Short-Term Program

European Discovery

Ignite your passions, add new stamps to your passport, and discover a range of diverse cultures across four major European countries.

Develop life skills while learning about global business in London, history in Normandy, art and architecture in Paris, food and agriculture in Italy, and so much more on this crash course in global citizenship. Return home from your program feeling inspired and invigorated for what’s next—whether it’s more travel, continuing your college journey, or heading into your career.

Upcoming travel dates:
Summer 2023: Jul. 5 – Aug. 2
Fall 2023: Oct. 4 – Nov. 1
Spring 2024: Feb. 28 – Mar. 27
Summer 2024: Jul. 5 – Aug. 2

How you'll grow

GROWTH MINDSET

Explore outside your comfort zone to learn about the world, yourself, and yourself in the world.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Experience daily life in new cities, both big and small, as you explore iconic destinations across Western Europe.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Become a travel-savvy student of life; demonstrate a deeper sense of autonomy, self-awareness, and personal responsibility.

ACTION & IMPACT

Add new stamps to your passport, find inspiration internationally, make lifelong memories, and return home ready for what’s next.

Program itinerary
Click here to download this itinerary as a PDF.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to availability and local conditions at the time of departure.

London, UK 5 Days

London: Sightseeing

London, England

Fly to London, where you’ll meet your cohort and begin your journey together. Travel to the must-see spots of the city, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, and enjoy a free day to explore on your own time.

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London: Business & Academia

London, England

Get a crash course in London’s business culture, where you'll take a behind-the-scenes visit to an innovative global company. Travel to Oxford, a city famous for its architecture, cobbled lanes, and quaint charm, and visit to the historic and world-renowned University of Oxford.

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Normandy, France 3 days

Normandy: History

Normandy, France

Board a ferry to cross the English Channel to Normandy, the site of the D-Day landing, where you'll learn about WWII history in the place where it happened; there is no better place for this the past to come alive.

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Paris, France 7 Days

Paris: Art & Architecture

Paris, France

Visit world-class museums and historical sites like the Louvre, the Musee D’Orsay, and Versailles. Embark on a walking tour, where you'll more about Paris’s impressive architecture, then enjoy a free day to soak up the culture of the City of Lights–and eat as many croissants as you can!

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Lucerne Region, Switzerland 3 Days

Lucerne: Sightseeing

Lucerne Region, Switzerland

Head into the heart of Europe as you cross the border into Switzerland; enjoy an Alps excursion and a scenic boat ride, then spend a free day wandering the medieval streets of Lucerne.

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Bologna & Florence, Italy 5 Days

Bologna: Food & Agriculture

Bologna, Italy

Visit picturesque Parma to try the original Parmesan cheese, then take a food tour of Bologna and visit FICO World Eataly, the Italian Food Theme Park that celebrates the delicious diversity of Italian food.

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Florence: Food & Agriculture

Florence, Italy

Immerse yourself in the architecture, art, cuisine, and culture of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Discover the city on a food tour that celebrates the delicious diversity of Italian food!

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Rome 4 Days

Rome: Wrap-Up

Rome, Italy

See awe-inspiring sites such as the Colosseum and the Vatican. Enjoy an intensive Italian cooking class and free time to explore The Eternal City. Spend time celebrating all you’ve been through and reflecting on your experience with your cohort before heading home!

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Make this your year

Taking a gap year is not an alternative to college; it’s about preparing yourself to make the most of college—and, in many ways, the rest of your life. Our innovative experiential learning model helps students discover their goals while equipping them with the confidence and skills to get there.

Program fee

Tuition for this 4-week program is $7,650 and payment plans are available. Tuition includes:

  • Activities & workshops

    Guided excursions and hands-on workshops with local experts.

  • Flights & transportation

    Round-trip flights and local transfers to each stop in your itinerary

  • Room & board

    All housing and approximately half of your meals are covered

  • EF Global Support Network

    One-on-one mentorship and travel support before and during your program

Ready to get started?

Our Gap Year Consultants are ready to answer any questions you and your family may have, then they’ll work with you and your family one-on-one to plan an experience that expands your horizons and meets your goals.

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