If you’re in need of a little adventure before, during, or after college, consider a gap year! A gap year well spent may be one of the most formative experiences in your life, provide direction, and help you to define or refine your personal and career goals. Europe is a great place to do all of the above or to simply travel and figure out what you want to do with your life.
Spend Your Gap Year in Europe!
From the stunning shores of Porto, Portugal, to the charming streets of Miercurea Ciuc in Romania, Europe delights at every turn. With places like Rome and Athens, the continent offers you a voyage through history.
With so much incredible art, tasty cuisines, modern cities, lush countryside, and a diverse mix of cultures, it’s no wonder Europe is a top gap year destination.
From backpacking through the continent to teaching English to children in Chios, Greece, there are a variety of ways to spend your gap year in Europe. You could even learn Spanish in Spain, or undergo some professional development with internships in Ireland. Options are limitless!
Best Gap Year Programs in Europe
We’ve listed some reputable programs here to help you navigate through all the gap year programs in Europe.
Since it’s your gap year, you’ll probably want to stay longer. Know that prices get cheaper per day the longer you stay.
Most Popular Guidebooks
International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ)
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is a leading volunteer travel organization offering affordable volunteer programs in over 50 destinations worldwide. Founded in 2007, IVHQ provides a wide range of projects, and emphasizes responsible travel, safety, and cultural immersion, ensuring volunteers have meaningful and impactful experiences. With comprehensive support, flexible booking options, and affordable program fees, IVHQ caters to volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, including those on Gap Year.
Programs such as those offered by IVHQ make it easy and affordable to volunteer in Europe, with options in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Romania, and Croatia. Whether you are passionate about teaching English, participating in marine conservation, or helping with refugee relief, there is a program for you. With flexible booking, comprehensive support, and accommodation included, spending a gap year in Europe can be both rewarding and hassle-free.
Intern HQ
A gap year internship with Intern Abroad HQ is an exciting way to combine travel with personal and professional development. With programs designed to maximize impact and learning outcomes, gaining international work experience and cultural immersion, these internships are perfect for students, graduates, career changers, and gap year travelers. Intern in Europe with Intern Abroad HQ in the following destinations:
In Prague, Czech Republic, internships in Marketing, Design, Business, IT, and more offer 4 to 12-week experiences starting any Monday. You’ll get airport pick-up, orientation, private student apartments, 24/7 support, language lessons, and more. In Rome, Italy, 8 to 12-week internships in Digital Marketing, Architecture, and more start on the first Monday of the month.
Spain offers internships in cities like Valencia and Barcelona, ranging from 2 to 24 weeks. Greece provides internships in Medical, Engineering, and more.
GoEco
Spending a gap year with GoEco offers an enriching experience, combining travel, adventure, and meaningful volunteer work across Europe. In Croatia, you can join the Marine Conservation in Split program, where you’ll help clean the Adriatic Sea’s seabed, learn scuba diving, and meet like-minded volunteers while exploring the stunning Croatian coast.
In Spain, GoEco’s Marine Conservation in Barcelona program allows you to scuba dive into the Mediterranean waters, cleaning up pollutants that threaten marine life. This program not only offers an opportunity to protect nature but also lets you experience Barcelona’s unique culture. Alternatively, you can contribute to the Barcelona Food Rescue & Community Empowerment program, where you’ll combat food waste and support community sustainability.
Portugal also offers diverse programs such as Food Rescue in Lisbon, where you help fight food waste by sharing leftover food with those in need. You can also participate in Marine Conservation in Lisbon to clean up the Atlantic coastline or join the Wolf Conservation program to contribute to wolf conservation efforts. Each program provides an impactful way to spend your gap year while exploring beautiful European destinations.
Projects Abroad
Take the road less traveled and spend your gap year (or part of it) as a volunteer or intern in Romania with Projects Abroad. They have a whole range of projects catering to different interests and skill levels.
Volunteer with children: Plan and run fun and educational activities that support early childhood development and encourage children to learn through play. These can include activities that teach them valuable life skills like puzzles for problem-solving, singing and reading for literacy, and sports for teamwork and balance.
Shadow doctors and nurses: During this internship, you’ll experience the fast-paced environment of an emergency room or a general medical practice. This is the prime time to ask questions about the conditions and illnesses you see and learn basic medical skills like blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar monitoring.
Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)
Taking a gap year in Europe with Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) offers a chance to make a meaningful impact while exploring diverse cultures. IVI, a pioneer in overseas volunteering since 1989, focuses on genuine community needs. With over 100 projects in 20 countries, volunteers have flexibility in choosing destinations and start dates.
In Greece, volunteers can engage in community support, kindergarten assistance, teaching, and refugee humanitarian work on the picturesque island of Chios. Portugal offers opportunities to help with food support for the homeless, kindergarten education, and a community and culture adventure in Lisbon. In Turkey, volunteers work on education and empowerment programs for refugees, assisting with supplies distribution, teaching, and warehouse tasks.
Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)
Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) is a global organization offering affordable volunteer programs, internships, and travel experiences. Founded in 2007, VolSol provides opportunities in over 25 countries, designed to make a positive impact while allowing participants to immerse in different cultures and gain valuable skills.
Taking a gap year in Europe with Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) offers an immersive and affordable experience. VolSol’s programs in Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and Greece let you live like a local, engage in impactful volunteer work, and explore rich cultures. Highlights include medical internships in Greece, community development in Ireland, food waste management in Portugal, and underwater conservation in Spain.
VolSol handles all logistics, from travel to accommodation, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Global Vision International (GVI)
Global Vision International, a volunteer and internship organization, offers programs in conservation, education, and community development across the globe, including Europe, providing opportunities for participants to make a positive impact while gaining valuable experience and skills.
GVI hosts a program in Greece to help protect a loggerhead turtle nesting area in the Mediterranean. The program is held in the beautiful Bay of Lakonikos.
If you want to do even more detailed work with sea turtles or hope to pursue a career in the sciences, GVI also hosts the Greece Sea Turtle Conservation Short-Term Internship.
You can also volunteer in Spain and contribute to community development in vibrant Barcelona. Join local NGO efforts in food security or children’s programs, offering essential resources and social inclusion. Enjoy a rewarding and enriching experience in one of Europe’s most captivating cities.
International TEFL Academy
Doing a TEFL certification in Europe with the International TEFL Academy during your gap year is an excellent way to enhance your teaching skills while experiencing a new culture. The International TEFL Academy offers comprehensive courses that prepare you to teach English as a foreign language in various settings. With their in-person classes available in locations like Spain, Italy, and the Czech Republic, you can immerse yourself in the local culture while you study.
During your gap year, you’ll not only gain a globally recognized certification but also have the chance to travel, meet new people, and explore Europe’s rich history and diverse cultures. The hands-on experience gained through practicum sessions with real students is invaluable, giving you the confidence and skills needed to excel in your teaching career. Additionally, the academy provides robust job placement assistance, ensuring you can find rewarding teaching positions after completing your certification.
Choosing the Right Gap Year Program in Europe
Regardless of whether you just want to explore another culture or volunteer to protect the environment or alleviate social issues, Europe has a program for you. The programs listed here are all great options.
Just be sure to consider your true interests, preferences, budget, and time frame. This way, you’ll make the best decision and your gap year in Europe will be the the experience of a lifetime!
Nick Callos · Writer
With a BA in English Literature & Writing from Boston College, Nick researches and writes about volunteer, intern, and teach abroad programs worldwide. He has studied abroad and taught English in Chengdu, China, and aims to help fellow travelers make a lasting impact on the communities they visit.