Day 1: Wednesday, October 4
Departures
Say your goodbyes and hit the road for your first step in your journey! Because of the time zone change, you will likely depart on the 4th and arrive in London on the 5th.
Meals included: Some meals may be included on flights; check with your airline for more information.

Day 2: Thursday, October 5
Arrivals to London
Touch down in London! An EF team member will meet you at the airport to take you to the hotel. Your Tour Director will help you settle into London and give you a brief walking tour introduction to the city. Meet your fellow travelers, and enjoy a welcome dinner in London. 
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Friday, October 6
In-Person Orientation & Explore London 
Kick-off your journey with time set aside for an in-person orientation at the EF Chelsea Office in the heart of London. Orientation is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers along with your supportive staff. Meaningful and engaging activities will help your group bond and discover ways to approach your EF Gap with intentionality. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of London to see some of the city’s most iconic sights, like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Parliament.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Saturday, October 7
Day Trip to Oxford
Head out of the big city to spend a day in the town of Oxford, home to one of England’s (and the world’s) best universities. Learn about the history of the town and the university on a guided tour. Get a feel for what academia looks like in the UK.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Sunday, October 8
Business Visit
Spend the day visiting an entrepreneurial business in London and learning about their story. An example of a business students have visited in the past is Pavegen, an innovative business building sustainable energy solutions with its award-winning technology that uses foot traffic to generate energy. Meet with Founder & CEO Laurence Kemball-Cook to hear his story of building a successful and sustainable business. Spend time at Pavegen’s headquarters, where you’ll see their technology at work!
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: Monday, October 9
Free Day 
There isn’t anything on the schedule today – this is your first of many free days on your program to make your experience your own. It’s up to you to make the most of your time in London based on your own passions and interests! London has many free museums, and it’s a great place to try lots of international cuisine if you are more of a “foodie”. You’ll have a metro pass that works throughout your stay so its easy to get around. Your Tour Director may also suggest optional excursions that they can book for interested students.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7: Tuesday, October 10
Across the Channel
Take a bus from London to Portsmouth, where you’ll take a ferry across the Channel to enter France. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the evening in the area of Caen, in Normandy.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8: Wednesday, October 11
Caen Memorial & Normandy Beaches
Learn about Normandy’s unique WWII history with a local guide by visiting the Caen Memorial and Normandy Beaches, where D-Day took place.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9: Thursday, October 12
Visit to Mont St. Michel
Spend a day at the stunning Mont St. Michel, an island topped by a beautiful abbey. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a big pilgrimage site to this day. Soak up its beauty & history and explore!
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10: Friday, October 13
Travel to Paris via Giverny
Transfer from Normandy to Paris, with a stop in the town Giverny to visit the famous gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Get some inspiration for (spoiler alert) your Impressionist painting class coming up a few days later! End your day settling into your hotel in Paris.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11: Saturday, October 14
Explore Paris
Take a guided tour of Paris to see some of the city’s iconic sights like the Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Luxembourg Gardens. Get your metro card and learn how to use Paris’s public transportation system.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12: Sunday, October 15
The Louvre
Visit the Louvre with your group. See the iconic Mona Lisa in person — and explore the vast collections that span centuries of the world’s best art. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Paris on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13: Monday, October 16
Impressionist Painting Workshop
After visiting Giverny and the Louvre, flex your own artistic skills with an Impressionist painting class. Enjoy the rest of the day to keep exploring Paris on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14: Tuesday, October 17
Visit to Versailles
Put on your powdered wig and embrace your inner Marie Antoinette! Explore this luxurious and (in)famous palace, once home to French royals.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 15: Wednesday, October 18
Free Day in Paris
Enjoy a free day to explore Paris on your own. Your Tour Director may have optional excursions that you can join.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 16: Thursday, October 19
Travel to Lucerne
Experience Europe’s interconnected transportation system by taking the train from Paris to the Lucerne region. Settle into your hotel and have a group dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 17: Friday, October 20
Sightseeing in Zurich
Spend a day exploring one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities, Zurich. Nestled in the Alps, this city has a lot to see, do, and eat.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 18: Saturday, October 21
Excursion to Mt. Rigi
Travel by boat and by cable car to reach the top of Mt. Rigi — a truly astonishing spot to take in the wonders of the Alps!
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 19: Sunday, October 22
Free Day in Lucerne
Enjoy a free day to explore Lucerne on your own!
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 20: Monday, October 23
Transfer from Lucerne to Bologna
Take a bus with your group from the Lucerne Region across the Italian border. End your day in Bologna, where you’ll have dinner and stay for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 21: Tuesday, October 24
Explore Bologna
Bologna is one of the most amazing student cities in the world. Visit its university — the oldest in the world — and spend time understanding how the city has grown around the university.
Meals included: Breakfast 

Day 22: Wednesday, October 25
A Cheesy Trip from Bologna to Florence
Bus with your group from Bologna to Florence. Along the way, stop in Parma to visit a Parmesan Cheese factory in the city where it originated. Smell and taste some of the best cheese of your life!
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 23: Thursday, October 26
Explore Florence
Take in the sights in Florence on a guided tour, learning about its history, culture, and cuisine!
Meals included: Breakfast 

Day 24: Friday, October 27
Free Day
Enjoy a free day to explore Florence on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 25: Saturday, October 28
Florence to Rome
Head from Florence to Rome by bus with your group.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 26: Sunday, October 29
The Colosseum
See one of Rome’s biggest and most historic sites — the Colosseum! Explore the nearby Forum Romano and take in the ancient history of this city.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 27: Monday, October 30
Visit the Vatican & Learn to Cook!
The Vatican is a spot where history, religion, power, and politics combine. Tour the incredible archives, and see Michelangelo’s ceiling. Later in the day, do a cooking class to learn how to create an authentic Italian meal!
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner (depends on cooking class timing — you’ll make this meal!)

Day 28: Tuesday, October 31
Wrap-Up
Spend some time with your Tour Director, Student Life Coordinator, and cohort reflecting on all that you’ve been through this semester. Reflect and think about what you’re bringing with you to your next steps. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 29: Wednesday, November 1
Departures
Say goodbye to your group and head home!
Meals included: Breakfast

The Basics

England is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, along with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They are united under the same monarch and government, though each has their own parliaments.

Formed by the union of small Celtic and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms during the medieval period, England is comprised of several distinct regions. Many English people identify with the region where they’re from—for example, Yorkshire, the West Country, or the Midlands. After World War II, England became highly urbanized.

Cultural norms and what to expect

Learn a few common words and phrases. Even though they speak English, you’ll notice new vocabulary, such as:

• Quid: a one-pound coin

• Knackered: exhausted

Don’t expect to see the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace!

Don’t mix up Tower Bridge and London Bridge: London Bridge refers to several bridges built over the Thames, while Tower Bridge is the current bridge between the City of London and Southwark in Central London.

Don’t call the whole of the UK, “England,” especially not when meeting Scots, Welsh, or Northern Irish, as they’ll likely be offended. Study up a bit on the geography before arriving!

London is a melting pot of people from across the globe; you’ll hear lots of languages being spoken and lots of different cuisines available.

You Don’t Want to Miss

There are tons of must-sees in London: some highlights include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Big Ben.

If you’re a history buff, check out museums like the Imperial War Museum, the Natural History Museum, the British Museum, the London Transport Museum, and so many more.

You can also venture outside the city to Stonehenge or Windsor Castle!

Check out to Camden Market, both to shop some for vintage goods and to take in the more counter-culture environment there; there are lots of great food stands there with cuisines from across the globe.

The Basics
Paris, the country’s capital, is a major metropolitan area and a bustling center of fashion, cuisine, art, and architecture. Between the busy cafes, countless art museums, and quaint streets, Paris offers an experience of French culture like no other.

While in Paris, you will rely heavily on public transit and it’s not uncommon for strikes to impact your commute. In addition to the magic of Paris, due to the size and high population, you should anticipate longer than average commutes from your accommodation to the city center.

Food and wine are pivotal to the French people. Some classic dishes include boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin. Particularly important for those staying with a host family: meals are served later in the day, dinner often between 8:00 and 10:00pm.

Breakfasts are often small and sweet–for example, something like bread and jam. It is uncommon to have eggs, sausages, bacon, and other typical American breakfasts in Paris.

Cultural Norms & What to Expect

Learn a few common words and phrases:

• Bonjour: Hello, Good morning

• Au revoir: Goodbye

• Oui: Yes

• Merci beaucoup: Thank you very much

• Je m’appelle: My name is…

• Comment allez-vous?: How are you doing?

• Combien ça coûte?: How much is this?

French people, particularly Parisians, may have a different communication style than Americans. They communicate clearly and directly, without much cushioning or sugar-coating, which can be shocking to some students. If you need something from your host family or at the school, do ask for it directly.

Learn the metro or local transit system: it can be complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll have access to the whole city.

Don’t dawdle or walk slowly. If you’re lost, pop into a shop or a nearby café and reorient yourself. In Europe, try to always walk with a purpose to avoid unwanted attention or pickpockets.

Use the formal “vous” instead of “tu” to address strangers and people in shops as a sign of respect.

Anticipate less emphasis on personal space. French people often greet one another with a kiss on the cheek and a hug (even strangers!). Similarly, they have a much smaller expectation of (or regard for) personal space.

Anti-immigrant and anti-Black racism in France is unfortunately not uncommon. Students of color, particularly Black students, may encounter verbal harassment or more attention from police.

A few tips from EF Gap Year alumni:

• “Grocery stores are different than American ones–there aren’t super stores that have everything. If you want bread, you have to go to the boulangerie (the bakery) and if you want meat you have to go to the boucherie (the butcher).”

• “If you’re staying with a host family, the first few days can be uncomfortable since you’re stepping into a new family’s home. For me, my commute was nearly an hour outside the city, but I learned to navigate it. Embrace the entirely new way of life!”

You Don’t Want to Miss

In Paris, the Musee de Picasso and the area surrounding it. The museum is beautiful and in a trendy area with restaurants and thrift shops—it’s also free for students!

The Basics  

Switzerland is largely known for the Swiss Alps and considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The country is known for rugged landscapes and political neutrality.  

Since 1815, following the Napoleonic Wars, Switzerland has been granted neutrality, meaning they avoid participation in wars between other states. The country often serves as a mediator between opposing sides and offers neutral grounds to host conferences and international meetings.  

Switzerland is bordered by five countries: Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy, and France. This makes international travel by bus and train fairly easy! 

Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. 

Key Cultural Norms & Guidelines

Due to its centralized location, Switzerland is multilingual and multicultural, tying in many cultures, including German, Italian, French, and so many more. Therefore, Swiss culture is largely an accumulation of many European cultures.  

Approximately 65% of Swiss people consider themselves Swiss-German, while 18% consider themselves of French ethnic descent and another 10% as Italian descent.  

Swiss people value appearance and style. You will rarely see them wearing ripped jeans or shabby clothing! 

The Swiss franc is used as currency and 1 Swiss Franc is equivalent to a little over 1 USD. Switzerland is notoriously known for being expensive in comparison to the US. For example, at a fast-food restaurant like McDonalds, expect to pay anywhere from 12-20 CHF. 

The public transportation and train system in Switzerland is fantastic (albeit, pricey). If you find yourself with a free day or two in the city, head over to the Zurich HB for a scenic train ride to nearby hotspots, like Lucerne or Engelberg. Switzerland makes travel easy through the Swiss Rail Pass.  

As a rule of thumb, greet everyone you meet. This includes shop keepers, hotel staff, and even the hikers you may pass by. This is customary and polite etiquette in Switzerland.  

Regional characteristics sharply define the country. For example, in the east, you’ll find many tight-knit, German-speaking, mountain communities. In the west, you may find more French speakers.  

As you may suspect, Swiss food is influenced by German, French, and Italian cuisine. A few favorite dishes include Rösti (a hot cake made of potatoes and fried in butter), cheese fondue, and, of course, Swiss chocolate! 

You Don’t Want to Miss  

Don’t miss any opportunity to get outside. Whether hiking, kayaking, or skiing, be sure to experience Switzerland like a true Swiss! 

Mt. Rigi – if you have the opportunity to visit Rigi, often referred to as Queen of the Mountains, do not turn it down. It’s located just outside Lucerne and after taking a cable car to the top, you’ll be exposed to incredible, 360 degree views of the Swiss Alps. 

Extra time while in Zurich? Take a tour of Lindt’s chocolate factory to explore the world of cocoa and the production of chocolate! 

The Basics

Italy, a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea, is home to the epicenter of the of the Roman Empire, a major hub of Catholicism, and the birthplace of the Renaissance. The country is known for its incredible food and history around every corner.  

The Catholic Church’s statistics suggest that 96% of Italians were baptized as Catholic, so that alone speaks to the dominance of Catholic traditions. Whether or not you’re Catholic, you will be welcomed into the country with open arms, but it’s important to respect the traditions, particularly when visiting religious site, such as the many towering cathedrals or Vatican City.  

Cultural Norms & What to Expect

Learn common words and phrases:  

• Ciao, ragazzi = Hey guys!  

• Buongiorno = Good morning 

• Buonasera = Good evening 

• Lei parla inglese = Do you speak English? 

• Come va = How are you? 

• Bene, grazie = Good, thank you 

Be prepared for hugs and kisses when greeting others. It’s common to give air kisses on both cheeks when greeting others; this is called il bacetto. 

Don’t spend too much time in touristy areas! Visit once, then explore the less traveled areas.  

In big cities like Rome, popular areas can be very touristy. It’s not uncommon for Americans to get pick-pocketed, so be sure to keep your important documents or electronics close (we suggest a cross body or a fanny pack!). Make sure to keep your phone zipped away, not in the pocket of pants or jacket.

Some advice from EF alumni:

• “Catcall culture is real–I had no idea how often women are catcalled in Italy. Wear headphones or don’t engage if you feel uncomfortable. Also, it’s also always a good idea to travel with a buddy.” – EF Gap Year Alum

• “Don’t be surprised if you receive tough love from your host mom! Mine was very blunt with her words, which initially felt rude, but I quickly learned it’s cultural. I had to learn not to be offended.” – EF Gap Year Alum

• “Particularly in Rome, be prepared to spend time on public transportation. The city depends largely on buses, which tend to get stuck in traffic, so my commutes were often longer than anticipated! Download a good podcast or album and enjoy the ride.” – EF Gap Year Alum

You Don’t Want to Miss
In Rome, don’t miss the Trastevere area: there are small, quaint streets, fewer tourists, and picturesque views.  

Pompeii, where Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, is an incredible trip for history buffs. The preserved site features excavated ruins of streets and homes that you can freely explore.  

Cinque Terre and other coastal villages that line the western coast are a must-see. 

As you go through this program, you’ll learn a lot about yourself and what you are capable of. You will face challenges you’ve never faced before, and you’ll learn how to overcome these challenges in your own unique ways. Here are some questions to consider before, during, and after you go through the program:

• What goals do I have for my own personal development? What tangible steps do I want to take to achieve them?

• Who is my support group — on program or at home — who I know will always cheer me on to succeed?

• What things am I doing get outside my comfort zone? And how is my comfort zone expanding as I try new things?

• What parts of the program are particularly challenging for me? Why are they challenging for me?

• What is one thing I’ve done so far on this program that I never imagined I could do?

• How do I communicate with others around me about my needs and boundaries?

• What strategies do I use to cope with stress?

As you travel throughout Europe, you are going to see other cultures, societies, environments, histories, economies, geographies, languages, and peoples that you’ve never seen before. These experiences can propel you to better understand who you are in the world and what you want your life to look like — whether that be figuring out your certain career path, understanding what type of urban environment you want to live in, or gaining a better connection to a certain period in history. These questions can help you think through some of the places you will visit, and they are great ones to discuss with a friend or a small group.

London:

• What surprised you the most about London?

• What did you learn from your visit to Oxford? What are the differences you observed between universities in the US and universities in the UK?

• How did you spend your free time in London? What types of activities do you gravitate towards when you have that freedom?

France:

• Paris is a city that lives large in the cultural consciousness of Americans. How did Paris differ from what you expected?

• What inspiration did you get from understanding the art, architecture, and fashion of Paris?

• What did you learn about World War II history as you went to Normandy? How does that history continue to impact us today?

Switzerland:

• What differences do you notice between France & Switzerland?

• Switzerland relies on tourism — specifically Alpine tourism — for its economy. As global climate change threatens the stability of these climates, what will happen to this industry?

Italy:

• What did you learn about the way goods like parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar are produced? How will you think differently about these items next time you see them in a grocery store in the US? What goes into creating a successful global brand, as Parma has done with parmesan cheese?

• It is easy to think of ancient history as something far removed from modern life. Yet the Colosseum — and other remnants of ancient Rome — are part of the cityscape of modern day Rome. What is it like to be in a city where this history is so present? How do the ancient and modern fit together?

Travel provides incredible opportunities to learn about yourself, the world, and yourself in the world. But travel is also a deeply emotional experience that can bring different challenges to every individual based on the identities they hold and experiences they’ve had.

This resource is intended to help you think about how your intersecting identities can, and will, shape your experience as an EF student. Take some time to review our Social Identity Resources to hear different perspectives, learn about identity-specific resources, and prepare with helpful tips before you go abroad.