The Gap Year Podcast
 

The Gap Year Podcast

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Explore all things gap year through stories and anecdotes by gappers, families and experts. Fun to listen to but also jam-packed with tips and tricks for making the most of your gap year. No matter who you are or where you are on your gap year journey, you should be listening to the Gap Year Podcast! Although it is produced for Canadians, the content is universal.

Episodes

Gap Year Travel: A story of social entrepreneurship with Jazzmine Raine

Friday Aug 05, 2022

Friday Aug 05, 2022

In today’s episode, we invited a very special guest, the incredible Jazzmine Raine, CanGap’s Community and Communications Manager.

Jazz shares her inspirational life story and experiences with us. From learning about grassroots development in Ghana to co-founding India’s first zero waste guesthouse, Hara House. She takes us through the ups and downs of her journey and reflects on the valuable lessons she learned and how they shaped who she is today. 

 

Together, Michelle and Jazzmine discuss how a gap year can play a fundamental role in developing your personal identity and being able to explore interests, passions and gain valuable experience and skills, specifically through the lens of travel, and how taking a gap year will give you the opportunity to do this.

Buckle up, because Jazz takes us for a spin around the world! 

 

Topics Discussed

  • Jazzmine shares her travels from around the world including places like Ghana and India, and how this allowed her to see life from different perspectives and brought forward humanitarian and environmental issues in developing countries. 
  • The nonlinear path to starting her own social enterprise and what skills she needed to build and maintain her organization.  
  • Honest reflection on post-secondary education and what role it played in Jazzmine’s journey. 
  • The importance of pursuing your interests, saying yes to opportunities and being able to adjust and adapt in different situations. 
  • Gap years are a powerful tool to expand your skills, explore the world around you and gain experience to carve your own unique path. 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

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Exploring Post-Secondary Gaps for Student Success with Mike Stroh and Steven Kavaratzis

Friday Jul 22, 2022

Friday Jul 22, 2022

Supporting students on gap years is everybody’s responsibility, including higher education institutions - especially when it comes to mental health and well-being. 

In today’s episode, we invited Mike Stroh, founder of Starts With Me, and Steven Kavaratzis from the Ted Rogers School of Management, to discuss what pushing pause looks like for post secondary students. They analyze current trends and external factors, such as academic validation and lack of support, and how these can foster a toxic relationship between students and school. Furthermore, they explore the role of institutions and how they need to step up to meet the mental health and wellbeing needs of their students. 

Topics Discussed

  • The importance of institutions supporting students through to graduation and providing resources to encourage mindfulness and wellbeing. 
  • What pushing pause looks like for post-secondary students and the gaps that need to be filled to make this process a fulfilling and positive experience. 
  • Exploring the statistics and trends when it comes to mental health and wellness with post-secondary students. 
  • Should academic performance be prioritized over mental health and wellbeing?
  • Are institutions providing adequate resources to encourage students to take care of their mental health?

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

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The $83,000 gap year story with Karan Agrawal

Friday Jul 08, 2022

Friday Jul 08, 2022

Taking a gap year truly opens the door to thousands of possibilities! Some common ones you probably have heard include traveling, volunteering, or exploring personal passions. However, have you ever heard of someone working to save money to buy their parents a house and increase their income from $0 to $83k?! 

In this episode of the podcast, the incredible Karan Agrawal shares his story of persevering through challenges and having the courage to make the decision of taking a gap year. We dive deep into everything Karan accomplished during this time, what is the “Gap Year Mindset” and benefits of taking a gap year for personal and professional development. 

Topics Discussed

  • The deciding factors that lead to Karan’s gap year.
  • How Karan grew personally, professionally, financially and emotionally. 
  • How a shift in mindset can lead to an even more successful gap year.
  • All of the possibilities and opportunities that are available to Gappers. 
  • The importance of talking to an expert about your gap year (which you can do with us, book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call)! 

 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

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Parent Series: How to support your teen on their gap year

Friday Jun 24, 2022

Friday Jun 24, 2022

This episode is for all of the parents out there! When our kids don’t know what to do, they look to us as parents, but what if we don’t know what to do either?! A gap year is uncharted territory and that is why we are here to support you and your child during this exciting yet nerve wracking time.

Michelle Dittmer, your resident gap year expert, shares her guide on how to effectively support your young person during their gap year and transition into adulthood. She discusses the importance of vulnerable conversations and her formula to support your child when they are facing challenges. 

This episode is packed with valuable advice and resources that you can access to further support your family.

Topics Discussed

  • Parenting a teen who is transitioning into adulthood is not easy, learn how you can overcome this challenge while still supporting your young person.
  • How to show your kid you support them, using your actions and not just words. 
  • Why having vulnerable and open conversations is the best way to build trust between you and your child.
  • Learn Michelle’s 4-step formula to help your child overcome challenges.
  • Learn about the Gap Year Gameplan, one-on-one coaching and many more resources that will support your family. 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

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Consent-based volunteering and tourism with Nora of AEI

Friday Jun 10, 2022

Friday Jun 10, 2022

Imagine being able to live your dreams, travel the world and volunteer with animals! Well, guess what? You can totally do that with Animal Experience International (AEI), a B-Corp organization!

In this episode, we invited co-founder Nora to share more about the unique experiences offered through AEI. Together, Michelle and Nora discuss how to find a career path that aligns with your passions and how volunteering helps you discover new passions. They also unpack how AEI helps you make memorable and rewarding experiences through their various programs and how AEI puts consent based and ethical volunteering at the forefront of all of their adventures.

So, if working with wild horses in Mongolia alongside Mongolian experts sounds right up your alley, listen in!

Topics Discussed

  • Nora’s journey of finding a career path that aligned with her passions. 
  • What ethical animal volunteering looks like. 
  • Defining consent-based volunteering and tourism. 
  • How volunteering leads to finding new passions, interests and hobbies. 
  • The incredible programs at Animal Experience International.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

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How to Defer your University Program

Friday May 27, 2022

Friday May 27, 2022

Summary 

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

 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

 

Read more

The Ultimate Wildlife Gap Year Program with Lisa Chen, CCC Alum

Friday May 20, 2022

Friday May 20, 2022

Summary 

Have you ever thought about becoming a marine biologist? Perhaps you have an interest in this fascinating field, but can’t seem to find the resources or opportunities to further explore it. Well, you are in luck, because in today’s episode, Lisa Chen, a Marine Biology Conservationist, Educator and Entrepreneur, shares her story of working in the industry and her incredible experience through the Canadian Conservation Corps! 

 

Listen in to hear Chen’s international learning and teaching journey, hands-on research, and animal care stories. Stick around until the end to learn how to use a gap year to explore such passions, like Marine Biology, that can lead to an exciting career path!

 

Topics Discussed

  • Lisa Chen’s journey of studying Marine Biology and teaching internationally in places like Thailand and Vietnam. 
  • How you can get involved in Canadian Conservation Corps, a program subsidized by the Canadian government and Canadian Wildlife Federation. 
  • The different stages that make up the Canadian Conservation Corps, which includes a Wilderness Journey, training and obtaining a hands-on leadership certification.
  • A Day in the Life of a Marine Biologist, which includes travel, assessing marine animals, conducting experiments and surveys, all while educating people along the way! 
  • Overcoming the struggles of finding experiences and work placements. Moreover, how a Gap Year can help!  
  • Climate crises, sustainability and Chen’s movement “Let’s Talk Butts” and how you can make a difference.

 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

Read more

How To Win $1000 For Your 2022/23 Gap Year

Friday Apr 29, 2022

Friday Apr 29, 2022

Summary 

“So, you’re telling me you want to give me $1000 to NOT return to school?” That’s right, Gappers! In celebration of our 5th anniversary, CanGap is giving away $5000 in Gap Year Scholarships this year to 5 gap year students and gap year alum.

Our first round of spring scholarships will award $1000 to two 2022/23 gap year students and one gap year student finishing their gap year this year. In this episode, Michelle dives into how to fill out your application, what we’re looking for and application deadlines. Listen in to learn how to write a winning application before Friday, May 27, 2022!

Topics Discussed

  • Announcing our CanGap Gap Year Scholarships and what to expect.
  • What scholarship funding can be used for.
  • The application process for our spring and fall 2022 scholarships.
  • Who qualifies for a CanGap Gap Year Scholarship.
  • Three pro tips for writing a winning application.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

Read more

How a Gap Year Reduces COVID and Post-Secondary Burnout

Friday Apr 15, 2022

Friday Apr 15, 2022

Raise your hand if you are feeling burnt out. If your hand is up, know you are not alone. Parents are burnt out, teachers are burnt out, employees and employers are burnt out, and students are burnt out. It's a very common experience that we're all having two-plus years into this pandemic life - something we never thought we would experience. We all need a little bit of a break from everything that's going on.

While a gap year is a break from formal schooling, it's not a break from learning or a break from your goals. This is an opportunity for you to take care of that burnout, and to feel excited and joyful. Learn more about how it’s possible to use a gap year to be productive and reignite your mental health in today’s episode!

Topics Discussed

  • How you cannot heal in the same environment that hurts you.
  • Why trying to be normal in a time that is not necessarily normal can be traumatic to your mental health.
  • How knowing the real reason why we are tired is significant and what to do about it.
  • The importance of finding excitement and joy on your own terms for your gap year.
  • Your permission to delay university or college for your mental health.
  • Why using a gap year as a tool can help alleviate burnout to set you on a healthy path forward.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

Read more

What It’s Like To Spend A Gap Year At Neuchâtel Junior College in Switzerland with Jack Moser

Friday Apr 01, 2022

Friday Apr 01, 2022

If you've ever dreamt of going to Switzerland, you’ll wanna hear Jack Moser’s story about his gap year at Neuchâtel Junior College.

In this episode, he paints a beautiful picture of Switzerland and his incredible time in Neuchâtel while describing the town, his daily commute, his class schedule, the Canadian school curriculum and his amazing Canadian teachers. Discover why he said it was the best year of his life and what life was like in Switzerland during the pandemic. He also describes some of his exciting travel adventures with friends and the strong support he received from his host family. Be sure to listen to the end as he shares some advice with students who may be thinking about spending their gap year abroad or going to Neuchâtel Junior College. 

Topics Discussed

  • What led him to discover Neuchâtel Junior College and why he decided to attend school in Switzerland.
  • Why his trip to Switzerland taught him independence and the situation on graduation night that made him realize he had become an adult.
  • The daily journey to Neuchâtel Junior College with classmates, the train schedule and how different seasons impact their commute.
  • Why Neuchatel’s proximity to the French border made it easy to travel to France and other nearby cities, its main establishments and what the city looks like.
  • Why he felt that his gap year in Switzerland was the best year of his life, how it changed him and how his friendships gave him a strong sense of belonging there.
  • How his planned class trips to different European cities didn’t happen during the pandemic but resulted in him and his friends travelling to different cities within Switzerland. 
  • The key highlight of his trip: Spring Break in Zermatt where he learned and taught his friends how to ski, and how the experience upgraded his skiing skills by 5 years.
  • Practical advice for students who may be thinking about travelling abroad or going to Neuchâtel Junior College.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Connect With The Canadian Gap Association

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