Education gap year exchange students

EDUCATION GAP YEAR EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Are you interested in studying in the U.S. for a semester or academic year? Want to improve your English or study abroad to experience American culture? Elgin Community College offers study abroad opportunities for international students looking to spend a semester or academic year in the U.S. We also offer short-term (four weeks to one year) Intensive English programs that can help you improve your English.
Exchange Students
exchange students
Elgin Community College has many international partnerships with foreign colleges, universities, and other institutions of learning. Students from these institutions may come to study at ECC for one or two semesters as an exchange student on an F-1 student visa. Exchange students must complete the regular F-1 admissions process and submit all required documents.
Students applying for admission as an F-1 student must be at least 17 years old by the anticipated program start date. Students coming to ECC as an exchange students must be nominated and supported by their home institution. A high school diploma (or equivalent) is not required for admission; however, students must have completed at least 11 years of secondary education (equivalent to junior-level standing in high school). Students must meet all international admissions requirements as outlined in the International Student Application.
An exchange student’s home institution determines the articulation of credit from ECC. ECC is not responsible for exchange students who may not be eligible for certain classes based on placement testing or English language proficiency. Questions regarding the transfer of credit from ECC to an exchange student’s home institution should be directed to the student’s home institution. Course descriptions are available online at elgin.edu/catalog.
Exchange students are strongly encouraged to participate in the International Student Homestay Program to ensure housing placement. Cultural activities and student activities on campus are open to all exchange students.
Gap Year
Students collaborating over a computer
A gap year is a popular option for many international students where you study abroad for a year between the completion of secondary education (high school) and college/university. A gap year is attractive to many students who desire to experience American culture and higher education on a short-term basis.
Students interested in studying abroad at ECC for a gap year should review the requirements for admission. Please note in your application your intended program of study and how long you plan to study in the U.S. (one semester minimum for college-level academic courses; the four-week minimum for the Intensive English Program). We encourage you to review the application deadlines and short-term certificate programs eligible for the Form I-20. Many courses may require minimum competencies or prerequisites; placement into a desired course is not guaranteed. What is a Gap Year?
A gap year is a year spent taking time off between life stages. An increasingly popular option, it provides time for traveling, volunteering, learning a new language, or experiencing any number of other activities for personal growth. Typically, students take a gap year after graduating from high school and before attending college.
Why Take a Gap Year?
While there are many compelling reasons to take a gap year, one of the most common is the opportunity for students to explore their interests and develop a purpose for their future. Students can take a break from intense coursework and focus on enriching life experiences.
Whether they spend the year traveling, volunteering, working, or all three, students who have completed a gap year are often revitalized for their return to the academic world the following year. According to David Hawkins, director of public policy and research at the National Association for College Admission Counseling, taking a gap year …could actually help students succeed in college, since participants may be more focused, mature, and motivated for their undergraduate experience.
Many students also find that their gap year allows them to help others. For students choosing to spend the year volunteering abroad, some of the benefits include
Enlightening cultural exchange between the student and inhabitants of the host country
Making a real difference in the lives of the people of developing countries
The chance to make a positive impact on the environment.
Gap Year Options
There are no rules when it comes to taking a gap year, so the possibilities are truly endless. Luckily, there are organizations that specialize in helping students organize their adventures. For example, some companies assist with everything from finding a host family, to setting up the volunteer project, to taking care of meals and travel insurance.

Areas of focus students may choose from for their gap year activities include:

Animals
Archaeology
Business
Conservation
Education
Healthcare
Human Rights
Journalism
Sports
Things to Consider
As exciting as a year off before college may sound, there are several important issues to consider before embarking on a gap year.
Whether to individually design a program or use the resources of an established organization—The freedom and independence of a self-designed program may appeal to some, but turning to one of the experienced providers can help alleviate logistical and safety concerns.
Planning for college—Students who apply for college during their senior year of high school can defer enrollment for a year, so they'll already have their place secured and can easily start classes upon completing the gap year.
Students who weren't happy with the results of their college applications might choose to take a gap year to improve their test scores, develop a skill or reassess their list of target schools
Participating in a college bridge year program—While the gap year concept has only recently gained momentum in the United States, some colleges, including Princeton University and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, offer fellowship programs for incoming students to defer their start date and experience new opportunities abroad.