Semester Program

The Voyager

Embrace your adventurous side as you explore the natural wonders of Oceania and discover the rich cultures of Thailand and Japan.

Learn about yourself, the world, and yourself in the world as you embark on a 10-week journey navigating four distinct countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Experience the lush environments of Australia and New Zealand, get your hands dirty working with on an elephant conservation project, and explore the way culture and religion connect in Japan.

Upcoming travel dates:
Fall 2023: Sep. 8 – Nov. 17
Spring 2024: Feb. 16 – Apr. 26

How you'll grow

GROWTH MINDSET

Challenge yourself to embrace adaptability and emerge confident in your ability to navigate any new environment.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Discover four diverse cultural environments through the lenses of adventure, culture, and sustainability.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Understand your unique perspective and role in today’s complex and diverse world.

ACTION & IMPACT

Begin the lifelong journey of global citizenship and build the foundation for future adventures abroad.

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.

Australia 2 weeks

Melbourne: Intro. to Aussie Culture

6 days Melbourne, Australia

Travel from your home city to the modern metropolis of Melbourne, Australia. Get to know your cohort while discovering the city's unique urban culture, then take a street art walking tour.

Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef: Going Down Under (the Sea)

4 days Cairns, Australia

Arrive in the city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef! Explore the nearby rainforest, learn about the indigenous peoples of Australia, and spend a day snorkeling in the world's largest coral reef system.

Sydney: Soaking Up the Sun

4 days Sydney, Australia

Travel from Cairns to the cosmopolitan city of Sydney. Sight-see in the capital of New South Wales and visit the iconic Opera House, world-class beaches, and yacht-studded harbor.

New Zealand 1 week

Rotorua: Intro. to Kiwi Culture

4 days Rotorua, New Zealand

Fly from Sydney to Rotorua, a city renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. Explore southern shores of Lake Rotorua and the nearby Waiotapu Geothermal area.

Auckland: City & Shores

4 days Auckland, New Zealand

After arriving in Auckland, adventure around the harborside city then take a ferry to Waiheke Island. Enjoy a celebratory closing dinner with your cohort before flying to Thailand.

Thailand 3 weeks

Bangkok: Cuisine & Culture

5 days Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand's vibrant capital city is known for its floating markets, food culture, street life, and timeless temples, offering a feast for all five senses. Enjoy guided exploration at the lead of your local Tour Director.

Koh Lanta: Service & Sustainability

6 days Koh Lanta, Thailand

Head to southern Thailand for service learning in the lush island district of Koh Lanta. Located in the Krabi Province, these charming islands are world-famous for their beautiful beaches and rich biodiversity.

Krabi: Coastal Environmentalism

9 days Krabi, Thailand

Make memories learning about, engaging with, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Krabi, home to iconic islands known for their beautiful coral-fringed beaches, mangroves, and rainforests.

Koh Lanta: Island Time

2 days Koh Lanta, Thailand

Enjoy some R&R with your cohort on the charming coast of southern Thailand. This archipelago, consisting of 52 islands total, is known for its spectacular marine life and rich biodiversity.

Bangkok: Wrap-up

2 days Bangkok, Thailand

Wrap up your Thailand travels back in Bangkok. Enjoy free time to explore more of this bustling city: expand your palate, explore the night markets, and tour the temples. Celebrate your adventures with a closing group dinner before jet-setting off to Japan!

Japan 4 weeks

Tokyo: City of the Future

7 days Tokyo, Japan

Spend several days absorbing the unbelievable city of Tokyo, Japan's capital that mixes the traditional with the ultra-modern. Visit Buddhist shrines, take a walking tour through the bustling commercial center of Shibuya, and spend free time exploring on your own.

Hakone: Iconic Volcano Views

3 days Hakone, Japan

Travel west of Tokyo to Hakone, a mountainous town located in Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, where you'll enjoy in the views of the iconic volcano Mt. Fuji and embark on a scenic boat cruise of Lake Ashinoko.

Kyoto: Meditation & Mindfulness

5 days Kyoto, Japan

Explore the castles and temples of Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital. Take a Zen meditation class and visit Zen gardens, renowned for their simplicity and serenity.

Mount Koya & Nara: Cultural Deep Dive

2 days Nara, Japan

Travel from Kyoto to Nara, a city of cultural and historical treasures, and venture to Mount Koya, home of eight different UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Great Buddha.

Hiroshima: Understanding the Past, Present, & Future

3 days Hiroshima, Japan

Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park & Museum to learn about the dark history and bright future of this city. Take a boat to Miyajima, Island of the Gods.

Osaka: Wrap-up

5 days Osaka, Japan

Spend time exploring the port city of Osaka. Enjoy a celebratory closing meal with your cohort and reflect on your growth throughout the course of your program.

Program fee

Tuition for this 10-week program is $19,750, and payment plans are available. Tuition includes:

  • Flights and transportation

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

  • Room and board

    Your accommodations and some of your meals on the trip

  • Activities and excursions

    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 Directors and Student Life Coordinator

Ready to get started?

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

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