In many high schools there is significant peer, parental, and school pressure for graduating seniors to go directly to college. Many students feel unready or would prefer not to attend college or other formal educational programs immediately after completing high school. While some of these students may choose a year at a prep school, join the military, or work full time before enrolling at a college, others, however, are seeking some other alternatives for a single transition year. These students, who range from the highly self-directed and academically focused to those feeling uninterested in and disenchanted with school, feel that stepping away from formal learning for a short period of time can be very beneficial in the long run.

An Interim Year is a year after graduating from high school and before going on to college in which students choose alternatives to mainstream education. During an Interim Year students can participate in activities that may include work, travel, internships and community service, or even academic programs in new settings. Some are semester long, while others are year-long options. It is recommended that students who wish to avail themselves of this option apply to colleges and then defer their enrollment. Most colleges are very open to deferment, especially when the student is able to present a well-planned and thought-out Interim Year program. A study shows that almost without exception students who have participated in an Interim Year program not only have benefited, but have been very enthusiastic about this opportunity and gone on to their college experiences greatly energized and focused.

After spending every year since the age of five in a formal educational setting, taking a "year-off" from school can allow students the opportunity to assess their personal goals and priorities, expand their horizons, grow and mature, or just "recharge their batteries." An Interim Year can also allow students the opportunity to:

* Take a break after many years in school.
* Enter college refreshed, re energized and ready to take on new challenges.
* Build self-confidence and self-esteem.
* Have the opportunity to discover talents, take risks, and chart new directions.
* Experience situations that illustrate the value and purpose of further education.
* Develop a broader perspective on the world.
* Gain the independence and maturity that comes from assuming new responsibilities.
* Engage in activities that help shape future goals and career choices.
* Focus on their interests and decide what they want to do in college.
* Develop the ability to work on their own.
* Build their resume before they even get to college.

Research, planning, and budget are important factors in arranging a productive and enjoyable Interim Year experience. Students interested in pursuing an Interim Year option after graduation should complete the college admissions process during their senior year. Access to KRHS's teachers, counseling staff, college admissions offices, and other resources may not be easy while working in a rainforest in Central America. In a process called deferred admissions, students can apply to colleges in the fall and winter of their senior year and in the spring ask permission of the college they wish to attend to defer their admission for a semester or one year. College admission can be deferred until the following January or September. Most colleges are very receptive to students who want to defer their admission. Students considering an Interim Year should discuss the idea with their counselor.

There are thousands of activities or combinations of activities from which to choose. Some students may participate in a year-long activity, while others may combine two or more shorter activities. Decide whether to plan a do-it-yourself adventure or select a structured one organized by a professional service. Travel, internships, volunteer work, academics, and employment are some of the more common ways of spending a year off. Resource books and web sites on the Internet abound which describe many of the ever increasing number of private schools, foundations, and organizations offering alternative educational approaches, ecological experiences, survival training, and volunteer service opportunities.

*AFS : American Field Service. Live with a host family and take university classes for a semester or year
* Americorp : Full-time national service projects. Earn a $4,725 voucher for college
* British American Educational Foundation: PG year at a British boarding school
* Center for Interim Programs: For fee consultant
* City Year - Boston: Full-time community service year in Boston
* Dynamy: Popular alternative year program
* Earthwatch : Participate in scientific expeditions
* Global Quest: Semester expedition in Thailand
* Habitat for Humanity: Nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization
* How to See the World: Art of Travel: European and World Backpacking On $25 a Day or Less
* NOLS: National Outdoor Leadership School. Similar to Outward Bound, but a bit more rigorous in some aspects
* Outward Bound : Wilderness trips designed to teach survival. Some carry college credit
* Seamester: 40- or 80-day credit bearing programs for college credit.
* Servenet.org: Site on service and volunteering
* StudyAbroad.com: Leading source of information on educational opportunities abroad.
* Serve Your World: Guide to volunteer work and volunteer vacations abroad
* Volunteer Match: Leader in matching volunteers to nonprofit opportunities
* World Learning: Education and Training for Global Effectiveness

Disclaimer:  These suggestions are not endorsements of any of the ideas or products found in this web site. We have not read every document or books recommended on these pages and we are unable to keep up with all the changes being made at every site we have linked. Furthermore, we take no responsibility for the consequences of any action one might take based upon reading the documents referenced.

Disclaimer of Liability: Kingswood Regional High School and employees shall not be liable to the users of this site or to its listed participants for the content, quality, performance or other aspect of any information provided.  Nor are we responsible to any person for any damages arising in any manner out of the use of this site. The users and participants acknowledge that they assume all risk and/or responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the uses to which this site is put.   We shall not be held liable in any way, shape or form for misuse or abuse of this site by any user or participant.