Gap Year Basecamp

Gap Year Basecamp

Why choose Gap Year Basecamp?

Gap Year Basecamp offers travel training programs & gap year counseling for young adults ready to explore the world.

Gap Year Basecamp goes beyond traditional counseling. We offer hands-on travel training in amazing locations and help you become your own best guide. Are you eager to explore the world but intimidated by the challenges of solo travel? Curious about a gap year or extended trip abroad, but not looking for a packaged, fully organized program? Gap Year Basecamp is your launchpad.

Our programs are designed for 18–23-year-olds ready to kickstart their first big adventure with a motivated group of peers. We provide a home base in a unique European location, extensive travel training, and a Eurail pass—then we launch you into Europe to create your own unforgettable journey.

Founded
2017

Frequently asked questions

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Reviews

Maggie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I wish I could go back everyday.

Studying abroad in Seville was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The city has such a welcoming vibe, and I loved being able to walk everywhere. Between the tapas, amazing people, and beautiful streets, there was always something new to enjoy. The program made it easy to adjust, and I felt supported the whole time. My Spanish improved a lot just from everyday conversations, and I met some amazing friends along the way. Seville really started to feel like home, and I’d recommend this program to anyone looking for a fun and meaningful study abroad experience. I was very nervous as this was my first time traveling abroad or alone in general, but this trip truly introduced me to a new part of myself.

Pros
  • The people
  • Lessons I learned
  • Insanely beautiful city
What other participants should know
  • Hostel was loud sometimes
Della
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Couldn’t have asked for a better program!

The Seville program was incredible! I didn’t just explore Spain—I really felt like I belonged there. It truly began to feel home. Between practicing Spanish, wandering the beautiful streets, and eating endless tapas, I learned so much. The travel training gave me skills I didn’t even know I needed—like navigating new places, meeting people easily, budgeting, and connecting with locals—and it made me way more confident in myself. The program hit a good balance of structure and freedom, and afterward I traveled through Europe feeling totally prepared. It was unforgettable and honestly changed how I see myself and the world. I’m such a different person now.

Pros
  • The hostel was so fun
  • Seville felt really safe
  • I met lots of people outside the program as well
What other participants should know
  • Spanish would can be strange but cooking was so fun!
  • The hostel form could be noisy at times but not too bad!
David
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sevilla es maravillosa

Amazing experience with very cool people. Seville is such an awesome place and I made lifelong friends. Loved the cafes and clubs and the laid back Spanish lifestyle. SIESTA! It’s hard to say how beautiful the city is but it’s also really easy to get around and explore. We walked everywhere and it always felt totally safe and easy. There were tons of students there. Very young and vibrant place. I was pretty nervous about the travel but learned so much and never imagined that I’d travel all over Europe on my own! Best trip of my life.

What was your funniest moment?
Laughing at night with friends on the roof top!
Pros
  • Lots of freedom
  • Travel workshops made me feel more confident
  • Great group and leaders
What other participants should know
  • Jet lag is real!
  • They pushed us to figure things out
  • Too many croquetas! :)
Hannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gap Year Basecamp is AMAZING!

Gap Year Basecamp was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to travel internationally, but didn’t know where to start. I knew I didn’t want to do a big guided tour, but felt unequipped to just travel and figure things out on my own. Gap Year Basecamp was the perfect balance of guidance and freedom. With classes in the mornings and free time in the afternoons, I was able to learn and explore what interested me. I made many new friends and memories, and left the program feeling confident in my ability to navigate the world.

What was your funniest moment?
One morning I coughed up blood after being sick for ten days, then tried to find a clinic and because of language barriers, was sent to a STD clinic. The trip leaders were fantastic, and helped me find a doctor who could treat me. It wasn’t funny in the moment, but looking back, it makes me chuckle!
Pros
  • Flexibility
  • Freedom
  • classes that were applicable
What other participants should know
  • Small chunks of free time instead of larger chunks of free time
  • Some of the travel lessons felt a bit basic :)
  • I feel like I could have gotten more detailed info for packing pre-trip. I wasn’t completely sure what or what not to bring, and learned the hard way about over packing.

Programs

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