The Gap Year Podcast
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.

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All Episodes

In today’s episode, we had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Carpe Diem’s ED, Adam! Such a kindred spirit who shares his experience with travel and experiential programs.  Together, Michelle and Adam dive deep into the key skills that youth are…

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Taking a gap year can be a roller coaster of emotion and experiences. It’s full of highs and lows, and each experience gives the gapper so many opportunities to learn and grow. In today’s episode, Michelle explores the 3 key times during the gap year…

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What comes to mind when you hear the word Career? Does it evoke feelings of fear, anxiousness or overwhelm? Do you perceive it as a one time decision and then you’re locked in for the next 40, 50 maybe even 60 years?! Well, what if we told you that…

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Most parents would think that if they offered their teenager an opportunity to take a gap year, they would say yes in a heartbeat! Imagine all of the exciting adventures, learning opportunities and the ability to earn some extra money – what’s not to…

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In today’s episode we invite the fabulous Jay Gosselin from Discover Year, a certified Canadian post-secondary program that fosters confidence, resilience and equips students with the skills they need to succeed in their transition from adolescence…

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Do you ever wonder what’s holding your young person back from applying for that job, trying out for the sports team or even asking that person out?  Well, in today’s episode, Michelle unpacks this powerful underlying emotion of fear. She walks us…

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We asked parents about their biggest concerns with their young person taking a gap year, and across the board their top 3 answers were:  My teen will waste their time. Various financial concerns.  My teen will face loneliness and isolation.  Want to…

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As a parent you always want the best for your teen, but sometimes it’s hard to see eye to eye on what the “best” is with your young person. If you want to better understand why your teen thinks and makes the decisions they do, along with why this…

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Imagine if there was a website that would match you to the perfect post-secondary institution, program, scholarships and career path that is just right for you! Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? 
Well, you’re in luck because in today’s episode…

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We all know post-secondary education is very expensive and a huge financial burden that students have to carry. Thank goodness for scholarships!. However, looking for scholarships, writing  beautifully crafted applications and effectively…

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Author

Michelle Dittmer
President of the Canadian Gap Year Association (OCT)

Michelle is an educator and youth advocate that has taught grades 4 through College, developed International Service-Learning Programs, nurtured Educational Partnerships with school boards from coast to coast, and developed youth policy. Having a finger on the pulse of the needs of young learners, combining their need for experiential learning and developing reflective and values-aligned practices, she founded the Canadian Gap Year Association to raise the profile of gap year as a solution to mental health, lack of clarity, and the skill gap.