Taking a gap year after college
After college graduation, there’s a unique window of opportunity to explore before settling into a career or continuing higher education. At 21 years old, my experiences had largely been shaped by the structure of school, leaving little room to explore life beyond it. My mom always told me, “Your early twenties are the perfect time to do whatever you want,” so I decided to take her advice and travel the world on The EF Gap Year program.
Cultural immersion
With EF, immersion was not just about visiting new places—it was about connecting with the heart of each culture. Each experience expanded my view of the world, helped shape my sense of identity, and provided invaluable lessons.
An unexpected way I connected with different cultures was through food—from snacks at the local store to the shared plates of a meal. My friends and I made a whole series on “taste testing” where we would venture to local stores and pick out snacks. In Japan, convenience store and vending machine culture is ubiquitous, offering a glimpse into the country’s unique approach to convenience and food. Food culture in Spain is centered around tapas: small dishes meant to be shared, reflecting the collectivist nature of Spanish society.
One of my most memorable experiences was volunteering in Thailand because it allowed me to connect with local communities while making a positive impact, creating a bond with the country that went far beyond sightseeing. At the Santpatong Experiential Education Center, we helped build infrastructure for garden beds and mushroom houses while interacting with the students. Despite the language barrier, we connected with them through games, and they even performed a traditional dance for us, making the experience deeply memorable.
Friendships with like-minded people
EF fosters connections not just with the places you visit, but also with the people you meet. My program was primarily made up of high school graduates, and initially I was worried the age gap would prevent me from forming meaningful connections. However, I quickly realized that age has little to do with building relationships. We bonded over shared interests and a mutual sense of adventure, like searching far and wide for Percy Pigs in London or getting friendship bracelets on the side of the street in Osaka.
One of the most unexpected connections I made was with a 65-year-old woman from France in my language class in Tokyo. She inspired me with her curiosity and passion for learning, showing me that no matter how old you are, there is always room to grow.
Lasting impact
Thanks to EF, my heart is no longer whole, with bits and pieces scattered across the globe. I stay connected to the places I’ve been through everyday routines—whether it’s making Japanese matcha in the morning, wearing a souvenir t-shirt from Phuket from my first solo trip, or taking a Swedish fika break at work to recharge for the rest of the day. These simple daily rituals help me stay grounded in the lessons and memories that I have gained from each place.