EF Gap Year

Throwback to one of the very first days of the 2023-2024 EF Gap Year. It’s hard to believe we just kicked off our fall departures, starting with the EF Gap Year 2024-2025 cohort — how exciting! These friendships form fast and will last a lifetime 🫶🌎✈️✨

Did you already or are you about to head out on your gap? Comment below what program you’re on!

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Meet Pathfinder alum Aminah G!
 
“I decided to take a gap year after realizing I didn’t feel excited about any of the colleges I was applying to. It was a tough decision coming from a very academically competitive high school, but I couldn’t be more happy with how my year off shaped who I am: a more independent and curious person than ever before!” - Aminah

Want to hear more about Aminah’s gap experience and what she’s up to now? Good news! Aminah (alongside Gap Year alum Carson) will be joining us on our Alumni Panel tomorrow evening (August 28th) at 8pm ET. to save your seat!

Chefchaouen, Morocco - known for the iconic blue-washed buildings, rich history and culture, and unique handicrafts.

Want to see what Morocco is all about? Our students spend a long weekend in Morocco on our Mosaic of Spain program, exploring the relationship between Morocco and Spain. Or, maybe you could use an open weekend during your gap semester or year to plan a visit, like Jett did!

Did you know it’s common for Italians (and our gap students) to eat pasta every single day?! What a life! 🇮🇹🍝
 
Food is a gateway to Italian culture — learning the art of pasta is a must!

Last week, we celebrated our first-ever Alumni Reunion, and it was a blast! Alumni from Boston, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Toronto, and beyond came together, filling the room with incredible energy. Bringing this community together keeps the spirit of the gap year alive and thriving, and we’re already thinking about what’s next. Where should we have our next reunion?!

Our EF Gap Year Alumni Interns, Jared and AnnaLise, joined us in the Boston office this week for the final week of their internship. We were so lucky to have such dedicated and passionate alum on our team. Their time here has been a testament to how the gap year experience doesn’t just end—it evolves.

Thank you, Jared and AnnaLise, for bringing your global perspectives, hard work, and enthusiasm into everything you’ve done. We can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you! ✨🌏

And… speaking of alumni — we’re hosting our very first Alumni Reunion tonight! We’re so excited to see you soon!

We’re approaching the FINAL BOARDING CALL for your fall gap semester! ✈️🌍
 
Still figuring out your fall plans? Let this be your sign to choose a gap year. Don’t miss your chance to explore the world, step out of your comfort zone, and meet your new best friends. We promise you’ll return ready to take on whatever’s next—college, a job, or something entirely new.
 
Secure your spot now on our Changemaker, Pathfinder, or Voyager gap semester and start your adventure! 
 

During the language and internship portion of the trip we had are weekends and sometimes weekdays free, and were able to take side trips to explore other areas and countries!!

Independent travel gives you the ability to see places that may be on your bucket list, but also teaches you many necessary traits for adulthood. For example, learning how to successfully plan trips, hotel bookings, and airline flights boosts your self-awareness and problem solving skills. You can also gain confidence, independence, and freedom.

Most importantly it’s an amazing way to connect with the new friends you’ve made on the trip

Heyyy guys! My name is Aysia and I’ll be taking over the EF insta for a couple of days! I am from Fort Lauderdale Florida, and had just graduated high school with my associate of arts degree when I decided to join the 25 week gap year, allowing me to explore new places and cultures.

Now I will be going off to college to finish my bachelors degree as a biology major at Florida State University. My gap year has made me more than prepared and confident for college and the challenges that may come with it.

I’ll be here for the rest of the week to share my EF experiences with you and answer any questions you might have about taking a gap year!!!

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One of the main questions we get asked about our gap programs is: How can I be sure that I (or, my student) will be safe and supported on program? 
 
Tonight (8pm ET, July 17), we’re discussing this exact question at our webinar: “How EF Gap Year Supports Your Student Every Step of the Way”. You can register for this webinar at our , or in our IG story. We’ll be joined by Evan K., our former Student Life Coordinator (and now Gap Year Advisor!), and Kailyn D., EF Gap Year Voyager alum. They journeyed through Oceania, Thailand, and Japan together and can speak to support on the ground and the growth students have on an EF gap program. We are so excited for this event!
 
If Evan was your Student Life Coordinator, drop a comment below!

Qué lo que, Dominican Republic!? 🇩🇴🌴🐠

Gap alum Gus R. visited the DR last fall and shared: “Over our time in the Dominican Republic we traveled around the country working with different nonprofit organizations that all work to counter act the effects that climate change. We worked with 4 different groups that are making an impact in their communities from coral reef and mangroves conservation to local farms. It was an amazing opportunity to work with the locals and see the positive changes they are making in their everyday lives.”

Want to make an impact and get hands-on experience with conservation and sustainability this fall? There’s still time to enroll on one of our gap programs! Check the to connect with a Gap Year Consultant ASAP!

Twenty-three weeks later and you’ve traveled and experienced authentic cultural immersion across three continents. But more importantly, you’ve boosted your confidence, adaptability, and independence, broadened your perspective on global issues, enhanced your resume, and built connections with people and places all over the world. Perhaps THE MOST meaningful part, though, is that you’ve learned a lot about yourself 🌱✨🌎🩵

The EF Gap Year is a profoundly enriching experience that will shape your personal and professional trajectory in significant ways. No matter where life takes you next—whether it’s college, a job, or something else—the skills and experiences you gain on The EF Gap Year will be right there by your side.

See you out there! ✈️🌎🌠

If you’re looking to level up your resume 📈, you can choose spend your second semester of The EF Gap Year interning abroad!

Experience what it’s like to intern overseas in the global city of Stockholm, Sweden 🇸🇪. Establish professional connections, gain introductory business skills, and work on projects while living independently abroad. You’ve been building the skills throughout your gap year to be able to successfully live and work in Stockholm for the semester 💪.

Stockholm is a vibrant and beautiful city known for its architecture and design, sustainable lifestyle, and cherished traditions (like fika - coffee and pastries, yes please!) ☕️🥐. It’s the perfect place to live and explore while developing your leadership style and navigating global workplace culture.

Semester 2 of The EF Gap Year is all about cultural immersion and applying those skills you gained in the first semester. This semester, you can choose to learn a language or intern abroad.

If you opt to learn a language, you’ll attend classes at the EF International Language campus of your choice - in Nice, Tokyo, Barcelona, Rome, Seoul, or Munich. After class, enjoy free time and weekends to explore on your own. You’ll spend 11 weeks living in one of these amazing cities, really getting to know its people, culture, language, and more. You might have spent years learning a language in high school, but immersing yourself in a new city and language on the ground will immediately elevate your skills.

Step out of your comfort zone, embrace independence, and live like a local during the second semester of The EF Gap Year.

Some may say we left the best for last. Others may say that every part of the EF Gap Year is the best. All we know is that this week is pretty incredible. The final week of The EF Gap Year first semester brings you to Koh Lanta, Thailand 🐘🇹🇭
 
This week, you’ll work with a nonprofit to combat exploitative animal tourism and learn about elephant nutrition, habitat conservation, and general well-being through service learning. You’ll also get the chance to visit Mu Koh Lanta National Park and take a day to reflect on the adventures of first semester with your cohort. 
 
And this is only Semester 1! From Europe to Australia to Thailand, you’ve explored multiple new countries, gained independence as you learned how to travel, and discovered more about yourself and the world. Now, it’s time to head home for a well-deserved winter break before starting semester 2!

We are thrilled to welcome Jared to the EF Gap Year team as a summer intern alongside AnnaLise! You can meet both AnnaLise and Jared tonight at our Alumni Intern Tell-All, where they will share all about their gap year experiences and any advice they have for prospective students thinking about this option (register at ). 
 
Hear from Jared: 
 
“Hi, I’m Jared! I went on my EF Gap Year from 2021-2022, and have never stopped thinking about the experiences and adventures I had. I spent six weeks in Nice studying French, six weeks in the Costa Rican jungle planting mangrove trees and saving sea turtles, and six weeks interning with an English education program in Seville, Spain. I was lucky enough to explore even more destinations in my spare time. I departed on my gap year with the goal of seeing the world, gaining perspective, and improving my skills, but the most important thing I left with were the special bonds I made along the way. I am now a student at Boston University studying hospitality — my biggest aspiration is to build bridges and connections with people from around the world.”
 
Want to speak directly to Jared? Message us here on IG or schedule time to chat with him in our .

The adventure through Thailand continues and week 11 of The EF Gap Year brings you to Krabi 😍🇹🇭🌊
 
With an emphasis on coastal ecology and sustainability, this week is all about exploring Krabi’s coastlines and caring for its treasures! 🌊🐠🏝️ Discover the unique ecosystems of Krabi the challenges that face the coral reefs, mangroves, and dugong population. Partner with a local NGO for service learning work, developing skills relating to permaculture and sustainable living. And, of course, travel around the beautiful islands by longboat and soak up the sun.

Back on the EF Gap Year, week 10 brings you to your third continent of the semester: Asia!
 
You’ll spend this week in Bangkok, Thailand, with a focus on culture and religions 🇹🇭

Bangkok offers a feast for all five senses: visit the Buddhist temples of Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, unpack Thailand’s food culture—from production and farming to the economy of street food—with a visit to the world-famous floating markets, enjoy a Thai cooking class, and sample all you can eat on an evening walking tour to Chinatown.

📷: .magnuson_

Each summer, we are lucky enough to welcome some of our incredible EF Gap Year alumni as interns. This year, we are thrilled to introduce our newest team member, AnnaLise! Welcome to the EF Gap Year Team! ✨🌎

Hear from AnnaLise herself:

“Hi, I’m AnnaLise! After high school, I wanted to feel more confident in myself before starting college. When I heard about EF, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore what I wanted out of life, all while learning about amazing places all over the globe and checking off some big bucket list destinations. During my gap year, I studied Spanish for six weeks while living with a host family in Malaga (we’re still in touch today), learned about ecological conservation in the Dominican Republic, and completed a marketing internship in Sevilla, Spain. Now I’m a student at Brown, where I use both the hard and soft skills I learned during my gap year all the time.”

Thinking about taking a gap and want to chat with AnnaLise about her experience? Message us here on IG or schedule time to chat with her in our

Your last stop in Australia on The EF Gap Year? Sydney, of course!

On top of the incredible harbor, stunning beaches, and iconic Opera House, week 9 in Sydney focuses on tech, permaculture, and nature. You’ll see Sydney by guided walking tour and harbor cruise, and you’ll also get the chance to visit a permaculture farm. Did you know there’s a thriving tech and robotics industry in Australia? This is a great opportunity to explore this industry and learn about what this career path could look like.

And, of course, no visit to Australia is complete without hitting the waves! You’ll spend the day at Manly Beach - one of the best places to learn how to surf in the world.

📷: .geng

Check snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list during week eight of The EF Gap Year 🇦🇺🤿🐠🐢
 
This week in Cairns (pronounced like ‘cans’ if you want to sound like a true Aussie) is all about adventure, conservation, and culture. You’ll snorkel with a marine biologist in the world’s largest coral reef system, take a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest to learn about conservation, and explore Aboriginal traditions and culture with your Pamagirri guides. Let’s dive in!

📷: .doyle

It’s time to take it to the southern hemisphere. Hello Australia! 🇦🇺🦘🐨🌏

On week seven of The EF Gap Year, you’ll land in Melbourne, your first stop in Australia. Spend the week gaining an appreciation for Melbourne’s arts, cuisine, and culture on food and street art walking tours. You’ll also visit one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, the Great Ocean road, with spectacular views of the ocean and rugged cliffs. And don’t forget about Australia’s diverse wildlife! Penguins and koalas await.

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Week 6 of the EF Gap Year brings you to the heart of Europe: Prague 🇨🇿🏰

If Europe already feels like a fairytale, Prague takes it to the next level. This week, you’ll explore the cultural, historical, and societal differences between Prague and other cities you’ve visited in Western Europe. Sightsee the iconic Charles Bridge, picturesque Old Town Square, and the medieval Astronomical Clock. You’ll also take a day trip to Kutna Hora to discover the role of the arts in this city’s cultural identity.

📷: .wendel4

Prost to week five of The EF Gap Year in Munich, Germany! 🇩🇪🥨🏰🏔️
 
Munich is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, historic architecture, and Oktoberfest celebrations. While you’ll spend your time exploring the city, seeing the beautiful green spaces (urban surfers?!), and learning about the world-renowned German engineering industry (hello BMW!), this week is also about understanding the past, present, and progress of Germany. You will get the chance to visit Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial and gain a deeper understanding of the atrocities committed during World War II, reflecting on the resilience and suffering of the victims. End your week by visiting the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled in the Bavarian Alps.

Next week you’ll head to Prague, and then after that the trip will take a little longer, because you’re off to Australia!

From Zurich to the Swiss Alps, every corner of Switzerland feels like a fairytale 🇨🇭🫕🏔️🐄✨

During week four of The EF Gap Year, you’ll learn about tourism and banking in Zurich, explore the picturesque city of Lucerne, and frolic through the Alps. Breath in that crispy mountain air — smiles come easy in Switzerland 😊🤗

📸: .kateusz .lovely_lil

Ciao bella Italia 🇮🇹🍕🍝🤌
 
You’ll spend week three of The EF Gap Year in Italy - staying in Florence as your home base with excursions to Siena, San Gimignano, and of course, Rome. You can’t go to Italy without eating the best food of your life - so that’s what this week is all about: Italian cuisine and agriculture. Buon appetito!

📸: ._.stich .clemente

Bonjour Paris 🇫🇷🥐🥖🏰✨

Week two of The EF Gap Year brings you to the oh so dreamy Paris. Beyond visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Seine, Versailles, and more, you’ll go deeper and learn about everything from impressionist art to France’s history with migration, race, and multiculturalism.

The week is jam-packed, but there’s enough time for two free days so you can find the best French pastries in the city, window shop (or, maybe shop-shop), have a moment of peace in one of the iconic parks, and stare at the sparkling Eiffel Tower at night ✨🤌

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On , you’ll explore a new city each week by engaging with specific themes and topics.

Your EF Gap Year kicks off in London with a focus on business, history, and science. London is the perfect place to start your gap year adventure - especially for any first-time international travelers! ☕️🇬🇧💂

You’ll begin with orientation, where you’ll bond with your cohort as you gear up for the next 12 weeks of unforgettable adventures.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant city of London, a cultural epicenter rich with history. Learn about the legacy of the British Empire and its enduring impact on the UK, visit the British Museum, and participate in a workshop at Bletchley Park, home of Britain’s World War II codebreakers.

And this is only week one?! Stay tuned for the city we hit next.

📸: & & .ramseyy &

After mastering the art of travel, spend the second semester of your gap year living independently in the global city of your choice and experience authentic cultural immersion. Take all of those skills you learned during your first semester and put them to work as you learn a language or intern abroad.
 
Whether it’s college, a job, or pursuing personal goals, the resilience, adaptability, and confidence you’ll gain during your gap year will ensure you’re ready to tackle anything that comes your way. It’s not just a gap year; it’s a transformative stepping stone to whatever future you envision for yourself.

Feeling inspired? Connect with one of our Gap Year Consultants ( ) to learn more about The EF Gap Year and how to make it happen!

Picture these distinct travel styles: the fast-paced adventure of hopping from place to place, and the immersive experience of settling down and truly living like a local. What if you could have the best of both worlds? With The EF Gap Year program, you can do just that.
 
During the first semester, you’ll travel across three continents where you’ll embrace new experiences and tackle real-world challenges. From Florence to Sydney to Bangkok and more, each week, you’ll explore a new city by engaging with specific themes and topics that foster global awareness as well as personal and social development ✨🌍✈️🏰🐘🪸