GAP YEAR
What is a Gap Year?
A gap year, taken between high school and college, offers young and passionate believers a transformative break from formal education. It’s an opportunity for students to mature, discover more about themselves, and experience the world in life-shaping ways. During this time, they can serve Christ and advance His kingdom, deepen their biblical worldview, and develop invaluable skills in leadership, communication, and decision-making.
Additionally, Gap Year students with Nextwave have the unique opportunity to achieve college credit with select partner universities.
How does the Nextwave Gap Year work?
4 Months Stateside
The Nextwave Gap Year experience begins in the fall of a traditional school semester. Students are launched as a small team to our training center in Nashville. They are placed in the city to live among and serve the refugee people who have come to resettle here. During this 4-month period, Gap Year students receive global worker training from seasoned pastors and missionaries every week.
Fall Semester (Aug-Dec)
4 Months Overseas
Spring Semester (Jan-May)
After winter break, the experience continues as the students are deployed and placed to serve for a 4-month term alongside our ministry partners in strategic locations around the globe. During this overseas experience, Gap Year students put the training they have had to the test and assist in the effort to reach the unreached and establish Gospel-centered relationships.
Benefits of taking a Gap Year
Reliable research has shown that, on average, students who take a gap year tend to:
Achieve a higher GPA in post-secondary education than the average student.
Graduate from college in less time than the average student.
Become more likely to land a job after college than the average student.
Become more involved in on-campus extracurricular activities than the average student.
Make better decisions about their post-secondary education than the average student.
Training Content
ALPHA TRACK
Christian Character & Calling
BETA TRACK
Evangelism & Discipleship
GAMMA TRACK
Cross-Cultural Engagement
DELTA TRACK
Leadership & Team Dynamics
How does it work financially?
Students are required to raise financial support in order to participate in this unique program. In total, they will need $15,500 of which $2,500 is due by June 1st of the year they are applying to. Here is a snapshot of how that money is used in the program:
Fall Semester
Stateside Housing Expenses: $2,800
Stateside Training Expenses: $1,500
Stateside Living Expenses: $1,300
Spring Semester
Overseas Travel: $2,500
Overseas Housing: $4,400
Overseas Living: $3,000
Ready to learn more?
Download the complete info packet to get started. Then apply using the link below.