Education. Expertise. Mentorship.

Every student, family and gap year is unique.

Not everyone has the same goals, needs the same support, or has the same budget. The pandemic brings with it additional considerations (see our COVID-19 Resources). That's why we offer 3 tiers of service so you can choose what you need, when you need it:

Explore the Gap

Education to build a strong foundation for your gap year

Plan the Gap

Expert knowledge of quality gap year options worldwide

Bridge the Gap

Mentorship and guidance throughout the gap year

Green, circular J2 logo on opaque background

Explore the Gap ~ $600

Learn how to plan a fulfilling and intentional gap year! Sharing our 25 years of experience we - Jane and Jason - guide you through the process and strategies that are fundamental to planning a successful gap year: setting goals, establishing a budget, assessing safety and researching gap year opportunities. By the end of this gap year planning master class, you will know your gap year vision and have the tools to achieve it. Join a cohort of other gap-bound students, or work independently.

Jane and Jason on a Zoom call from their van

Can’t make the live workshops or have an expedited timeframe? All workshops are recorded, and a self-paced option is available. Want more support after Explore the Gap? Add-on Plan the Gap whenever you are ready.

At-a-Glance

  • 4 gap year planning workshops

  • A 55-page J2Guidebook of gap year worksheets, tips, strategies and resources

  • Monthly start dates with a gap cohort

  • Self-paced option if you prefer to work at your own pace and timeframe

  • Cost: $600 per student

  • Add-on Plan the Gap (+$900) anytime

Who is this good for?

  • Students who want to learn how to plan an intentional gap year

  • Those who need to maximize their gap year budget

  • Parents who want their gapper to gain skills and confidence

  • Students looking for group and independent experiences

  • Families who are unsure about the gap year and want a foundational education

Enroll in Explore the Gap
Green, circular J2 logo on opaque background

Plan the Gap ~ $1,500

Many families want personalized, reputable program recommendations to help them meet their gap year goals. Plan the Gap includes: Explore the Gap (above), one-on-one planning meetings with your gap year counselor, and cohort workshops during the gap year to support you at important transitions between your programs and placements. In your one-on-one meetings, you and your counselor will create a gap year plan with specific, high quality, vetted opportunities.

Jason with a young client

Our recommendations are tailored to your specific interests, needs and budget - we do not take commissions from any programs. Want more support after Plan the Gap? Add-on Bridge the Gap any time during your year.

At-A-Glance

  • 4 gap year planning workshops + J2Guidebook (Explore the Gap, above)

  • 3 hours of one-on-one meetings to personalize program referrals and action plans

  • 3 workshops (pre-departure, mid-year and re-entry) to facilitate these transitions

  • Unlimited research & email between meetings

  • Cost: $1,500 per student (10+ hours of support)

  • Add-on Bridge the Gap (+$500) anytime

Who is this good for?

  • Students looking for 1/2 year support (either the fall OR spring semester)

  • Students having trouble identifying the right gap year opportunities

  • Families that don’t have enough time to thoroughly research options

  • Those wanting to pursue several interests and activities during their gap year

  • Families who value a continued connection with Jane and Jason

Enroll in Plan the Gap
Green, circular J2 logo on opaque background

Bridge the Gap ~ $2,000

Our most comprehensive service, Bridge the Gap is ideal for students who have multiple goals and/ or who want a longer-term mentor to support them throughout their gap year. Bridge the Gap includes our signature gap year training Explore the Gap (above); individual planning meetings, program recommendations and workshops from Plan the Gap (above); and now an additional 3 hours of one-on-one calls for students to continue their work with Jane or Jason for ongoing support.

Jane meeting with a student outside

These sessions can be used at any time during your gap year so you can make the most of our guidance - including new ideas, program options and mentorship - when you really need it.

At-A-Glance

  • 4 gap year planning workshops + J2Guidebook (Explore the Gap, above)

  • 3 hours of one-on-one meetings for program referrals and action plans (Plan the Gap, above)

  • 3 workshops to facilitate transitions between programs (Plan the Gap, above)

  • 3 additional hours with your J2Guide for ongoing program research and mentorship

  • Unlimited research & email between meetings

  • Cost: $2,000 per student (13+ hours of support)

Who is this good for?

  • Students pursuing three or more activities in their gap year

  • Those who haven’t planned their entire gap year before they launch

  • Students who want strategies and resources for a highly customized gap year

  • Families that value continued support for their gapper throughout the year

  • Those that want a comprehensive gap year counseling service at an affordable rate

Enroll in Bridge the Gap
Green, circular J2 logo on opaque background

J2Guides is a comprehensive gap year counseling organization that provides: fundamental gap year planning strategies, expertly curated program referrals, and personalized student mentoring.

Think of us as college counselors for your gap year.

We do:

draw out your unique interests and parameters, create a strategy and timeline for your plan, identify possible matches, and coach you along the way.

We do not:

book travel, submit applications, make payments, give medical advice, offer visa support, do college advising, or help with job placements.

Want more information before enrolling?

Contact Us

Jane and Jason worked closely with my son to plan his gap year. Their approach was incredibly effective from both the parent and student perspective. J2Guides shepherded my son through this stressful and complicated process of figuring out his best course of action after he graduated from high school. Jane and Jason are patient, kind, realistic, thoughtful, thorough, and incredibly passionate about their work. We initially thought we might be able to navigate this ourselves just using the internet, and we were incredibly wrong. These two are professionals worth their weight in gold and they truly made this process so much more enjoyable for the whole family! We could not have asked for a better experience or outcome.

Tammy S.

Parent of 2020-2021 Gapper
Scroll to Top