The US always ranks highly on Gap Year bucket lists. Although work visas are difficult to get, it’s relatively simple to work for 4 months as a camp counsellor, one of the most rewarding GapYear jobs. Add to this contrasting, iconic cities, awesome National Parks and climates fit for year round activities. There are lots of pros to a Gap year in the US, but also some cons to be aware of.
Pros:
With a choice of 50 states, visiting the US can feel like experiencing many different countries. For example, Florida and Maine feel like polar opposites.
The American culture feels familiar due to Hollywood’s worldwide influence – although this can be a con too.
No language barrier.
Few countries offer National Parks as stunning and as varied. From the desert canyons of the South West Corner to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone and Niagara further north.
The main cities all have different defining characters, which adds variation.
Cons:
America is vast and the attractions are spread out. If you can’t afford to fly (not cheap!) the rest of the public transport network isn’t great.
Many independent travellers feel the need to self drive around the States. Apart from the chance to experience legendary highways, this is exhausting, costly and time consuming.
The familiar culture can dilute the travel experience.
The USA isn’t cheap, especially in the main cities.
It’s hard to get a working visa without going via a company.
Outside of the big cities, the choice of food is limited.
The legal drinking age is 21 in most states.
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