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Gap Programs for ages 18-22

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

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Two program lengths

Choose how long you want to travel. With Year & Semester programs, there's an EF Gap experience for everyone.

The EF Gap Year Program

Discover the world on the ultimate, global gap year: explore Europe, Asia, and Australia through a combination of guided exploration and cultural immersion.

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Semester Programs

Spend your gap semester living in different parts of the world, experiencing multiple destinations in depth. Combine language study, service-learning, and/or an internship.

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Programs designed to build real-world skills

Each EF Gap program is comprised of various program experiences that broaden students' learning, personal growth, and career preparation.

  • Guide Exploration

    Experience the world from the expert, local perspective of your EF Tour Director—your travel sidekick from arrival to departure.

  • Service & Sustainability

    Be a force for good in the world and explore ways to make a real, hands-on impact alongside communities in Latin America and Asia.

  • Language & Culture

    Live like a local while taking on an immersive language course in the city of your choice. Study Spanish, Italian, French, German, Korean, or Japanese.

  • Business & Internships

    Level up your resume with real-world experience at an international company while living independently in the global city of Stockholm, Sweden.

What our students gain from taking a gap

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 skills

    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.

  • Life readiness

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

Why take a gap with EF?

OUR GLOBAL PRESENCE IS UNMATCHED

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.

Why take a gap with EF?

MORE THAN 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. International travel what we do.

Why take a gap with EF?

EDUCATION ALWAYS COMES FIRST

Our experiential education model helps students explore their interests and leave their comfort zones while setting them up for success in college, their careers, and beyond.

Why take a gap with EF?

DESIGN YOUR PERFECT PROGRAM

With customizable modules and over a dozen destinations to choose from, EF Gap Year allows students to craft an individualized gap experience that reflects their unique dreams and goals.

Request your free EF Gap Year brochure

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!

For U.S. students 18–22.

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