9 Best Gap Year Programs in Europe

This almost goes without saying, but gap years are just getting better and better! The old opinion toward gap years has flown out the window and the new thinking is all about what amazing work you’ll do and where you’ll be. From volunteering, to interning, to even studying abroad or just fulfilling that deep wanderlust, a gap year is a great opportunity to find yourself and discover what makes you tick both personally and professionally.

Who doesn’t want an excuse to travel the world?

And of course there are so many places you could go for that gap year: China, Brazil, Canada, the United States, Australia, Senegal—truly anywhere! If, however, you’ve come to this article because you are a savvy and smart traveler who has already chosen your European destination (and you want some sound gap year in Europe ideas), then you’re in luck! Now you just need some gap year in Europe advice to narrow down the awesome opportunities available for European gap year programs. Read on!

READ MORE: What to Do During a Gap Year in Europe

The benefits of gap year programs in Europe

Unlike many other destinations, Europe benefits from a geography of proximity that has created one of the most culturally diverse spaces in the world. Different languages, food, fashion, and histories interact and intersect to give travelers memorable experiences without having to venture too far between stops. That’s one reason why gap year programs in Europe are so precious in exploratory experience!

Another value is that European gap year programs often offer the chance to develop language skills as well as cultural knowledge and understanding. A third reason (not that you needed it!) is that many people before you and many people after you have used Europe as a one-stop-shop for all foreign experiences, so it is set up quite well for your needs.

Gap year programs in Europe are awesome, especially since it’s super easy to travel between countries.

Plus, you are surrounded by fellow gappers and curious travelers who, like you, revel in the opportunities before you. It’s both a great personal experience and a strong professional experience, since the skills you learn will be immediately put to use in your next adventure—whether that’s more schooling or beginning a career. What are we waiting for?! Let’s begin!

Here are the 9 best gap year programs in Europe:

• Europe Tour with Gapforce
  
• CIEE Gap Year: Paris, France / Language & Culture
• Youth for Understanding - Study Abroad in Germany
• ELI Abroad - Legal Internship Program in Dublin
• Linguistic Horizons - Summer Spanish Immersion - Study &/or Intern!
  
• IPSL Greece: Greek History & Culture and Micro-Enterprise
• Forum-Nexus Study Abroad - Travel Photography and Filmmaking Summer Program in Europe
• University of Amsterdam - Pre-University Honors - The Urban Toolkit: Exploring the City
• EA Ski & Snowboard Instructor Training - Winter Gap Year - Become a Ski or Snowboard Instructor

Get ready to take the best sunset pictures of your life.

The 9 best programs for gap years in Europe this year

1. Tour Europe with GapForce—9.57 rating

Safety and comfort is a priority on these tours, as well as the opportunity to make new friends while seeing many different destinations. Based out of London, GapForce offers quick tours of some of the most popular cities in Europe and ease of train travel. The tours are facilitated by travel experts and conducted in English. You’ll also benefit from a pre-departure orientation and advice on what to bring. These tours are both unique and rewarding, so don’t miss out!

• Where? London, Paris, and Barcelona
• When? Two-month summer beginning in June
• Cause? Eco Tours, Tours, Culture, Adventure Travel
• Deep dive into GapForce program reviews

2. Study and Grow with CIEE Gap Years—9.14 rating

Meaningful education and travel opportunities are right around the corner with CIEE gap year programs! As one of the oldest non-profits aiming to connect education institutions with bright and engaged students, CIEE offers affordable study abroad programs. It also strives to make the visa acquisition process as smooth as possible and to offer as many cities as possible. You couldn’t ask for a better program to get you overseas and into the university life in whatever city you choose!

• Where? Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Czech Republic, Italy, France, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and more!
• When? Semester-long
• Cause? Gap Year, Homestays, Language Immersion
• Browse reviews of CIEE programs

3. Become Well-Rounded with Youth for Understanding—8.63 rating

Intercultural understanding, mutual respect, and social responsibility are only some of what you’ll learn on a Youth for Understanding trip! Full immersion is also possible with homestays and community involvement, so put those language skills to the test! Designed mostly for younger students, this gap year abroad program offers journeys of a lifetime because of the connections you’ll make. New friends, an extended family, and a different culture—what’s not to love?!

• Where? Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and more!
• When? Two weeks to one year
• Cause? Experiential Learning, Language Immersion, Study Abroad, Student Exchange
• Read YFU program reviews

4. Travel with a Purpose with ELI Abroad—9.62 rating

Looking for a travel experience that goes beyond the ordinary? ELI Abroad offers loads of programs in 41 different countries, giving you a chance to volunteer or intern in many different places. These programs are designed for those looking to make a difference in the world, no matter what age, so be sure to bring your do-gooder hat and get ready to work. With in-country support and a decent price tag, this gap year program is not to be missed.

• Where? Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Poland, France, and more!
• When? 10 days to one year
• Cause? Criminal Justice, Environmental Studies, Human Rights, Labor & Industrial Relations, Law
• Check out ELI Abroad program reviews

5. Immerse Yourself in Language with Linguistic Horizons—9.63 rating

Get hands-on with this immersive gap year program and unique study abroad experience! If you’re looking for a trip that’s off the beaten path, Linguistic Horizons offers programs that take you to the less-traveled areas and immerse yourself completely. The program will also customize your trip for you depending on your interests. Be prepared for a trip that will foster cross-cultural growth and understanding while also building useful skills for your future career.

• Where? Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, United Kingdom
• When? Summer
• Cause? Animal Science, Social Policy, Psychology, Mathematics, Leadership
• Read reviews of Linguistic Horizons

6. Promote Service with the Institute for Global Learning (IPSL)—9.88 rating

From service learning for industry professionals to study abroad programs for both graduates and undergraduates, IPSL gap year programs are some of the most meaningful experiences out there. Not only will you be able to study while there, you’ll also be asked to participate in the local community and truly immerse yourself in the world. You’ll also have the chance to promote social causes and develop equality through your attitude and actions.

• Where? Greece, Ireland, France
• When? Semester
• Cause? Agriculture, Biochemistry, European Studies, Travel & Tourism, Sustainable Development
• Browse program reviews of IPSL 

7. Develop Your International Outlook with Forum-Nexus Study Abroad—9.72 rating

Do you view the cinema or photography as more than just a passing hobby? Are you interested in traveling and learning more about framing, color schemes, depth, and staging? Do you also want to spend a summer abroad in some of the coolest and visually stunning cities in Europe?! Forum-Nexus Study Abroad offers you the chance to embrace your passion for photography and filmmaking as you galavant through Europe and photograph some of the most amazing sites around, improving your skills and earning credit in the process.

• Where? Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, Greece
• When? One month
• Cause? Film, Screenwriting, TV & Media Production, Visual Arts
• Read Forum-Nexus program reviews 

8. Study at the University of Amsterdam—10.0 rating

Despite the age of the University of Amsterdam (founded in 1632), the school and city remain one of the more modern institutions in Europe. The university also offers a wide range of study disciplines, from Dentistry and Law to the Humanities. You’ll also find yourself surrounded by many students and engaged faculty, making it a great opportunity to learn and make friends. With ties to international education institutions throughout the world, there’s bound to be a program at the University of Amsterdam for you!

• Where? Netherlands
• When? Summer-length to 20-week semester-long
• Cause? Anthropology, Architecture, Geography, Humanities, Outdoor Education, Study Abroad, Gap Year
• Read reviews of the University of Amsterdam  

9. Stay Active Through EA Ski & Snowboard Instructor Training—9.0 rating

If sports and fitness are part of your daily routine, then definitely check out the EA Ski & Snowboard Instructor Training gap year program! Not only will you get to spend the winter skiing or snowboarding some of the greatest mountains in the world, but you’ll also learn valuable skills about teaching and instruction. You’ll also get the chance to make friends with fellow travelers who share interests. Stay in shape, meet people, provide a valuable service, and stay warm!

• Where? Switzerland
• When? One week to six months
• Cause? Hospitality, Kinesiology & Exercise Science, Sales, Adventure Travel, Working Holiday
• Read EA Ski & Snowboard program reviews 

[Don’t just sit there! Browse ALL Gap Year Programs in Europe!]

You’re ready to find the best gap year programs in Europe!

Now with all of that knowledge, you probably have many gap year in Europe ideas and you’re ready to embark on that journey! But wait, before you start packing those bags, here’s some gap year in Europe advice to make your adventure that much easier.

Strap on your walking shoes. It’s time to backpack through Europe!

First, be open-minded and enthusiastic about the adventure but don’t be opportunistic and attempt to do it all! Know yourself and your goals before leaving and you’ll be much better suited to making the right decisions and gaining the most from your gap year. And while you’re at it, look for advancement opportunities that are connected to what you’re currently doing (volunteering, interning, studying) and avoid getting caught up in distractions that deviate from your plan (i.e. pub-hopping or late-night partying). With all of the personal and professional interactions you’ll have, try to make long-lasting connections with your peers, colleagues, and leaders by being kind and grateful, but know your limits when it comes to socializing versus achieving your goals.

As for the practical, day-to-day gap year in Europe advice, strategize your itinerary so that you can make the most of the opportunity and plan ahead by being proactive in your activities. Be attentive and heed the advice of the leaders on each trip who have been there before and know what to expect, and listen and respect others who have also chosen (and perhaps even sacrificed something) to be on the trip. When you get a moment, self-reflect and analyze how to use your experiences to move forward, and when you’re ready, be willing to help fellow travelers or strangers to really demonstrate your knowledge and skills. 

Finally, be flexible when it comes to expectations and what you’re used to and also capable of putting up with. Gauge your expectations by using as many resources as you can find to figure out the best approach. Do these things and you’ll be more than ready for an awesome gap year in Europe!

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