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The Global Gap Year

Two gap year students smile together
The Global Gap Year is your passport to a full academic year abroad—24 weeks of language learning, cultural deep dives, and unforgettable adventures.

Start with one of EF’s curated 12-week semester programs, then keep the momentum going with a spring semester at any of EF’s 11 international language campuses. This program is perfect for students who want to level up their language skills, explore the world, and grow in ways that go way beyond the classroom. 

Length: 24 weeks (Fall & Spring terms)

Fall semester options (12 weeks):

  • Early Fall start: Aug. 16–Nov. 7, 2026

  • Late Fall start: Sep. 20–Dec. 12, 2026

Spring semester options (12 weeks):

  • Early Spring start: Jan. 4–Mar. 28, 2027

  • Late Spring start: Feb. 1–Apr. 25, 2027

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

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How you'll grow

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Live and learn in up to four cities across two semesters

How you'll grow

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Learn the basics of multiple languages during your first semester, then dive deep into the language you’re most passionate about during your second semester

How you'll grow

CULTURAL IMMERSION

Engage in activities and excursions that bring local culture to life

How you'll grow

GAIN INDEPENDENCE

Enjoy a cohort feel as you travel during your first semester. During your second semester, live independently like a local in the global city of your choice

Semester 1

Choose from one of the following 12-week semester programs

European Horizons

  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Paris, France
  • Rome, Italy

East Asian Odyssey

  • Seoul, South Korea
  • Tokyo, Japan

Costa Rica waterfall

Spanish in Motion

  • Tamarindo, Costa Rica
  • Malaga, Spain
  • Barcelona, Spain

The Globetrotter

  • Tamarindo, Costa Rica
  • Rome, Italy
  • Tokyo, Japan

Semester 2

Return home for winter break, then continue your journey with a 12-week spring semester at one of EF's 11 language campuses:

  • Barcelona, Spain

  • Malaga, Spain

  • Paris, France

  • Nice, France

  • Rome, Italy

  • Berlin, Germany

  • Munich, Germany

  • Tokyo, Japan

  • Seoul, South Korea

  • Tamarindo, Costa Rica

  • Singapore

Recommended itinerary

See two distinct continents with European Horizons & Spring in Tokyo

Recommended itinerary

See three Asian countries with East Asian Odyssey & Spring in Singapore

Recommended itinerary

Level up your Spanish language skills with Spanish in Motion & Spring in Tamarindo

Recommended itinerary

Visit as many unique countries as possible with Globetrotter & Spring Seoul

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
    Language classes offered at all levels in each location visited.

  • Activities & excursions
    2-3 cultural activities per week, and 1 overnight weekend excursion or extended day trip per location during your first semester.

  • Flights & Transportation
    All flights, on-the-ground transfers, and airport pick-up upon arrival.

  • Room & board
    Accommodations in an EF Student Residence during your first semester, and choice between an EF Homestay or a Student Residence during your second semester.

  • 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.

Top Curve

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