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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.

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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

Nominate a Student

Nominate a student, friend, or family member for a free one-hour consultation and a $100 discount on gap year planning services with GlobalLife Education Consulting. Provide the opportunity for expert gap year guidance by submitting your nomination here.

Nominate now