Destinations:Australia, Belize, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Spain, Thailand, United States, Nepal, Guatemala, Galapagos Islands
Credit Awarded:College
Program Length:Two Months, Academic Year, Semester, Quarter, Other
Start Month:February, March, June, July, August, September, October
Pacific Discovery is a global leader in experiential education, offering transformative gap year and summer programs abroad since 2001. Programs are overland journeys combining authentic immersion, meaningful service, wilderness adventure. Students leave with a deepened sense of their identity, passion, and purpose.
Who do you want to be in the world? What does it mean to be a responsible global citizen? How do you want to create change? If these questions call to you, join us for an overland journey combining authentic immersion, meaningful service, and wilderness adventure. Our programs foster empathy for other cultures, ethical and sustainable travel practices, and awareness of international issues. Students leave with a deepened sense of their identity, passion, and purpose.
Our programs are a 10-week journey with an optional 3-week independent extension to apply newly developed independent travel skills. Semester programs are offered both Fall and Spring and can be taken consecutively for an in-depth and transformative gap year experience. Optional academic credit options are available.
Program Locations: Australasia (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji); Central America (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico); Himalayas (Nepal); South America (Peru, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands); Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia), and Hawaii.
Cost and Session Information
Gap Year Program fee inclusions:
Visas
All in-country land transport and travel (not including flights)
All accommodation
3 meals a day (not including snacks)
All language classes, activities, excursions, entry fees and adventure travel as described in each program's itinerary
Service-learning projects in conservation and community development
Informal lectures from resident experts on history, culture, development issues
Experienced program instructors and local guides
Online image library for your program
Extensive pre-departure preparation support and information
During program weekly updates to families and group photo album
Post-program alumni network
Assistance with booking international flights
Reviews (4)
Amazing Gap Year Experience
Reviewed
on Apr/05/2021 by Mtb
Coming from the UK I was nervous about travelling over 8000 miles away to travel with a group of new people. However, it has ended up being one of the most positive and exciting experiences I've had so far. The program perfectly balanced hard work and volunteering with deep cultural immersion and a ton of fun activities. Highlights have included surf camp, finding the only snow in Hawaii and snorkelling with manarays. The experience was made by the amazing group of people and leaders that I travelled with. Everyone was open and welcoming and eager to learn and experience the trip. There have been ups and downs in the group but all in all the experiences have brought us closer together. I would highly recommend
Hawaii Minimester
Reviewed
on Apr/05/2021 by Zoe
I went on their Hawaii Minimester course this year and it was one of the most unique and fun experiences of my life. Pacific Discovery are committed to having their students fully immerse themselves in the culture in a way that someone travelling independently would not have the opportunity to. Our days were action packed and we all enjoyed ourselves in activities such as surfing, lei making, hiking, snorkelling and more. I am truly thankful for the experience that Pacific Discovery has provided me.
Amazing experiential education
Reviewed
on Apr/05/2021 by Eliza
From learning the art of cutting open a coconut, a proper surf board stance, hiking up Coconut Creek, enjoying a private manta ray tour, or looking at the stars at the top of the volcano of Mauna Kea, I can think of dozens of magical moments these past 4 weeks that were elevated by the support and community of my fellow peers and the Pacific Discovery team. All while prioritizing safety, Pacific Discovery has given my group a rare opportunity of true cultural immersion: daily fun experiential education peppered with moments of deeply personal growth.
Amazing
Reviewed
on Aug/12/2019 by sam
I went on the NZ and Fiji program in July and it was amazing. It was super varied from snorkeling in Fiji to rafting in NZ. It was only 4 weeks long and I wish it was longer! We had a smaller group which made the trip really feel like a family and for me, made the trip even better. I learnt so much about myself and think the others on the program did too. I recommend this trip to anyone that wants to see NZ and Fiji and travel with others the same age as you, you will make lifelong friends and memory's you will never forget. I will never forget this trip.
This epic gap year program through New Zealand and Australia will reveal the wonders of life Down Under, before you hike, climb and camp your way through Aotearoa...(more)
Challenge yourself on this Central America gap year program journeying through the ancient ruins and spectacular land and seascapes of Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica...(more)
Challenge yourself on this South America gap year program journeying through the incredible cultural and natural diversity of Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands...(more)
Experience an inspiring semester abroad on this Southeast Asia gap year program through the Buddhist countries of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia...(more)
Travel to the heart of the New Zealand wilderness to learn about sustainable living practices and conversation on this unique homesteading gap year program!..(more)
Immerse yourself in the epic Polynesian journey on this gap program! Explore the rich cultures of Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand, from traditional villages to the vibrant spirit of Aloha. Volunteer alongside locals, learn ancient traditions, and experience the beauty of the South Pacific through hands-on adventures and beach bliss. This program is your chance to retrace the footsteps of Polynesian explorers and discover the heart of their enduring legacy...(more)
Join us on an epic gap year program through Costa Rica to spot spider monkeys in the rainforests, surf the waves and relax on the tropical beaches!..(more)
Pacific Discovery is a global leader in experiential education, offering transformative gap year and summer programs abroad since 2001. Programs are overland journeys combining authentic immersion, meaningful service, wilderness adventure. Students leave with a deepened sense oftheir identity, passion, and purpose...(more)
Surf, hike, and raft on multi-day expeditions through the ecological hotspot of Costa Rica and protect its rich biodiversity with wildlife rehabilitation and sustainable practices!..(more)
Join Pacific Discovery on a summer program to Australia. The warm climate, friendly people, unusual wildlife and dramatic natural beauty make it a fantastic place to experience. Australia's natural diversity is staggering - the world's largest coral reef, lush rainforests, and the most beautiful beaches. Find out more!..(more)
Thailand is incredibly diverse – the mountainous jungle up north is populated by numerous minority tribal groups and has stunning national parks, while tropical islands in the south have some of the world’s best beaches and diving spots. It is wonderful to contrast the mega-city bustle and excitement of Bangkok with relaxed and friendly provincial towns and villages...(more)
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Coming from the UK I was nervous about travelling over 8000 miles away to travel with a group of new people. However, it has ended up being one of the most positive and exciting experiences I've had so far. The program perfectly balanced hard work and volunteering with deep cultural immersion and a ton of fun activities. Highlights have included surf camp, finding the only snow in Hawaii and snorkelling with manarays. The experience was made by the amazing group of people and leaders that I travelled with. Everyone was open and welcoming and eager to learn and experience the trip. There have been ups and downs in the group but all in all the experiences have brought us closer together. I would highly recommend