Join the HDC from abroad

An action packed gap year in the USA

Travel in America. Find your people. Dive into yourself.

LOCATED IN WESTERN COLORADO, USA

THE HIGH DESERT CENTER GAP YEAR PROGRAM WELCOMES STUDENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Our programs blend people from the U.S.A. and people from all over. We work with our international students as they figure out their visas, flights, documentation, and anything else that comes up when joining an overseas gap year program in the U.S. Each year about 1/3 of our group is comprised of international students.

Our international students take advantage of their new friends and use those connections to explore America after the gap year program has ended. Similarly, American students love to visit their new friends in other parts of the world.

FAQ for students taking a gap year in America

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY ABOUT OUR GAP YEAR PROGRAM

a young female student is wearing red top smiling

CORI SHOOTER

Belfast, ME

When I first arrived at the High Desert Center I could never have imagined how much I would grow to love and value all those unfamiliar faces I met in the airport. I wouldn’t have even dreamed of all the laugh-till-you-can’t-breathe moments, the sense of support and excitement every time we accomplished something together, and the tears both of sadness and of joy we would all share.

A male teen student smiling wearing floral shirt outdoors in the Colorado desert

KIERAN SMITH

Nevada City, CA

If you are looking for a Gap Year program where you expect the unexpected, this is it. Be prepared for something that will change you in ways you never anticipated. This program is an amazing combination of outdoor leadership skills, emotional growth, and community building, which makes for an amazing Gap Year that could never be repeated.

WHEN DO I APPLY?

Today! We are currently accepting applications.

Have more questions:

Where will you sleep? What will you eat? What will each day look like?

Can I Afford a Gap Year in the USA?

When we ask our students why they chose us, many say words like “community,” “philosophy” or “strong recommendations.”  Another thing we commonly hear is that our programs are affordable. Read more about how the HDC offers the most affordable American gap year program out there.

Still have questions?

Please Contact Us!