Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to availability and local conditions at the time of departure.
Packing
You will be responsible for carrying your luggage on-program; you will be on the move constantly and may not find elevators at every accommodation, so make it easy on yourself and don’t pack more than you need.
You will experience an assortment of activities, climates, and excursions, and it’s important to pack according to your itinerary. The most important thing to bring is comfortable walking shoes. Additionally “athleisure” is not super common in Europe, so we suggest assembling a capsule wardrobe; we also ask you prepare to be visiting places–such as cathedrals–that require modest clothing (knees and shoulders covered).
Budgeting
Whatever your personal spending habits are, it’s important to anticipate your expenses and budget accordingly so that you can travel care-free with more time to enjoy participating in your program. While many meals and activities are included during your EF Gap program, we want to help you build a realistic budget for additional expenses so that you can fully enjoy trying the local cuisine, participating in activities in your free time, and, of course, shopping for souvenirs to bring back home.
Pre-Departure Checklist
This checklist will help you keep track of all the different tasks you need to complete prior to departing on your EF Gap program. In this section, you can also find relevant links to things like the Portal, your pre-departure webinars, and entry requirements for the countries on your program. If you see anything on the checklist that you have questions about, check in with your advisor!
Here you’ll find information, advice, and tips from EF about the countries you may visit as part of your Gap Year.
EF Gap Year is a key part of EF’s expansive global network. With a presence in over 120 countries, 52,000 staff, 600 schools and offices, and over 400 community partners our team has your back and is always available to help you succeed on your journey.
To make the most of your time during your program, this section gives some helpful context and reflection questions. These questions are great ones to think about on your own, to journal about, or to discuss with a friend or in a small group. Make the most of your time during your program by spending a little bit of time each day—even as little as 5 or 10 minutes—doing conscious reflection!