I'd suggest being up front with your bosses about your desire to have a sabbatical. Are you happy with the company? Would you want to come back? If the answer is yes, I'd start playing hypothetical situations with them. For example, you want an 8 month unpaid leave to travel with the expectation that you will return and attend this new program.
Obviously not every employer will be interested in discussing something like this, but you won't know until you ask. If the employer sees you as the future lead, you might be surprised by how flexible they're willing to be. You might also have to be flexible in how long you intend to be away and what the terms are for your return.
|