Your guide to gap year consultants

Planning a gap year is exciting, but it can be hugely time-consuming and finding the perfect opportunities can be confusing. Remove the leg work when choosing a gap year company, program or destination and use the services of a gap year consultant.

What is a gap year consultant?

A gap year consultant is a travel expert who will spend time getting to know you, your plans and your dreams for your gap year. They can advise on where you can go, what you can do and how you can do it. They can help you with the planning stage and leave you to book everything, they can work alongside you to arrange elements, or they can even book everything for you.

What are the benefits of a gap year consultant?

At The Gap Year Hub we’ve spoken to thousands of gappers, and everyone has their own way of planning their gap year. Here are some of the reasons why many of the travellers we’ve supported love using gap year consultants:

  • They make it easier, quicker and less stressful to plan a gap year.
  • While they normally charge a fee, gap year consultants often help you to save money in other areas.
  • A gap year consultancy will know about current travel rules and regulations.
  • You can normally speak to them during a free initial consultation, so you can get a feel for the way they can support you with your gap year.
  • They can help you select the right gap year program if you are struggling to decide.
  • You can often secure an internship or placement in the area you are interested in with the help of a gap year consultant.
  • They can ensure you maximise your time away and that everything you do meets your own personal gap year objectives.
  • When you are on your trip your consultant may provide ongoing support, gap year advice and assistance, giving you reassurance when you are travelling.

Do I need a gap year consultant?

A gap year consultancy is an excellent choice if you want a bit of support with the planning or booking stages of your trip, or if you want to include any complex elements. They are also a very useful source of knowledge if you’re not sure what you want to do, or if you have heaps of ideas, and need help to whittle them down.

We’re outlined some of the benefits of gap year consultants in our handy blog, titled ‘why you should use a gap year consultant’.

Find a gap year consultant

Below we’ve included some of The Gap Year Hub’s favourite gap year consultants, who can share their expertise and gap year advice to help you plan your perfect trip:

Center for interim programs logo

Center for Interim Programs is the oldest gap year consulting service.

Enroute consulting logo

Since 2008, EnRoute Consulting has provided gap year counseling to families across the USA and beyond.

Explorientation coaches school-leavers by curating a gap year so that it really reflects and nurtures  personal interests, enhances personal growth and offers diverse experiences.

Finito is passionate about helping first-time job hunters make the transition from education to employment.

Free to Roam Adventures curates custom gap year experiences, designed to match your unique interests and budget.

Helping students increase college success by planning transformative gap years based on life skills and real world learning.

Stashia Kaiel offers students and families guidance in designing customized gap experiences.

J2 Guides logo

Jane & Jason Sarouhan, Professional Gap Year consultants who will guide you on your Gap Year journey.

Talk to Milly, who heads up the Leap VIP Gap Year Consulting. Find out where you can go, what you can do and all the admin required to navigate pandemic travel.

Through one-to-one coaching and courses Rachel supports school leavers, graduates and early career changers to find career direction, stand out to employers and believe in themselves.

SEEC is an organization which helps students design gap year, college sabbatical, and study abroad experiences.

Studie-wijs logo

Kitty Wijsman-Vreijsen in The Hague has been advising young people for 30 years on educational and gap year issues.


Weg-wijs logo

Weg-Wijs, based in The Netherlands, advises young people and their parents on education options and gap years.

Younique Education profiler logo

Veronique Standaert helps curious minds find the best path for their educational pursuits in Belgium and abroad.