STUDENT TRAVEL PROGRAMS

GAP YEAR & SEMESTER PROGRAMS

What will your Gap Story be?

Taking a gap year is like a well-planned adventure during your break from the school routine. It's not a random break, but a planned and organized experience that usually spans a few months to a year. This time out is about giving you the chance to grow personally and professionally. The aim is to make it meaningful and transformative – so you can try new things, learn practical skills, see the world from different angles and further your personal development. It's like a pit stop to discover yourself and learning cool stuff before you dive back into the education or career maelstrom.

Find Your Gap Program

POLINESIAN ISLANDS

POLINESIAN ISLANDS

New Zealand, Fiji, Hawai

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CENTRAL AMERICA

CENTRAL AMERICA

Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala

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HAWAII

HAWAII

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SOUTH PACIFIC

SOUTH PACIFIC

Australia & New Zealand

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SOUTH EAST ASIA

SOUTH EAST ASIA

Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia

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SOUTH AMERICA

SOUTH AMERICA

Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

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INDIA & NEPAL

INDIA & NEPAL

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AEGEAN SEA

AEGEAN SEA

Greece and Turkiye

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SPAIN and MOROCCO

SPAIN and MOROCCO

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Why Choose GEC?

Based on our long and successful experience in the field of U.S. cultural exchange programs and international youth travel, we offer you unique and unforgettable experiences. You have six amazing reasons to choose GEC!

gap year program

  • Reliable service from a U.S family of companies in business since 1855!
  • Designated visa sponsor for U.S Cultural Exchange Programs.
  • Expertly designed gap year and summer programs.
  • Safety: Our top priority!
  • Exceptional team of program instructors.
  • Small Group Size & Quality Participants.

Program Components

We have designed our programs to provide a balance between organized activities and free time. We emphasize service learning, cultural immersion, environmental stewardship and outdoor adventure.

CULTURAL IMMERSION

CULTURAL IMMERSION

See the world from a different angle and learn about different social, political, and economic systems while enhancing your empathy and understanding.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Contribute to a more sustainable future, develop valuable skills and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting our natural world.

SERVICE LEARNING

SERVICE LEARNING

Engage in meaningful community service projects while gaining hands-on experience and developing important life skills.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Push yourself outside of your comfort zone, gain new perspectives, develop new skills, and create lifelong memories.

What to expect

A structured gap year program has a direct impact on a person’s academic decision making and future performance. According to a survey of nearly 1,200 gap year participants conducted by the Gap Year Association in 2020, 95% of the students said the gap year prepared them well for their transition to education and/or the workforce.

98%

"Helped me learn how to interact with people from backgrounds or cultures different from my own."

97%

"Increased my maturity."

97%

"Improved my self-confidence."

84%

"Increased my academic motivation."

82%

"Gave me a competitive advantage when applying to college and/orjobs."

81%

"Influenced my choice of career."