My experience as a Baret Scholars alumnus: Why you should take a gap year.

Taking a gap year was the scariest decision I ever made—and easily the smartest. Before Baret Scholars, I was paralyzed by university decisions and second-guessing every choice about my future. Fast forward to today, and that single experience turned my entire trajectory around. I’m Iker, and I’m sharing my story because if you're feeling lost right now, you don't have to settle for the standard playbook.

After graduating high school, deciding on a university was a massive struggle. I had started college, but I wasn't enjoying it at all and felt pretty clueless about what I truly wanted to do. That’s when I found Baret Scholars—a gap year program where you travel through seven regions of the world alongside an international cohort, learning directly from mentors and global leaders.

While many worry that taking time off means losing momentum, taking that leap with Baret Scholars—made possible by a generous scholarship—was the best decision I ever made. The program genuinely transformed my trajectory through three key pillars: first-hand insights from world-class leaders (like a former Kenyan President candidate and an Oscar-winning screenwriter), dedicated mentorship and university advising tailored to my personal goals, and an unmatched community of peers from over 40 countries who gave me a global perspective no standard classroom could ever offer.

I met some of my absolute best friends in the world. Walked places I didn’t even know existed. learn about things i was unaware of, and also about myself. Without Baret, I don't think I ever would have found the direction or confidence to study abroad. The program meant so much to me that I became a Baret Scholars Ambassador!

If you would like to know more about my experience, have questions about the application process, or want tips on scholarships, I'd be more than happy to help, so do not be shy to send me a DM or hit me up on IG: @ikeraventura :)