What you'll gain

In the face of big life decisions ahead, the most precious resource we have is time: time to grow, to explore, and to figure out what we’re really working towards before taking on our futures. Taking a gap is not an alternative to college. It’s about preparing yourself to make the most of college—and in many ways, the rest of your life.

  • Confidence & Independence

    Get out of your comfort zone and discover what you're capable of.

  • Global Citizenship

    Gain language skills, experience new cultures, and expand your horizons.

  • Self-Discovery

    Understand how to leverage your strengths and begin to define your life path.

  • Real Life Skills

    Learn how to live and travel on your own and build skills that will help you later in life.

Programs designed to build real-world skills

Each EF Gap program is comprised of various program experiences that broaden students' learning, personal growth, and career preparation.

  • Guide Exploration

    Experience the world from the expert, local perspective of your EF Tour Director—your travel sidekick from arrival to departure.

  • Service & Sustainability

    Be a force for good in the world and explore ways to make a real, hands-on impact alongside communities in Latin America and Asia.

  • Language & Culture

    Live like a local while taking on an immersive language course in the city of your choice. Study Spanish, Italian, French, German, Korean, or Japanese.

  • Business & Internships

    Level up your resume with real-world experience at an international company while living independently in the global city of Stockholm, Sweden.

Let's connect

Taking a gap year before or during college is an incredibly worthwhile experience; it can also be a complex decision. Complete the form below and one of our EF Gap Year Consultants will be in touch to help find the perfect program for you. For U.S. students 18–22.

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