Gap year with Kaplan: how to plan a year abroad studying English

A well-planned gap year may be the turning point that was missing in your trajectory. For those who want to use this period for a clear purpose, studying English at a school like Kaplan International abroad is one of the most structured choices that exist. You leave with real fluency, recognized certification, and a worldview that is not learned in a conventional classroom.

This article is a practical guide for those considering this decision. Here you will understand what a gap year with Kaplan is, what programs make sense for this proposal, how to organize planning in stages, and what to expect from day to day in one of the available destinations.

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What is a gap year and why study English during that period?

Gap year is a deliberate period outside the conventional academic or professional route. It can happen between high school and university, between graduation and the labor market, or any time a person decides to pause to intentionally invest in themselves.

The problem with many gap years is the lack of structure. Without a clear objective, the period dissolves without concrete results. Studying English with a long-term program such as those offered by Kaplan solves just that: you have a routine, level progression, measurable goals, and a certificate at the end.

To understand how long it takes to go from your current level to the advanced level in real immersion, it's worth reading: Exchange for learning English: how long from basic to advanced?

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What Kaplan programs work for a gap year?

Kaplan has a specific line for those who want to study English for long periods. They are the most suitable programs for those who plan to spend six months to a year abroad.

Long-Term English

Kaplan's long-running English program is designed for those who want more than a brush stroke of language. The workload is up to 20 hours per week, with progression by level over the months. The student starts where he is and progresses consistently.

It is the most suitable program for those who want real fluency at the end of the gap year.

Academic Year Abroad

The Academic Year Abroad is the most complete version: a full academic year studying English abroad. It combines regular classes, cultural activities and, depending on the destination, the possibility of part-time work during the study period.

For those thinking of joining a university abroad later, this program can be combined with University Entry Pathway, which directly prepares students for academic admission.

General English + Exam Preparation

Another strategy used in gap years is to divide the period between a semester of general English and a semester focused on preparing for exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge. This combination is especially effective for those who need certification for immigration, employment, or university admission purposes.

The impact of this type of certificate on a professional career is concrete and measured. See more in this article: The impact of an international certificate on a professional career.

Which Kaplan destinations are ideal for a gap year?

The choice of destination defines much of what your gap year will be outside the classroom. Kaplan has schools in several countries, and each one provides a different experience.

UK

London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are the main British options. For those who want British English and a dense cultural immersion, the United Kingdom delivers both. London, in particular, is one of the most multicultural cities on the planet, which means practicing English with people of dozens of different nationalities every day.

To learn about English cities and what each one offers to international students, this article helps: Study English in England: guide to the main cities.

Canada

Vancouver and Toronto are established destinations for those who want English with a high quality of life. Canada also has a more open policy regarding working during the study period, which may make sense as part of financial planning for the gap year.

Ireland

Dublin is an alternative to the United Kingdom with British English, slightly more affordable cost of living, and smaller city energy. Ideal for those who want immersion without the stopover of a metropolis like London.

United States

New York and Boston are the main American squares. For those who have American English as their objective, whether out of affinity or professional requirement, the USA has a specific weight in the curriculum.

Germany

Kaplan offers English and German courses in Germany. For those who already have English and want to take advantage of the gap year to learn German, paving the way for job and study opportunities in the country, it's a very strategic combination.

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How to plan the gap year with Kaplan step by step?

Planning a year abroad requires organization on simultaneous fronts. Here's a realistic framework for organizing the process.

6 to 9 months before departure

This is the decision-making and information-gathering phase. Define the destination, program, and duration. Research the visa requirements for your chosen country. To understand the ideal planning schedule, this article is a good starting point: How much time in advance should I plan my exchange? Ideal schedule.

4 to 6 months ago

• Take the level test in English to confirm the appropriate program
• Solve the documentation: passport, student visa, travel insurance
• Define the accommodation (student residence, homestay or shared apartment)
• Organize financial planning for the period

2 to 3 months ago

• Confirm enrollment and school acceptance documents
• Buy the plane ticket
• Prepare the practical items: international bank account, unlocked cell phone, debit card with no foreign fees

Upon arrival

• Take the Kaplan placement test to confirm your class
• Discover the city calmly in the early days
• Establish an out-of-school routine that also involves English: series, podcasts, conversations with natives

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What to expect from the routine during a gap year studying English?

What does the typical week look like?

During the week, classes take place in the morning or afternoon, depending on the workload chosen. Kaplan offers 20 hours a week in intensive programs. Outside of school, the expectation is that the language will continue to be practiced: in part-time work, in social activities, in everyday shopping.

Is it possible to work during the gap year?

It depends on the country and the type of visa. In the United Kingdom, a student visa allows for work of up to 20 hours a week during the academic period. In Canada, there is also this possibility in certain formats. Confirm the rules of the chosen destination before including this variable in the planning.

How is it to live with other students?

Kaplan's classes are comprised of students from different countries. This means that English is the group's common language. This dynamic is one of the most effective for learning: you don't have the option of resorting to your native language, because no one around you speaks it.

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Can a gap year with English change careers?

For many people, the gap year isn't just a break. It's a repositioning. Those who are already in the labor market and use the period to achieve fluency in English leave with a different professional profile than the one they entered.

English opens up access to vacancies in multinationals, allows remote work for international companies and, in some sectors, is a prerequisite for progression. To understand which countries have the best opportunities for those who want to use the exchange as a career lever, see: Exchange to change careers: best countries.

Those who plan the gap year with this specific focus can also combine Kaplan's programs with ours Learn a Language Abroad program, which includes full enrollment support, accommodation, and pre-trip preparation.

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FAQ: frequently asked questions about gap years with Kaplan

1. What is the minimum length for a gap year with Kaplan to make sense? The long-term program starts at 6 months. For those who want concrete results in fluency, this is the recommended minimum. A full year delivers stronger results, especially for those starting at a basic or intermediate level.

2. Do I need to have advanced English to enter the long-term program? No. Kaplan groups students by level from the start. You enter the level you are at and you progress progressively. The placement test is taken upon arrival.

3. Is the Kaplan certificate accepted by international universities? Kaplan's certificate of completion of English courses is recognized globally. For university admission purposes, it is recommended to supplement with an official exam such as IELTS or Cambridge, which Kaplan's own Exam Preparation program prepares.

4. How does the UK student visa work? To study for more than 6 months in the UK, a Student Visa is required. It requires proof of enrollment in a recognized institution, proof of financial resources, and other documents. Be Easy guides you through this entire process.

5. Is it possible to do a gap year at Kaplan without having left the country before? Yes. Many students do their first long-term exchange precisely in the gap year. The process is the same: define destination, obtain documentation, organize accommodation, and board. The difference is having specialized support so that no detail goes unnoticed.

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Be Easy

Be Easy is an official partner of Kaplan International and takes care of all your gap year planning: from the choice of program and destination to guidance on visa, accommodation and pre-boarding preparation. If you want to make the best use of this period possible and leave with real English and recognized certification, contact us and let's put together the ideal itinerary for your year abroad.