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CULTURE, CREATIVITY, MINDFULNESS, NATURE

30 Days of  Wonder

A 4-week Spring gap year program

Discover a wonder-filled life

What inspires you? What sparks your joy? What does it look like to live a life that is filled with wonder? Over 30 unforgettable days in the breathtaking landscapes of Normandy, you’ll slow down, reconnect, and discover life’s awe-inspiring moments.

Hiking on the Normandy coast
Climbing the Gatteville lighthouse

Live each day with purpose

Each day immerses you in experiences that ignite your senses and nourish your soul. Mornings begin with optional yoga or meditation, followed by Collective Explorations—a time for community connection and creativity. Through creative workshops, inspiring readings and nature immersion, you'll explore living a life filled with wonder and self-expression.

Afternoons are for pursuing your passions—whether through creative activities like writing, painting, filmmaking, outdoor adventures, or community involvement. Mentorship and hands-on experiences, like internships in the kitchen or garden, guide your growth.

As the day comes to a close, unwind with quiet moments of reflection or enjoy evening activities. Learn the art of slow food, baking bread, or preparing meals with locally sourced ingredients. Share these nourishing meals with the community and discover the beauty of simplicity and savoring the rhythm of daily life.

DAILY SCHEDULE

8:30: Breakfast

9:30: Community Hour

11:00: Collective Explorations

12:30: Lunch

1:30: Personal Pathways

4:00: Clubs (Culture, Outdoors or Cooking)

6:00: Dinner

8:00: Contemplative Practice  (Optional)

Create a vision for yourself

This journey is about uncovering the deeper questions that shape your future—how do you want to live? What excites you? When do you feel at your best? By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of your vision and direction, returning home with renewed clarity and confidence.

Attending a meditation and nature workshop
Time for creativity on the coast

Dates and Details

Breathtaking coastal walks and views

Program Length

30 Days

Program Dates

May 5th - June 5th, 2025

Cohort Size

8-16 students. 

Cost

$5600 inclusive of all rooming, meals, excursions, activities and supplies. Not included in the cost is round trip airfare to Paris and some meals out. 

Eligibility

Ages 17-22 including graduated seniors, gap year students and current college students

Language Requirements

None.

College Credit and Scholarship

College credit is available for this program. Scholarships are available for this program.​​

Program Highlights

New friends and connections in Etretat
Connection and mindfulness

  • Visit the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.​

  • A weekend on tranquil Tatihou Island, a serene bird sanctuary with lush gardens and calming sea views.​

  • Shop at an authentic French market selecting fresh, local ingredients and preparing an authentic French meal

  • Explore the wilds of Normandy immersing yourself in nature with hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures ​​

  • Tour a 16th-Century Windmill learning traditional breadmaking in an ancient bread oven

  • Pursue your passions—whether it's writing, photography, gardening or outdoor pursuits

  • Enjoy time and space to relax, expand, explore, play, reset and re-discover yourself

  • Hike Normandy’s coastal wonder, the stunning Littoral, discovering the dramatic Cotentin coastline.​

  • Meet inspiring people dedicated to living lives filled with passion, inspiration and creativity.

  • Reflect at the D-Day Beaches and discover the courage and resilience of those who shaped history.​

  • Reconnect with yourself through intentional living and reflection, discovering a clearer sense of purpose and a renewed excitement for the future.

Program Pillars 

Creativity

Creativity is essential to a fulfilling life, not just in art but as a way of thinking and self-expression. We value creativity in all forms—journaling, cooking, painting, and craft—and draw inspiration from artists and thinkers to inspire personal discovery.

Community

We value community for its role in personal growth and collective well-being, fostering meaningful connections through shared experiences. By caring for ourselves, each other, and the environment, we create a supportive space for learning and growth.

Contemplation

We encourage quiet reflection through time in nature, poetry, and contemplative practices like yoga and meditation. These practices nurture presence, self-awareness, and inner peace, helping us connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.

Culture

We believe culture enriches our lives and shapes our understanding. In Normandy, we explore how food, art, and conversation create joy and connection, drawing inspiration from poets, artists, and thinkers to live with passion and purpose.

Who is this program for?

enjoy new friends and amazing views in Normandy
Making bread from scratch

This program is ideal for gap year students seeking a time of reflection and rejuvenation in a supportive and nurturing environment. Surrounded by beauty and a like-minded cohort of peers, it offers the space to pause, take a breath, and explore life’s big questions. 30 Days of Wonder offers something meaningful for:

  • Gap year students looking for a transformative experience that blends personal growth, creative exploration, and meaningful community

  • Adventurers who want to connect with nature through outdoor activities, hiking, and exploring Normandy’s stunning landscapes

  • Creatives eager to discover new forms of artistic expression, whether through writing, photography, cooking, or collaborative art

  • Mindfulness seekers interested in deepening their practice through meditation, yoga, and contemplation in a tranquil environment

  • Cultural enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in the rich history, traditions, and cuisine of Normandy, from ancient windmills to local markets

  • History buffs who wish to reflect on the powerful stories of resilience and courage, particularly at the D-Day beaches and Mont Saint-Michel

  • Community-oriented individuals who thrive in a collaborative, supportive environment, sharing experiences and growing alongside like-minded peers

  • Nature lovers wanting to reconnect with the outdoors through contemplative practices and exploring the natural beauty of Normandy

What our students say

A trip to Jumieges

"This program has created memories that will never leave my heart. The connections I made with both the students and staff are so deep."

"This program has given me so much. It taught me that change isn’t scary but exciting! I can now say that I feel more confident than ever in myself and my ability to adapt to experiences."

Start your gap year journey

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