HMI Gap Semesters unite outdoor adventure, environmental service, and leadership development on an unforgettable journey to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring places. Our students realize their full potential to thrive as engaged citizens of the world by exploring with intention.
Traverse Semesters
- Backpacking, rock climbing, white water rafting, and backcountry skiing
- Conservation and environmental service
- Based in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona
- 80 days
- Spring and Fall programming
Trek Semesters
- Backpacking and wilderness travel
- Conservation and environmental service
- Based in Colorado, Utah, and Patagonia
- 80 days
- Spring and Fall programming
Rock Semesters
- Rock climbing and backpacking
- Conservation and environmental service
- Based in Colorado, Utah, and Patagonia
- 80 days
- Fall programming only
Recent Gap blog posts
Rocks and Gap!
Gap Spring Trek ’24 Written by: Rowan I found childlike joy in the NPI! In between glaciology classes, I was really into rocks. Like in the way my five year old nephew is obsessed with Paw Patrol and racing cars,
Cerro Castillo Gap Spring Trek
Gap Spring Trek ’24 Written by: Sara Dear Cerro Castillo National Park, Somewhere in Chilean Patagonia while I was backpacking and camping with my friends, you taught me things. The type of knowledge that goes beyond academics made me grow
An Ode to Fear and Gratitude: The Futa Flexpedition
Spring Trek 2024 Written by: Arman There are two ways to ‘be’ in Spanish: ‘Ser’ and ‘Estar’. They represent the permanence and the impermanence of the states of being. As someone who has been afraid of so many things, Spanish
Research shows that students who take a gap year:
Have a higher college GPA
Are more likely to graduate in 4 years
Arrive at college more emotionally and socially prepared to succeed
For a comprehensive overview of the latest research and data on gap year benefits visit the Gap Year Association’s Data & Benefits page.
HMI Gap Awards & Accreditation
