European Expedition Program

This program has been very eye-opening towards a new perspective that I have trust and a lot of other struggles that I don’t really talk about but it is nice to know that there’s other people out there who wanna take stuff off like me and also see the world for a different set of backgrounds and that we can all connect on a certain level to trust each other enough to live with each other for three months and have some amazing memories leaders I really don’t see any other leaders that I can imagine being this good. They were the perfect fit a missing piece to the puzzle and made sure that I was always happy and well even though there were some low points. I really don’t see why the idea of a gap here is not approved by a lot because, in my time in Europe with this group, I’ve both felt grown with maturity and like being able to notice changes in mood and make sure I can avoid that next time I can manage myself a lot better and I feel like I’m a lot happier coming out of this than I was going into it. I was nervous and scared, and now I’m sad that we’re leaving, but I’m also happy that it happened.

This program is really good for people wanting to gain independence and unique life experiences before going to college. It’s a great option for young people who want to travel but don’t have experience planning a trip on their own. My favorite part was definitely the social aspect, getting to know everyone in the group and experiencing everything together. Some of my highlights from the trip were Berlin, rock climbing in Innsbruck, the fall weather in Ljubljana, and the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam.

I had the most incredible experience with the European expedition. From the very first day, it was clear that this program was designed to provide a truly immersive and transformative experience. The itinerary covered a rich variety of countries, from vibrant cities like Prague and berlin to the charming, lesser-known villages tucked away in the countryside. The program balanced cultural exploration with personal development perfectly. I had the opportunity to learn about local histories, and try new activities. Each destination offered something unique, and the structured group activities helped me connect with fellow participants from all over the world, creating lifelong friendships.

This trip was 100% worth it. I knew I wanted to travel lots of various countries throughout Europe but also with it being my first time traveling without my parents I knew I needed some support with that. I was able to learn so much and have lots of unique experiences I wouldn’t ever thought I would have. I loved the sailing adventure around Dalmatian islands aswell as Zell Am See Austria and Kayaking in Norway. I got to experience some of the most beautiful places which is another reason why I wanted to go on this adventure. When we are in the cities taking public transportation was a must. I found learning how to navigate throughout the cities and between countries is another super valuable skill I learned while on this adventure

I really enjoyed my time with Irish gap year on their European expedition program. There was such a large array of different places to see and foods to eat. Each day is structured to get you up and going in the morning so that you can experience everything that your surrounding area has to offer. There is also a good deal of free time, and space for taking a break from the fast paced life of this program. It is also very helpful that any time you need to step back from the group and take a mental health day for any reason, you are able to do so with no questions asked.

The European expedition was a very interesting and beneficial experience. There were certainly a few things I would change but overall it was incredibly nice to be able to travel Europe with other people in a way that I wouldn't know how to do on my own. If you'd like to explore Europe, particularly its cities, with a group, I'd definitely recommend this program. My highlights were Berlin (all of it), La Machine Fissa: a beautiful reading retreat in Northern Italy, and Bled a beautiful town in the mountains of Slovenia

The Irish Gap Year European Expedition offers an extraordinary experience that combines adventure, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Participants have the opportunity to explore diverse European destinations while forming lasting friendships and enhancing their independence. The program’s focus on experiential learning allows individuals to develop valuable skills, broaden their perspectives, and create unforgettable memories. Highly recommend this expedition for anyone looking to enrich their travel experience and embrace new challenges!

This program challenged me in new ways that allowed me to grow as an individual. I learned how to communicate in new ways. I learned how to be a good explorer. I learned more about myself than ever. It came with its challenges, it’s a small group of strangers all there for their own reasons but we all grew together and individually.

This program has you constantly on the move. There is not time to really settle down anywhere we go but there are certainly places that feel like home along the way. Every place we go has something to enjoy and experience making the constant travel well worth.