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colosseum in rome sunset
Madrid, Spain Rome, Italy Paris, France

GAP Year Abroad in Europe

Tentative Dates

-

12 weeks

Highlights

Activities & excursions included

Homestay

Hotel

Language learning

Local support

Enroll Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

12 weeks

Highlights

Activities & excursions included

Homestay

Hotel

Language learning

Local support

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview

Explore Europe during a multi-destination gap year in Madrid, Rome, and Paris, where structured learning and cultural immersion help you grow before starting college. 

Spend four weeks in each destination and experience a mix of Spanish sunshine, Italian history, and French artistry. Your time abroad provides fresh perspectives while helping you build independence and global awareness in preparation for your future. 

Begin your adventure in Madrid, where street art, bustling plazas, and lively tapas traditions reveal the capital’s energetic spirit. Then settle into your hotel in Rome, where ancient ruins and Renaissance piazzas bring history to the forefront of daily life. Finally, immerse yourself in French life as you explore iconic neighborhoods and sights in Paris. 

Language courses led by supportive CIEE instructors help you navigate your time abroad. Alongside a cohort of peers and a dedicated program leader, opt into an independent study or volunteer project in a subject of your choosing. You'll return from Europe with new skills, lasting memories, and the confidence to take on future challenges.

Why Choose This Program?

Explore

Have fun traveling across Europe's diverse landscapes and experiencing the culture of Madrid, Rome, and Paris.

Network

Meet new friends and locals. Learn from the community about local practices, cuisine and more.

Develop Skills

Build a strong foundation in the core components of intercultural learning. Come home with a better understanding of the world and skills for a globalized workforce.

96%

of alumni said their language skills improved

94%

said they learned to interact with different cultural backgrounds

89%

said their level of independence increased

Destination
  • Madrid
  • Rome
  • Paris

The Destination

Your journey through Europe begins in Madrid, a cultural hub known for its royal palaces, flamenco culture, and delicious food scene. The Plaza Mayor captivates with its grand architecture and historic charm, and Retiro Park provides a green place to relax in the heart of the city. Each neighborhood tells a story, from the Gran Vía’s shops and theaters to Malasaña’s local terraces and street art. 

Then venture to Rome, an ancient city inviting you to explore ruins that peel back the country’s layers of history. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon stand amongst gelaterias (gelato shops) and trattorias (relaxed restaurants). Charming neighborhoods like Trastevere take you off the tourist path for an authentic glimpse at local life. 

Finish your gap year in Paris, one of the world’s most visited capitals. The iconic Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral rise above charming boulevards lined with cafés, bakeries, and boutiques. World-class museums are found at every turn, housing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa at the Louvre and Van Gogh’s self-portrait at Musée d’Orsay. Together, these three iconic destinations make for an unforgettable journey through Europe.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Begin your European adventure in Madrid, a city full of culture and charm. From buzzing plazas to unforgettable tapas, there’s no better place to begin your time abroad.

Highlights:

  • Ease into Madrid life with a picnic at Retiro Park, kayaking in Valle de Lozoya, and a day trip to Valencia for a relaxing beach day and boat tour on L’Albufera Lake.
  • Explore Spain’s arts and cultural sides with visits to the Prado and Reina Sofia museums, a tapas gastro-tour, and a hands-on Spanish cooking class.
  • Discover local traditions on a guided tour of Las Ventas Bullring and bike along the scenic Manzanares River.  
  • Travel back in time on an overnight excursion to medieval Segovia
  • Close your time abroad reflecting on your journeys and your friends you have met along the way.

Step into Rome, where the past and present live side by side. Explore ruins, masterpieces, and hidden neighborhoods as you experience all the Eternal City has to offer.

Highlights:

  • Check off your Italy bucket list with visits to the Colosseum, the Vatican, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon.
  • Follow a historian through the Roman Forum and on city walks that bring the past to life.
  • Take a crash course in Latin to see how it shaped today’s languages and spot Latin words used today across the city.
  • Explore Rome on a neighborhood tour with a local historian, practice street art with a graffiti artist, and enjoy meals in charming backstreet spots only locals know.

Spend your final month in Paris, the City of Light, easing into daily life with neighborhood walks, local meals, and adventures.  

Highlights:

  • See Paris's must-see sites when you climb the Eiffel Tower, explore the Louvre, and cruise the river Seine.  
  • Discover the secret side of Paris that most tourists miss during a neighborhood tour with a local historian.
  • Visit Rungis, the largest wholesale market in Europe.  
  • Reflect on the adventures and the lifelong connections you’ve made along the way 

Monday–Friday  

  • Each day offers a balance between language classes and cultural activities with time on your own, too. A sample day might include:  
  • Breakfast at your hotel or out in the community  
  • Classes taught by a local instructor  
  • Lunch at local spots with fellow CIEE students  
  • Exploring your new neighborhood  
  • Dinner at the hotel or out in the community    

Weekends  

  • Overnight or day excursions to top destinations

*Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Activities

Top Rated Activities

madrid cathedral segovia

Overnight Excursion to Medieval Segovia

Discover Segovia, a picturesque city where history feels alive in every street. As you arrive, the iconic 1st century Roman aqueduct will catch your eye, arching over the old town’s cobbled lanes. The city’s Gothic cathedral, with its soaring spires and intricate stone façade, dominates the Plaza Mayor. The fairy-tale-like Alcázar fortress, rebuilt in the 14th century, served as the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Snow White. 

On this overnight excursion, you’ll taste local specialties such as cochinillo, the city’s famous roast suckling pig, and enjoy the glow of the setting sun over medieval architecture. This charming small Spanish town will bring the region's traditions to life, giving you time to reflect with your gap year peers on the centuries of culture surrounding you.

Group of high schoolers in front of the gilded gate of Versailles in Paris

Day Trip to Opulent Versailles

Explore the Palace of Versailles, a breathtaking icon of the French Baroque architectural style. The glittering Hall of Mirrors, ornate salons, and meticulously manicured gardens of this former royal palace demonstrate the style and taste of 17th-century France under the reign of King Louis XIV. Strolling through the castle, you’ll discover the stories behind France’s political influence, including its role in shaping events like the American Revolution. 
 

The gardens, dotted with beautiful fountains and statues, offer a serene space to reflect on your time abroad. Your day trip from Paris blends cultural insight and historical connection, giving you a vivid sense of the era’s lasting impact. 

Testimonials
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Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Be between the ages of 15 and 17 when the program starts and cannot turn 18 while on program.
  • Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Demonstrate, through the application process, flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$50

Priority deadline discount

Apply to a fall semester or academic year program by June 1 and automatically get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by October 1 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from the final balance.  

Insurance

The program fee includes iNext travel insurance. Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs
Program Fall Blocks I, II, III 2026 12 weeks Start Date * End Date *
Program Spring Blocks I, II, III 2027 12 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Ready to change your life?

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