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Make this your year

Experience the world and discover your passions. Build real-world skills, make lifelong memories, and return home a better you. For ages 18-22.

Explore Programs
Cliffs of Moher in Ireland on a EF Gap Year

Find the program that fits your journey

The EF Gap Year Program

Discover the world: explore Europe, Asia, and Australia through cultural immersion, language learning, and global internship.

Learn more

Gap Semesters

Spend your semester living in different parts of the world, and immerse yourself in the guided exploration of destinations, cultures, and themes in depth.

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The most productive break of your life

The gap year 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. Our innovative experiential learning model helps students discover their goals, while equipping them with the confidence and skills to get there.

  • Develop global skills
    Travel the world, experience new cultures, and gain valuable life skills abroad.

  • Grow into your best self
    Become a more confident, independent, and resilient version of yourself.

  • Define your life path
    Return home with greater clarity about your goals and inner compass.

  • Gain a competitive edge
    Enter college more socially and academically prepared, with life experiences under your belt.

EF Gap Year Boston office
EF Gap Year orientation
The world leader in international education

When you travel with EF (Education First), you travel with a global organization that has been in operation since 1965. EF’s mission has always been to open the world through education, and we’ve delivered on that promise for millions of students.

55

Years of operation

114

Countries and regions

654

Offices and schools

52,000

Staff, faculty, and teachers

EF Gap Year staff
Interested in traveling with us? Here’s what to do next!

Taking a gap year before or during college is an incredibly worthwhile experience. It can also be a complex decision. We strongly recommend speaking with someone on our admissions team as you determine which program or destinations are right for you.

  • Set up a time to talk
    Fill out a short contact form and one of our EF Gap Year Consultants will be in touch to walk you through the program and answer any questions you may have.

    Contact us here

  • Join a virtual info session
    Not ready to talk to us just yet? Learn more about how our program works and get your questions answered at one of our weekly virtual info sessions.

    Register for an info session here
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