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Show them the world

Our programs will help your child discover their goals, while equipping them with the confidence and skills to get there.

Three program lengths to choose from

With year, semester, and short-term programs, there's an EF Gap experience for everyone.

Choosing their own adventure

With more than a dozen destinations to pick from, the combinations are nearly endless. Crafting the perfect experience is easy with the help of EF Gap Consultants who help your family create the perfect itinerary for your student.

  • Europe

    See Europe like never before. Eat the best tapas, bike the most beautiful canals, and find the perfect angle for staring down the Mona Lisa.

  • Australia and New Zealand

    The jet lag is always worth it. Soak up the sun in Sydney, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and gaze in awe at New Zealand's natural beauty.

  • Latin America

    Head south to experience it all. Zip-line through the Costa Rican rainforest, eat the freshest fruit in the Dominican Republic, and make an impact.

  • Asia

    Buckle in for a far-flung adventure. Sing your heart out at karaoke in Tokyo, care for elephants at a sanctuary in Thailand, and see Seoul for yourself.


What your child will gain

An EF Gap Year program will help your child experience the world differently than a self-guided trip, as they learn about themselves while diving into new cultures and preparing for their future.

  • Confidence & Independence

    Get out of their comfort zone and discover what they're capable of.

  • Global Citizenship

    Gain language skills, experience new cultures, and expand their horizons.

  • Self-Discovery

    Understand how to leverage their strengths and begin to define their life path.

  • Real Life Skills

    Learn how to live and travel on their own and build skills that will help them later in life.

Frequently asked questions

Whether everyone in your family has taken a gap year or you just found out it’s an option for your student, you probably have questions about gap years.

We’ve heard them all, so we’ve compiled some of the questions we receive most often for you here. Our team is also available to answer any questions you have here.

Yes! According to the Gap Year Association, 90% of students who took a gap year returned to college within a year.3 Some students embark on our program with college acceptances under their belts, while others apply to college while on the program.

Our year-long program includes an optional 3-day intensive College Application Seminar, during which students work with professional advisors to craft top-tier college applications and essays.

3 Recent survey conducted by Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson for their book The Gap Year Advantage

You can let your loved ones know that your child is spending a summer, semester, or year traveling the world, improving their professional and language skills, and preparing for the rest of their lives.

Students have been on the same track since Pre-K—it’s healthy and exciting for them to explore their interests outside of the classroom. This article does an amazing job of explaining the purpose of a gap year.

Any perceived stigma about taking a gap year is probably due to lack of information about the concept. We’re happy to help you put together more resources for you.

The safety of our students is our top priority. We have outlined everything we’re doing to we’re doing to ensure safe travels this year here. With more than 50,000 staff members and 600 offices and schools around the world, we’re able to offer unparalleled international support 24/7.

Each EF Gap Year student is paired with a dedicated Gap Year Advisor who will be a mentor, emergency contact, and main support person throughout your program experience. Always an email, text, or quick phone call away, your student’s advisor is there for your family whenever you need.

Watch our “Being A Gap Year Parent” to learn everything you need to know about our programs in under an hour.

This webinar provides parents with information about our programs and strategies for supporting their children on this path to personal growth and leadership.

It’s essential that parents informed about the ways a gap year can change their students’ lives personally, academically, and professionally.

Watch the recording →

Your gap year program fee includes everything your student needs to have a successful gap, including:

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

  • Accommodations and some meals on the trip

  • Language classes, service projects, and excursions led by local guides

  • One-on-one mentorship and travel support before and during your program

Program fees start at 6,900 for our short-term programs, 17,500 for our semester programs, and 38,500 for our year-long programs.

Next steps

Taking a gap year before or during college is an incredibly worthwhile experience. It can also be a complex decision. We strongly recommend speaking with someone on our team who can help determine which program or destinations are right for your family.

  • Set up a time to talk with us

    Fill out the short form below, and one of our EF Gap Year Consultants will be in touch to walk you through the program and answer any questions you may have.

    Connect with us

  • Attend an informational webinar

    Not ready to talk to us just yet? Learn more about how our program works and get your questions answered at one of our weekly virtual info sessions.

    Sign up here


Let's connect

After completing this short form, one of our EF Gap Year Consultants will reach out to schedule a time to talk in more detail about which of our programs is right for you.

    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.

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