Europe Gap Year
Why choose Europe Gap Year?
Europe Gap Year is more than just a travel program—it’s a life-changing experience designed to help young adults grow, gain confidence, and develop essential life skills through adventure and cultural immersion. Founded by Ricky Martin, a seasoned traveler and Portrush local, the program is built on over 25 years of experience across six continents. Our program is centered around four key pill...
Europe Gap Year is more than just a travel program—it’s a life-changing experience designed to help young adults grow, gain confidence, and develop essential life skills through adventure and cultural immersion. Founded by Ricky Martin, a seasoned traveler and Portrush local, the program is built on over 25 years of experience across six continents. Our program is centered around four key pillars: Cultural Immersion, Personal Growth, Experiential Travel, and Friendship & Responsibility. We believe in pushing boundaries, stepping outside comfort zones, and embracing new challenges. Through structured activities, community engagement, and real-world learning, participants gain invaluable skills that prepare them for the future. Whether it’s navigating new cities, forging lifelong friends...
Europe Gap Year Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Europe Gap year
December 11, 2025by: Callum Wolochatiuk - CanadaProgram: Celtic Catalyst: Skills and Cultural ImmersionTravelling through Scotland and Ireland was one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and a huge part of that was thanks to Ricky Martin. From the moment the journey began, Ricky made everything feel smooth and stress-free. He was incredibly helpful, always ready to answer questions, give advice, or point me in the right direction without ever making me feel dependent. Instead, he struck the perfect balance—offering support while still encouraging me to explore and handle things on my own. What stood out the most was how comfortable he made me feel throughout the trip. Whether we were navigating busy streets, figuring out transport, or settling into new places, Ricky had a calm and friendly way of explaining things that instantly put me at ease. He treated every moment as an opportunity for me to grow more confident
Best experience ever
December 11, 2025by: Manuela Batley - ColombiaProgram: Celtic Catalyst: Skills and Cultural ImmersionIt was a wonderful experience, something I would definitely do again. I learned so much and visited many places. Ricky was an excellent leader, and I felt very comfortable talking to him about any situation or problem. I highly recommend this program because you learn a lot about yourself and about independence.
A wonderful experience
June 29, 2025by: Ayla Bushell - United KingdomProgram: Celtic Catalyst: Skills and Cultural ImmersionEurope Gap Year was an absolutely worthwhile experience for me. It had everything I was looking for in a gap year programme: an internship that provided me with work experience, the chance to travel and explore a new country, collaborating and living with others my own age, and the opportunity to live independently and learn to cook and clean for myself. The internship helped me to develop important skills for the future, including time/project management, different writing styles, and photography. It was a wonderful programme, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a way to spend their gap year.
Europe Gap Year Programs
Browse programs you might like
Celtic Catalyst is a unique gap year program in Ireland and Scotland for 18–22 year olds. Whether you choose a gap semester in Ireland or a longe...
Dreaming of a gap year in Europe? The European Catalyst is the adventure you’ve been waiting for. Designed for 18-22 year olds, this program blen...
Spend 8 unforgettable weeks on the Irish coast with the Causeway Giants, combining your love of American football with travel, culture, and coach...