The Gap Year Podcast

Do you enjoy working with kids, would love to stay with a host family abroad, are up for adventure AND looking to make some money? Maybe becoming an AuPair is a good fit for your gap year experience!   Natalia joins Michelle on the podcast to share the AuPair experience as the Marketing Coordinator at AuPair in America, connecting young adults across the world to AuPair opportunities in the United...

If you are feeling lost or stuck about which direction to take your career, this episode is for you! Sarah, career coach and founder of Careergasm, shares totally valuable tips and insight to take the edge off these decisions and get you on the right path to move you forward. Full Show Notes Connect with Sarah Website: https://careergasm.com/ Freebie Course: https://careergasm.teachable.com/p/care...

“How will we teach in a post-pandemic Canada?” asked VoicEd Radio to educators.   Michelle Dittmer, a former high school biology teacher and now Gap Year expert, took intentional time to really think about the how. And in this episode, she’s sharing her insight and framework which answers “what? So what? And now what?” Full Show Notes

Imagine this: it’s a beautiful afternoon in late August and school is just around the corner. Suddenly, an opportunity comes along inviting you to work at a start-up downtown Toronto researching Quantum Computer and there’s an awesome apartment lease waiting for your signature. Which do you choose? For Tanisha, she chose her passion for Quantum Computing. Listen to her captivating story! Show Note...

Claire Bennett is the CoFounder of the organization Learning Service: Rethinking Volunteer Travel and the author of Learning Service: The Essential Guide to Volunteering Abroad. In this episode, she shares her valuable insight to having a ethical, responsible and developmental volunteer experience abroad.   Full Show Notes   Learning Service Website! 

Madelyn Steed, the Board Member and Co-Founder of the CanGap Association shares how her Gap Year came about and her developmental experience with Katimavik. The exploration and experiential learning she did through her time with Katimavik set her life on a completely different trajectory, and has helped her make a stronger impact in the world around. Full Show Notes Katimavik! 

One of the worst feelings ever is FOMO, the fear of missing out! For many gappers, September is one of the most difficult times, you see your friends move into nice dorms, make new friends and have these memorable experiences! However, this is just a small piece of your journey and soon you will have exciting adventures to share and you won’t be stressing about midterms!  You also want to kickstar...

When we think about exploring different cultures, oftentimes we think about places outside of our Canadian border, places like Santorini, Greece; Tokyo, Japan; or even Sydney, Australia. However, taking a step back, there are so many places that are enriched with fascinating experiences, delicious food, kind people and amazing festivals, like the Quebecois culture!  In today’s episode, Sandy share...

Most grade 12’s are presented with 3 options for Post-Secondary. University, College, or the Workplace. However, are these the only viable options for students? What about taking a gap year, and using this time to learn more about yourself, your values, your interests, and maybe even starting your own business?!   Listen to Olivier’s journey to taking a gap year, what he has been up to, and his en...

What is the value of a gap year?  What do you “get out of it”? How do you communicate all of the amazing ways you have grown & changed and the things you have learned? How do you show the world hours of stories in a way that they can understand it?    If you could get an award for living your best life and being able to effectively communicate it, this would be it! The Student of Leadership & Huma...

Do not miss out on today’s episode as Michelle explains the signature program at CanGap, the Gap Year Gameplan. This is the solution to help you on your gap year journey. With over 10 years of experience all condensed into one impactful year, this is your one-stop-shop for your gap year, so that in the end you leave with fulfillment, memories, and life-long friendships!    Learn more about the Gap...

Imagine being at sea, on a Pirates of the Caribbean Esque Tall Ship, surrounded by marine wildlife, exploring the natural wonders of the world, visiting new countries, meeting new people, hearing their stories and perspectives on life. In this episode, Michelle Dittmer speaks to an Alumni of Class Afloat, Eloise, about her fascinating experience aboard a Tall Ship!

Have you read the NYT article all about that blah feeling we are all having these days? It's called languishing and it is REAL.  It's not depression, but it's definitely not thriving and a lot of us are feeling a lot of this.   While this term is new to me, the concept is not - many people fear that they will not thrive on their gap year and NOW coming off of more than a year of a global pandemic...

Some people start planning their gap year in grade 9, while others don't plan until they have been sitting on the couch for a month. So is there an ideal time to plan? Yes there is an ideal time but no, you are never too early OR too late. This episode explores the benefits of planning in the spring before your gap year starts - providing you with confidence and a plan that will help you get excit...

The Gap Year pathway is full of fun and excitement but there are 3 common mistakes that trip up most gappers.  This episode explores the top 3 and how to identify & avoid them.  We will talk about improper planning, a lack of community and forgetting to build in accountability.  We want your year to be full of positive experiences that move you forward in life, not trip you up and leave you feelin...

Emotional intelligence is the hot skill every employer is looking for right now. In this episode, Michelle Dittmer speaks to the Founder of Entry Learning, Morgan Toane, about how to develop emotional intelligence.   Learn more about Entry Learning Add Morgan on LinkedIn Learn more about 6seconds Check out our gap year challenges to develop and grow during your year Follow Can Gap on Instagram  

Taking a gap year is bold, which also makes for a hard decision. In this episode, Michelle Dittmer shares the common trends she's been hearing on why some families are hesitant on taking a gap year and why some are leaning towards one.   Full Show Notes   Free 30 minute workshop 

Not every gap year looks the same. In this episode, Michelle Dittmer speaks to Abby Taylor about her farming gap year during COVID-19.Full Show NotesFree Gap Year Information Session

Go abroad with your remote internship. In this episode, Heilwig Jones, Co-Founder of Kaya Responsible Travel reveals how gappers can get clarity on their career path through a remote internship, while also making a difference for a community across the world. Full Show NotesLearn more about Kaya Responsible Travel Check out the Gap Year Game Plan to meet people like you and find out about the oppo...

If you want to take a gap year at home or abroad, this is your sign to do it. In this episode, Jenni shares her gap year experience in Australia and how it shaped her and definer her career. Learn more about ContikiConnect with Jenni on InstagramJoin Michelle on the Contiki podcast on February 23 at 7 pm est. Free resource on how to talk to your parents about taking a gap year

The best way to support your kid is to partner with them. In this episode, Reni Walker, mother of three and travel lover, speaks about her daughters’ gap year experiences,  how they transitioned back into university and how Reni supported them through making these big life decisions. Full Show NotesLearn more during Gap Year Exploration Month

A gap year will set you apart in university and in your future job search. In this episode, Andrew Skelton, a first-year math professor settles some gap year hesitations and shares the differences he sees in his students who take a year off. Full Show NotesGap Year Information Session

Coming from different backgrounds Alex and Rhys were unlikely friends, but were joined together by the same gap year program, which transformed their lives. In this episode, Alex and Rhys now on their second gap year share their experiences and transformations thus far.  Full Show NotesDiscover Year Applications Gap Year ResourcesPlan your own life changing gap year

Your post secondary decision is a big one, but it won't define your future. In this episode, I’ll change the way you look at this decision and share tips on how to relieve the stress associated with it. Book a call for more helpFind out if a gap year is for you

From dumpster fire to silver lining, 2020 has been a rollercoaster. In this episode, Michelle Dittmer shares how to use Kolb's experiential learning theory to unpack 2020 and plan realistically for 2021. Full Show Notes https://www.cangap.ca/