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
Three program lengths

Choose how long you want to travel. With Year, Semester, and Short-Term programs, there's an EF Gap experience for everyone.

Gap Year program
23 weeks

Discover the world on the ultimate, global gap year: explore Europe, Asia, and Australia through a combination of guided exploration and cultural immersion.

Learn More
Students and tour guide smile in front of Machu Picchu
Gap Semester programs
10 weeks

Spend your gap semester living in different parts of the world, experiencing multiple destinations in depth. Combine language study, service-learning, and/or an internship.

Learn More
Short-Term programs
4 weeks

Live abroad through a balance of structured programming and independent exploration: Gain language skills, grow personally, and of course, travel as much as you can.

Learn More
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.

My gap year took me out of my comfort zone so many times—and my life is better because of it. Now, as I head off to college, I am able to focus on my excitement rather than feeling nervous, because I have built so much confidence within the past year. If anyone is searching for a path to follow, a way to achieve their goals, or even just who they are, they need to take a gap year.

Annabel H., EF Gap Year Class of 2019 Boston University Class of 2023

My EF Gap Semester made me a more confident person. With my new confidence and leadership skills, I feel more ready and mature when it comes to entering college in the fall.

David A., EF Gap Semester Fall '19 Harvard University '24

I am immensely grateful for the travel, service, and educational opportunities that EF has provided for me. Thanks to the emphasis our mentors placed on professional development, setting realistic goals, and career trajectory, I am both well-prepared and excited to start my freshman year of college.

Hannah S., New York EF Gap Semester Class of Spring 2019
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
Learn More About EF
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

Our students are on the road!

Our gap year students are on the road and their incredible gap experiences are underway. Follow us on Instagram @efgapyear to see the adventure through their eyes!

Interested in joining us? Click here to see upcoming programs. But don’t wait long, availability is limited and spaces fill up quickly.