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EF Gap Year - East Asian Odyssey
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.
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.
Program Highlights
Earn college credit while traveling the world! With EF Gap Year, you’ll immerse in language and culture, make lifelong memories, and return home with optional accredited credit toward your degree.
Our global teams handle all-things accommodations, from activities and excursions to flights, courses, transportation, and so much more! All you have to do is focus on making the most of your year.
EF Gap Year is accredited throughout the U.S. by six of the country’s most respected organizations. We are proud to meet their rigorous standards for educational excellence.
Exclusive EF Experiences – From curated excursions to cultural festivals, EF Gap Year offers insider access you won’t find anywhere else—turning every trip into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
From palaces in Seoul to temples in Kyoto and neon streets in Tokyo, experience East Asia through unforgettable adventures. Build global skills by living the culture.
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Quick Details
- Tokyo, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- After College
- During College
- Post High School
- Culinary
- Experiential Learning
- Language Immersion
- Self-Discovery
- Study Abroad
- American
Awards
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Tokyo, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
Types and Subjects
- Types
- Culinary
- Experiential Learning
- Language Immersion
- Self-Discovery
- Study Abroad
Availability
Years Offered: 2026, 2027, 2028
- After College
- During College
- Post High School
Age Requirement
18-25
Guidelines
- American
This Program is also open to Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Wifi Costs
- Welcome Dinner
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
- Domestic Airfare
- International Airfare
- Required Equipment
- Guide / Chaperone
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- In-Country Orientation
- Laundry
- Assistance Booking Travel
- Language Lessons
- Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
- Textbooks / Reading Materials
- Course Materials
- Alumni / Networking Membership
- Academic Credit
- Certificate of Completion
- Emergency Support
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Group living
Qualifications & Experience
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- High School Senior (4th Year)
- High School 5th Year or More
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Some college credit, no degree
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Included?
The program fee for EF Gap Year programs includes all flights (including to and from your home city), on-the-ground transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, excursions, mentorship, and global support.
How academic are EF Gap Year Programs?
EF Gap Year programs aren’t about sitting in classrooms—they’re about learning by living. On East Asian Odyssey, discover Seoul, Tokyo, and Kyoto through palaces, markets, temples, and city lights. Along the way, pick up Korean and Japanese basics while immersing yourself in culture, building confidence, and gaining a true global perspective.
What demographic makes up a cohort?
You’ll be part of a group of 18–22 year-olds from all across the U.S., all recent high school grads or college students looking for adventure. Every cohort is a mix of personalities and backgrounds, which makes the experience even more fun and connected.
How much spending money should I bring?
Spending money varies by destination and lifestyle, but most students budget for snacks, shopping, and personal travel. Since housing, tuition, and activities are included, your extra funds go toward exploring, souvenirs, and experiences that make your gap year unforgettable.
Are there payment plans available?
Yes — EF offers flexible payment plans to make your experience more affordable and easier to manage. You don’t have to pay the full amount upfront. After paying the enroll fee, you can choose to pay in installments over time, with the final balance due 60 days before your program starts. Many students and families find this helpful for budgeting and planning ahead.
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Ready to Learn More?
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,...
EF Education First
EF Education First
Ready to Learn More?
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,...
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