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Gap Year Programs in Iceland

Alllll aboard, my fellow vikings! To the land of small colorful cities, heart-warming locals, and tons of natural landscape, we venture into a gap year in Iceland. Put on your gold hat with the horns and pull your hair back in braids, you don’t want to miss out on this beaut of a country. Home of the native explorer, Leif Ericson, adventure lurks around every icy corner. Did we tell you about the ice caves or the frozen waterfalls? You’ll practically be Elsa. A gap year in Iceland is one of the greatest opportunities out there. Oh wait, forgot to mention… sheep’s head might be served for dinner.

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4 Gap Year Programs in Iceland

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

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EF Gap Year

EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations

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Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

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United Planet
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United Planet

Gap Year: 6-Month + Service Learning Opportunity in Iceland

Iceland is amazing for everyone. With magnificent glaciers and ac...

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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.

A Guide to Gap Year in Iceland

Popular locations

Once you come down from cloud 9 over the adorable miniature horses and elves, you’ll want to make sure you land in a badass place. Icelandic cities make you feel right at home—these ones, especially, will give you access to both the hustle and bustle of a city and peace and tranquility within nature. 

Reykjavik. Did you know that Reykjavik is Iceland’s biggest city? Bet you didn’t know only 120,000 people live there. Holy tiny, right? But, the city has so much to offer and it’s like being in your own little corner of the world. The tallest building in Iceland is the Hallgrimskirkja, which is a beautiful lutheran church in the city center. Love the water? Check out Old Harbour and see nothing, but ocean for miles. 

Mt. Hekla region. Looking for a little bit of a thrilling adventure? Stay at the jaw-dropping Mt. Hekla region. What is Mt. Hekla? It’s an active volcano. Duh. Tons of tourist flock here to take a trek up the mountain to see what it’s all about. Dangerous? Sure. Exciting? You betcha. This place would be a great stay for anyone studying geology or has a wicked cool obsession for hot lava. Not to mention, they have tons of Iceland travel tours that lead people to this spot.

Akureyri. Trace back to the roots of Iceland’s culture and live in Kopavogur. This city is home to the Icelandic Folk and Art Museum. See artwork, clothing, music, and other neat culture items that make up the Icelandic way of life. Want to have your own secret garden? Check out Lystigarurinn botanical garden. Get lost in the endless array of colors.

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