll never get bored here.

Cons: Job opportunities are pretty limited; it's best to not bet on getting one during your gap year. Another major struggle? There’s so much stunning historical architecture, it’s hard to know where to look!

Recommended program: Italian Language and Cultural Immersion with IFA

2. France

Your job prospects will come flooding in, just like at Mont Saint-Michel.

A cornerstone of global arts, cuisine, and history, a trip to France is invaluable (and enjoyable!) experience. When you’re not engaged in program activities, wander the Champs-Élysées or plop down in a park with a bottle of wine. Don’t worry, you won’t be the first to fall in love with that distinctly French joie de vivre.

Pros: France is home to some of the best universities in the world—perfect for extending your studies or mastering la belle langue. Here, you can enjoy world-renowned art and culture for free!

Cons: The French education system is quite different from the American and British systems, which can be challenging to adjust to. As well, outside of tourism hotspots, it is difficult to get around without speaking French. (There’s a très facile solution to this one…)

Recommended program: Europe Tour with Gapforce

3. Australia

Hey, you! Do a gap year after college, mate!

Really shake things up when you venture to the bottom of the world for a gap year after college. With many thriving cities and agricultural areas, Australia is an especially accessible destination for gap year participants. From urban jungles to desert skies, it has got it all—and is even served up with a side of adorable animals.

Pros: Kangaroos, duh! Australia is truly a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. If you want to spend the majority of your time outside, the Land Down Under is the place for you.

Cons: Newsflash: Australia is huge. Travel between major cities can be long, broken up only by cornfields and one-horse towns. And kangaroo road kill, if we're honest? As well, time zones can make staying in touch with family back home a tad tricky.

Recommended program: Working Holiday in Australia with Global Work & Travel

4. Costa Rica

Ride the wave of sick career prospects with gap year programs after college in Costa Rica.

Live la pura vida for a while when you spend your gap year after college in Costa Rica. Sunny year-round, it has a strong education system, endless miles of lush jungle, and premium homegrown coffee. The sloths love it, and so will you!

Pros: The cost of living in Costa Rica is relatively inexpensive. Make it rain colóns! Further, the country boasts some of the best healthcare, plus toucans(!), in the region. You don't need to speak fluent Spanish to get on comfortably here.

Cons: WiFi can be hard to find in rural areas (a big challenge for us IG enthusiasts). Additionally, because of tourism and since Costa Rica is a linguistic melting pot, those hoping to learn intensive Spanish may have to seek those programs out.

Recommended program: Ultimate Adventure with Impact Gap Year

5. England

Don't forget to pack your umbrella and wellies before your post college gap year in England

It’s no coincidence that one island produced the likes of William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and the Beatles. A long and sordid history, scattered with household names, makes England a fascinating destination for your time abroad.

Pros: Employment opportunities are plentiful for students doing a gap year program after college in England. Awesome! And if that's not already making you feel chuffed, there is a special time of day—every day—dedicated to tea and bite-sized snacks. Tea time = happy hour.

Cons: Keep in mind that Britain's education system is more test-based than the American system, so don’t expect much “participation credit” if you choose to attend a British university.

Recommended program: 10 Weeks Gap Semester with EF Gap Year

6. Spain

Don’t take a siesta on gap year opportunities in Spain.

Spain is definitely exciting, and it’s not limited to bullfighting and flamenco. Count on vivid colors, inspiring landscapes, and tasty tapas when you spend your gap year here.

Pros: There are many scholarships for gap year programs in Spain. If you’re eligible for one, go ahead and apply. Landing financial assistance means having your extra cash handy for experiences outside the program—incredible festivals all year round and weekend trips. Plus, churros fund.

Cons: The Spanish take family seriously, which can mean less alone time than visiting students are used to—especially if you opt for a homestay. But think of it as having a second (or third or fourth) family away from home. If you’re learning the language, don't forget that the use of the pronoun vosotros/-as in European Spanish is a notorious source of frustration.

Recommended program: Future Leaders Program with Spanish Gap Year

7. Thailand

Don't be afraid to get lost on your post college gap year—you never know what you might find! (Even yourself!)

How many people can say they consumed dangerously hot chilies during their time abroad? Equal parts exotic and accessible, Thailand is an idyllic place for your gap year. Join other young (or young-at-heart) people from around the world in this tropical paradise.

Pros: Known as “the Land of Smiles,” expect to be greeted with many toothy grins. The locals are friendly and eager to share their culture, providing you with meaningful cultural experiences. Further, as an up-and-coming economy, Thailand has a lot to offer recent grads fresh in the job market.

Cons: Nearly all Thai dishes include fish sauce, so being vegetarian can be limiting. Also, the language barrier struggle is real. Thai is a tonal language; every letter can be pronounced in five ways, which all sound exactly the same to the untrained ear.

Recommended program: Southeast Asia Explorer with Gapforce

8. South Africa

You’ll always have job offers on the table (mountain).

As bountiful as it is diverse, South Africa is home to 11 national languages and a host of wildlife that the rest of the world only sees in zoos. Study the country’s apartheid history and the many ways this continues to impact daily life. Don’t skip the braai, the South African take on BBQ – lekker lekker!

Pros: Favorable exchange rates mean your home currency will take you far. Don't be shy at the braii! You'll love learning the local languages; even the Southern African dialect of English is filled with fun new words inspired by local languages and Dutch colonial history.

Cons: While you're out exploring, it's always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings. Keep your belongings secure, especially in busy areas or on public transport, and consider exploring less familiar neighborhoods with a local guide to get the most out of the experience safely.

Recommended program: Purpose-Filled Expeditions with Raleigh International

9. China

Hop on the China train sooner than later, and watch career opportunities bloom.

Discover a new alphabet, animal-themed calendar, and dynamic empirical history in one of the world’s most important political and business hubs. Climb the Great Wall or challenge yourself to see the world in new ways with courses in Eastern philosophy and medicine.

Pros: Chinese regional cuisines are an absolute FEAST for the senses. You could spend your entire year trying new foods and cooking methods. Also, many Western companies are looking to hire students with long-term experience in China. Your job prospects will be poppin' after a gap year here.

Cons: Students who don’t speak Chinese will face a steep language barrier, but less-so in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Grab your face mask because air pollution can hang like a cloud over Chinese cities.

Recommended program: Tailored Gap Year with Go Abroad China

7 steps to find your dream post college gap year

The Brits invented minding the gap, so… do the math.

Now that you have an idea of where you want to go, it’s time to start planning. Whether you decide to set your own agenda or travel with gap year programs after college, it’s going to be a wild ride! Here’s how to get started on making it happen.

1. Reflect on your goals

Ask yourself what you want out of your gap year. Are you hoping to travel, gain work experience, learn a language, volunteer, or just take time to recharge? Knowing your purpose will guide your decisions, but also make sure to avoid these common gap year mistakes!

2. Set a budget

Figure out how much you can realistically spend. Factor in flights, housing, food, insurance, and activities. Some programs offer stipends or scholarships, so keep an eye out! You can also raise money for your trip through platforms like FundMyTravel, get creative and sell handmade items, or learn a skill and offer your services to earn extra cash.

Use our Student Budget Planner to sort your finances

3. Choose a destination or two

Consider destinations that excite you and align with your goals. Did any of the countries mentioned earlier spark your interest? Think about whether you’re drawn to vibrant cities, peaceful landscapes, rich cultural experiences, or a little bit of everything. Don’t forget to look into visa requirements and travel safety as you narrow down your choices.

4. Explore gap year options

Explore all the gap year programs after college available to you. Or, get matched with the right opportunities using our free Online Advisor. And of course, as you research, keep your personal goals and budget in mind.

5. Create a timeline

Decide when you want to go on your gap year and for how long. Will it be a few months or a full year? Work backward from your departure date to allow time for planning, saving, and prepping for the best post-college gap year.

6. Apply and register

Apply to any programs you're interested in early, especially ones with limited space. Once you’ve secured a spot and received the confirmation details, it’s time to bring your plans to life!

7. Sort out logistics

Don’t skip the practical stuff, such as getting a passport and travel insurance, and essential to-dos before traveling abroad. And if you’re going solo, book flights and accommodations in advance.

Make a checklist, pack light, and get excited! Read up on the culture, maybe learn a few key phrases in the local language, and prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime.

These comprehensive travel resources can help you plan and prepare more easily.

A Post College Gap Year is Anything but a “gap” year

It should be clear by this point that a gap year after college is anything but a gap. On the contrary, it's pretty much guaranteed to be filled to the brim with excitement and learning opportunities. Give yourself a boost now and for your future – start planning your gap year abroad post college!