Live a global life
wherever you are

Stashia

Marion

Marion Taylor and Stashia Kaiel combined their 65+ years of experience during 2022-2023 to offer students and families guidance in designing customized gap experiences.

GlobalLife Education Consulting is now continuing the integrity and values of Taylor the Gap with the added touch of GlobalLife Education Consulting services. Based in the West, Stashia works with students of all ages, orientations, abilities, and economic backgrounds from across the country and abroad.

Students most successful in their transition to college and beyond have been prepared to live in our increasingly diverse world.

Focus on yourself

Get to know Stashia’s journey

A GAP YEAR IN A SPANISH COUNTRY

Stashia initially intended to take a gap year in a Spanish speaking country after high school, but abandoned the plan due to safety concerns, limited options, and inadequate guidance. Instead, she hastily chose a university to attend, resulting in a challenging first year & a persistent sense of not being in the ideal educational environment.

GAP SEMESTER

After transferring to a more suitable university, Stashia had the opportunity to design an independent customizable program in Spain during her junior year. This transformative “gap semester” sparked her passion for international education, leading her to become the Assistant Director of Study Abroad at Gonzaga University.

JOURNEY OF A FOUNDER

She now also serves as the founder of GlobalLife Education Consulting, where she provides educational opportunities and resources to high school and college students worldwide, aiming to offer crucial guidance during the transition from high school to college.

TRAVELING TO 18 COUNTRIES

Stashia has lived in South Korea and Spain, and has traveled to 18 countries across three continents for both leisure and work. She shares her life with a partner who is passionate about soccer, and together they have two daughters, one currently in college and the other in high school.

What’s a Gap Year?

A gap year or semester is commonly known as a post-secondary opportunity typically experienced between high school and college or career, between college terms, or after college.

This period of self-exploration includes a profound list of benefits which includes instilling confidence, focus, and motivation for future career and educational pursuits.

Gap Year Services Include

  •  An initial assessment of students’ passions and interests based on an online questionnaire completed by the student
  • Evaluation of Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) for suitability
    Vetting of and matching with both domestic and international gap programs
  • Vetting of and matching with both domestic and international gap programs
  • Referrals to former program alumni
  • Sharing of funding resources
  • Communications with gap program staff
  • Required registration with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)
  • Mentorship and support services,
  • Regular OSAC alerts throughout the gap experience
  • Mid and end-of-year evaluations
  • Transition post-gap

It is important to note that GlobalLife Education Consulting does not accept remuneration from any gap program provider so as to avoid conflict of interest and impropriety, and provides need-based financial discounts upon request.

International and U.S. gap year opportunities include:

    Volunteer & Community Service

    Academic &
    Post-Grad Study
    Work &
    Internships
    Travel & Community Immersion
    Environmental & Conservation Program
    Outdoor Wilderness & Adventure Programs

    In carrying out gap consulting services, GlobalLife Education Consulting honors and values the diversity of all people, regardless of age, culture, ability, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.

    Scholarships are available! Please review our scholarships here.

    Gap Benefits

    Benefits of a gap experience that are student-driven:

    Recharge

    Redirect

    Explore

    Take initiative

    Volunteer

    Gain Empathy

    Gain self-awareness

    Develop leadership

    Enjoy Independence

    Learn a language

    Master life skills

    Make new friendships

    Services and Fees

    GlobalGapper Semester

    $800

    • Free initial consultation
    • Exploratory Sessions
    • Set Goals and Budget
    • Research semester program options with vetted recommendations
    • Application and Interview Guidance for gap programs
    • Financial, Fundraising, and Scholarship Guidance
    • College Deferral Process Guidance, if applicable
    • Pre-Departure Planning (Budget, Safety & Health, Travel)
    • Ongoing Mentor Support duration of gap semester experience
    • Interview and evaluation at mid-point and at completion of gap semester experience
    • Assistance with adaptation of gap semester experiences into CV/resume

    GlobalGapper Full Year

    $1,200

    • Free initial consultation
    • Exploratory Sessions
    • Set Goals and Budget
    • Research year program options with vetted recommendations
    • Application and Interview Guidance for gap programs
    • Financial, Fundraising, and Scholarship Guidance
    • College Deferral Process Guidance, if applicable
    • Pre-Departure Planning (Budget, Safety & Health, Travel)
    • Ongoing Mentor Support duration of gap year experience
    • Interview and evaluation at mid-point and at completion of gap year experience
    • Assistance with adaptation of gap year experiences into CV/resume

    GlobalGapper + GlobalSeeker

    $3,000

    Everything listed for GlobalGapper Semester or GlobalGapper Year PLUS the following:

    • Parent Collaboration and Communication Plan
    • Aptitudes, Interests, and Career Interest Planning
    • High School Course Planning and Selection
    • Resume creation and guidance
      College Guidance (search, list, & applications)
    • Essay & Supplemental Questions Support
    • Financial Aid and Scholarship Guidance
    • Preparation for Campus Visits and Admission Interviews
    • First Year of College Transition Support

    All consultation services are non-refundable unless extenuating circumstances exist and agreed by advisor.

    Scholarships

    Marion Taylor Scholarship: This scholarship is in honor of Marion Taylor, Founder of Taylor the Gap, based in Boulder, Colorado.  Applicants must be a resident of Colorado to be eligible to apply.  Full and partial scholarships available.

    Inland Northwest Scholarship:  This scholarship is to help increase the gap year movement in the Inland Northwest.  Applicants must be a resident of Eastern Washington or Northern Idaho.  Full and partial scholarships available.

    Western States Scholarship:  This scholarship is to help continue the gap year movement in the West. Applicants must be a resident of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming. Full and partial scholarships available.

    GlobalRepresent Scholarship: This scholarship is to increase access to gap year opportunities for students who are underrepresented. Full and partial scholarships available.

    Essential Eligibility Criteria

    This is a general and broad list of suitability criteria for students seeking to
    take a gap year. The qualifications provide a standard by which gap students
    understand the full extent of the physical, mental, and emotional challenges
    presented with any gap experience. Most gap programs have specific guidelines required.

    Mental Health

     

    • Student should be able to care for self in the way of health, nutrition, hydration, sleep, allergies, stress, and personal hygiene
    • Full transparency regarding mental health status is required on both the GlobalLife Education Consulting assessment form, as well as that on a specific gap program
    • Willingness to seek and provide recommendation from current/past therapist
    • Open mind, self aware, and curious

    Safety and Risk Mitigation

    • Sound judgment to identify risks, hazards, and dangers-physical terrain, rough waters or tides, dangerous animals, traffic concerns
    • Ability to recognize unsafe team member’s behavior or of self due to stress, sickness, behavior
    • Ability to handle and respond to stressful situations and unfamiliar settings such as home stays, different food and customs, medical emergencies, dangerous conditions or disasters (earthquake, mudslide), necessary evacuations

    Ethical Behavior

     

    • Abide by cultural norms and behavior that is culturally appropriate
    • Be a team member and respect differences
    • Be responsible for own belongings at all times
    • Be able to travel and navigate independently