Often a time to kick back, vacation and visit relatives, summer is also a time to build on skills learned during the school year or to focus on enhancing a special talent or interest. Many programs, including those for ESOL students, LD students and students wanting academic support, balance specialized instruction with recreational activities. World Student Support can also assist families looking for summer camps for the academically gifted, students with a special talents or interest, students with developmental delays or students looking for welcoming and enjoyable recreational experiences.

Considered a rite of passage in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, the US is beginning to catch on to the Gap Year. Princeton, Harvard, Harvard, and MIT are among the growing list of colleges and universities encouraging students to take structured and meaningful time between high school and university. Students may desire a Gap Year between high school and university (and sometime between college years) to gain a more global view of the world, become fluent in a language or an expert in a subject area, pursue community service or perhaps immerse oneself in hands-on learning. Independence, self-discipline and self-confidence are just a few of the character building benefits of Gap Years.

Gap Year programs run from rugged and independent to those more structured with supervision. Some offer college credit (though one must be sure that the credit will transfer). World Student Support has visited and interviewed many programs and will assist student in finding a Gap Year program that meets their individual goals.