Parents of Gap Year DC

[wondabar]

My DD is about to go to Oz and Asia on her Gap Year and will then start uni in September 2026. I can’t find any groups or chats for parents in a similar situation. Would be great if someone could point me in the right direction of any groups as I’d love to share questions regarding types of backpacks, required money per week etc.

DD is taking a gap year starting Uni in 2026 and has just returned last night from a month Interrailing, backpacking across Europe with one of her best friends who is also on a gap year. She plans to work now until Jan/Feb and then go to SE Asia. She may also do Camp Canada next year although I am secretly hoping she won't.

I think this is a great growth experience for her prior to leaving the nest next September, I can already see huge changes in her after a month in hostels and having to independently make her way across Europe.

IS your DD travelling alone or with friends?

My YP had a gap year last year - great experience. We would really recommend Osprey backpacks. He had one that's small enough to fit under the seat in front on the plane, and one larger.

May I join in here? I have two DC in Y13, one of whom is planning to to go directly to uni and one who is planning a gap year.

For the DD intending to take a gap year, her main motivation is to experience living abroad, narrow down her choices for uni and improve her French. She has had an interview with an au pair agency who are certain they will be able to place her in or near Paris and provide a visa, which is appealing for her. Another option is ti go to Montréal or Quebec City and work in a café or similar (we are dual Canadian citizens, so she can work freely there).

It's important to her to have access to an art scene, as she's planning a creative degree and wants to take some art classes while abroad (ot sure yet if leaning into product/furniture design, jewellery designer or a straight fine arts degree). Maybe aome French cookery classes as well.

I'm really not sure how to advise her on this, but I feel like it's ger first major decision as an adult so it may be best if she takes the reins. France is obviously closer, and makes weekend visits home possible But my DM is in Canada and would be accessible if need be, so that's reassuring.

It sounds like she's already pretty sorted @temperedolive with some good ideas and pushing doors. We found with our YP our advice was superfluous... Until the phone call at the end of the first week asking questions about using a launderette 😂

@temperedolive I suspect as Canadians yourselves, you'll know there's going to be a lot more art scene in Paris, then Montreal than there is in Quebec City. Also QC is a tiny place and deeply conservative / racist.

Oh can I join! Ds went to NZ 3 weeks ago for a sports program. He is reapplying to uni this year. He has a lovely place to stay but is struggling to find a job.

@MyOtherProfile That's a very good point! She's being very proactive and I'm rather impressed with her organizational skills. The au pair agency has officially accepted her, so she's preparing her profile and has signed up for first-aider training in order to be a more desirable candidate.

@Talkaboutcats Actually, I haven't lived in Canada for ovet 20 years and I'm from Saskatchewan, so your insight is very valuable and deeply appreciated. I do love Montreal and consider it a world-class city, but I'm far less familiar with QC, so thank you very much for bringing that to my attention.