Gap Year Programs in Western Europe
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218 Gap Year Programs in Western Europe
CIEE High School Grads Abroad
In Paris, find the perfect balance of structure and independence,...
See All 14 ProgramsThe Intern Group
We provide first-class international internships in Madrid! We ha...
See All 5 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...
See All 11 ProgramsImpact Gap Year
Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thail...
See All 3 ProgramsInstitute for Global Studies
Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainf...
See All 19 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...
See All 17 ProgramsEF Education First
Spend 12 incredible weeks exploring Tamarindo, Rome, and Tokyo, t...
See All 12 ProgramsSeamester Study Abroad at Sea
Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...
See All 4 ProgramsSemester at Sea
Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester ...
See All 5 ProgramsGapforce
Experience the ultimate European adventure every summer, travelin...
Carpe Diem Education
Spend a gap semester exploring rich traditions and modern cultura...
EA Ski and Snowboard Training
Love travel and adventure? This is your game-changer. Embark on...
See All 3 ProgramsItalian for a While
Become Italian for a While—the IFA Gap Year is for students, youn...
IES Abroad
When you study abroad in England, you'll see and experience the b...
See All 6 ProgramsUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Sign up for this gap year program, which provides the opportunity...
Business & Hotel Management School
Experience an unforgettable summer in Switzerland with BHMS in Lu...
Centro MundoLengua
What makes a great gap year in Spain? Adventure, new culture, exp...
Spanish Institute for Global Education
Would you like to embark on a life-changing university experience...
Intern Abroad HQ
Intern in Spain with Intern Abroad HQ and experience award-winnin...
See All 8 ProgramsSoccer Camps International
The England Soccer Schools are world-renowned. These include Summ...
See All 5 ProgramsEuroace
Our Gap Year Spanish Immersion Program is designed to offer a tra...
See All 3 ProgramsWhere There Be Dragons
Experience the westernmost outpost of the Arab world. Travel from...
AFS-USA
Denmark is a small country (approximately 5.4 million people) tha...
RVF International
Now Accepting Applications for the 2026/2027 School Year in Spain...
Volunteer World
Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...
See All 4 ProgramsArcos Learning Abroad
Study abroad in the historic city of Granada, Spain. Home to flam...
Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne
Business French is of growing importance in a world where intercu...
See All 3 ProgramsGreenheart Travel
Spend a trimester, semester, or year studying abroad in Italy as ...
See All 6 ProgramsAcademic Programs International
Beautiful Granada is the capital city in the province of Granada....
See All 10 ProgramsGlobal Work & Travel
Live like a local whilst getting paid on a Working Holiday in Ire...
See All 9 ProgramsAbsolute Internship
Our award-winning program gives students the opportunity to spend...
See All 5 ProgramsPacific Discovery
Adventure, Culture, and Purpose: Grow, Connect, and Explore the M...
Cultural Homestay International
Have you always dreamed of living in Spain? Whether you are a s...
See All 2 ProgramsCarla's Au Pairs
Ready to travel the world, gain independence, and experience life...
Art History Abroad
AHA’s summer courses are for keen travelers, curious students, an...
See All 3 ProgramsSpanish Gap Year
Join a program designed to foster teamwork and entrepreneurial sk...
See All 3 ProgramsCampus Oxford
The Oxford Gap Year is the perfect way to prepare for the indepen...
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M)
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid is a leading Spanish public univ...
Baret Scholars
Before and beyond college, Baret Scholars explores 7 regions of t...
Seascope France
The yachting industry is an excellent choice for anyone looking f...
See All 3 ProgramsCanvee Life School
Experience a one-of-a-kind 12-week Gap Year program designed to i...
Europe Gap Year
Dreaming of a gap year in Europe? The European Catalyst is the ad...
See All 2 ProgramsWorld Class Programs
World Class Programs offers high school students the opportunity ...
See All 3 ProgramsCET Academic Programs
Whether you’re focused on gaining fluency in Japanese, studying s...
TtMadrid
TtMadrid's Program I is the perfect choice for non-EU citizens wh...
TEFL Iberia
We provide the ultimate gap year experience for independent-minde...
Berridge Programs
Friends, food, and France—three ingredients for the perfect summe...
Franklin University Switzerland
What’s the purpose of your gap year? Do you want to go on an adve...
Korea GapYear 한국갭이어 KGY
The gap year culture is now widespread in Korea! Thanks to Korea ...
SSA Education Abroad
Our Gap Year in Seville offers U.S. students the chance to spend ...
The American College of Greece
Considering postponing your plans for college? You may decide to ...
World Unite!
Please only submit an inquiry if you are eligible to obtain a Wor...
Roast Jobs
Working Holiday positions in the UK, with accommodation and meals...
Centre Zenith
This program is designed for students taking a gap year and looki...
Letz Live
If you’re 17–25 years old and passionate about exploring the worl...
21C Venetian Workshop
The 21C Venetian Workshop celebrates the future—and your role in ...
See You Diving Tenerife
This internship program focuses on understanding the marine envir...
Snowacademy Austria
Snow Academy Austria delivers high-quality ski instructor trainin...
Sail Racing Academy
Sail Racing Academy offers tailor-made gap year programs that cat...
The Cultural Exchange Project
Travel and still save money! Yes, this is possible when you work ...
Cow House Studios
Discover your creative potential with our Gap Year Art Program Co...
Natucate
Travel to magnificent Portugal, make an active contribution to en...
Lite Regal Education and Summer School
This intensive gap year course is for students aged 17 and older ...
United Planet
Spend 6 or 12 months soaking in the stunning beauty of Switzerlan...
See All 5 ProgramsOyster Worldwide
Each year, more than 130,000 seals, whales and dolphins are kille...
See All 3 ProgramsYouth For Understanding (YFU)
Germany offers an exciting and diverse modern culture with histor...
See All 6 ProgramsA Guide to Gap Year in Western Europe
Best Countries
Interested in doing a gap year in Europe and trying to decide which are the best countries to do so?
France. Cozy towns with winding little streets, the smell of cheeses in the air, and the clinking of wine glasses in the evening are loved by locals and visitors here. Let gap year programs in Europe take you to France, a great destination to practice language skills; the French are quite proud of their native tongue!
The Netherlands. Interacting with locals who are open and direct with no-nonsense attitudes will help you connect to the culture faster when you visit the Netherlands during a gap year in Europe. You’ll be able to experience the Dutch honesty and explore recommended cuisine, such as cheeses and sweets.
Spain. During Europe gap years, you’ll find the streets are alive with busy workers during the day and music and laughter at night in Spain. Spain has 47 world heritage sites, which allows for the history lovers to get lost in multiple regions of Spain. After exploring Spainish history by the region, you can explore cuisine by region as well! Coastal Spain offers seafood and rice-based dishes and inner Spain has stews with rich meat and cheeses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Gap years are a popular practice in Europe, with organized programs and resources available in countries like the UK and Denmark. In other countries, young people still take a year off to travel, work, volunteer, or pursue other interests. The popularity of gap years depends on cultural norms, educational systems, and individual preferences.
To plan a gap year in Europe, define your goals, research European countries, create a budget, find gap year programs, apply for visas, arrange accommodation and transportation, develop a flexible itinerary, stay informed about local cultures, and ensure adequate insurance and safety precautions.
Europe offers a variety of gap year opportunities, including language immersion programs, volunteer projects, internships, travel, teaching roles, cultural exchange, artistic pursuits, environmental conservation, structured programs, and entrepreneurial ventures in innovation hubs, allowing students to tailor their experience to their interests.
The cost of a gap year in Europe can differ a lot depending on where you go, how you like to live, and what you plan to do. Generally, Western European spots tend to be on the pricier side. But don't worry, there are ways to make it work without breaking the bank! You can look into scholarships, grants, or even working part-time to help with expenses. Just remember, it's all about smart budgeting and planning to make your European adventure happen.
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September 5, 2025
September 5, 2025