Program Reviews

Taking Irish Gap Year was the best decision that I could have made for my development between high school and college. It offers a standout experience for students looking to grow, explore, and gain independence in a supportive environment. It has overall gotten me more confident in my self. I have created some of the greatest memories and met some of my greatest friends over these 10 weeks. The Leaders are approachable, genuinely invested in students personal development and most importantly kind.

Over the past three months, I’ve gotten to surf, hike, climb, and swim in one of the coolest countries in the world! I really feel like I’ve changed as a person, I’ve become more mature, and adventurous because of IGY. I never would’ve guessed that I’d meet some of my best friends here, but I am really glad that I did. Ireland is epic, and I am so glad that I had the chance to travel here for part of my gap year. The IGY program caters well to adventure, and does not disappoint. I urge those unsure about taking a gap year to seize the opportunity and travel! IGY has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Everyone who went on this trip was so different from each other yet we all ended up so close and had so much fun together. Everyone on this trip has changed and grown so much and the idea of going back to real life feels more foreign than staying in Europe. It was also more fun than I could’ve imagined. Being on the move was an incredibly cool change from normal life although a very exhausting experience. We’re all going to sleep for a year after this trip. I also can barely remember what it’s like to talk to anyone outside of this group of people. It was a good length because I am ready to go home but wasn’t a week or two ago.

The European Expedition program was overall a great experience. I went to so many new places, met new people, and tried a lot of new food. If you feel stuck in your life at home, if you like pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, or traveling, this program is for you. I’ve done so much here that I never thought I would be able to do, and that’s pretty cool. Getting the opportunity to leave America and go to upwards of 6 different countries is one I will always be grateful for, and I will remember this trip forever. This kind of travel is very taxing, if you do not think you are physically or mentally able to sustain this, do not go on the trip.

Irish Gap Year is pretty chill, you should like, join it or something. Ok but more seriously we get to travel around Europe from Norway to Germany, Prague, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, The Netherlands, (in that order).

Super duper fun, yeah you know absolutely no one going into it, but you come out of it with new friends and lifelong experiences (very corny but it’s lwk true, and you haven’t been on this trip (yet) so you can say I’m wrong).

You get to travel Europe!!! That’s awesome!! Actual once in a lifetime opportunity, do it while you’re young and full of energy, all the clubs are worth spending the night having a gas and dancing 💃 🕺 And by clubs I mean book clubs and nothing else 😁🤞 (Also if you manage to bring your special someone on this trip you’re secured for life they won’t ever forget it)

This was a great experience and my favorite cities were Italy and the Sailing trip. The food was also amazing from each city and my favorite was Germany. The best events were Paragliding, Oktoberfest, and the Therme Erding water park in Munich. The trip was a great time and it did not disappoint. The only thing that I didn’t like was that it went by too fast and that it ended too soon. This trip also taught me a lot through the challenges that I faced and all the hard times that went with it. Overall it was a great experience and I would recommend to anyone looking for a year before college.

Great sights and amazing experiences! Found an amazing group of lifelong friends! Overcame fears and challenges while having an incredible once in a lifetime experience! This trip was extremely challenging for my not-so-active self but overall I have persevered and overcame difficult obstacles that I wouldn’t have ever thought I could overcome. Proved to me how strong I can really be with amazing people by my side. Sad to be leaving my amazing fellow gappers but so grateful to have met such amazing people.

This trip was truly a life changing experience. The connections between the people and the relationship and community formed was truly a one of a kind experience that i don’t think could be replicated in any other way. Although challenging in many ways this program helped me develop and grow as a person and overall helped me become a more well rounded and skilled individual. I think this program would be perfect for any newly graduate who isn’t too sure about what they want to do or where they want to go but knows they have a lot to provide.

I had a great time on this trip. I think it is amazing how many countries and cities we were able to get to in a relatively short amount of time. I had some great experiences from paragliding to the biggest water park in Europe and the biggest climbing gym in Europe. I think the beginning fjord kayaking trip was a great bonding experience as well. The quality of museums we were to throughout was also amazing. Overall I had a great time and I would definitely suggest it to someone who wants to explore Europe and get a lot of new experiences.

Overall, it was a pretty cool program! The best part by far was just getting to be outside so much. I was nervous at first, but ended up absolutely loving the surfing, however, I do wish we got to do more of it. The hikes we went on were also so fun, though it can get annoying hiking through bogs, the natural and different beauty of Ireland is something I will never get enough of. The bushcrafting workshops were also a huge highlight, it was so much fun to learn how to set up a camp and cook over a fire, and then get to actually use those skills to camp!

Shoutout house 8🙏