Global Gap Year
Experience the world, build your career and earn university credits.
📍London, Cape Town, Paris
About the Global Gap Year
Ever wondered who you will be a year from now, what you can become? Imagine spending a year living and learning in three of the world’s most iconic cities, every destination broadening your perspective, building your confidence and preparing you for what’s next.
The year that will shape your future
The Global Gap Year is a brand-new international programme for high-school graduates who want to take a meaningful year before university rather than move straight into a foundation programme.
During this nine-month experience, you’ll get to travel across three global destinations, connect with students from around the world and earn a full first year’s worth of US college credits from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). It’s a year to expand your world, grow in confidence and build a pathway towards your university degree.
Your future doesn’t start after your gap year. It starts now.
Three cities. One transformational journey.
Why choose Global Gap Year?
Live independently across three global destinations, experiencing each one rather than simply passing through. Along the way, earn US college credits towards your degree, develop skills for your future career, and experience it all alongside like-minded individuals from around the world.
It’s more than just a year abroad. It’s a chance to experience the world, gain professional skills and share the journey with people on the same path as you.
One less thing to worry about
Your accommodation is taken care of in every destination, so you don't have to navigate the uncertainty of finding somewhere to live abroad. Included in the programme is your very own private en-suite apartment in a modern, secure residence, close to campus, where you'll live alongside other Global Gap Year students.
With 24-hour security, Wi-Fi and laundry facilities nearby, you'll have peace of mind from the moment you arrive.
9 months
Duration3 credits
For each micro-credentialExpert-led
ClassesBecome globally recognised
Graduate with an official FDU transcript that recognises your achievements and supports your future university journey.
How it works:
✔️Register: Enrol as a visiting student with FDU.
✔️Study: Complete an FDU-approved curriculum while studying abroad.
✔️Graduate: Receive an official transcript with up to 30 credits from FDU, equivalent to a US freshman year, and graduate in Paris.
A gap year with purpose
Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is a respected university in New Jersey, United States of America. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. With the Global Gap Year, you’ll earn more than just lifelong memories.
Through our partnership with FDU, you can earn 30 transferable US university credits while studying across London, Paris and Cape Town. Depending on your chosen university and programme, these credits may be eligible for transfer towards a degree.
Term 1: London
Term 2: Cape Town
Term 3: Paris
Why Bayswater
We believe international education has the power to transform lives. That’s why we create immersive learning experiences that prepare young people for university, careers and life. Through global perspectives, meaningful connections and real-world learning, we help students develop the confidence, skills and mindset to unlock their potential and discover who they can become.
Get in touch
Whether you're exploring your options or ready to apply, our experienced advisors are here to provide personalised guidance and answer any questions about the Global Gap Year. Simply complete the contact form, and we’ll be in touch.
Hear from our students
Hear from our students
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bayswater Global Gap Year?
A full academic year abroad that earns you 30 US college credits while you live and study in three of the world’s great cities: London, Cape Town and Paris. The year runs as three ten-week terms, one per city.
What makes it different?
Most study abroad keeps you in one place for a year. We give you three iconic cities, each at its best time: London in the fall, Cape Town for the southern summer, and Paris in the spring. You study alongside an international mix of students, not just other Americans, and you progress academically as you go. It is a genuine first: multi-city academic progression, deep cultural immersion, all in one structured year.
Who is it for?
High School leavers who are not ready to commit to a four-year degree, or you want time to grow and make the right choice before a major investment in your education. The Gap Year gives you that time, plus real credit, real experience and a clear route into the next stage of your higher education journey here or internationally
How is the year structured?
Three ten-week terms, one in each city. You earn 12 credits in London, 9 in Cape Town and 9 in Paris, for 30 in total. The block format lets you focus on fewer classes at once, so you have more time to explore each city and settle into college-level study. Students are also given two weeks extra to explore the country with their classmates or parents in between locations.
What is US college credit?
US credit refers to the academic credit system used by universities and colleges in the United States to measure a student's workload and progress towards a qualification.
Typically, one credit represents around one hour of classroom instruction per week over a semester, plus additional independent study. Most bachelor's degrees require around 120 credits to graduate, while master's programmes often require 30–60 credits.
For study abroad and international partnerships, US credits are commonly transferred between institutions, allowing students to earn credits at one university and apply them towards a degree at another.
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