Service learning combines educational objectives with hands-on experience as a vehicle to help you become a better global citizen. Engage with local communities and NGOs to get a comprehensive understanding of structural issues and collaborate alongside them to follow through on community needs. Take these learnings with you and apply them to your own life.
Before you spend 4-6 weeks in another country developing a greater understanding of meaningful service, it would probably be useful to learn a bit more about how this all works.
EF Gap Year is serious about our educational philosophy around service learning. Service learning differs from volunteering or voluntourism in that it’s an educational approach: one that combines learning objectives with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs.Â
It’s a form of experiential education. Students engage in activities that address human and community needs and have structured opportunities for reflection. Service learning offers a more sensitive and self-aware approach to overseas volunteering.Â
The idea here is that our students see themselves as culturally humble visitors who intend to learn from local people to understand how they can contribute and collaborate, both during and beyond the module.
The specifics depend on the country you choose! The three overarching categories are community development, education and empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
While you’re touring around the country, you’ll stay in shared rooms at hotels and hostels that are typical for that region. Your meals while traveling usually include breakfast and one dinner in each city. On your service projects, you’ll typically stay in simple but comfortable residence halls, and all of your meals will be included.
25 Weeks | Customizable
10 Weeks | Thailand
10 Weeks | Latin America
10 Weeks | Thailand
4 Weeks | Costa Rica
Find inspiration, passion, and purpose as you dive into Dutch culture and discover all that Amsterdam has in store.
Thailand Thailand's vibrant and multidimensional capital city truly offers a feast for all five senses.
Spain This seaside city will delight everyone from the outdoorsy to the epicurious.
Germany Lose yourself in the culture and art of this trendy, diverse European capital city.
Italy Behold beautiful Bologna, a bustling cultural hub famous for its culinary arts and fine historic buildings.
Costa Rica Costa Rica is the world's eco-travel capital, full of adventure and beauty at every turn.
Dominican Republic Go beyond the resort on this dynamic Caribbean island. Conserve life below water, contribute to quality education, and support coastal communities.
Ireland This quirky city is filled to the brim with history, character, and old-world Irish charm.
Italy Immerse yourself in the architecture, art, cuisine, and culture of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
England London’s calling: travel to Britain’s bustling metropolis, a cultural hub of historic happenings.
Switzerland Experience the heart of Switzerland in lovely Lucerne, ranked among one of the prettiest cities in the world.
Spain The Spanish capital will dazzle you with its warm people, fast-paced hustle, and vibrant nightlife.
Spain Tucked along the southern coast of Spain, Malaga is a seaside gem that packs a cultural punch.
Germany See what makes Munich one of Europe’s best-loved cities and most traveled cultural centers.
New Zealand Visit the vibrant island nation of New Zealand and explore this vast oasis in the South Pacific Ocean.
France This sun-soaked, cultural gem of the French Riviera combines old-world grandeur and lively street life.
France Travel back in time while exploring Normandy, a rural region with rich culture and history.
France This iconic city is rich with Renaissance architecture, artistic giants, and buttery pastries.
Italy Italy’s mesmerizing capital city teems with historical ruins, mega-famous art, and bustling street life.
Spain Experience magnificent architecture and a slower pace of life in this romantic Spanish city.
South Korea This technology and fashion-forward city cherishes tradition as much as innovation.
Sweden An innovative and stylish Scandinavian city, Sweden's capital prides itself on being open to anyone and everyone.
Australia A spectacular, sun-drenched harbor city that’s home to dozens of global manufacturing companies.
Japan This Pacific Rim capital is an eclectic mix of the traditional and the ultramodern.
Ecuador 
Iceland 
Panama 
Peru 