EF Gap Year - The Globetrotter

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!!

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.

Overall, I really enjoyed traveling through Europe on this trip. I got to see so many things that I’ve been dreaming about my whole life. I think having a great tour director made this trip what it was for me. A lot of the activities included in the program were pretty pointless and a waste of money. I don’t think I was really immersed in the cultures in a lot of places we went and the activities did not really educate us that much. While this trip was supposed to be focused on traveling and learning majority of the people made it about drinking and going out. They would miss the group activities and not participate in some of the things that ended up being my favorite memories. I wish there was a little more structure or something to make sure this doesn’t happen to other groups because it honestly ruined a lot of parts of the trip for me. I did love Europe and I can’t wait to be back either on a solo trip or with close friends or family. I’m not sure if I would do another group travel trip like this again or at least by myself since group dynamics can often be very tough. I wish there were more group activities on this trip that were interactive and got us thinking and learning. Some of the stuff felt like they were talking to us like we were children, and being 22 while others in the group were 18 did not help that feeling. In the end, this was an experience of a lifetime and I made memories I hope to never forget.

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.

I had just turned 18 and graduated early from highschool, because of Covid, I was unsure what to do. My counselor recommended EF Gap Year to me and it changed my life! I learned so much about myself and the world, as well as made so many great connections. I have made friends for life all over the world and met my boyfriend of almost 3 years. Without doing this program, I wouldn’t be where I am today, in college knowing exactly what I want to study and sure of who I am and what I am here to do. Such a great experience!

Going into my gap, I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew I wanted to travel and the Changemaker program just made perfect sense for what I wanted- seeing the world, practicing Spanish, working in environmental conservation, and so on. When doing something like this it’s hard to know what the true reality will be like, but it turned out to be everything I wanted and more. I got introduced to so many different cultures, languages, environments, ecosystems, I mean things that truly I may have never known were out there. The best part was building a solid family of people, and getting to experience incredible things with them by your side. I was able to meet some of my best friends on this journey that I’m eternally grateful for, and if you’re looking to take the leap with a gap the Changemaker is a perfect option. It will introduce you to endless opportunities and leave you with the best memories that will live and be told the rest of your life. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Taking my gap year was the best decision I’ve ever made I am now a totally confident traveler and have gained so much knowledge about myself and have a different perspective on the world. Take the leap, it is absolutely worth it . You will come out with lifelong friends, skills, and memories!

I can’t recommend taking a gap year enough! I choose EF because of all the different options and the customizability of your program! Not everyone on the gap year went to the same places I did. I learned important life skill, and am absolutely more adaptable and feel like have an advantage starting school this past fall (2024) and I made some of the most amazing friends!

my time with EF’s gap semester Voyager was truly life changing. I have made so many core memories and friends all over the country from my experience. my perspective has grown from learning from multiple cultures!

I absolutely loved my time on EF’s Changemaker Program! I got to visit amazing places, met lifelong friends, and completely immersed myself in Latin American Culture. I traveled with an amazing group of kids and felt so supported by all of the EF staff. I got to travel the world while having a positive impact on the people and places I visited through incredibly rewarding service work. I feel that I am leaving this program a much more confident version of myself with a much better understanding of the world around me and what I can do to help make it a better place for future generations! I am so grateful for the experience I had and would definitely recommend this program!!

I was privileged enough to take a gap year after graduating from high school in 2019. I had received a brochure for education first gap year and honestly, it sounded too good to be true. After a sit down with my parents and a convincing slide show I was off. I could not be more grateful for the experience. Even though it was cut a little short due to COVID I can honestly say it was the most transformative, enriching, down right fun experience of my life. I learned so much from the numerous people I met in so many different countries. From learning about dying wool in Peru to the history of the aborigines in Australia it was something I will never forget. It pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and do things I could’ve never imagined (like eating Guinea Pig). I made life long friends on this gap year who I see to this day. If anyone is thinking of taking a gap year all I can say is do it!! Because as cheesy as it sounds it truly changed my life.

In march 2024 I went on the European discovery gap year 4 week program. To say it was the best decision I’ve made is an understatement. I got to experience life on my own without my parents. I made decisions and took risks. I met some of my bestest friends!! I even traveled to see one of the girls I met on my trip for my birthday! I can’t imagine life where I didn’t meet these people and have these memories I’ll hold on forever. I thank god everyday for this program!

My experience on the Pathfinder was one of the best things I have ever done. I met the most incredible people my age from all over America that I have such a special bond with. The travel with my group was one of the best parts of it, and we always had the best time on the buses or trains, finding ways to pass time. EF truly gave me such an incredible semester, and opened my eyes to so many more cultures and ways of life outside my small town in Minnesota. Forever grateful for my time abroad.

During this experience abroad, I was able to understand and find myself through all the cultural immersion and service projects to help other people. I felt so safe to explore and discover new things and I had the best time meeting all the new people I traveled with and the locals that we met along the way.

over the past year i learned about so many different areas of the world new cultures new people new experiences where i would have never imagined embarking on before this trip and i feel like i’ve grown as a person and am eager to keep traveling abroad in the future.

EF Gap Year allowed me to check off tons of bucket list adventures, meet some of my best friends, and grow in independence, leadership, and confidence. I visited 15 countries in 6 months and experienced so many amazing cultures and activities. I also met some of my best friends and like-minded people. This trip made me more intentional about how I travel and gave me memories I will hold forever.

This trip was incredible. I probably experienced every emotion 100 times while I was on Voyager. The activities were amazing and everything was planned great. Of course there were some bumps but I think the support we had helped with everything. I recommend doing this if you want to experience something outside of your comfort zone.

I did the Entrepreneur program and I found that it has helped me a lot. I gained more experience and knowledge about the field I want to go into. I have also gained more confidence in myself and my abilities. I have made lifelong friends and now have memories that will stick with me forever.

My gap semester was the best time of my life! I did the 2022 Pathfinder. I met the absolute best people on my trip and still keep in contact with them today. My gap semester helped me decide what I want to major in. Before my trip I went into college undecided with my major. I had traveled with EF go ahead tours before and realized they had a gap program for students so I decided to go for it in hopes to learn more about myself and find my calling and that’s exactly what I did! Since then I’ve gone on 2 trips and another one coming up with EF and influenced my family members to travel with me as well. Whether it’s a 10 day or 10 week trip I hope to inspire others so they can have the most amazing experience just like mine! My gap semester helped me become more independent and confident while being alone and traveling. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

I had an amazing time with all the people I met and learning about the business world. The classes and people were by far the best part, we had plenty of free time to go explore London and Paris, some people even took weekend trips to other places around the UK. The program had its problems, mostly due to the organization of the people who planned all the activities and restaurants. They weren’t all that up to date along with the business school we were attending. The class itself was great but the project we were assigned had major faults, none of that was EFs fault it was just the school. Sammy, our little trip mother, was the most amazing person we could have asked for and should have had more control over the required activities we were doing instead of just being a chaperone. Overall the course was very good and went pretty much as expected. I had a great time but there were some down sides that made it really difficult.

10 weeks, 4 countries, 22 young adults. At first, this could be daunting for some people. I was unsure about committing to taking such a long break from work and just being away from family for so long. I am glad that I trusted my gut to just take some time off of school and work and gain some real life experience as well as cultural immersion. I have never regretted my decision to take this gap year with EF. I was exposed to different cultures that I may have never gotten the chance to do just traveling on my own. I was pushed out of my comfort zone many times which allowed me to flourish in more ways than one. Honorable mentions including our homestay in Peru but that actually ended up being one of my favorite experiences during our time away. I tried new foods and never ate with my eyes! Another honorable mention includes lomo saltado and alpaca. Never did I ever think I would have tried alpaca. I made many lifelong friends, which made it difficult at the end to say goodbye but bittersweet knowing I have new friends all over the country. Most importantly, I felt like I made an impact in the world. We planted pine trees, planted mangroves, cleaned up beaches, worked with some young boys in the DR, released baby sea turtles. The list goes on and on. 71 days of on the go travel cannot be summarized so easily. You have to go out there and experience it yourself. When I reminisce on the trip, my excitement is extremely palpable and I hope everyone gets to experience that type of life changing adventure. I’m forever grateful for this gap year with EF.

It was an eye opening time that I felt helped me really grow as a person and I couldn’t be happier to say I did it. Not only that but the people I met on the trip were incredible and some of them have become my best friends. I am going to remember this for the rest of my life and it’s brought me so much joy and happiness

Embarking on a 10-week journey across Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Japan through my gap semester program was an experience that transcended every expectation I held. It's not an exaggeration to say that this trip was transformative, altering my perspectives and leaving an indelible mark on my life. Australia greeted me with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and adventurous activities. Each day, from the golden beaches to the vast Outback, it brought a new revelation. Exploring the Great Barrier Reef was an awe-inspiring moment, a testament to the unparalleled beauty of nature. New Zealand's picturesque scenery was like stepping into a living postcard. The breathtaking mountains, serene lakes, and lush greenery formed the backdrop of unforgettable hikes and soul-soothing moments. The warmth of the locals added a layer of authenticity to every interaction, making me feel connected to this land in a profound way. Thailand was an explosion of colors, flavors, and culture. The bustling streets, aromatic markets, and ancient temples resonated with an energy that was both vibrant and serene. The kindness of the people and the diversity of experiences, from bustling Bangkok to calm Chiang Mai, left an imprint on my heart. Japan's juxtaposition of tradition and modernity was captivating. The blend of ancient temples alongside the neon-lit streets of Tokyo was a testament to its rich history and forward-thinking mindset. Exploring the serene gardens and immersing myself in the culture taught me invaluable lessons about balance and appreciation for heritage. Moreover, the most cherished aspect of this journey was the people I met. I forged connections with fellow travelers and locals, forming bonds transcending borders and cultures. These friendships are a treasure, each contributing a unique perspective that has enriched my understanding of the world. This gap semester has fundamentally changed me for the better. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, instilled a sense of independence, and broadened my horizons. The experiences, lessons learned, and memories created are priceless treasures I'll carry with me for a lifetime. If you're seeking an adventure that offers picturesque landscapes and a profound personal transformation, this gap semester program is unequivocally the answer. It has left an indelible mark on my soul, shaping me into a more open-minded, adaptable, and culturally aware individual.

If you have never traveled outside of the states, this gap semester is perfect for first time traveler. You get to experience six different countries, cultures, excursions, and people. From starting in Boston with 30 some random people to leaving Rome with 30 more friends and family. If I had to choose my favorite part of the trip, I would have to give you six. The entire adventure was life changing that my friends at home could see a different when I was still abroad. You never know what could happen on a gap trip but it is worth it to take that leap of faith. I cannot wait to travel more and do the things I love. Let’s make some more memories!

Almost everyone that joins an EF Gap Year trip is alone, coming onto this experience without knowing anyone. One of my biggest concerns and fears for this experience was feeling alone. But that was immediately changed as soon as I signed up. You are traveling in a cohort and there are ways to get to know the other travelers before you even depart. I immediately made friends and connections before I even left for the trip. I loved that you never feel alone, whether that be from the connections you make, your trip leaders, or the behind the scenes support staff EF has for you. You are traveling with like-minded people all willing to take the leap and go on this trip. This makes you immediately bonded, there is truly no other experience like this! I loved the perfect balance of independence and planned itineraries. In a way it took the stress out of this trip. In the beginning you have group leaders that plan and handle everything for you. You just show up on time and can essentially turn your brain off and get to have fun and soak in all that you are doing. Being on a group trip like this, there were activities I never would have gotten to do if I was traveling on my own. Like a masterchef timed cooking competition in Barcelona, a Tuk Tuk group scavenger hunt in Lisbon, a group painting class in London, and more! However, with a lot of things being planned for you there can be some difficulties as with everything in life. EF books your flights for you as they are included with the program. This can cause some difficulties as you don't get to choose what time, seat, number of layovers, and etc for your flights. But for the majority of the time you are with other people on your cohort for this. You also don't get to choose what internship or homestay family you are with. This definitely can be scary and rightfully so. I was very fortunate to be placed with an amazing family and company for my internship. I know some who had difficulties and they were always given options to switch and make changes with these placements. After going through this experience I found I grew immensely as a person. If something scares you or causes discomfort then I say you should go for it. I know I did and I gained the greatest reward! When you're uncomfortable that's when you learn something new about yourself. EF gives you the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone while still having resources and more to keep you safe and comfortable. This was exactly what I needed for my first time traveling on my own. Traveling with EF Gap Year for a semester was the best decision I ever made and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

This was the best experience of my life. If you’re unsure if this is a worthy investment of your time and money, I can promise it is. The things I got to see and experience were more than I ever dreamed I could have in my lifetime. Every single day I was on this trip, I woke up present and grateful to be alive, and for the first time in my life I felt like I had purpose. This trip made me realize that I have the power to make my life amazing and it can be anything I want it to be. On top of that, it was a pleasure traveling specifically with EF Gap Year. The staff are all so personable and down to earth. Everyone is incredibly organized and outgoing and they made before, during, and after the trip amazing. Take that leap of faith and go abroad with EF Gap year, you won’t regret it!

My gap year semester program was everything I could have asked for. I visited several beautiful places and met so many great people. Regarding the program itself, I specifically liked the ten-week program in multiple destinations because you are able to spend time in several locations in such a short period of time. I highly recommend taking a gap semester to anyone who is interested in seeing the world and having a unique experience. It is a great option for those looking for a change of pace.

I went on the voyager trip in fall 2023. I had an absolute blast and met so many amazing people. I learned so much about myself and about other culture and about my peers on the trip with me. I got to gain a new perspective on life that I wouldn’t change for the world. Going on this trip was the best decision!!

Taking my EF Gap Year has truly changed the person I am, and the person I am continuously growing into. This was the biggest risk I had ever taken, leaving the country for the first time in my life, stepping into the unknown with people I had never met, but it ended up being the most rewarding experience of my life thus far. Throughout my 23 weeks abroad, I had the opportunity to travel to 3 continents and 12 different countries. I’ve learned countless lessons throughout my travels, but there’s one thing that continues to remain true: It is the people that make the place. Stepping into this journey I knew I would meet people along the way, but I never could have imagined how special my connections with those then strangers would soon become. Traveling truly bonds you, and I am forever grateful to have experienced these life changing moments alongside these people. There is such an added value in being able to share a memory with someone else. I have never learned more in my life than when I was with EF Gap Year, I truly can't say enough good things about the program. With that being said, there is definitely room for improvement, but that comes with any relatively new program- especially when international travel is involved. Things are bound to not work out, mistakes happen, itineraries change last minute, but the most important thing that travel has taught me is that it's okay when these things happen. You learn to deal with it and you will always find a solution. I am eternally grateful for my gap year, and I will continue to advocate that everyone should experience something like this at some point in their lives!

Dear Fellow Seeker of Adventure, I began walking on my own again on August 4th after being confined to crutches and a wheelchair for four months during the year 2022. With a mere month to prepare physically and mentally for the much anticipated “EF Gap adventure of a lifetime," doubt lingered, but a yearning for revival, friendship, and independence propelled me forward. As I ventured across four continents, the world unfolded the magic I always dreamed of. I found my people, whose kindness, humor, and comfort are truly indescribable. Confidence, once elusive, became my steadfast companion. I checked off skydiving in Australia from my bucket list and in the solitude of a solo trip, I witnessed the ethereal sunrise at Mt. Fuji, Japan. In the heart of Barcelona, I stumbled upon a friendship that redefined my understanding of empathy and connection. Our connection transcended the boundaries of ordinary friendships. Through shared belly laughter, long conversations at our favorite restaurant, and unforgettable moments of vulnerability, she showed me the profound art of forging deep, meaningful connections. In the tapestry of our shared experiences, I discovered the beauty of truly understanding and being understood. Tokyo, a city of contrasts, gifted me a forever friend in the form of a roommate. From navigating the bustling streets to discovering the best gyoza and ramen, our connection transcended borders, turning a temporary living arrangement into a lifelong bond. The streets of Italy became dance floors and Thailand's temples witnessed my footsteps during a 4am hike, a testament to my healed legs and determination. Portugal's waterfalls embraced me, and I convinced my best friend to transfer colleges from Seattle to Chapel Hill, where we now share weekly moments of laughter and camaraderie. Despite the conclusion of my trip, the true wealth of my gap year blossoms beyond the destinations I explored. It persists in the enduring connections and cherished memories that have gracefully unfolded over the months since. Each week, I find solace in heartfelt FaceTime calls, craft plans for future reunions, and feel warmth as I reminisce about the beautiful moments engraved on my soul. In the quietude of just being, I found enjoyment in life's simplicity and, in the process, came to terms with myself. Forever grateful for the orchestration of these experiences and connections, my gap year became a melodic chapter of self-discovery and gratitude. Adventure with EF Gap awaits you, Carly Farmer - A Soul Devoted to Connection, Passion, and Uncharted Paths

The experience I had spanned multiple countries, so it felt like I had many different lives in different places. Each place brought new challenges but also new exciting adventures and stories to take home to my family. I love to break out a story now and then to commemorate the time I had.

Traveling with EF for the first half of my gap year was amazing. Experiencing different cultures, seeing amazing sights, making lifelong friends, it really had everything. Not only this, but it really taught me about myself. I left my trip so much more prepared for the next stage of my life than when I entered, and I’m so thankful now that I experienced it before going to college. EF did a great job, they brought me through an amazing experience across so many countries, and I would absolutely recommend anyone considering this program to just go and do it.

I embarked on an EF gap semester in 2022 with 1 month in Thailand and 1 month in Sydney and a 2 weeks immersion through Europe. Looking back a year later, it brings me immense joy and nostalgia because I spent those 3 months learning about myself in a travel setting, learning how to make friends with people from all over the world, and immerse myself wherever I was.

Completely life changing experience. I met my best friends abroad and got to experience so much in a three month period. I’ll never forget how important this gap semester was for me. Highly recommend if you’re thinking about signing up.

Amazing life changing experience in Europe. Chance to see so many great places and get out of my comfort zone. I was in Iceland first, where our bus was hit by high winds, blown off the road and tipped over ! What a start. Thank god we were all ok, with just a few minor injuries. I was able to see London, Berlin , a weekend in the Swiss Alps, great cities in Italy ?? and Paris. Incredible.

For 10 weeks spanning from January 21-April 7, I had an incredible journey traveling worldwide. During that time, I traveled across Europe more specifically: London, Amsterdam, Paris, & Barcelona. I had an amazing time in each city (apart from Paris), but every day was new and refreshing! After Europe, I lived in Thailand and Australia for one month each. I enjoyed the labor and the tropical climate in Thailand, but I loved every single minute of living in the cool and breezing city of Sydney, Australia for my internship. During my time, I learned how to cook, became more disciplined, became more open-minded, and met amazing people who I still stay in contact with. I wish I could repeat my time abroad again! If you really put yourself out there and are willing to do everything needed whether it is being aware of your surroundings or always showing up to your internship on time! You will grow so much as an individual in ways that you could not even fathom!

I was so worried about college and my next steps in life after I graduated high school in 2022. I decided I wanted to take a gap year and see where life takes me. In the fall of my gap year, I found EF’s website and fell in love. I decided on the European discovery since I always wanted to go to Europe especially France and Italy! I worked and saved the next few months and in April of 2023, I finally flew to London and met my fellow travelers. And I can’t put into words how amazing it was. I had a great group and tour leaders who made the experience so much better! I felt supported 24/7. It was affordable with insurance plans, a phone bill plan and great hotel/hostel accommodations! I felt safe at all times. We had amazing dinner reservations, wonderful tour guides in the cities we were at and special activities such a cheese factory, a cooking class and more! I will be returning to EF on my next trip!

I attended the EF Gap finder as a fresh college graduate and this program was everything I could've wished it could be. Although many of my fellow travelers were recent high school graduates, we all came from many different walks of life. This program was perfectly structured to ensure we saw the many highlights that the various European cities had to offer. From seeing the Northern Lights, to taking a cruise along the Seine river overlooking the Eiffel Tower, to tasting authentic Parmesan cheese in the Parma Region of Italy it was perfect. Not only did I learn so much about all of these amazing places, I made incredible lifelong friends who I continue to keep in touch with and am making plans to see again very soon. EF took care of everything so I could sit back and enjoy my trip knowing that everything would be taken care of. The trip was a perfect combination of structured activities and free days, in which you can spend how you choose, which included for me a trip to Stonehenge and a day trip to Dresden in Germany. I would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone wanting to travel, even if they had no real prior travel experience. I would relive my gap semester again in a heartbeat.

EF Gap Year is an amazing company. Makes traveling easy, especially for first-time travelers. I always felt safe and as if I had my needs taken care of. During the European Immersion portion of the trip, our tour guide, Ivann, was so knowledgeable, personable, funny, and overall just the best guide we could ask for! The EF Langauge schools are also amazing, with incredible teachers and activities, I learned SO much and never got bored. I still think about my Gap Year often, wishing I could relive every moment! SO thankful for my time abroad with EF. If you are on the fence about taking a Gap Year with EF, this is your sign. Amazing amazing amazing. Thank you EF!!!!!

My experience was very good and I had to time of my life. After being back home for 5 days I really miss it all and want to go back. Seeing parts of Thailand, Europe, and being in Sydney really changed my whole perspective of the world that we live in.

The program is an amazing way to develop important life skills such as taking accountability, better cultural understanding, finding different perspectives, and self-awareness. For students right out of high school (such as I was when I traveled), it is a great way to become comfortable with more independence. Doing things like traveling without a familiar adult, going to the post office in a country where you aren't fluent in the language, planting mangroves, and figuring out public transit in a foreign country all helped me develop a sense of competence and capability. As a result, the transition into college was a lot easier for me and I am more comfortable living so far from home than most of my peers. The program also makes it possible to expand your friendship circle. I met some of the best people ever, some of which I still talk to every day. I made these amazing connections that I never would've gotten to make anywhere else. It's a different level of bonding when you're racing to catch a flight together or wading through high tide together with boxes of shovels above your heads. One of my best friends now is someone that I never would've approached at school or college, but during this gap year, I was given the opportunity to meet him. The itinerary is also wonderful. During my service learning in Costa Rica, I did so many cool things. I got to untangle a sea turtle from a net, I got to see some traditional dancing from the country, I became familiar with the delicious local cuisine, I woke up at 4 am one day to milk a cow, and I got to visit some hot springs in a town at the base of a volcano. During the European Immersion segment of the trip, we got to wonderful sights like The Palace of Versailles in Paris, Islamic Metalworking in Toledo, and Parc Guel in Barcelona.

I had so much fun on my gap year with EF! I had the opportunity to go to 10 different countries throughout the year (some planned by EF and others I planned on my own during weekends). Although COVID cut the ending short, all of the adventures and experiences I had are some of my favorite memories and were a great way to experience the real-world before going to college. I will say, since it was only the 2nd year that the program was operating, there were a few issues in regards to knowing exactly what was happening and being able to have good communication with staff, but for the most part everyone was helpful and accommodating. It’s great not only for college applications, but for your resume and your communication skills with people. I tell all my friends to take a gap year/semester because it is one of the best things you can experience.

This gap year was the best decision I could have made! EF was super good about getting the flights booked and having the itinerary good. Even when I was having trouble in the Madrid airport, the EF team was super helpful with getting me on the next flight out. I made such great friends and memories i’ll never forget

I had a great time! I met some amazing people that I still keep in touch with. I did service work in Costa Rica and all though some days were hard I would do it all over again if I could. Next, I did a small 2-week tour in Europe where I went to go see Paris, Madrid, Spain, and Barcelona, Spain before I went to go do my language study in Italy. My time in Italy was just so amazing I always had something to look at or somewhere to go Honestly, a month in Italy wasn't enough time to explore the whole city, the family that I stayed with was just so awesome, I mean I did feel a little weird but who doesn't? The best part about my trip was the friends I made but it was also the hardest and saddest goodbyes.

I had never traveled outside the U.S. before, let alone left home from longer than a week but something was telling me to give this program a try. I also think this program is great for people that are looking for a shorter time spent away. I am full time in college but I’m really thankful I was able to take the time away to do this over the summer after my classes had finished. I had the chance to meet so many great people within my program, as well as through the non profits. There was a great balance of fun and excursions alongside the time spent volunteering. While our impacts were small, it is really nice to know there is a continuous effort in order to make long lasting changes for the environment.

Applying for EF Gap Year was easily the best decision I have ever made. The amount of experiences, cultures, countries, and people I met along the way still hold my fondest memories. The itinerary is very structured when you’re in immersion groups, there is plenty of free time structured into that time as well. EF did a great job at finding experiences and activities very catered towards our age group as well as hitting all the major sights you have to see. They have a great support system for you once you are out of your big groups and at your school, service learning, or internship location. You never feel alone through the trip. To this day I still talk about my gap year and visit all the amazing people I met through the programs. It was the highlight of my life that’s for sure!

My trip to Costa Rica has been the highlight of my entire life so far. I made many life-long friendships, I learned a lot about Costa Rica's culture, the environment, sustainability, and myself. I feel extremely grateful this opportunity was presented to me and I wouldn't change a single thing about the experience. Our tour advisor, Freddy was amazing- he was helpful, kind, smart, and funny. Our student life coordinator, Camille was considerate, fun, and always available and open to assisting us. After returning home from this trip, I feel I have made a positive impact on our environment.

I met so many amazing people in a beautiful country where everyone wanted to help us learn about their home. We learned so much about sustainability and local efforts to preserve the environment which helped us find ways to imitate the same back home. We could see the impact we were making which made it that much more special!

EF has an impressive website. Their main focus is language study , EF has been doing that for 50 years, BUT the EF GAP Program is no more than 3 years old. They are figuring it out as they go. All transitions from one module to the next never went without ISSUE. There are so many additional expenses!!! Also, be very specific about what you are or are not comfortable with especially when it comes to the home stay. I would request information about the home life. For the cultural immersion they may place you with a single person household with a room with a mattress and no where to put away any belongings.. I could go on, but each experience is different and there are a few people who are helpful at EF, But if ask very specifics questions, you may avoid some of the surprises we did not expect.