5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Gap Year Fair

We are back at it this New Year with Gap Year Fairs. The circuit runs from early January to late February, and crisscrosses the country, stopping in over 40 cities. Mostly held at high schools, these fairs are free to the public, but it is highly advisable to register. Upon registration you will receive a unique QR code that will enable to you easily share your contact information with gap year program providers and gap year consultants at the fairs.

Like college fairs, gap year fairs can be overwhelming, so here are my 5 tips for getting the most out of your visit to a gap year fair:

1.) Take a look at the Go Overseas website, and do a quick browse of the programs attending the Gap Year Fairs. Which programs are you most-interested in learning about?

2.) Make sure you connect with the groups you’re most interested in, and share your contact information with them! 

3.) Be ready to take notes. You want to get a feel for the energy of the program. Often, the folks at the Gap Year Fairs are current or former program leaders. Ask yourself, “Are these my people?”

4.) Have at least one question that you ask every program you talk to. What is most-important to you? Do you have strong feelings about a homestay? Are you curious about how much independence you’ll have on program? If you’re nervous about a tech-free program, ask about it! These folks are there to give you answers.

5.) Make sure to check your email regularly in the next couple months following the Gap Year Fair. Most of these program providers will reach out to you via email, but it’s hard to communicate with someone who doesn’t respond. If there is a program that you are particularly interested in, set up a time for a call to really dig in and get the details.