EF Gap Year

Program Reviews

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Angelina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Changemaker Fall 2024

Going into my gap, I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew I wanted to travel and this 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.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Although cliche, for me the most nerve-racking moment was leaving my parents at the airport on our departure date. It was terrifying. About to leave the country completely separated from everybody I love, on my way to meet strangers. Very intimidating to say the least. What I would tell people worried about this part, is that no matter how scared you are, just do it scared. We encounter so many things in life that scare us but if we let it hold us back we won’t ever go anywhere in life. So what I would say, with not only this situation but the entirety of a gap, is to not let the fear stop you from what could be the greatest experience of your life. Seek discomfort! If you don’t, you’ll never know what you are capable of :)
Pros
  • Immersing into new cultures
  • Visiting different ecosystems
  • Meeting my best friend
Cons
  • Drama
  • Spiders
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Ekjyot
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Changemaker 2024

Changemaker was the best experience of my life. I was given the chance to get out of my comfort zone and meet amazing new people as well as explore the world and see the beauties outside of the United States. The community I gained throughout this trip is an amazing and supportive group of people and I can say I have made life long friends. This experience is something that has taught me more about myself and even helped gain more skills in general. I’m forever thankful and would recommend this program to young adults all over looking to get out and explore the world!

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Kylee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Life-Changing 4 Weeks

Signing up for this program was a very big deal for me. I wasn’t ready to leave home. I wasn’t ready to go on a crazy adventure with strangers. It turned out to be the best decision I’ve made thus far. I had a blast exploring the world and meeting genuine people who now feel like family. I learned so much about myself, my interests, who I am as a person, and what I want in life. The experiences of this trip are life altering especially for people who’ve never had an opportunity like this before. l will always cherish being part of the EF family now.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate escargot in Paris! 3 of my friends and I went out exploring one morning on a mission to find macaroons. We stopped at a cafe for brunch and saw snails on the menu. My friend across the table looks at me and says, “let’s do it.” So, we did it, and I can now say I ate snails in France.
Pros
  • Meeting lifelong friends
  • Seeing the beauty of the world
  • Opening up your adventurous side
Cons
  • Missing home - family and friends
  • Struggling with roomate situations
  • Pure exhaustion/ lack of rest
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Rowan
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

EF immersion in Nice and Internship in Stockholm

The TLDR of my review is it was ultimately worth it because of the experience I had and how much I grew. It opened me up to the possibilities that I hadn't realized were within my grasp.

However, the financial cost was somewhat unexpected as we were encouraged to pay for multiple activities in addition to the trip. I hope in future programs they will be more transparent with this in the future.

While I was with a host family in France, my initial first experience with the family was disheartening to say the least. With my second host family, I really was able to enjoy myself. I was not the only student who had a negative initial experience with the host family.

As for my internship, I was so grateful for what I got. I still keep in contact with my boss and made some great memories while in Stockholm. This is not necessarily something that I thing EF needs to do, but I wish that I had been told that there were so many career opportunities while in Stockholm because I feel some regret after for not having taken advantage of that while there.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Consider studying some of the languages you will be exposed to ahead of time because you will inevitably need it. Plus, you will build a really strong base for building skills in that language. Additionally, try to be mindful of what is socially acceptable. For example, using crass language or being loud is generally not appropriate in most situations.
Pros
  • Résumé building
  • Experience in other languages
  • Exposure to foreign social practices
Cons
  • Negative initial host family experience
  • Expensive extracurriculars
  • Groups were too large
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Alexandra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

EF gap year

Taking the EF gap year has shaped the person I am today in so many incredible ways. This program is perfect if you want to see and experience new places in a fun and safe community. Traveling always has its moments of uncertainty, however, the EF local staff always did their best to support us and provide a plethora of information on the places visited. I loved this particular program because it allowed me to visit multiple countries and participate in a language study, service work, and an internship. Those experiences paired with tourist activities allowed me to fully experience the countries I was living in. This program allowed me to gain independence, meet so many wonderful people, and see places I never thought I would have the opportunity to see. I’m so grateful for this experience and highly recommend it to anyone considering!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Kangaroo!
Pros
  • Tried so many new things
  • Met amazing people
  • Shared local experiences
Cons
  • Housing wasn’t always the best
  • Internship placement came very late
  • Food wasn’t always included
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Haydn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Haydn Giedzinska’s review

I traveled Europe because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. While I was in Europe I found myself and who I wanted to become. I shed my ego and my worries and became someone who wanted to embrace change and help others along this crazy journey we call life. EF gave me that opportunity and also gave me the opportunity to make friends for life. I will be forever grateful for being naive because I am now the person I am to today because of it. I will always be grateful to EF, for ever.

What was your funniest moment?
Dublin Ireland, St. Patrick’s day
Pros
  • Friends
  • Memories
  • Different perspectives
Cons
  • Got stuck in Europe and extra day because of poor flight scheduling
  • That’s about it
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Andrew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience

My gap year experience was life changing. It’s unique that I got to learn a language, volunteer, have an internship and travel to so many places all over the world in the span of six months. I learned so much about the world and interacted with a variety of cultures along the way. The experience taught me how to travel with others and also cherish the time to myself.

I’m now living and working abroad in Thailand, one of the countries I visited with EF. The gap year gave me the confidence and skills needed to make that possible.

What was your funniest moment?
New Zealand and Australia Immersion. I especially loved Milford Sound in the South Island of New Zealand
Pros
  • Choice of where you want to visit for each module
  • Travel opportunities
Cons
  • Sometimes the group was separated, limited opportunities to hang out with some of your friends depending on where your located
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Mia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Priceless Opportunity :)

During my EF gap semester, I was able to travel to some of the most beautiful places in the world, meet some of my best friends, and work on environmentally-focused projects in several different countries, all while improving my Spanish and learning new words in Quechua. I also had the opportunity to do this program under a Digital Media fellowship and my EF experience allowed me to get a taste of the life of a traveling videographer/documentarian, which I am eternally grateful for. The whole experience is one that I will happily and gratefully carry with me for the rest of my life.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be ready to be uncomfortable in the best way. While the program has plenty of locations on the itinerary that are perfect for lounging on the beach/hotel or at a spa, you will also be whisked away to the high Andes where it's very cold and showers are scarce, or deep in the Amazon rainforest where long hikes are humid and muddy. You will be in countries and communities that speak Spanish (and/or Quechua) so coming prepared to speak the language to the best of your ability will be really helpful!
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Jim
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience!

The four week program to Costa Rica through EF was amazing! Staff from the very beginning are friendly and professional, and everything was very well organized. We weren’t just sightseeing, we were doing a lot of learning about Costa Rica culturally as well as learning about sustainable agriculture and doing service work. The team dynamic was amazing. Our tour guide and our EF team lead helped create such a great team environment. I made excellent friends that I am keeping in touch with. We all felt grateful for our chance to be there to connect with people as well as each other. Thank you, EF!

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Annabella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

EF review

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!