THE FOOD GAP
We are the first gap year program dedicated to experiential learning through food. The Food Gap is an educational and creative community. Each semester we travel to a new place to learn as much as we can about the local culture through food. Our mission is to provide a gathering place for young people who are creative, open-minded, and looking for a restorative and enriching travel experience. We eat and cook around the world as well as gain independence, critical life skills, learn about where our food comes from, volunteer, explore, and make life-long friendships. Each semester culminates with a group-made cookbook, so our students get to put published author on their resumes. The proceeds of our cookbook will go back into our financial aid, allowing us to help more students to join us in the future. Throughout the semester we teach food photography, creative writing, graphic design, recipe development, and many other creative skills. We live in apartments in the city with easy access to local towns where we cook, bake, create, and soak up our surroundings while getting to know each other on a deep level. We investigate where our food comes from by visiting farms, wineries, and food-makers. All you have to bring is your creativity, kindness, open-mindedness, walking shoes, and an appetite!
What you'll do
Take cooking classes from local experts
Learn how to develop and edit recipes
Eat your way through a guided food tour
Make your own plates in a pottery class
Take scenic hikes in the countryside
Learn about growing and harvesting vegetables
Practice food photography + videography
Learn to make your own cheese
Bake cakes and cookies at midnight
Make friends for life
Become a published cookbook author
Take day trips to beautiful towns and cities
Eat a Michelin quality tasting menu
Shop for ingredients at food markets
Boat and catch your own dinner
Eat family-style meals al fresco
Play food games from popular tv shows
Go on morning tours of local bakeries
Learn how to budget, shop, and meal plan
Live and grow with a diverse group of strangers
Learn about the history of your favorite foods
Fall in love with your host country
Slow down. Relax. Take your time.