Gap year programs

What is a gap year?

What does it mean, to take a gap year? A gap year is a period of time usually taken after graduating from high school or before starting college to go abroad to travel the world, participate in volunteer work and gain work experience. There are various opportunities for designing a gap year, as well as its duration. Depending on your personal preferences, you can take an entire year off or opt for a semester or even just a few months abroad.

A gap year abroad is an unprecedented adventure. If you want to travel during your gap year, you'll get to know a new language and culture in no time, meet interesting people and find yourself in situations you didn't know existed.

Why take a year abroad?

A gap year abroad is one of the most effective ways to learn a new language. By being fully immersed in your language courses and relying on them in your day-to-day life, you’ll have the opportunity to improve your language skills at an exponential rate.

No matter where you decide to study, a year abroad will teach you to appreciate local cultures as well as the international cultures that you will be exposed to throughout the year. During your gap year abroad, you will experience countless new things, from taking on new challenges each day, to learning more about yourself and the world. What are you waiting for?

What gap year programs are offered?

All EF Gap Year Programs combine language and academic studies. You will achieve language fluency with your personalized program – while focusing on the career or academic pursuit of your choice.

• Language gap year travel - Travel to a new country to learn the language while participating in a variety of leisure activities to fully immerse yourself in the local culture of your host country.
• Study abroad - If you would like to use the time abroad in order to further your education, then an academic year abroad is particularly suitable.
• Internship abroad - Add value to your CV by choosing to work while you are on a gap year abroad.
• Volunteering - If you want to use your gap year to support social projects (such as charities, children's homes, or animal welfare), volunteering abroad is the ideal option for you.
• Sabbatical year - If you have already started your career and you would like to take a break from work, then a sabbatical will meet your needs.
• Travel the world - Many people opt to take a year off and decide to travel the world as part of a gap year. This is often combined with the option of work and travel, whereby you will participate in numerous smaller jobs which will help you improve your travel budget.

Not ready to commit to a gap year program? At EF, we offer language courses to suit your every need. With intakes every Monday and courses ranging from 2-52 weeks, you can choose the length and intensity of your studies along with your special interest classes.

Where can I take a gap year abroad?

There are a variety of options to choose from when you decide to enroll in our gap year programmes. By operating schools in more than 50 different destinations, we provide an endless amount of gap year opportunities that would excite any gap year student. When deciding which gap year programme is right for you, try to find a destination that provides the best opportunity for personal growth.

For example, if a destination makes you feel uneasy, try to think of the positive benefits that come from stepping outside of your comfort zone. By the time you finish your gap year program abroad, you will feel comfortable in almost any environment.

Not sure where to go? Below you'll find an overview of the most popular destinations you can choose from. Choose a gap year in Europe, take a Spanish course in Costa Rica or study abroad in New York - it's completely up to you! Why not consider studying in one of the following countries?

• Gap year in France
• Gap year in Spain
• Gap year in Japan
• Gap year in Costa Rica
• Gap year in South Korea

What are the benefits of a year abroad?

A gap year abroad focuses on personal development and preparation for the future. Whether you want to learn a new language during a gap year, immerse yourself in a foreign culture or meet new friends from all over the world, with our EF Gap Year Programs you will surely find something suitable to your own needs.

We offer a variety of personalized gap year and semester program opportunities to meet your academic, career, or personal goals. A full academic year abroad can offer you two action-packed semesters of travel, study, volunteerism, internship and leadership. A gap semester abroad program might provide you with a more focused international experience in fewer areas of interest, but enable you to start in either September or January.

There are also academic year or semester abroad of intensive language study at fully accredited schools located in dozens of exciting cities. Study one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, learn from highly skilled teachers and meet students from different countries and cultures. By the time you finish your gap year or semester abroad, you will feel at home in almost any global setting.

How does taking a gap year abroad boost my future career?

Taking a gap year will not only give you a personal advantage, but it will also boost your CV. Stand out from the crowd and show your future employer that you are willing to take risks and interested in foreign cultures by taking a gap year. During your time abroad, you will not only get the opportunity to discover a new country and culture, but you will also get more confidence, gain valuable intercultural competencies and social skills.

Use your gap year to gain some international work experience, which will give you the chance to enter the international workplace. Further, by speaking two or more languages fluently you'll gain a competitive advantage and possibly benefit from better salaries and more promotions during your professional career.

Why take a gap year abroad with EF?

With over 50 years of experience in planning and executing trips abroad, we at EF can provide you with the right support to help you achieve your personal dreams and goals. Our tailor-made offers include 10 languages in 20 countries and more than 50 amazing destinations.

So far, we have helped over 16 million people achieve their dream of travelling abroad to learn a new language or receive an academic degree. Our innovative learning techniques will help you get ready to study abroad during your gap year or prepare you for an international career. What can you expect from us?

• Personalized language learning when, where and how you like
• Guaranteed progress, move up one EF level every 6 weeks or you study for free
• Comprehensive language courses, including accommodation and free-time activities
• International atmosphere with classmates from around the world
• Inspiring language schools with modern interiors and learning technology
• Accredited courses meeting the highest standards for language education

A good preparation for your gap year is extremely important. For yourself, but also for your family and friends. Fortunately, here at EF you will receive personal guidance before, during and after your year abroad. We help you choose a suitable gap year program, the accommodation and other practical matters.

Taking a gap year is more than learning a language

Spending a gap year abroad could be one of the most memorable experiences in your life. If you decide to gap travel abroad for a year with EF, you will participate in exciting excursions and tours, which will allow you to immerse yourself into the local culture and gain a new perspective of your host country and its people.

During a gap year, valuable friendships are formed that will often last a lifetime. Living in one of our EF accommodations, such as a host family or on campus, will only further enrich your gap year. In addition, thanks to our large selection of indoor as well as outdoor activities, you can also explore new interests to broaden your horizons and make unforgettable memories.

So don't wait any longer and reserve your place for a gap year now. Order a free brochure and receive all information about your gap year abroad. What are you waiting for? Take an EF Gap Year Abroad!