Program Overview

Gap Year Program

The Gap Year at OHLA is a two-stage program that lets students improve their English while also experiencing real U.S. college life and earning college credit along the way. Students begin with OHLA's academic ESL program to build the language skills, confidence, and study habits needed for success in an American classroom.

Program Structure

• The first stage can be taken as a 20 or 30-week English track at OHLA Schools, depending on the student's starting level and goals.
• In Stage 2, students transition into a 16-week college semester at one of our partner institutions—Miami Dade College (MDC) or Hillsborough Community College (HCC)—where they can choose from a wide range of academic options and typically complete 12 college credits.

Benefits of the Gap Year Program

Boost Your English & Earn Credits

Study English at OHLA and earn college credits through our partner colleges.

Experience U.S. Culture & Campus Life

Live in the U.S., immerse yourself in American culture, and enjoy a vibrant student lifestyle.

Gain Confidence For Your Future

Build language, academic, and life skills with personalized support before starting university or your career.

Program Dates

Stage 1: ESL at OHLA

• Session 1: 30 weeks, Start Date: 5-Jan-26, End Date: 31-Jul-26
• Session 2: 20 weeks, Start Date: 16-Mar-26, End Date: 31-Jul-26
• Session 3: 30 weeks, Start Date: 25-May-26, End Date: 18-Dec-26
• Session 4: 20 weeks, Start Date: 3-Aug-26, End Date: 18-Dec-26

Stage 2: College Semester

• Session 1: 16 weeks, Start Date: 17-Aug-26, End Date: 4-Dec-26
• Session 2: 16 weeks, Start Date: 17-Aug-26, End Date: 4-Dec-26
• Session 3: 16 weeks, Start Date: 11-Jan-27, End Date: 7-May-27
• Session 4: 16 weeks, Start Date: 11-Jan-27, End Date: 7-May-27

Total Program Cost

• Session 1: 30 weeks ESL + 16 weeks college, Cost: $18,500
• Session 2: 20 weeks ESL + 16 weeks college, Cost: $15,500
• Session 3: 30 weeks ESL + 16 weeks college, Cost: $18,500
• Session 4: 20 weeks ESL + 16 weeks college, Cost: $15,500

College Partners

Miami Dade College (MDC)

Ranked #5 among Top Public Schools – Regional Colleges and #16 among all colleges in the South Region in U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges. Largest undergraduate enrollment of any college or university in the United States.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC)

Over 200 academic programs including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways to U.S. universities. 46,000+ students annually, creating a vibrant and diverse college community.