Gap Programs
Gap is for Exploring Traveling Learning Growing
Take a moment for you—learn a language, intern abroad, or simply explore somewhere new. Gap students participate in CET’s college programs abroad or virtually.
Explore Programs for Gap Students
CET Beijing
In this intensive language program, study Chinese for 20 hours per week with some of the best teachers in the field. Uphold a full-time language pledge, have one-on-one sessions with an instructor, and even take on theme-based weeks of focused practice. Live with a Chinese roommate, experience local culture outside of the classroom through activities and excursions, and explore beyond Beijing on program sponsored trips in fall, spring, and summer.
CET Japan
Designed to maximize your language progress, fall and spring terms cover at least a full year of university-level Japanese in this intensive language program. Based in Osaka, you live in a furnished sharehouse with local roommates, take on out-of-class projects, and practice your language skills interviewing locals. Weekend trips and group excursions take you and your roommates off the tourist map throughout the term.
CET Jordan
With rigorous courses in both Modern Standard Arabic and Jordanian dialect, language partners, and the choice of a full-time or limited language pledge, this program provides just the context to improve your Arabic fluency by leaps and bounds. You can also choose to volunteer or complete an internship and test your language skills in a professional environment. At the end of the term, take an official Oral Proficiency Interview, perfect for adding to a résumé or college application. Excursions throughout Jordan give you abundant opportunities to experience the diversity and vibrancy of Arab culture.
CET Shanghai
If you’re looking for a gap destination to explore your interests, try new things, and contemplate what’s next for you, look no further than Shanghai. This global city boasts a rich local history and culture, and an endless amount of opportunities to explore. Plus, a Chinese language class and local roommate help you make the most of your time in the city. After a gap in Shanghai, you’ll leave feeling ready to take on whatever is next.
Note: Due to local visa regulations, gap students cannot choose to conduct an internship while in Shanghai.
CET Siena
Whether you choose one or two semesters' worth of Italian, in Siena you have the chance to practice the language every day—in class, with your Italian roommate or host family, or just out in the city at a market or café. On the semester program, opt for a volunteer placement that matches your interests, including opportunities to teach English at a local school, help out at a youth home for migrants and refugees, or assist the local volunteer ambulance group. Siena has so much to offer—explore Tuscany, take a cooking class, or experience the famous local event of the summer: the centuries-old Palio horse race.
CET Taiwan
Offering access to intensive Chinese language curriculum, small class sizes, and immersive local opportunities, your gap time in Taipei will result in significant critical language gains. With Taiwanese roommates that bring language and culture into your home life, as well as a location that balances life in the city with quick getaways to nature, it won’t be long before Taipei feels like your new home away from home.
Why Gap with CET?
CET Academic Programs is a study abroad organization that has been developing and operating innovative educational programs abroad since 1982. Originally “China Educational Tours,” CET began operations in Beijing, later expanding to other locations around the world. Today, CET offers a varied portfolio of semester, summer, and customized programs around the world for college, high school, and gap year students. Learn more about our history.
CET programs prioritize meaningful local connections and engaging immersion opportunities. From local roommates and language partners to excursions and internship placements, we aim to give you a well-rounded experience with insider-access to the local culture. Learn more about the roommate program here.
Study alongside college students from universities throughout the US. Benefit from academically rigorous curriculum and dedicated instructors that use the city as your classroom. Learn more about our commitment to academics here.
Your health and safety is our number one priority.Each program is managed by at least one resident staff member who speaks the local language fluently and has previous experience living in the region. Overseas staff members undergo a thorough and ongoing training which includes instruction and guidance for the prevention and management of on-site emergencies. Read more about our approach to student support and comprehensive risk management strategies.
More than Forty Years of Experience
CET Academic Programs is a study abroad organization that has been developing and operating innovative educational programs abroad since 1982. Originally “China Educational Tours,” CET began operations in Beijing, later expanding to other locations around the world. Today, CET offers a varied portfolio of semester, summer, and customized programs around the world for college, high school, and gap year students. Learn more about our history.
Thoughtful Program Design
CET Academic Programs is a study abroad organization that has been developing and operating innovative educational programs abroad since 1982. Originally “China Educational Tours,” CET began operations in Beijing, later expanding to other locations around the world. Today, CET offers a varied portfolio of semester, summer, and customized programs around the world for college, high school, and gap year students. Learn more about our history.
College-Level Academics
CET Academic Programs is a study abroad organization that has been developing and operating innovative educational programs abroad since 1982. Originally “China Educational Tours,” CET began operations in Beijing, later expanding to other locations around the world. Today, CET offers a varied portfolio of semester, summer, and customized programs around the world for college, high school, and gap year students. Learn more about our history.
Robust Student Support and Risk Management
Gap Student Alumni
Clara | CET beijing
“Do a gap program! […] The most intimidating situations are often the ones that end up being the most rewarding, especially when it comes to language and cultural experiences.” Read the rest of Clara’s reflection on her gap program.
Anna | CET beijing
“[CET] taught me to be more open minded, more willing to try new things, and more capable of figuring things out, things I would never have learned from a strictly in-class or non-immersive experience. I also made incredible memories from the good times and the not-so-perfect moments. For anyone thinking about studying a language in college, the CET program is perfect. It offers a realistic experience of what college-level language rigor looks like, tips and tricks for learning and studying a language, and an incredible travel opportunity to mix with different cultures and adjust to new places.”
Grace | CET Jordan
Check out some of Grace’s blog posts during her summer in Amman, Jordan:
Program Eligibility
CET welcomes applications from gap students who will be 18 or older at the time of program participation (or earlier, in some cases, due to visa requirements). Students must have a high school diploma and generally a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher. However, admissions decisions are made holistically, on a case-by-case basis, so students with lower GPAs are encouraged to apply.
We believe in making study abroad accessible to all students. We recruit and actively support academically qualified students of all races, religions, origins, abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations. Learn more about the application process.
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Connect with us!
Students and Families: Have questions about CET or how to get started? Need advice in choosing which program would be best for you? We’re here to help!
Educators, Gap Counselors, and Education Consultants: Know a student who might benefit from taking gap time with CET? We welcome your referrals. Learn more about our work with high schools.