Why Choose EF
We’re the world leader in international education.
We’re the world leader in international education.
Since 1965, EF Education First has sent millions of people around the world to have life-changing experiences. Our gap year program is the culmination of 50 years of expertise in educational travel, language learning, and cultural exchange—our “greatest hits,” if you will. Here are some other ways EF Gap Year is unique.
Taking a gap year is an incredibly worthwhile experience. It can also feel overwhelming at times. You can count on EF teachers, tour guides, and staff for support every step of the way.
Each EF Gap Year student is paired with a dedicated Gap Year Advisor who will be a mentor, emergency contact, and main support person throughout your program experience. Always an email, text, or quick phone call away, your advisor is there for you whenever you need.
Unlike other gap year organizations, we insist on overseeing every aspect of your program ourselves—it’s the only way we can maintain our strict quality standards. Our Operations Team is on the front lines, working closely with partners around the world to ensure that your EF Gap Year experience runs smoothly.
The true magic of any EF program is our on-the-ground staff, and EF Gap Year is no exception. Our local guides and field directors are there to help you get the most out of your experience and provide the expertise and insider perspective that will make for an unforgettable trip.
Sara S. EF Gap Semester Class of Fall 2019EF gave phenomenal support to anyone in the cohort on our time abroad. Phone calls with concerns were answered promptly and always constructive and kind. The staff at EF really just wants to see you succeed and they do what they can to make that happen.
Alex L., California EF Gap Semester Class of Spring 2019If you have the opportunity to take an EF Gap Year, reach out and grab it. You could literally ask anyone for advice and the support staff is amazing at EF Gap Year. You always have someone to talk to in case you need to talk to somebody and there is always help when you need it.
EF is committed to making a positive contribution to the global community—through key partnerships, support for good causes and cutting-edge research into improving the way people learn.
Following the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal in April 2015, EF rebuilt Jalapa Devi Higher Secondary School—a public school located in one of the hardest hit areas.
Founded in 2009 and sponsored by Hult International Business School, the Hult Prize awards $1 million USD annually to young people working to solve the world’s toughest social issues.
EF is proud to have been appointed as the trusted supplier of language and education to seven Olympic Games.
In 2017, EF launched an educational partnership with the Nobel Museum, sharing the stories of Nobel Laureates who dreamed big and inspiring future leaders to do the same.
We encourage all qualified students to apply for an EF Gap program. Whoever you are, whatever you are passionate about—we welcome you and want you to bring that to our program. We are committed to inclusion and belonging across race, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, parental status, veteran status, experience and everything else that makes you unique. We continually seek to build and maintain a vibrant community of program participants that reflects the rich diversity of our world.