Culinary Gap Year Programs

Spend 12 unforgettable weeks exploring Seoul and Tokyo—two of East Asia’s most dynamic cities. This immersive semester blends cultural discovery, language basics, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures with a supportive travel community. In Seoul (Weeks 1–6), dive into Korean culture by touring ancient palaces in traditional hanbok, tasting your way through bustling night markets, and joining a K-pop dance class. A weekend trip to coastal Busan offers beaches, temples, and fresh seafood. In Tokyo (Weeks 7–12), discover the perfect balance of tradition and innovation. Roll sushi with local chefs, explore Harajuku’s vibrant streets, and find serenity at shrines and gardens. End your journey with a weekend in Kyoto, home to centuries-old temples and iconic torii gates. Throughout your semester, you’ll live in EF student residences, travel with your cohort, and take part in weekly cultural activities and weekend excursions. With flights, housing, Korean and Japanese language classes, EF’s global support, and optional U.S. college credit all included, East Asian Odyssey is more than study abroad—it’s your chance to grow, connect, and experience Asia like never before.

Discover China Through Language & Culture. Founded in 2003, Go Abroad China (GAC) offers immersive Mandarin programs for international high school students. This program combines intensive classroom learning with real-world practice, cultural workshops, and social activities. Program Types: Short-Term (2-8 weeks): Summer/Winter camps. Long-Term (Semester/Year): Study at top Chinese schools. Customized Programs: Tailored to individual needs. What’s Included: Mandarin instruction at leading schools. Homestays, shared apartments, or dorms. One-on-one tutoring and language exchange. Cultural tours, networking, and excursions. 24/7 support for safety and guidance. Why Choose GAC? Achieve Mandarin fluency with certification. Gain cultural fluency and global exposure. Enhance college applications and career prospects. Build lifelong friendships and professional networks.

Experience an unforgettable summer in Switzerland with BHMS in Lucerne—where learning meets adventure. Designed for students aged 16 to 20, the BHMS Summer Camp combines education, culture, and fun in one of Europe’s most inspiring destinations. Choose from exciting one-week programs in Culinary Foundations, Hospitality & Business Innovation, or English and German Language Immersion. Mornings are filled with interactive workshops led by industry professionals, while afternoons bring adventures such as lake cruises, mountain excursions, and cultural visits to Swiss landmarks. Live and study in the heart of Lucerne with students from around the world, enjoy safe and comfortable accommodation, and immerse yourself in Swiss culture. Many participants later continue their academic journey at BHMS, with summer camp fees credited toward future tuition. Discover your passion, build lifelong friendships, and take the first step toward your global career with BHMS this summer.

World Class Programs offers high school students the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. Our summer program is designed for teens from all academic backgrounds who are excited about immersing themselves in Italian culture and lifestyle. This pre-college program offers various course study options, including Art History, Fine Arts, Philosophy, Photography, Architecture, Italian language, and Tuscan Cuisine. Students can choose a major course for daily focus (Monday to Friday) in the mornings for three hours. Then, they attend elective classes, each lasting two hours, three times a week in the afternoons. On weekends, they go on day trips around Italy to explore cultural differences from city to city. Locations vary yearly; previous participants have visited Cinque Terre, Siena, Pisa, and Venice!

Participate in this gap year program in Queenstown, New Zealand, with therapeutic support for young adults ages 18-22. Spring | Feb 18 – Apr 28, 2025 Fall | Sep 17 – Nov 25, 2025 Embark on the ultimate gap year adventure with our transformative program, designed to support your mental health and well-being. We blend thrilling adventure, immersive travel, cultural exploration, meaningful volunteering, dynamic internships, and communal living with essential life skills to ensure a holistic growth experience. Picture yourself mastering independence, learning to run a household, and becoming an exceptional roommate and housemate. Our program stands out by featuring a live-in therapeutic coach who provides 24/7 in-the-moment coaching, wellness lessons, and personal development support. This unique component ensures you receive constant guidance, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. This isn’t just a gap year—it’s a journey to self-discovery in the world's most awe-inspiring playground. Join us in New Zealand and redefine what it means to explore, learn, grow, and thrive. This is your chance to experience unparalleled adventure and personal well-being.

Beef up your passport and your resume? Land in Cambodia and kick things off with a full-on, immersive week in Phnom Penh—crash course in Khmer, history, cooking, and local vibes (plus must-see temples & the Killing Fields). Here’s the vibe: • Teach English to kiddos or teens in local language and private schools, choose your squad! • Schedule’s flexible: language schools have you teaching weekends and chilling weekdays; private schools are more Mon-Fri, with your weekends free to adventure. • Each week is 30 hours split between designing fun lessons, real classroom time, and some light grading (don’t worry, you've got this). • After hours, Phnom Penh’s packed with food, markets, and endless things to do, or grab your intern crew and road trip the country. • Expect wild cultural dives, actual impact in classrooms, epic Insta moments, and fast friends from around the world. If you’re aged 20–35 and vibing with travel, growth, and making a difference, Cambodia’s ready to be your next big move.

South Korea has been blazing a trail as one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world for decades. Experience this firsthand while working as an English teacher assistant for up to 12 months, even if you don’t have a degree. South Korea is perfect if you’re ready for the future and keen to discover fascinating subcultures that are more obscure than anime and K-pop. You’ll be dining on delicious cuisine that’ll have you raving about Korean food forever. You’ll have plenty of time to belt out your favorite hits at famous karaoke bars. South Korea’s position in Asia means you’re a short flight away from a range of locations when you’re ready for a change of scenery between jobs. Booking with Global means you get a guaranteed job match pre-arrival. We offer the ultimate way to work while you explore Asia!

Experience Spain and its people in a program like no other! This 12-week adventure takes you from North to South and from East to West on different types of trains: single track covering 190 km in 5 hours and high speed covering 680 km in 5 hours! Our upcoming programs: Spring 2025 March 1st - May 24th Fall 2025 September 6th - November 29th Spain by Train is divided into three trips and three base cities: San Sebastian, Salamanca, and Granada, where you can spend a longer time. The group also stays in Camino, Madrid, and Barcelona for a week each. This program aims to help you experience Spain at a deeper level and from a different perspective. Thus, we organize activities, workshops, and projects centered around various aspects of Spanish language and culture. Examples include a weekly cooking class or activity, discussions about history and politics, fitness routines, and complete immersion through homestays. Most of our gappers come from English-speaking countries, but we welcome participants from around the globe. To be eligible for the Spain by Train program, you must be 18 or older and passionate about Spain.

AHA’s summer courses are for keen travelers, curious students, and lifelong learners eager to explore Italy and Europe. This program is perfect for those in their final years of studies or taking a gap year. We run three consecutive summer courses, allowing students to tailor their experience to two to seven weeks. The European Summer Course immerses you in the creative energy of London, the elegance of Paris, and the sun-drenched charm of Nice. This course discovers the art that shaped the modern world. Dates: 16th of June - 7th of July 2025 The Northern Course dives deep into the heart of Rome, Florence, and Venice. It unveils the treasures of classical art, the Renaissance, and contemporary masterpieces. Each city offers a unique experience that ignites your creativity. Dates: 7th - 21st of July OR 21st of July - 4th of August 2025 The Southern Course whisks you away to the sun and sea of Sicily and Naples, where Greek temples blend seamlessly alongside breathtaking Baroque architecture, creating a captivating adventure. Dates: 7th - 21st of July 2025 Choose one, two, or combine all three courses for an ultimate seven-week gap year experience in Europe!

Basic to Brilliant Cooking Course (2 Weeks) Join us at The Avenue Cookery School in London for our immersive two-week Basic to Brilliant Cooking Course, designed to transform your kitchen skills and confidence In Week One, you’ll master essential techniques — from knife skills and kitchen hygiene to menu planning and fundamental recipes. Each day begins with a chef-led demonstration, followed by hands-on cooking in pairs. Morning “Duty Teams” prepare fresh bread, cakes, and lemonade for our elevenses break, keeping energy and spirits high! Week Two builds on your foundation with more advanced dishes, international cuisines, and dinner-party favourites. Learn expert meat and fish preparation, how to cater for dietary requirements, and time-saving tricks of the trade Expect a fun, sociable, and intensive learning experience with professional chefs, delicious daily lunches, and plenty of new recipes. You’ll leave with an Avenue recipe book, apron, certificate, and the confidence to cook creatively - without relying on recipes!

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) is recognized as Sri Lanka’s largest and one of the most prestigious non-state degree-awarding Institutes, offering world-class education in information technology, engineering, business, and other disciplines. Over the past two decades, SLIIT has been rooted in its commitment to supporting educational excellence, creating an environment for students to gain vital skills and thus contribute to shaping the national economy. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on practical learning, SLIIT prepares students for global careers through innovative teaching methods and industry partnerships. Your Study Destination Colombo is a dynamic city combining a cosmopolitan lifestyle with access to pristine beaches and lush landscapes. Its friendly atmosphere and affordable living costs make it an ideal student destination. Why wait? Start your journey today! Send us a message with your questions and take the first step toward an unforgettable academic and cultural adventure at SLIIT with Asia Exchange.

Dreaming of a gap year in Europe? The European Catalyst is the adventure you’ve been waiting for. Designed for 18-22 year olds, this program blends independence, excitement, and culture in some of Europe’s most unforgettable destinations. After beginning your journey in Ireland for 8 weeks, you’ll head across the continent to explore Amsterdam, Berlin, Lyon, and finally Goult in Provence. Each stop brings its own unique flavor, giving you the ultimate European gap year experience. Where? Ireland: Belfast, Derry, North Coast, Dublin, Donegal UK & Europe: Amsterdam, Berlin, Lyon, Provence When? Start dates in February and September. The program has a set starting price of £10,000 for 8 weeks in Ireland, this includes living and working in Portrush with trips to Belfast, Derry and Donegal. The full 11-week program costs £18,000 and includes trips to Amsterdam, Berlin and Lyon and finishes with living in a medical French village in Provence. Every student has access to a £1,500 scholarship and there are payment plans available to suit the needs of each family.

Friends, food, and France—three ingredients for the perfect summer! The Cooking and Culture Program at Berridge blends hands-on cooking classes with cultural exploration, offering an authentic taste of French life. Shop for fresh, seasonal ingredients at local markets, bake bread in a 16th-century windmill, and master a range of dishes, from authentic French classics to versatile everyday meals. Beyond the kitchen, you’ll explore Normandy’s rich history and heritage. Visit quaint seaside villages, climb Europe's tallest lighthouse, hike breathtaking coastal cliffs, and enjoy a range of dining experiences, including a Michelin-starred restaurant. Weave creativity into your journey with workshops in photography and writing, culminating in a Carnet Culinaire—a beautifully curated anthology of recipes, reflections, and imagery that captures your experience. Join us for a summer of connection, culture, creativity, and culinary adventure in France!

Crawford & Corry offers immersive professional placements in Vietnam for ambitious students and young professionals. Gain hands-on experience in high-growth sectors such as finance, law, tech, healthcare, and more — all while exploring a dynamic and culturally rich country. Each placement is personalised and designed to provide real-world insight, boost your CV, and help you stand out in university and job applications. Whether you're preparing for university, exploring career options, or looking to sharpen your direction, our programmes offer practical experience with trusted organisations. Beyond the placement, we provide full support: visa guidance, accommodation, 24/7 in-country support, and optional add-ons such as university admissions consulting and career coaching. Join Crawford & Corry to discover your path — with purpose, professionalism, and unforgettable experience in Vietnam.