The Winterline Global Skills Program is a unique and innovative nine-month global gap year program, offering high school graduates and young adults the opportunity to step out of the ‘rush to and through college’ and explore what they really want to do with their lives. We believe that high school graduates are much better prepared for college – and for a fulfilling career – when they take the time to explore a wide variety of interests and skills. During the 9 months, you'll experience a variety of global contexts, from rugged mountains to tropical preserves to the cultural capitals of Europe; you'll learn and apply a rapidly increasing array of new skills; and you'll be able to connect your experiences to many potential career options in your future. You will be traveling in a group of 20-25 students, along with two advisor/mentors as well a personal teaching chef. You'll be staying in a variety of accommodation, from tents to cabins, youth hostels to mountain lodges, village camps to boats. Although you will be learning an enormous number of new skills, almost all of the teaching will be hands-on and experiential - there will be almost no classroom time at all! Typically, you'll be moving from location to location every two weeks. Within each major region, there will also be independent study/activity weeks that will be structured and developed by you and smaller teams of students. Along the way, you'll find plenty of unstructured time to socialize with your peers, pursue individual interests, explore local attractions, and recharge between activities. Weekends are often free, as well as various cultural, touristic and community visits that are optional.