Program Reviews

This program is great if you’re looking to explore the beautiful country of Ireland, both the remote countryside and big cities like Dublin and Galway. The hikes and surfs are some of the most rewarding things, and I can truly say that I have learned so much about myself. Through the leadership workshops, I was able to reflect on myself in a structured way, while also having fun learning with my group. The leaders are amazing, funny, and thoughtful people who are helpful and encouraging. It is also great to be able to live in houses with people your age, and it teaches you how to be a great roomie and housemate while also having a ton of fun!

This program was great craic. I learned so much about being responsible and living with others, as well as getting out of my comfort zone. I also pushed myself to try new experiences and hike and surf! It was so beautiful and fun although it was hard at times. The leaders are great but look out for the french one. He’s too french. (just kidding paul) I definitely recommend going if you want to push yourself socially and physically in a beautiful environment!! Girl today, leprechaun tomorrow. Surfing is lit and also cold but so fun.

I had a great experience on the European Expedition Program with Niall, Susan, and Phil! I learned a lot about both myself and the world and I am walking away with a wealth of new experiences that I will keep with me as I start college next year. I enjoyed learning to work and live as part of a collective, experiencing the ups and downs of backpacking travel. I enjoyed spending time with my new friends, meeting new people, and learning what it means to truly live! I would recommend this program to any students looking for a fun way to see the world, have an absolute blast, and learn a bit along the way. I am leaving IGY a more mature, experienced, and cooperative young adult.

The European Expedition Program was amazing and I will have memories from it that I will carry for the rest of my life. The group leaders were amazing in their ability to help without being too overbearing and allow you to make it your trip. Some of my favorite times I’ve had were on the group hikes, and my personal photography adventures. This trip was also amazing for meeting new people all across the world. The group that I was with was amazing, and the people that I met in the cities that we went to were really interesting. If you are thinking of doing this trip I highly recommend it as I feel I have truly grown as a person.

The trip is a good mix of spending time in city environments as well as countryside environments. The diversity of the countries we visited also made the trip better because it gave the trip and smoother flow and never made it feel monotonous. Also, as someone who is interested in history, this trip certainly had a lot to offer in that department as we went on many walking tours and visited many historical sites. My main criticism of the trip was that we spent too little time in some places and we weren’t able to explore everything that we would have liked. But other than that I have nothing bad to say really. Great trip 👍

This program is for learning how you fit in the world and in society. If you are ready to embrace those challenges and mature as an individual then there is no reason not to take this trip. I have learned more in three months abroad than I ever have in a classroom; and the lessons were more valuable, and more readily applicable to life. That is not to say they were not won without challenge - but that is the best part. Once you have climbed literal mountains and sailed real seas, you will find the ones waiting when you return mean little without the view.

I genuinely loved this program, I had some hesitation initially, but that was immediately swept away with how well the program went. My one complaint is that certain foods (there is a lot of Italian food on the program) got somewhat repetitive after a while, though beyond that it was a total blast. It was particularly beneficial in my case as I was using this to explore places I may want to live during/after college. Overall an amazing program with great guides, great places, and great adventures.

This is my second program I have done with Irish gap year, and I have to I have nothing bad to say about them or their programs. The staff is really great and professional, very friendly, and fun to get to know. The experience itself was great! From Kayaking through the Fjords of Norway, Running about Venice on a scavenger hunt, to seeing the great Salzburg Castle, almost everything was great. The only times which wear not super enjoyable were the few times we got caught in the rain, or just the boredom that comes with the long train rides. Still all considered I had a great time! And would highly recommend it.

This program was so much fun!! The perfect balance between exploring European cities and their breathtaking countrysides. Had so much fun hiking in beautiful Norway and the Amalfi Coast. Loved exploring Vienna, Prague, Oslo, Berlin, and Venice while learning about their deep history and talking to locals. Had a great time trying all types of traditional cuisine from each country. If you are looking to travel in a group I had a great experience, with a friendly group of my peers and leaders. Would definitely recommend this to teenagers looking to explore every part of Europe.

Super great way to see Europe! You get to learn about train travel and hostel living with a super supportive community of people. From gorgeous hikes and beautiful oceans to historic cities full of history, this program is suited for all types of travelers! You also receive plenty of free time to explore the cities yourself. With loads of different destinations stretching across Europe, you really get a chance to witness the cultural and social differences that occur across country lines, and see what makes each one so unique.