Semester Program

The Pathfinder

Explore Europe, ignite your passions, and discover your path forward.

The Pathfinder is perfect for the hands-on learner who can’t wait for their next step, but is still trying to figure out where they’re going. Spend your semester traveling to six different cultures and diving into subjects–from environmental science to food and fashion–through a global perspective. You’ll return home with confidence in your direction and a passport packed with stamps.

Upcoming travel dates:
Fall 2023 Session 1: Sept. 8–Nov. 17 (Sold out!)
Fall 2023 Session 2: Sept. 19–Nov. 28 (Just added!)
Spring 2024: Feb. 16–Apr. 26

How you'll grow


Program itinerary
Click here to download this itinerary as a PDF.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to availability and local conditions at the time of departure.

Boston 3 Days

Boston: Orientation

3 Days Boston, Massachusetts

Fly to Boston, where you’ll meet your cohort for Orientation at EF’s North American Headquarters. This is your chance to bond with your cohort of fellow Gappers, learn about important topics, and get excited for the semester ahead.

Iceland 11 Days

Northern Iceland: Environmental Science

6 Days Northern Iceland

Iceland is one of the best places on earth to gain hands-on exposure to the field of Environmental Science. Meet with experts, learn about approaches to conservation, and experience the awe-inspiring landscape by whale watching and hiking the Grabrok Crater.

ReykjavĂ­k: Renewable Energy

5 Days Reykjavik, Iceland

Learn about Iceland’s unique approach to renewable energy at the Hellisheidi Geothermal power plant in the country's capital city Reykjavík. Explore the mind-blowing natural beauty of Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Geothermal area, and the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.

United Kingdom 11 Days

London: Business & Academia

5 Days London, England

London is a global business hub for a good reason—you’ll find amazing business schools, top companies’ headquarters, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Visit a university and get a feel for the UK’s long history of academia, including a behind-the-scenes visit to an innovative global company.

London: Healthcare

6 Days London, England

London is also one of the best places to learn about the fields of healthcare and history: visit a medical institution, attend a workshop about applied medicine, and meet with a midwife, then explore some of London’s 20th century history with a visit to the Churchill War Rooms.

France 13 Days

Normandy: World History

3 Days Normandy, France

Cross the English Channel via ferry! Once in continental Europe, you'll visit Normandy, the site of the D-Day landing and learn about WWII history. There is no better place for history to come alive.

Paris: Art, Architecture, & Fashion

10 Days Paris, France

Explore the chic capital of France (and the fashion capital of the world!) at the lead of an expert local guide. Visit historical sites and world-class museums like the Louvre, the Musee D’Orsay, and Versailles. Discover the city's unique fashion scene.

Germany & Switzerland 15 Days

Berlin: Urban Sustainability

8 Days Berlin, Germany

Witness Germany’s evolution from a war-torn and divided country in the 20th century into a 21st century bastion of modernity, innovation, and sustainability. Dive into Germany’s world-leading sustainability culture by visiting an urban farm and learning about urban sustainable development.

Munich: World History

4 Days Munich, Germany

In the beautiful, Old-World city of Munich, explore the charming streets and lively culture. Dive deeper into the history of this region by visiting Dachau, the former WWII concentration camp, to better understand this important part of world history.

Lucerne: Alps Weekend

3 Days Lucerne, Switzerland

With the Alps above and Lake Lucerne below, this is the perfect city to soak up all Switzerland has to offer. Enjoy a boat ride and an excursion to Mt. Rigi, and spend a free day wandering the medieval streets of Lucerne.

Italy 18 Days

Milan: Fashion

4 Days Milan, Italy

Creativity and business acumen meet in Milan, the epicenter of the fashion world. Explore the city and visit its fashion school. Enjoy two free days in Milan to catch your breath and show off your most fashionable looks.

Bologna & Florence: Food & Agriculture

6 Days Bologna & Florence, Italy

Visit two of Italy’s most famous cities for foodies—Bologna and Florence. On your way to Bologna, visit Parma to try the original Parmesan cheese, and then taste your way through FICO Eataly World in Bologna – a 20-acre food theme park before heading to nearby Acetaia to learn about and taste balsamic vinegar. In Florence, take a food-themed walking tour.

Rome: Wrap-Up

8 Days Rome, Italy

Wrap up your experience in Rome, where you’ll explore iconic sites like the Vatican and the Colosseum and take an Italian cooking class. Spend some time wrapping up your experience and celebrating all you’ve been through with your cohort before heading home!


Program fee

Tuition for this 10-week program is $17,750, and payment plans are available. For detailed budgeting information, see a full program guide available here.

Tuition includes:

  • Flights and transportation

    Round-trip flights and local transfers to each stop in your itinerary

  • Room and board

    Your accommodations and some of your meals on the trip

  • Activities and workshops

    Guided excursions and hands-on workshops with local experts

  • Global support network

    One-on-one mentorship and 24/7 travel support before and during your program

  • Guided learning

    Program leadership and direction by full-time EF Field Director and Student Life Coordinator

Ready to get started?

Our Gap Year Consultants are ready to answer any questions you have and enroll you on our program.

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