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Gap Year Programs in France

La belle France ranks as one of the top most visited and loved countries in the world, and you have the chance to live there immersively. Who wouldn’t want to spend a year in France? Let yourself be enchanted by classic, sophisticated, and diversified landmarks, from the City of Light to the glamorous French Riviera. Muse iconic art and architecture, such as the Eiffel Tower or the infamous Mont Saint-Michel, enjoy the world’s best cuisine, and sip the best wine, all while you develop new skills and passions. Regardless of how you choose to spend your gap year in France, in the end, the world will never look the same.
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52 Gap Year Programs in France

Wanderlust Exchange

Featured Provider of the Month

Career Development in China: Build Your Future
with Wanderlust Exchange

CIEE Gap Year France
102 reviews

CIEE High School Grads Abroad

CIEE Gap Year: French Language & Culture in Paris, France

Everyone dreams of a trip to Paris, but how many get to actually ...

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France
93 reviews

Impact Gap Year

Impact Gap Year logo
South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thail...

sidewalk in France - IGS
93 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

Institute for Global Studies logo
France's Premier Internships: 69 Options

France remains one of our top draws. IGS was hired by an internat...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
9.7651 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...

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Semester at Sea
9.5636 reviews

Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

Join Semester at Sea on this global journey and make the world YO...

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Gapforce
9.229 reviews

Gapforce

Europe Tour with Gapforce

Experience the ultimate European adventure every summer, travelin...

EF Gap Year
8.7431 reviews

EF Gap Year

EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations

Embark on a unique global experience in 10 weeks. An EF Gap Semes...

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Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne
7.54 reviews

Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne

Learn Business French in Paris

Business French is of growing importance in a world where intercu...

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Greenheart Travel
101 reviews

Greenheart Travel

Study Abroad in France with Greenheart Travel

Spend a trimester, semester, or year studying abroad in France as...

Volunteer World
8.8513 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

Academic Programs International
9.3611 reviews

Academic Programs International

API: Experience Paris, France (Scholarships Available)

Immerse yourself in French culture and the way of life in Paris, ...

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Global Work & Travel
00 reviews

Global Work & Travel

Au Pair France – Explore Europe as an Au Pair

France is known for its sophistication and appreciation for the f...

Linguistic Horizons
9.888 reviews

Linguistic Horizons

Custom Internship Placements in Europe

Unlike other "cookie-cutter" internship programs, we secure custo...

Absolute Internship
9.5812 reviews

Absolute Internship

Intern in Paris with Absolute Internship

Our award-winning program gives students the opportunity to spend...

Cultural Homestay International
93 reviews

Cultural Homestay International

Teach English to Your Host Family and Explore France!

As a World Explorer in France, you will get the chance to learn t...

Art History Abroad
9.52 reviews

Art History Abroad

12-week Gap Year Semester Course

This 12-week Gap Year Semester Course is our most expansive and i...

Seascope France
91 reviews

Seascope France

Superyacht Gap Year

The yachting industry is an excellent choice for anyone looking f...

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Carla's Au Pairs
00 reviews

Carla's Au Pairs

Live Abroad as an Au Pair – USA, Europe & Asia

Ready to travel the world, gain independence, and experience life...

Centre Zenith
00 reviews

Centre Zenith

Gap Year in Paris: French Language Foundation Program

This program is designed for students taking a gap year and looki...

A Guide to Gap Year in France

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! France offers a wide range of opportunities for gap year experiences, including language immersion, internships, volunteer projects, and more. It's a great way to explore the country, learn about its culture, and enhance your skills.

The ideal destination for a gap year in France depends on what aligns with your interests and goals. Popular locations include Paris, the capital city that provides a diverse cultural experience, and Lyon, famed for its historical significance and culinary delights.

France offers a variety of alternatives for gap years, depending on your interests. You can work as an au pair, teach English, participate in internships to gain professional experience or engage in volunteer projects. Language immersion programs are also popular for improving your French skills.

A gap year program in France usually ranges between $600 and $1250 but can vary significantly depending on the program type, location, and duration. If you opt for a formal program, you'll need to budget for program fees, transportation, accommodation, and personal expenses. It's essential to plan your budget early and consider fundraising options to make your gap year affordable.

France is generally regarded as a safe place to visit, but as with any other country, visitors should exercise caution, be aware of their surroundings, and adhere to safety norms. Petty crimes can occur therefore, it's best not to leave valuables unattended and to take common precautions when in the country.

Latest Program Reviews

The Key to a New Beginning

December 28, 2024by: Alyssa Galdamez - United StatesProgram: EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations
9

Being part of the first ever Voyager semester in Fall 2023 was an experience I was unprepared for, and the best decision I could’ve ever made. Little did I know that by embarking on this endeavor, I would unlock a part of myself that I didn’t know existed until then. My semester with EF Gap Year taught me self-love, self discovery, and the importance of being uniquely myself. Never did I think it was possible to be able to afford this trip of a lifetime, but I was left with so much satisfaction and so much pride that I had set this goal and I achieved it. This semester taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to and no goal is too big or too impossible. I flew to the other side of the world by myself and saw glowing blue oceans in Thailand that I never thought I’d be able to witness in my lifetime. I learn pieces of languages from each country I spent time in. I connected with people I would’ve never met without this experience and found with locals who had so much passion for their homeland and wanted to share it with me. Was I prepared for this transformation and self growth? No, and only because it was more than I could ever ask for. To anyone who is scared to take such a leap of faith, do it anyway. I haven’t met one person who regretted doing this for themselves, or thought it was a waste of time or money. Dream big, and you will reach the stars.

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