Alumni | EF Gap Year

Not sure where to start? Join fellow future travelers at a free info session

Alumni community

Your EF Gap Year experience doesn’t end once your program ends—the lessons, insights, and discoveries will continue to shape you and your decisions deep into the future. And once you participate on an EF gap program, you join a vibrant community of EF Gap Year alumni. Whether you’re looking to take a gap before, during, or after college, there is an EF Gap experience for you. Meet a few of our stellar alumni who were in your shoes not too long ago, and hear how this experience has impacted them.

"Before going on the gap year I had no idea what and where I wanted to be in the future. I decided to take a gap year and it could not have been a better decision.

I was able to learn and experience so much by leaving my comfort zone.”

Ian J. took a gap year before attending Nagoya Undergraduate School of Commerce and Business.

“There’s a misperception that taking time off of school means you’re never going back. I think it actually gives you enough space from what you’re unsure of, to come back with a much clearer mind.”

Franki P. took a gap semester after graduating college and before attending Stony Brook University Graduate School.

“I think that certain lessons that I learned, I still apply to this day. I can see how my college career was greatly heightened because I took the gap year... It has expanded my network more than you can believe. It has been the greatest gift that I have given myself.”

Seth M. took a gap year before attending DePaul University.

“What I started noticing was, drop me anywhere in the world and any situation, and I will figure it out. It gives you so much confidence in your capabilities, in being adaptable, and being able to put yourself in the direction that you want to go”

Kate V. took a gap year before attending Colorado State University. She also spent a summer interning with EF.

“It was a very foundational growing experience for me. It allowed me to branch out into who I wanted to be. It really set me on the right track in terms of re-attending school after doing my first two years of college.”

Jett R. took a gap year before transferring to University of North Carolina. He is interning with EF this summer.

“The experience not only gave me the opportunity to live in Japan and learn about its culture, but also allowed me to gain valuable skills and connections that have since propelled my career.”

Gabrielle B. took a gap year before attending DePaul University.

“Going on a gap year is probably one of, if not the best decision I have ever made in my life. The experiences I had, the things I learn about myself, and the people that I’ve met made the whole thing worthwhile, a million times over.”

Griffin S. took a gap year before attending California Polytechnic State University.

“It’s hard to put into words how incredible of an experience this was, and how much I changed and grew from it. It taught me to be more confident in myself and my abilities which has helped me to move to a new city and begin this new job.”

Cristina M. took a gap semester after graduating college and recently started her career as an analyst.

“You come back with such a wide array of experiences and it’s hard not to gain confidence and a sense of adaptability from that. I felt like I was ready to take on the world, if you will.”

Foster P. took a gap semester before attending Lafayette College. He also spent a summer interning with EF.

Looking to meet more of our alumni?

Check out our blog!

Connect with an alum today

EF Gap Year Alumni Panels

Have questions that only an alum can answer? We host virtual alumni and parent panels every month for you to meet EF Gap Year alumni, hear about their gap experience, and ask all the questions you might have!

Can’t make it to the next panel? Check out some highlights:

The ambassador network

We believe your EF Gap program is the first step towards a lifetime of international exploration. Once you step into this world, you become part of a global network of travelers. We are passionate about empowering you to further cultivate your abilities and utilize your gap experience as a springboard for future opportunities.

Internship opportunities

Explore opportunities to intern with the EF Gap Year team and gain insight into the marketing, business development, and customer experience worlds.

Professional development

Work with the EF Gap Year team to develop professionally, dial in your storytelling skills, and learn to leverage your gap experience.

Connect with a network of travelers

Make meaningful connections with peers who have had similarly enriching international experiences. This network lasts a lifetime.

Meet Helen A.: bridging the EF Gap Year experience

Following my gap year, I knew I wanted to share how meaningful my experience was. I stayed involved with EF Gap Year and after graduating college I decided to take a full-time job here. My gap played a fundamental role in shaping my career and continues to influence me. Thinking through this big decision? I’m here to chat.

Chat with Helen

Hear from EF Gap Year parents:

By submitting your information, you agree to allow EF to process your personal information in accordance with EF’s Privacy Policy and to allow the use of your data for direct marketing purposes. By entering your mobile number, you agree to receive recurring text messages about upcoming offers from EF Gap Year at the number provided and you understand that consent to receive marketing text messages is not a condition of purchase. You agree to all EF Texting Terms and Conditions.