“I will literally be a personal testimony to anyone interested. I believe in this program and I love it. It changed my life... Everyone should do this. You took us places we could never have gone alone and gotten the same meaning out of it. It was worth every penny. More experiences like this need to exist for students. THANK YOU!!!!”
A gap year is an opportunity for young adults to take a break from traditional education in order to learn more about themselves and the world, while clarifying their goals before their next step. Here are just a few reasons to take a gap year:
According to the 2015 National Alumni Survey conducted by Temple University and the Gap Year Association, students have reported real benefits from taking a gap year, particularly geared towards personal growth. Of the students surveyed, 98% of participants said their gap year helped them develop as a person, 96% found it increased their self-confidence, and 93% agreed that it increased their communications skills. Our gap programs are designed to allow participants to discover new interests and passions under the mentorship of inspiring program instructors and community leaders.
Alzar Gap’s signature program, Patagonia Exchange, runs from September to December each and explores some of the most stunning and interesting locations in South America. This gap program builds on the almost twenty years of experience Alzar has in offering leadership development programs but offers it for recent high school graduates, with the entire focus being on experiential learning. Through our accreditation with the Gap Year Association, Alzar Gap students can earn college credit for participating.
The Patagonia Exchange gap program helps you to find your place in a diverse and globalized world through outdoor adventure, authentic cultural exchange, and working with inspiring community leaders in one of the most beautiful and highly coveted adventure destinations in the world.
Ages: 18-22
Length: 79 days
Season: Fall
Fall: September 24 to December 14, 2025
Cultural exchange is at the heart of the Alzar Gap experience. Our gap students have the opportunity to engage with host families, take Spanish classes from native speakers, explore scenic towns, and learn how to live in the breathtaking Patagonian countryside from gauchos. We help students develop cultural competence and authentic relationships as we navigate the language, history and traditions of Southern Chile.
You will find ample adventure in your journey from the glaciated peaks to the pristine rivers of Chilean Patagonia. Our team of highly skilled instructors and local partners will guide you through multi-day backpacking, rafting, and whitewater kayaking experiences. At the same time, you learn the skills to plan your own exciting adventures around the world. As you gain leadership experience, you can expect to shoulder more responsibility during these expeditions, learning to pick routes, setting the daily itineraries and motivating your peers towards a common goal.
You are not required to have experience backpacking or kayaking before you join us. We would love to teach you! Each semester is a mix of students with varying experience levels in the outdoors, which promotes peer leadership and collaboration. There is no shortage of opportunities to push yourself and explore one of the most beautiful adventure destinations in the world!
During the Alzar Gap experience, students have the option to earn college credits through our relationship with the Gap Year Association and the University of Montana. All of our college credit opportunities are entirely optional and designed to add depth and value to your Alzar Gap experience.
As we travel through Patagonia, you will have the opportunity to meet and work alongside inspiring community leaders that have created NGOs, eco-businesses, and community action groups in Chile. The community leaders that we work with are thrilled to discuss the skills and experiences that have allowed them to impact their local communities positively. Although entirely optional, we encourage you to use this experience to create your own project to implement in your home community with support and guidance from our team.
The program will be split between front-country and back-country environments. While in the front country, gap students will have the opportunity to stay at our very own Base Patagonia, selected stays with Chilean families, hostels, and front-country campsites. In the backcountry, our students camp on riverside beaches, beautiful forests, alpine meadows, and ranches. Imagine falling asleep under the southern sky after paddling on a crystal clear Patagonian stream!
After Alzar, our alumni can go on to or continue their studies at some of the finest universities and colleges around the world. Over the years, many colleges and universities have noted the leadership skills Alzar alumni have developed while in our programs. A more exhaustive list can be viewed on this map, but as a quick sample, we have alumni attending the colleges and universities listed below:
According to the Gap Year Association, on average, 90% of gap year graduates make their way back to university within a year. With that in mind, we view a program at Alzar Gap as one exciting step in a student’s overall educational journey. Here are some steps that experts recommend when considering a gap program if you are not already enrolled in a college or university:
There are many ways to structure a gap year, and an Alzar Gap program is an excellent component. Here are a few steps for making the gap year a productive step in your overall educational journey:
We realize that attending Alzar Gap requires a significant financial investment for your family and we know that the dividends from a powerful gap year are significant. Tuition covers the cost of room and board, as well as much of the technical equipment needed for the semester, but is not inclusive of all travel and incidentals.
If you are accepted and decide to enroll, you will be asked to pay a non-refundable deposit upon enrollment. This deposit is applied to the cost of tuition. Payments can be made in installments with all account balances paid in full at least 30 days before the start of the gap program. The following is a breakdown of tuition and student expenses:
Tuition, room and board: $17,600*
Student expense account: $500
Deposit: $2,000 (applied to tuition)
(* does not include airfare to the Coyhaique, Chile area, airport code BBA)
Alzar Gap may offer merit based scholarships for four qualified candidates applying to our 79-day programs. In order to be considered, candidates must submit their written application by May 1st, and respond to two additional prompts in the Alzar Gap application.
The student account included above covers incidental expenses over the course of the gap program. The account balance will be refunded at the end of the program.
We realize that attending Alzar Gap requires a significant financial commitment on the part of your family. Our goal is to make our programs available to as many deserving students as possible. Need-based financial aid is available to those who qualify while funds remain available. If financial aid will be a factor for your family, ensure that your application is received by May 1st of the year prior to your program to receive full consideration.
How to apply for financial aid
Alzar’s Tuition Assistance program is designed to make an Alzar Gap program possible for all families based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. Alzar utilizes the Clarity Application to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application which includes assets, income, expenses, and debts.
To get started, please go to the Clarity Application and create an account. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $60 fee to submit.
Please remember to return to your dashboard after you complete and submit your Clarity Application, as the application requires you to upload additional tax documentation.
The deadline for completing the financial aid application including relevant supplemental documents is May 1, 2025.
If you need support during the process of completing your application, there is in-app support available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as email and phone support at [email protected] or 206-210-3752, in both English and Spanish. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.
Alzar Gap financial aid policies
Financial aid policies vary widely by school, so please understand that Alzar Gap’s policies may be different than your high school, college, or university. The following list details the policies that govern financial aid for our semester programs:
Process and timeline
You may begin an aid application at any time for an upcoming gap program. Keep in mind that applications received after our May 1sth deadline will still receive full consideration but our available funds may be limited. Once your application is complete, we will notify you of the outcome via email and update you with a revised admissions timeline.
Once you have been accepted to an Alzar Gap program, you will be asked to pay a $2,000 non-refundable tuition deposit to formally enroll. Your enrollment deposit is applied as a credit toward the entire tuition amount due. The remainder of the tuition may be paid in installments and the balance is due 30 days prior to the first day of your semester. Tuition payments made to Alzar Gap are non refundable, regardless of circumstances.
Alzar is a Spanish verb which translates to “to rise,” “to elevate,” “to lift,” or “to boost.” It is used in many different expressions, such as alzar el vuelo (to take flight), alzar la carpa (to pitch a tent), and alzar la vela (to set sail). As a verb, it indicates action, and Alzar Gap students are full of action. It also reflects our larger goal of elevating what education can be.
Alzar School is the overall organization that offers the Alzar Gap programs. Alzar School has been operating semesters and short programs for high school students since 2007. Alzar Gap leans on the amazing resources that Alzar School provides (such as our two amazing campuses, years of expertise operating in our course areas, and more). Alzar Gap’s staff bring the expertise of working with high school graduates to tailor our gap programs for your needs.
To be accepted to Alzar School, a student must meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria, be motivated, and demonstrate strong character. Students are given significant trust and responsibility from the beginning of their program. A student must not have a history of dishonest and/or irresponsible behavior and must be willing to spend the entire program drug and alcohol-free (if you think you might be tempted to break this rule, please do not apply). It is important to note that Alzar Gap is a program for students who choose to participate. It is inappropriate for students who are court-mandated or otherwise coerced to enroll. Finally, a student’s application and references must indicate that they have the desire and potential to become an effective leader who will work to make the world a better place.
Alzar Gap’s programs are built on our Six Foundations: leadership training, academics, cultural exchange, outdoor adventure, service learning, and environmental stewardship. Our unique combination of these six foundations makes the program stand out. We are a small program that places emphasis on genuinely challenging high school graduates to become leaders. We don’t think that “someday” they can make a difference. We know that they can make a difference today, and we give them the tools to do so. We are confident that there is no other program where you can invest in yourself as a leader as intensively as you can at Alzar Gap.
Our mission is: We build leaders who positively impact the world.
We recognized that students find out about Alzar School during different points in their overall educational journey. For many students, the right time for an Alzar experience is for a semester during 10th or 11th grade. But for others, it makes more sense to join for a program after graduating high school. Alzar Gap is part of our efforts to reach more people with our essential mission.
Yes, Alzar Gap is a division of Alzar School, which is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is officially registered with the State of Idaho and the IRS. Contributions to the school are tax deductible (check with your accountant to maximize your donation).
As a 501c3 nonprofit, Alzar School relies on a variety of sources for funding, and Alzar Gap (as part of the larger school) is in a similar position. Private donations make up a significant portion of our funding. Additionally, we do apply each year for numerous grants to support the school. We do charge Alzar Gap students tuition. However, our programs are subsidized by the donations we collect. We also seek to minimize tuition costs by drawing from passionate, committed volunteers whenever possible.
No, Alzar Gap does not pay commission to any US referrals to our gap year program.
Alzar Gap is a division of Alzar School, whose administrative team oversees it. Alzar School is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors whose members have a variety of skills and perspectives. We also have a volunteer Advisory Committee who offer their guidance to the school. They are made up of experts from the fields of education, outdoor recreation, business, medicine, service, etc, and are located throughout the United States. The faculty and staff include the founders of Alzar School (Kristin Bierle, Executive Director and Sean Bierle, Head of School) and a Gap Program Coordinator. Alzar Gap receives support from the school’s Director of Experiential Education and Risk Management, Director of Admissions, Director of Advancement, and Office Manager. Alzar attracts professional and passionate educators as instructors and staff for its programs.
Alzar was founded in 2004 by Sean and Kristin Bierle. At that time, the school offered three-week expeditions within the United States, Mexico, and Chile. In the fall of 2012, the semester program was launched, and in 2015 Alzar School became an official member of the Semester Schools Network. Alzar Gap has been running gap programs since 2022.
Alzar Gap instructors are inspiring educators who have a passion for working with young adults. They are charismatic individuals who are excited to share their life experiences, passion for the outdoors, and commitment to learning. Our instructors’ backgrounds may include experience working as an outdoor guide/instructor, teaching as a high school teacher, working with nonprofits, or leading international educational programs. In all cases, our instructors are chosen for their extensive experience as an educator, strong outdoor resume, risk management skills and passion for working with young adults.
We definitely have many families who have been a part of the Alzar communities who would be excited to share their experiences with you. Many of the course locations are shared between the semester and the gap programs, and these families can speak to the power of our leadership curriculum and team. Please email [email protected] so that we can help arrange a conversation.
Alzar Gap is accredited by the Gap Year Association. Through our relationship with the Gap Year Association, students have the option to earn college semester credits during the Alzar Gap experience. All of our college credit opportunities are entirely optional and designed to add depth and value to the Alzar Gap experience.
We have designed our curriculum to be challenging and integrated throughout the experience. Our leadership program, threaded throughout students’ experiences at Alzar Gap, asks students to consider their leadership in real-world situations. Not only do students study leadership academically, but they also apply these lessons in multiple designated leadership roles throughout their semester with feedback from peers and instructors. Beyond that, each of our gap programs’ curriculum works to help students develop a sense of place for the areas we explore. That might mean learning Chilean history, studying the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, or practicing Spanish.
Each Alzar Gap cohort is between 3 and 14 students. With 1-3 instructors, the ratio of students to instructors is 5:1 (or better). Cohorts are intentionally small to allow for immersive experiences in Chile.
The 10 Elements of Leadership that are taught and utilized in our leadership curriculum are: 1) Character, 2) Technical Proficiency, 3) 360˚ Thinking, 4) Resiliency and Resourcefulness, 5) Communication Skills, 6) Accurate Awareness, 7) Personal Leadership and Follow-through, 8) Community Membership and Service, 9) Inspiring Vision, 10) Continual Learning and Improvement. These elements give students and instructors a common vocabulary with which to discuss leadership.
During the Alzar Gap experience, students can earn college semester credits through our relationship with the Gap Year Association. All of our college credit opportunities are entirely optional and designed to add depth and value to your Alzar Gap experience.
Our alumni have gone on to attend some of the finest colleges and universities in the country. We believe that an Alzar Gap graduate is uniquely prepared for college because they have spent intentional time maturing and broadening perspectives while living independently. Our alumni are more aware of what they are looking for from their university experience and of the elements of a community that help them thrive.
Alzar Gap is designed for motivated high school graduates who want to make a difference in the world. Students should have done well in a traditional classroom, but also desire to do something different as part of their post-high school career. Our admissions department looks for leadership potential. This might be demonstrated by community service, participation in school clubs and teams, or other civic involvement. Once at Alzar Gap, the most successful students are those who keep an open mind, who are willing to work hard, and who generally have a positive attitude.
We have a basic set of expectations that have been developed over years of running programs for young adults. The expectations outlined in the Code of Conduct are designed to help minimize needless risk, promote a positive community and help students accomplish their goals while on an Alzar Gap program. These broad expectations apply to all programs, and additional detailed expectations for a given program or component of a course are further explained on site by staff leading the course (such as how to check in while doing a homestay, what the boundaries are for independent exploration, etc).
Alzar Gap students come from all over the United States, and at times our gap programs include students from all over the world. Generally, the gap program is one step in a larger post-high school journey that includes college. For some students, our gap programs are in the year immediately after they graduate high school. But others will attend college/university for a year/years and then take a break from the traditional classroom. Students are unified by the desire to see more of the world through their education. Check out this Google map showing our network of alumni. We do provide financial aid to support students from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Students will have access to the internet and their cell phones, although we do ask students to keep them out of community settings. There will be times while on expeditions when students may not be able to access internet or phones. For most of the gap program, parents will have plenty of opportunities to call and hear about the amazing experience the students are having.
One of the strengths of being a small boutique gap program is the ability to have a flexible schedule that adapts to our environment as we explore different “classrooms.” While no day at Alzar Gap is typical, generally each day offers structured activities and time to recharge with unstructured time to read, relax, play music, etc.
If a student plans to take medication during the program, it is important that the participant can self-manage care and delivery of medication. Students are discouraged from removing or titrating themselves off of their prescription medication without the consultation of their guiding physician and informing Alzar Gap of the recent change. Students are encouraged to bring enough medication for the entirety of the program, or to reach out to Alzar Gap to develop a plan to obtain refills for medication while on the program.
Our program may vary based on location, focus, and length. Please see the Gap Tuition and Financial Aid section for more details. You will be asked to pay a nonrefundable deposit upon acceptance and return of the Initial Registration Form. This deposit is applied to the cost of tuition. The remainder of the tuition will be due 30 days before the first day of your program. We realize that attending Alzar Gap requires a significant financial commitment on the part of your family. Our goal is to make these programs available to as many deserving students as possible. Therefore, we have several financial aid options available. You can apply for financial aid after submitting your application for admission.
We strive to make gap programs available to students and work hard to raise funds for financial aid each year. When you complete your application for admission to Alzar Gap, you will also be given the option to apply for financial aid. Admissions decisions are made independently of financial aid awards.
Each gap program is slightly different. However, our locations offer the chances to participate in a variety of activities. Patagonia, Chile provides the majestic Andes for mountain sports. Students learn to backpack, kayak, raft, and more.
Outdoor adventure sports have inherent risks. Through training, coaching, and development of good judgment, you can learn to manage risks. Alzar Gap students often participate in wilderness first aid training or swiftwater rescue training, and they learn to evaluate real vs. perceived risk and to weigh risk vs. consequences. The goal is to help students become lifetime outdoor enthusiasts who can recreate responsibly.
Alzar Gap is fortunate to be able to explore rivers and mountains in Chile. Each river offers everything from Class I for our beginners to Class IV for our advanced students, and we break into groups based on skill-level. We backpack in the Andes (several different national parks). In Chile, the rivers we run depend on river levels and geographic region, and may include the Rio Simpson, Rio Mañihuales, Rio Paloma, Rio Palena, Rio Azul, Rio Espolon, Rio Futaleufu, and Rio Baker.
With so many great outdoor sports and activities integrated into one of our gap programs, a variety of gear is needed. Alzar Gap will provide most of the necessary technical equipment, but students will need to acquire certain items. Generally speaking, students are responsible for having their own personal layers and footwear (rain jackets, long underwear, hiking boots, etc). Please contact [email protected] for a current packing list for your specific program.
The founders of Alzar have been working in Chile since 2001, and Alzar School started running programming there in 2007. Chile offers an amazing classroom for our students. The culture is warm and inviting and the government and economy are stable. Students practice Spanish as they make lifelong friends. The history of the country is fascinating, from the pre-colonial Mapuche, to Charles Darwin’s explorations, to the Pinochet era. Chile’s geology and geography provide endless lessons and stunning backdrops. Chile offers an unbeatable opportunity to explore a different country—one that is, in many ways, extremely different from the United States, but shares many common values. Patagonia, a wild and remote portion in the south of the country, maintains some of the best wilderness expanses. We have developed a one-in-a-kind home at Base Patagonia along the shores of Lago Atravesado that is perfect for groups to live and learn.
Chile is a long, magnificent country, and we do our best to expose students to as much of the country and culture as possible while still deeply learning about the places we visit. The Alzar Gap group also travels together, camping in the Andes and renting cabanas. The school maintains Base Patagonia in the Aysen Region, near Coyhaique, with refugios (rustic cabins) for students to live in. The extended time in one community allows students to get to know the area and local culture. Students spend time exploring the Andes and participating in cultural activities (such as shopping in a Chilean market or interacting with local schools). For some programs, there are homestays where students live at the homes of Chileans who have been vetted and are interested in cultural exchange for their families. These homestays may not happen every program, depending on the season, group size, and other factors, but as often as we can, we work to get gap students into the homes for authentic Spanish practice. During our time in Chile, there is limited internet access.
No. Students can join the Alzar Gap programs in Chile with no previous Spanish training, however, all gap students will engage with the language with a mix of instructional strategies. Immersion in Chile is by far the most fun and effective way to learn the language. Alzar Gap instructors will help students build their vocabulary, and then students work toward mastery in authentic situations (like making purchases at a Chilean market). Each cohort includes students who have never studied Spanish, native Spanish speakers, and everyone in between.
