The Pathfinder

10-week Gap Semester in Europe

The Pathfinder is perfect for the hands-on learner who can’t wait for their next step, but is still trying to figure out where they’re going: explore Europe, ignite your passions, and forge your own path forward. Spend a semester traveling to six different countries, returning home with confidence in your direction, having gained global perspective and a passport packed with stamps. 

📍 Iceland: 11 days

Iceland is one of the best places on earth to gain hands-on exposure to the fields of environmental science and renewable energy: travel to Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir Geothermal area, and the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.

📍 England: 11 days

Learn about global business and healthcare in the heart of London, the capital of England and a leading global business hub: discover the Big Smoke's big-name sights and underground must-sees at the lead of a local Tour Director.

📍 France: 13 days

Cross the English Channel to France, a cultural and commerce center of Western Europe. Learn about the customs, culture, and historic happenings in the north, then travel to the chic capital of Paris to develop a greater appreciation for art, architecture, and fashion.

📍 Germany & Switzerland: 15 days

Travel to Berlin to discover Germany’s world-leading sustainability culture, then explore the Old-World city of Munich by diving deeper to the history of this region and spend a scenic weekend in the Alps.

📍 Italy: 18 days

Find fashion-forward inspiration in the savvy city of Milan, then visit two of Italy’s most famous cities for foodies, Bologna and Florence. Wrap up your experience in Rome, where you’ll explore iconic sites like the Vatican and the Colosseum and take an Italian cooking class.

Why take a gap with EF?

Here's why a life-changing EF Gap experience would benefit you.

Forge your own path forward

A gap year isn’t an alternative to college: it's about preparing you to make the most of college, a career, and, in many ways, the rest of your life.

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EF Gap student Camille sitting on a swing
Grow into your best self

Learn about yourself, the world, and yourself in the world. Become more confident, independent, and resilient while making memories along the way.

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Return home ready for your next step

77% of EF Gap Year alumni report finding their life purpose while on program, while close to all (96%) report feeling more confident and mature afterwards.

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My EF Gap Semester was one of the best times of my life; it was structured but free, and 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.

Sara S. EF Gap Semester Fall 2019

My EF Gap Year helped me find my purpose and solidified what I want to do with my future. I’m excited about college now because I have all of these stories and ideas for what I want to do going forward.

Bailey T. EF Gap Semester Spring 2019

Your anxieties are not as big as you think, and your faith is greater than your fear: there’s a lot more to miss out on not taking an opportunity like this and now, being in grad school, knowing what my future looks like—if I didn’t do this, I don’t think I would be able to. It's an opportunity that I will forever be grateful for. Don’t ever let fear get in your way!

Franki P. EF Gap Semester Spring 2022
Ready to take on the world?

Our Gap Year Consultants are ready to answer any questions you have and start planning your best year yet.

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