Start your EF Gap Year in splendor at Ashridge House.
Ashridge House is a lavish estate in the English country that has been home to Ashridge Business School since 1959 and Hult International Business School since 2015. Since its beginning in 1283, however, Ashridge has worn many hats; it was home to King Henry VIII, a hospital during the First and Second World Wars, a charm school for high society young women, and more.
When your EF Gap Year or Gap Semester flight touches down in England, you’ll head straight to the Ashridge campus for a two day orientation. You’ll meet your travel companions, attend seminars and workshops to get you ready for the experience ahead, and enjoy down time to tour the castle–explore its 190 acres of garden and take advantage of the onsite gym and Olympic-sized swimming pool!
In addition to this initial stay, you’ll return for a week long Leadership Academy at the end of your gap year, so let’s get to know a bit of the history of Ashridge House.
Ashridge over the centuries
Since its beginning in the thirteenth century, Ashridge House has been home to many different institutions, many of which are tied to some pretty prominent moments in history.
How will you make your mark?
From accusations of treason and housing convalescents, to teaching the next generation of leaders, Ashridge has seen it all. Now, when you sit down for dinner in the campus dining hall, you’ll know that it was once the manor banquet hall—not unlike Hogwarts’ Great Hall, for all of you Harry Potter fans out there.
When you explore the gardens, you’ll know that you’re walking the same ground as kings and queens, medical professionals and recovering soldiers, educated young ladies and Conservative Party members-in-training. The elaborate castle and perfectly groomed grounds speak for themselves, but now you’ll understand the history behind them as well when you arrive for your EF Gap Year or Gap Semester orientation. It’s up to you to decide how you’ll leave your own mark on this historic campus!
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