What is a university preparatory year?
The concept of a university preparatory year, or "Gap Year" in English, is a program already well-developed in many countries. After the CESS or the BAC, or after obtaining their first degree, many English, German, and American students decide to dedicate a year to their personal development.
A gap year to grow and gain perspective
This year can take many forms and should be viewed as an investment in your professional future.
At Study Experience, we specialize in organizing university preparatory years. We offer a selection of programs worldwide.
Discuss your plans for a university preparatory year with an advisor
A preparatory year at university: different possible formats:
a semester or a year of university preparation with a focus on language
This program is for students who have just finished their final year of secondary school (B) and who want to improve their language skills before starting their higher education (in a foreign language). Many options are available. Here are a few examples:
- General or academic English courses at UCD English Language Academy in Dublin, programme eligible for a Plan Langues scholarship.
- English courses + university subjects at Chichester College (south coast of England), program eligible for a Plan Langues scholarship
- Spanish courses at theUniversity of Alicante
- and so many others
hybrid gap year
A year of this type can be done at all levels of study and the concept is ultimately very simple: combining language courses and academic courses.
Study Experienxe offers you the chance to live ayear on a university campus, experiencing the rhythm of local student life. Alongside any English courses you may take, you'll have access to all the university's facilities and can participate in all the student associations and clubs. If your English level is sufficient, you'll also have the opportunity to take academic courses of your choice with local students.
Study Experience offers many programs of this type; in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Some examples:
- “Study Abroad” program at Chichester College (south coast of England)
- Gap Year at ILAC Toronto or Vancouver (1 semester of English courses + 1 semester at university or college) or English courses + professional training
- Gap Year in the USA with Converse International School of Languages in San Diego
- and others
Gap year: Courses + Company Internship
Another way to structure your gap year: focus on your CV and professional background by combining a period of English courses with a company internship.
In partnership with certain schools, Study Experience has developed tailor-made programs to allow students to take academic courses and have the guarantee of a quality internship in a company.
One of the flagship programs is the one offered by the ILAC school in Canada. After the first academic semester, the school guarantees you a paid internship for the remainder of your studies.
To learn more about our course + internship programs, please feel free to contact one of our advisors !
University preparation, known as "Foundation Year"
For students who have completed secondary school, we offer university preparation years, also known as " Foundation Year ." The benefits of this type of year vary from student to student. It can be a way to improve language skills before entering university; it can also be a year during which you can take a step back and reflect on your future academic path. It's a time to mature and consider the studies you will pursue.
