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,
2. Failing to communicate expectations clearly on both sides.

• 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.
• Family Contract: Access the downloadable family contract template to help set clear expectations and avoid conflicts by aligning both parent and teen goals.
• Communication Tips: Michelle provides practical advice on having open, respectful conversations to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• FREE Gap Year Family Contract: https://www.cangap.ca/resources#contract
• Get support to light up your gap year! Book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call

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.
• The typical process of applying for a deferral.
• Understanding the fine print and criteria of deferrals.
• Effectively explaining your gap year to the University/College.
• Weighing your options in the event your deferral application is denied.

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
• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

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.
• Discover the vital role of family support in making a gap year successful.
• Get inspired by the incredible growth and life skills Pranav developed during his travels.
• Learn valuable tips and advice for families considering a gap year.

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.
• Parents' Perspective: Pranav's parents, initially skeptical and fearful about the gap year, share how they became supportive and recognized the benefits of the experience.
• Growth and Responsibility: The family highlights Pranav's growth in independence, responsibility, and planning skills, which were evident through his travel and university preparation.
• Importance of Support and Communication: The episode underscores the value of having a support system, planning, flexibility, and open communication in making a gap year successful.

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
• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

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.
• Impact of Gap Year: Sukaina highlights how taking an adult gap year profoundly shaped her personal growth, offering insights into different cultures, languages, and perspectives beyond conventional education paths.
• Networking and Support: Michelle and Sukaina discuss the importance of leveraging personal networks and community connections to facilitate affordable and enriching travel experiences, demonstrating how these connections can turn a dream into reality.
• Lessons in Empathy and Understanding: Living abroad allowed Sukaina to empathize with her immigrant parents' experiences, deepening her appreciation for multiculturalism and broadening her worldview through interactions with diverse individuals.
• Encouraging Youth and Adults Alike: Michelle and Sukaina encourage both young adults and adults to consider the transformative potential of gap years, emphasizing the value of exploring the world and oneself before committing to career or educational paths.

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
• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

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.
• Future Gappers: Listen to expert advice on navigating scholarships, deferrals, and other key aspects of planning a meaningful gap year experience.
• Parents: Discover why parents across the country are increasingly embracing the idea of a gap year for their children, gaining valuable insights into its benefits and opportunities.
• Educators: Learn how your peers are increasingly supportive of the gap year pathway, with over 400 professionals attending sessions to better understand and advocate for this transformative experience.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Deferring your University Acceptance: Hear from Michelle - https://youtu.be/JfhKMRCdWhQ?si=nBCSD8F3V2BTOUzV
• Deferring your University Acceptance: Hear from Gapper Rina - https://youtu.be/98-wcgSjG7o?si=BRzpjD-sR6ealksR
• Abbey’s Farming Gap Year: https://youtu.be/S8_FpByobuw?si=E9xsaZlw5bSJQ9FY
• Gap Year Planning Resources: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCu0-BzfrSPelZcO6qPx0yg1IUrmxahkL&si=J1QfHQVZC8hu6BNV
• Educator Resources: https://www.cangap.ca/educators
• Educator’s, Check out this Playlist - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCu0-BzfrSPccmg_qs4y0admd-CXqm1Ro&si=3rrqhksV4NnWKWcH
• 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
• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ

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.
• Outward Bound Adventures: Explore the transformative power of wilderness experiences with Outward Bound, discovering how these adventures shape young minds and foster personal growth.
• Developing Soft Skills: Discussing the importance of soft skills development, including resilience, teamwork, and self-reflection, as Stacey's anecdotes shed light on the invaluable lessons learned during a gap year.
• Communication and Understanding: Learn about the significance of open communication between parents and children when considering a gap year, fostering understanding and support for each other's perspectives and concerns.
• Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Education: Discover the potential of gap years as a meaningful alternative to traditional education, offering tailored opportunities for personal growth and exploration aligned with individual interests and aspirations.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• CanGap’s Partner Programs https://www.cangap.ca/programs
• Outward Bound https://www.outwardbound.ca/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwuJ2xBhA3EiwAMVjkVGQywyrtB791gg1X-y7EDilMw-Y6YZFAbgdhR9JxyZ--dUsPfYOREhoCHfgQAvD_BwE
• 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
• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ