EF Gap Semester Programs
Spend 12 weeks living in different parts of the world.
Spend 12 weeks living in different parts of the world.
Travel the world with a cohort of students. Each program kicks off with a 2-week European Immersion, where you’ll explore London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Rome through local guides and independent exploration. Close out your gap semester with EF Leadership Academy, where you’ll reflect on your gap and apply what you’ve learned to your future.
Spend a semester in Europe gaining language fluency, international business experience, and newfound confidence and independence. Throughout your semester, you’ll enjoy a balance of structured activities and free time to explore on your own—with other world-class destinations just a hop, skip, or high-speed rail train ride away.
The Adventurer is the right fit for the traveler who is passionate about outdoor adventure and sustainability, and is interested in elevating their Spanish—all levels welcome. In just one semester you’ll level up your language skills in Costa Rica then expand your service learning mindset in Peru.
The Explorer is ideal for the traveler who is passionate about languages, culture, and social impact. Spend the first part of your semester living in the heart of a European city. Next, fly to Thailand for a radically different experience. From the bustling night markets of Bangkok to the elephant sanctuaries of Chiang Mai, explore the Land of Smiles and learn how its citizens are paving the way for a brighter future.
The Globetrotter is perfect for the open-minded culture-seeker looking to maximize their gap semester. After an immersive two-week tour of Europe’s most iconic cities, you’ll move on to Thailand, where you’ll support and collaborate with local social enterprises and established NGOs. From there, you’ll close out your global gap experience with a professional internship down under in Sydney, Australia.
Have you ever taken care of an elephant? Or eaten sushi straight out of a fish market? The Voyager is guaranteed to expand your mind, palate, and perspective. Explore Thai culture and social entrepreneurship and roll up your sleeves to work on service projects. Next, fly to Tokyo for an immersive Japanese language course, where you’ll put your new skills to the test by exploring the futuristic city and soaking up its legendary food, fashion, and anime scene.
For travelers looking for an independent, in-depth immersion in one place.
Choose when to depart and how long you want to be away. Study a language at an accredited EF school while living in the heart of a city where it’s spoken. You’ll have plenty of time outside of class to explore and interact with locals, putting your new skills to use.
Sara S. EF Gap Semester Class of Fall 2019My EF Gap Semester was one of the best times of my life; it was structured but free and was an experience that I got to make the most of. I gained a lot and grew immensely as a person because of my gap semester. Barring the typical meeting new people and experiencing new cultures, you learn how to interact with yourself and what you need to succeed which is incredibly valuable when going into college or a career.
David A., EF Gap Semester Fall '19 Harvard University '24My gap semester made me a more confident person. With my new confidence and leadership skills, I feel more ready and mature when it comes to entering college in the fall.