Gap Year Programs | Gap Year Study Abroad | IAU France

Now accepting applications!

Now is your chance to discover your own academic and personal passions through a Gap Year Abroad study experience at IAU in France, Spain, or Morocco (or all three!)

IAU is pleased to offer an incredible Gap Year Abroad opportunity to students from all backgrounds. This unique program draws on IAU’s expertise in experiential-based learning and offers a learning environment that fosters creativity and personal growth for the independent-minded student looking for a cross-cultural experience abroad before embarking on their next chapter. The Gap Year Abroad at IAU is perfect for the student who would like to earn credits towards their college degree while forging long-lasting friendships, discovering new passions, exploring different surroundings, and delving into the culture and language of their host country. Students will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through courses, internships, and volunteer opportunities while sharpening their ability to become an independent thinker, analytical problem-solver, and cross-cultural communicator.

IAU gives students the space and resources to carve out their own path and design a unique gap year experience that fits their individualized interests and needs. Students can spend the fall semester in Aix-en-Provence, choose a J-Term program that travels to several countries, travel to Barcelona for the spring semester, and end the program with a six-week summer program in Tangier. Or, students may stay at one campus for the full year! With IAU’s supportive community and wide range of program opportunities, students will find that it is easy and enjoyable to create a Gap Year Abroad that fits their goals, whether those include becoming more independent and confident, gaining fluency in Spanish, French, or Arabic, exploring and discovering academic interests, or immersing yourself in an entirely new culture.

GAP YEAR PROGRAM OPTIONS

With IAU’s range of campuses and programs, students may build a Gap Year experience that fits their individual interests. Pick and choose a few opportunities or immerse yourself completely in language and culture for the full year. IAU is here to support and guide you no matter what option you choose.

Semester (Fall: early September through mid-December / Spring: late January through mid-May)

J-Term (late December through mid-January)

Discover the wide variety of J-Term programs IAU offers

Summer (early June through mid-July)

See the most up-to-date academic calendars to start forming your Gap Year program on the Academic Calendars page.

Start the Journey: Apply Now for Gap Year

GAP YEAR HOUSING

Gap Year students are encouraged to live with a host family as this is the best way to learn the customs, language, and culture of a new country. Apartments and residence halls are also available in certain cases. Learn more about housing options at IAU.

GAP YEAR PROGRAM COST

Gap Year students follow IAU’s typical program fee structure, but are offered a special scholarship to make the Gap Year experience more accessible:

Gap Year Grant - IAU offers a $5,000 grant to qualified students who enroll independently at IAU (not through another university) for a gap year (two full consecutive semesters), whether that is between high school and college, between undergraduate and graduate programs, or simply between life and career changes. The $5,000 scholarship will be applied against the student’s spring semester invoice. All gap year students who maintain a 3.0 IAU GPA after their first semester will automatically qualify to receive the grant for their second semester.

Gap Year Abroad Girls Gap Year Abroad Airport Gap Year Abroad City

Ready to take the next steps toward the Gap Year of your dreams? Reach out to our U.S. Office of Admissions by email or by calling 1-800-221-2051. We look forward to supporting you as you explore the possibilities for your future with IAU's Gap Year Abroad!