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For parents

Prepare your child to thrive
in an ever-changing world

At EF Gap Year, we believe the people who will succeed in the world of tomorrow are confident, constantly learning, and able to thrive in the face of ambiguity and change.

Sharing in this belief, many of the country’s top colleges and universities now encourage students to defer admission in favor of gap years—knowing that students will return more socially and academically prepared, more likely to commit to a major, and on average hold higher GPAs than their peers.

Explore our programs

Future-ready skills for
growth-minded students

EF gap programs amplify the lessons educators teach in the classroom by enabling hands-on, real-world experiences that open students’ minds and help them become more well-rounded. So instead of a GPA that’s focused on academics, each student emerges ready to take on whatever’s next with a G²PA comprised of our research-backed, travel-based learning outcomes that cover the full spectrum of social-emotional learning.

Growth Mindset



Students will learn to embrace new opportunities and challenges with an open mind by expanding their curiosity, embracing new opportunities, and stepping out of their comfort zones.

Global Perspective



Students will expand their world views as they engage with new cultures by building understanding, exploring new mindsets, and communicating across cultures.

Personal Development



Students will discover more about themselves as they grow on a personal level by increasing their confidence, independence, and self-awareness, and developing more empathy.

Action & Impact



Students will gain the necessary skills to navigate and make an impact in an ever-evolving world by becoming better collaborators and aining leadership and decision-making skills.

Why take a gap with EF?

Unmatched global presence
Wherever you go—EF Education First is already there. With staff on the ground in every destination you visit, our international support network allows you to travel with confidence.

50+ years of experience
Since 1965, EF Education First has offered every imaginable way to see the world, experience other cultures, learn a language, or earn an academic degree. Educational travel is what we do.

Endless possibilities
With more options for customization than any other gap program, EF Gap Year allows students to craft an individualized gap experience that reflects their unique dreams and goals.

Don't just take our word for it

Hear firsthand from the parents of three different EF Gap Year alumni as they share their experiences and answer questions about how a gap program with EF helped their children grow and prepare for their next steps.

Then, join in on the conversation by registering for an upcoming virtual event on our webinars page.

Request your free EF Gap Year brochure

Please fill out this form to get immediate access to our digital brochure and start exploring EF Gap Year programs. We’ll mail you the print edition as well, so make room on your coffee table!

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.