The Adventurer

12 weeks: Language study in Costa Rica and service learning in Peru

Venture into new, breathtaking territory

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. Experience two vibrant cultures in depth and learn what it takes to make an impact in the word.

Spend the majority of your semester in Latin America where you’ll experience Costa Rica and Peru’s astonishing biodiversity and natural beauty. You’ll visit tropical rainforests and Machu Picchu, sharpen your Spanish with locals, and get an impressive understanding of sustainable practices and social entrepreneurship.

Fall 2021:
Sept. 17 to Dec. 3
Spring 2022:
Jan. 22 to Apr. 9
Program Highlights
  • European Immersion: Embark on a guided tour of London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Barcelona with your cohort.
  • Language Study: Study Spanish just steps from the surf in Costa Rica. You’ll live with a local host and have plenty of free time to explore Tamarindo on your own.
  • Service Learning: Experience Peru’s sustainable development goals in action through hands-on projects with NGOs and cultural immersion. Trek through mountains, valleys, and salt flats, and cross Machu Picchu off your bucket list.
  • EF Leadership Academy: Reflect on what you’ve learned, and hone your leadership skills through workshops and activities.
Students and tour guide smile in front of Machu Picchu

Program Itinerary

Gap Semester 12 Weeks

European Immersion

2 Weeks Europe European Immersion

Every EF Gap Semester program kicks off with a guided, culturally immersive tour of four iconic European cities: London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona. Bond with your cohort as you explore these cities and make lifelong memories together.

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Language Study in Costa Rica

4 Weeks Costa Rica Language Study

Sharpen your Spanish at our seaside EF Tamarindo language schools. Steps from the ocean, you'll accelerate your learning by interacting with locals outside of class.

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Service Learning in Peru

4 Weeks Peru Service Learning

Work with several NGOs and local community members to implement sustainable structures, spend time empowering youth on the outskirts of a city, and immerse yourself in local culture as you participate in daily life.

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EF Leadership Academy

1 Week London EF Leadership Academy

Our gap semester programs culminate with a transformative series of workshops and seminars led by experts in business and international relations. Reunite with the rest of your cohort to reflect on your gap, develop a post-gap plan for success in college and your career, and say goodbye to everyone during a gala farewell banquet and awards ceremony.

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Program Dates

  • Fall 2021:
    Sep. 17 - Dec. 3

  • Spring 2022:
    Jan. 22 - Apr. 9

Program Fees

Tuition for this 12-week program is $18,500, and scholarships are available. Tuition includes:

  • Airfare & Transportation

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

  • Room & Board

    Your accommodations and some of your meals on the trip

  • Activities & Service Projects

    Guided excursions and service opportunities with partner organizations

  • Language Instruction

    Tuition for 4-week course at EF's accredited language school

  • Global Support Network

    One-on-one mentorship and 24/7 travel support before and during your program

A closer look at Costa Rica

One of the world’s top eco-tourism destinations, Playa Tamarindo is the ideal setting for your language learning experience.

You’ll be just a few minutes from the some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and a short trip to waterfall hikes and jungle canopy tours.

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Take a peek at our programs in Peru

Peru’s energetic charm, ingrained sustainable practices, and incredible biodiversity make it an overwhelmingly charismatic nation.

During your time in Peru, you’ll focus on sustainability, empowering youth, and immersing yourself in local culture as you participate in daily life.

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Risk-free cancellation means you can book with confidence.

Thinking about traveling in the coming year? Our flexible booking policies and risk-free cancellation options mean that you can book your gap experience with confidence. For more details, speak to one of our EF Gap Year Advisors, or see our full booking conditions here.

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Have questions? Our gap year consultants have answers.

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