Can work be a motivation in itself?

What should be the parameters for choosing my career… Money? Fame?

Do I want to compete or relate?

Who decides for me – the trend, marks, parents, social pressures or myself?

What are the options for my future?

Do I study/work only for 'success', or for the joy of knowing?

Have I ever really explored my Self?

In today’s society, education has been reduced to competing for the highest marks and gaining entry into top universities. The decision about one’s future and one’s career has been reduced to whatever happens to be the trend at that time and to whatever one expects will bring money and respect. As a result, the pressure on everyone has become overwhelming, with no time and space to actually discover themselves and what lifestyle and work will truly bring them happiness. The idea that the work they do could actually be a source of happiness and meaningfulness has often been lost. The Gap Year College is an attempt to create spaces and opportunities that fill that void by offering guidance on how to think, not what to think.

Why a Gap Year College?

To understand one’s aim in life before making important decisions

To be able to learn and explore without any external pressures (i.e. marks, parents, competition, etc.) – to explore for the thirst of knowing
To be introduced to a diverse range of options for one’s future
To gain absolute confidence (based on self-worth) in the place of relative self-confidence (based on comparison)
To support the students, now and in the future to choose a career-path and life-style that is satisfying and decided on their own right
To explore and understand the Self (and body), family/friends, society, nature, and existence; and the relationship that one has with all of these various levels; and how to live accordingly
To gain a range of empowering skills and to develop a high level of critical thinking.

What is Gap Year College?

Co-educational and residential program for youth.
Structured around a non-religious, rational understanding of life.
Opportunity to hone a wide range of functional competencies: verbal, logical, kinaesthetic, and interpersonal.
Courses on philosophy, ontology, lateral thinking, cultural studies, literature, language, music, and arts.
Inclusive of classroom sessions, dialogues, readings and films, hands-on training, fieldwork, seminars, interactions, exposure trips, and personal exploration.
Access to a very wide range of prominent mentoring personalities from across the nation.
Preparation for excellence in almost any field of human endeavour.

When?

From May 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009.

Where? ........ map

In the majestic foothills of the Himalayas, near Kempty village, approximately 12 km away from Mussoorie.

For Whom?

Anyone above the age of 18 who has passed a minimum of High School.