Many schools now encourage students to spend at least one semester abroad. My daughter is now in Italy. She's learned a lot being there (but I'm looking forward to her coming home). I think that helps give students a "gap year" type experience, and does it within the framework of education. Otherwise, I'm not sure kids running around the world on their own is a good idea. Children today tend not to deal well with unstructured time.
Our daughter wants to do this; and I would love to know more about the program your daughter is in, if you are willing. We don't want her running around Italy on her own.