Language Immersion Gap Year Programs in Western Europe

While on my Dragons program, I learned not only about the world around me and new places and people, but I also gained confidence in myself. My program had a focus on cultural immersion and understanding how Morocco and Spain are connected. This was very interesting to learn about, and we did this via language lessons, homestays, and meeting local people. Overall, I realized that the world is much more interconnected than I thought, and I have been inspired to continue traveling and to immerse myself in different cultures intentionally. Luckily, I have also found a global community that is like-minded through Where There Be Dragons, and I feel that after my program, I have a whole new world of opportunities available to me.

I really enjoyed my time here and improved my Spanish a lot. The CLIC classes helped me learn and practice every day, and the trip to Granada was a highlight. It was a great mix of learning, travel, and new experiences.

Great experience and very well organized. I had an amazing host family in a great location and met other gap students who became close friends. Playing soccer with friends in my neighborhood was a highlight.

I would recommend this program. I loved my experience with my host family and the language school I attended. The weekend trip to Granada was unforgettable and has been my favorite city in Spain so far.

My daughter had a blast during her time with the hybrid Spain by Train and Future Leaders program! Extra language classes helped her deepen her Spanish skills, she saw so much of beautiful Spain and got exposed to its culture with hands-on activities. Her internship in Sustainability research & communication was hand-selected and incredibly helpful for her to crystallize a potential career direction. The Entrepreneurship program was a very effective introduction into the world of business and leadership. Arantxa is a gem and the team responsive, super friendly, and always helpful! Loved our experience with them and this amazing program.

Our son found the Future Leaders Program when he decided to take a gap semester after his first semester of college. Spanish Gap Year checked all the boxes we were looking for, offering an experience that had both the cultural component and the structure from which to keep building on the skills he was learning in college. Future Leaders offered the chance to continue learning challenging subjects (Spanish and business concepts), exposed him to two different cities, and also had independent dorm living in the second half so he could continue the independence he started in college. The program staff were incredible. Overall, the program exceeded our expectations and we would recommend it to anyone!

When deciding to take a gap year I felt really stressed about how I would choose to spend my time and finding the right experience for me. I’m so happy I found the ciee gap year program, I felt that it was a great opportunity to learn so many new things and have such a unique experience. My most memorable experience was getting to meet so many new people who J probably never would’ve had I not been in this program and studying abroad here in Seville. And aside from the traveling I got to do, the excitement that came with my Spanish improvement was most memorable for me. Being able to notice my own progress and feel really comfortable in a completely new language was really rewarding.

The voyager program was the best possible program that I could’ve taken. Between the people I was surrounded with, the staff, and the cultures I was immersed in, I was able to learn and connect. I have grown so much and I will be so grateful to EF for that. Throughout the journey, I mostly felt supported, especially with having food allergies, however, in Japan, the first tour guide, and myself did not always see eye to eye, therefore I did not feel supported. However, once this situation was remedied, we were given a lovely tour director named Mari. She was kind and cordial with the group and very knowledgeable about the area which made our experience all the more wonderful we learned so much and I am so grateful to EF for having this program. Shout out to my blue group.

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.

If I were to do my gap year abroad again, I would undoubtedly choose EF Gap Year again. Why? Because they truly care. From the moment I started my journey with EF, it was evident that their staff goes above and beyond to ensure every participant has a meaningful and fulfilling experience. A standout moment for me was during my internship placement. As a recent college graduate, I felt my initial placement didn’t align with the skills and value I knew I could bring to a company. Sensing my frustration, one of the program leaders took the time to meet with me over lunch. She genuinely listened to my concerns, got to know me on a personal and professional level, and worked with me to make sure my goals were reflected in my experience. This level of care and attention left a lasting impression on me. Beyond the incredible support from the EF team, the bonds I formed with people during my gap year are ones I’ll treasure for a lifetime. Whether it was fellow participants, locals I met during my travels, or the EF staff themselves, the connections I made continue to enrich my life in ways I never expected. EF Gap Year is more than just a program—it’s a life-changing experience led by people who genuinely want you to succeed and grow. I couldn’t recommend it more for anyone considering a gap year.

I got to experience the most amazing places and make so many incredible memories with some of my newest and greatest friends in the world! My tour director and SLC were amazing and really helped me to have the most incredible trip possible. I’m hoping to some day go on a trip similar!

Every country visited granted an opportunity to meet new people and make life long connections with them. I now know amazing people from all across the world that I never would’ve been able to meet otherwise!

Traveling across the country to Germany, Paris, Switzerland, and Iceland in search of an unforgettable experience was a journey of self-discovery and adventure. In Germany, I explored historic cities like Berlin and Munich, immersing myself in rich culture and history. Paris, with its romantic charm and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, offered a blend of art and sophistication. Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes, from the serene lakes to the majestic Alps, provided moments of tranquility and awe. Finally, Iceland's otherworldly scenery, with its geysers, waterfalls, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights, left me in wonder. Each destination brought unique experiences and insights, helping me find my path and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Ef gave me an unforgettable experience that I will always be grateful for. I met so many people went to so many different places that I didn’t even know existed, this was my first time ever being out the country and being separated from my family but I never felt homesick because of this great experience.

I had THE BEST experience travelikg with EF gap year this past summer. I made my best friends whom i still travel with to this day and learned so much about myself and the world. I highly recommend if you can!!

I am so grateful for my experience through EF gap. It allowed me to develop more as an individual and solidify my belief about who I am as a person, outside of my family. I made so many new friends all over the country, that I have seen over the past year. I was immersed into the different cultures at each country we went to. One of my favorites was the Peruvian culture. The food, the people, the weaving! Just an overall attentive people for their country. We did agriculture and sustainable work in each country we visited, which made me develop a newfound appreciation for the hard work that goes into taking care of our lands! From the high lands of Peru to the beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic, EF does an amazing job at curating the itinerary. I don’t regret anything about this experience.

The EF Gap Yer Changmaker program was something I’ll never forget. We traveled to Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Peru, and Ecuador, my personal favorites being the Latin American destinations. However, each country had something of its own to offer. My favorites from each country: Rancho Margo in Costa Rica (a fully sustainable resort with tons of yoga), surfing in the Dominican, staying with a family in the Andes Mountains in Peru, and swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos. I could spend an eternity talking about my experiences but there will never be enough words to describe how amazing this trip was. Alongside the adventures, I made some of the best friends to do it all with, a lot who I still talk to regularly and plan trips to visit. I will never forget this journey and I plan on visiting all these places again and sharing it with others. If you’re on the verge of doing this trip, do it!! You will not regret it.

I went on the 10 week semester program with EF gap year. In which we went to four different countries; Costa Rica, the Dominican republic, Peru, and Ecuador. I think that everything about this program was an absolutely wonderful experience. We planted trees, worked on sea turtle and wildlife preservation/restoration. We worked with several different nonprofits throughout each country, in which we were planting mangroves, farming, and working with youth to help them with social, and proffessional skills, as well as helping them practice their English. I think one of my favorite parts of the trip had to be seeing all the different cultural aspects of each country. The different dances, traditional wear, the different types of music, as well as the different foods. I also met my wonderful partner on this trip, who I am so grateful to have even met and known. It was all fascinating to learn about and experience. Honestly I fully believe that anyone that has the opportunity and the priviledge to experience things that we did on this trip, or to even go on a trip similar to this one; that they should. It is truly an amazing thing to participate in, and it really is a life changing experience. Whether that be from learning about how other people work, about how other cultures and languages work, or even just about yourself and what kind of person you'd like to be, is all up to you.

I had the privilege of spending 10 weeks abroad on EF’s Pathfinder program. I went to England, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. I made so many friends that I miss seeing every day already. I had an amazing Tour Director, Keith Adams, and an incredible Student Life Coordinator, Beth Warsof. EF had so many amazing activities planned for us, and some of my favorites include paddle boarding in Barcelona, a guided tour of the Colosseum, a pasta making class in Rome, a hike up Mount Rigi in Switzerland, and a tour of Holtzmarkt in Berlin! I had plenty of free time to explore each city as well, and I definitely was able to make the most of it. My friends and I took a bunch of our own day trips to places like Bern, Pisa, and Potsdam as well. I made so many memories that will last a lifetime. Before I went on my gap, I had no idea how to take the train or even use Uber. Now, I find myself with the confidence to navigate subway systems and bus routes anywhere in the world. EF blossomed my love for travel and helped me feel confident in my independence. I already wish I could go back to Europe!

My travels with EF were truly a once in a life time experience. Traveling to Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Ecuador provided a rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and adventures, each destination offering its own unique charm. The opportunity to engage in meaningful service work added a layer of depth and purpose to the journey, while the cuisine, camaraderie, and guidance from knowledgeable tour directors created memories to last a lifetime. It’s clear that this experience was not only educational but also profoundly enriching.

This program was so special and I had so much fun. We did such cool things like a hot air balloon, visiting the Great Barrier Reef, working with elephants in Thailand, a mindfulness retreat and visiting the beautiful temples in Japan. The people on my trip were amazing and I walked away with some really close friends. I will always cherish the memories I made on this trip.