The Globetrotter

12-week gap semester in Latin America, Europe, and Asia

This 12-week program is a true global adventure—spanning Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Students will live and learn in three culturally rich cities, each offering a unique perspective on language, lifestyle, and history. From surfing in Costa Rica to exploring ancient Roman ruins and navigating Tokyo’s futuristic neighborhoods, this program blends immersive language learning with hands-on cultural exploration across three continents.

Upcoming travel dates:

Spring 2026:
Session 1: Jan. 4–Mar. 28, 2026
Session 2: Feb. 1–Apr 25, 2026
Fall 2026:
Session 1: Aug. 16–Nov. 7, 2026
Session 2: Sep. 13–Dec. 5, 2026

Don't see what you're looking for? Ask us about flexible departures and durations.

Live in three cultural hubs

This program is anchored at EF’s campuses in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, Rome, Italy, and Tokyo, Japan. Each provides a vibrant home base where students take daily language classes and immerse themselves in local culture. Beyond the classroom, campuses serve as welcoming hubs for making friends, joining activities, and experiencing the beach, the city, and the metropolis together.

EF Tamarindo

Nestled near golden beaches and lush rainforest, EF Tamarindo blends open-air learning spaces with a laid-back surf-town atmosphere, where cafés, markets, and ocean sunsets are part of everyday life.

EF Rome

Located in the historic center, EF Rome combines modern facilities with everyday immersion—just a short walk from the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, and authentic Roman trattorias.

EF Tokyo

EF Tokyo places students at the heart of the city’s fashion and pop culture hub. Modern classrooms overlook bustling streets lined with cafés, boutiques, and karaoke bars, while nearby shrines and gardens offer a quiet escape from the neon energy.

EF Gap Year classroom in Costa Rica

EF Tamarindo

Nestled near golden beaches and lush rainforest, EF Tamarindo blends open-air learning spaces with a laid-back surf-town atmosphere, where cafés, markets, and ocean sunsets are part of everyday life.

EF Rome

Located in the historic center, EF Rome combines modern facilities with everyday immersion—just a short walk from the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, and authentic Roman trattorias.

Gap Year program in Japan

EF Tokyo

EF Tokyo places students at the heart of the city’s fashion and pop culture hub. Modern classrooms overlook bustling streets lined with cafés, boutiques, and karaoke bars, while nearby shrines and gardens offer a quiet escape from the neon energy.

Program highlights

Note: This program features required, interactive Spanish, Italian, and Japanese language learning classes Monday-Friday in each city. This itinerary is subject to change based on local availability and conditions at the time of departure.

Tamarindo

Weeks 1-4

Costa Rica waterfall

Weeks 1 - 2 in Tamarindo

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Over the course of your stay in Tamarindo, spend time learning to ride the waves with surf lessons on the town’s golden beaches, and later journey to the Ostional Wildlife Reserve, where you’ll witness sea turtle conservation efforts and the magic of nesting season along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Taking a gap year in Costa Rica

Weeks 3 - 4 in Tamarindo

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Set out on a day trip to Rio Celeste to hike through Tenorio National Park, explore volcanic landscapes, and marvel at the turquoise waterfall, then venture by boat through nearby mangroves, spotting crocodiles, tropical birds, and other wildlife along the way.

Tamarindo

Highlight Getaway

Taking a gap year in Costa Rica

Weekend trip to the Arenal Region

Arenal, Costa Rica

Visit the beautiful Arenal Volcano, go hiking, relax in hot springs, see the La Fortuna Waterfall, and go rafting through the rainforest.

Rome

Weeks 5-8

Gap year program in Rome

Weeks 5 - 6 in Rome

Rome, Italy

Take a guided walk through Roma Antica to uncover the city’s ancient past, roll up your sleeves for a pasta and gelato making class with a local chef, and spend a day exploring the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, home to some of the world’s most celebrated masterpieces.

Should I take a gap year in Italy

Weeks 7 - 8 in Rome

Rome, Italy

Visit Gelateria Fassi, one of Rome’s most famous gelaterias, to learn the art of traditional gelato-making, then take a day trip to Pompeii to walk among the remarkably preserved ruins of the ancient city.

Rome

Highlight Getaway

Florence, Italy Duomo

Day trip to Florence

Florence, Italy

Take a day trip to Florence, where you’ll wander Renaissance streets, admire masterpieces at world-class museums, and soak in the city’s charm from the iconic Ponte Vecchio.

Tokyo

Weeks 9-12

Weeks 9 - 10 in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

Explore Tokyo’s historic Asakusa neighborhood with a visit to the iconic Sensoji Temple, then join a sushi-making class with a local chef to master one of Japan’s most beloved culinary traditions.

Gap Year program in Japan

Weeks 11 - 12 in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

Take part in a traditional tea ceremony at a local tearoom, spend an evening singing with friends at a lively karaoke night, and take in sweeping city views from the top of Tokyo Skytree.

TOKYO

Highlight Getaway

Weekend trip to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

Travel by bullet train on a two-day adventure to Kyoto, where you’ll explore Japan’s most celebrated temples and shrines.

Start planning today

Program inclusions

Our gap programs are built around a close-knit cohort, giving students the chance to learn and travel together. The program includes a wide range of amenities including:

Interactive language classes
Spanish in Tamarindo, Italian in Rome, and Japanese in Tokyo, offered at all learning levels.
Activities & excursions
2-3 cultural activities per week, and 1 overnight weekend excursions or extended day trip per location.
Flights & transportation
All flights, on-the-ground transfers, and airport pick-up upon arrival.
Room & board
Accommodations in an EF Student Residence with other members of your cohort.
EF Global Support Network
One-on-one mentorship and 24/7 travel support before and during your program.
Travel protection
Enrollment and cancellation protection fees included.

EF Education First global presence

Our commitment to safety

When you need us most, we’re always close: EF Gap Year students are supported by multiple layers of staff throughout their experience abroad.

Optional college credits

You will have an option to receive college credits for your language coursework through an accredited US university. For more information, please talk with your Program Advisor.

Stack and save

The world is too big for just one stop. Extend your adventure by stacking two back-to-back programs into a full year abroad. You’ll unlock more destinations, more experiences, and more memories—plus, save $2,000 when you do.

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