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Emigrate for a gap year
With its infinitely varied landscapes, buzzing cities and many possibilities for adventure and exploration, the US is becoming an increasingly popular gap year destination
There are many reasons for taking a gap year. You might be a student looking to expand your horizons; you might be restless and in need of a career break; or perhaps you just want the chance to try out a new life prior to emigrating for good. Whatever your motivation, though, the US in a fantastic place to take your year out. "America is a beautiful country with lots of diversity," says Ninja Vixen from gap-year organisers Trek America. "There really is something for everybody." With hundreds of companies offering expeditions and trips catering to individual needs, it's also easy to find an option that will suit. Many organisers will take you through your travel and visa options, while some even offer to procure a visa for you. If you have some idea of the type of experience you're looking for, a comprehensive list of providers can be found at Find A Gap. For those who are still undecided about how they want to spend their year out, however, here are some of the available options.
Going it alone
Many people prefer not to have their gap year limited by the options offered by trip-providers. The cost to this free-and-easy approach, however, is that it can be difficult to organise a visa if you don't have a programme lined up. If you're currently studying, you may be able to get around the difficulty by organising an exchange through your university or educational institution. If not, you'll need to set yourself a rough itinerary and arrange your visa accordingly. "There are a number of visa options for those looking to take a gap year in America," explains Andy Fidler, the brains behind FindaGap.com. "If you travel to the US under a Visitor Waiver Programme you may remain for up to 90 days, at the end of which time you'll need to think about what visa to apply for. "If you're not planning on working during your gap year, the best option may be the B-2 Visitor Visa. The time you are allowed to stay under this visa will be determined by the US citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). They will usually grant an initial stay of six months, which may be extended up to six months at their discretion."
But it isn't everybody who can afford to spend such a long period of time abroad without a job. If you're thinking of seeking employment while in America, therefore, it may be best to apply for a working visa. "The most common visa for those taking US gap years is the J-1," says Fidler. "This is primarily aimed at students looking to undertake further study in America, but it can also be granted to anybody looking to train further in their profession." To qualify for a J-1 visa, you will need to have a degree, one to two years work experience and a job offer from a US employer. Make sure you apply for your visa well in advance of your leaving date, as it can take up to three months to process.
For those who don't meet the requirement for the J-1 visa, another option may be the H-1B. "The H-1B visa allows a foreign company to employ a foreign international for a period of anything up to six years," explains Fidler. "It's ideal for anybody who thinks they may want to extend their stay in the US for more than a year. The issue with an H-1B visa, however, is that it can be requested by an individual – you must find an employer to sponsor you." But obtaining a job offer from a US company is notoriously fraught with difficulties. This is why many of those looking to take a year out in America decide to enlist the help of a gap year provider.
Camp America
"Camp America is one of the most popular of our gap year providers – for a very good reason," says Fidler. "Anybody who takes their year out with the company doesn't need to go through the hassle of applying for a visa. They deal with all of that for you." A placement with Camp America involves working alongside similarly minded people providing support for children's summer camps across the USA. Typically, you'll be based in a rural area and will have plenty of time off to explore, socialise and generally enjoy yourself with other workers from all over the world. You will also benefit from free food, accommodation and access to a range of sporting and recreational facilities. Another reason why Camp America is such a popular option, especially among young people, is that it offers the opportunity to stay in the US at minimal cost. Upfront, you'll be asked for a payment of £375, which includes flights, insurance and accommodation. Visa costs are less than £180. On arrival, you'll also be paid for your work with the company – the level of pay depends on your experience and skills. It can range from $525 for a camp 'counsellor' to $1,385 for a support staff role.
Trek America
A smaller company which claims to cater primarily to the wants and needs of the individual, Trek America will assist you in getting the appropriate visa for your gap year. It offers group tours of the US, taking in city attractions, national parks and a huge variety of stunning scenery. "The activities we offer vary depending on the group, says Vixen. "In the cities, we'll go shopping, go to bars and visit local attractions. In the country we hike, explore, and do adventure sports like white-water rafting and kayaking. We attract people who aren't necessarily incredibly fit, but want to do something exciting nonetheless. It's the opportunity to do something you've always wanted to do, but on a budget." "The tours are different lengths, depending on which you choose. We do a drive from LA to New York, exploring everywhere in between. We also offer the 'foot-loose' tour which is for the more physically active."
According to Vixen, Trek America isn't just popular with students. "We get people from all walks of life coming to us," she says. "There are couples who are well-seasoned travellers, and single people who want to take a career break but prefer the safety of travelling in a group. It's great if you want to meet people and make friends. On our last tour there was a 50-year-old woman whose husband had just died and who had never travelled before – she started off really shy, but by the end of the trip she knew people really well and had made lots of new friends."
For further information:
Camp America
Trek America
Gap year case study
Billy Huang is a 22-year-old student. He describes the experience of spending his gap year in New York: "My uncle lives in America, and I went out to visit him regularly while I was a student. During my gap year, he was able to secure me a job offer with his company in New York.
It was the most fantastic experience I've ever had. I spent eight months working in New York and living with my uncle, then I went on to spend five months travelling in India with the money that I had made. Luckily, once my company had given me a job offer they dealt with most of the visa process. I would advise anybody thinking of spending their gap year in America to try to find employment out there. It's a great way to really get to know the culture, rather than just feeling like a long-term tourist.
While I was in America, I made lots of new friends and also secured a job offer from a New York company for when I finish my degree. It's given me the option of living in the US long term, which I'm considering taking up. I met people of all ages who were doing a similar thing to me out there. Obviously, many of them were students or recently graduated, but there were also people who were on career breaks or just taking an extended holiday. Not one of them told me that they weren't enjoying themselves!"
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