Today’s education system teaches students how to achieve, compete, and perform. But it often fails to teach the cornerstone skills of adulthood—like self-discovery, open-mindedness, and independence.
We believe in the importance of living intentionally and pursuing a life that is true to ourselves. And we believe in the transformative power of travel to help us understand who we want to be in the world.
That’s why we rally around a central goal: Preparing students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Through our programs, we strive to empower students to become happy and successful adults who are prepared to navigate their future and the world.
The EF Gap Year approach focuses on four essentials skills that prepare students for success in our increasingly globalized world. Learn more here (PDF).
Learn to follow your curiosity and embrace new challenges.
Build a toolkit of must-have skills for true global citizenship.
Become a more mature and well-rounded person.
Gain the confidence to successfully navigate an ever-changing world.
Annabel H., EF Gap Year '19 Boston University '23My gap year took me out of my comfort zone so many times—and my life is better because of it. If anyone is searching for a path to follow, a way to achieve their goals, or even just who they are, they need to take a gap year.
