Adventure and Leadership Program: Semester Length, Fall and Spring Cohorts

I just had a great time. The staff was supportive but also gave us space to figure things out for ourselves. I learned a lot about living with other people during this trip. I learned how to take initiative and communicate with my housemates. And I lived most of the activities. The surfing was amazing. I really felt like I have grown as a person on this trip and have found myself. I feel like I am much more prepared to go out into the world and carve my future. The staff were so great and I had a blast with my fellow gapers

I absolutely loved this program, I feel like I’ve gained a lot from it, I’ve made incredible lifelong connections with the people I’ve lived with and I’ve learned a lot about the country and culture. We’ve had many adventures throughout the country and I’ve enjoyed every single one of them. The leadership and staff here have also been great, they listen and provide help whenever needed. I’ve loved my time here and would recommend this program to anyone whose interested in Ireland or someone who wants to experience the outdoors in a different country.

I had an amazing time interacting with the locals while helping and learning more about the Irish culture. Our group of gapers created bonds that we will never forget. We had an amazing group of leaders that helped us when we were sick and always watched out for us. Even when going on long walks or hikes our leaders made sure we were good to go and enjoying the time. Another one of my favorite parts about traveling Ireland is getting to experience cafes and shops that I don’t don’t get to see back where I live.

I had an amazing time on the program. I tried lots of new things and was able to grow a lot as a person. I made lots of new friends and got to participate in lots of fun and challenging activities. The leaders were all very kind and helpful as well as experienced in the activities we were doing. The housing situation was very good because we all lived close to each other and were able to hang out whenever we wanted. The houses were also in a very scenic place where we could go for walks along the beautiful cliffs around bundoran

I went into Irish Gap Year hoping to grow and prepare myself for college while also making friends and having meaningful experiences. I came out of it having done all that and more. The program struck the perfect balance between pushing me to challenge myself and creating an environment that was safe and fun for everyone. I felt comfortable relying on the staff when I needed to and encouraged to participate and grow. Most of all, I am truly grateful for the unique and close bonds that were built between us through the experiences we faced and time we spent living in close quarters. I feel prepared to face what college has to offer me and am feel extremely lucky to have had this opprtunity.

I was kind of nervous about coming to Ireland because I didn’t know anyone and was scared about the activities that we would do. Turns out it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve made lots of new friends, tried new activities like surfing and hiking, and experienced a different culture! I feel like I’ve grown as a person and found a purpose and gained confidence. If I could I would totally do this program again! The leaders are very supportive and helpful as well. Truly the best program ever.

Irish gap year is a fantastic opportunity for growth. I participated in the adventure and leadership program and feel I grew as a person in the time I spent in bundoran. On the first day Ryan Allan said to the group,”You get what you put in to the program.” That could not be more true. I advise that those who apply that they must be ready to put in effort and be put in foreign or uncomfortable situations. The one piece of advice I would to future gappers is to follow the rule that tells one not involve yourself in romantic relations since they tend to take away from the experience of the program. Overall I had a great time at Irish gap year and if you are ready to put in effort it may be a great fit for you.

The Adventure & Leadership program was a great mix between outdoor activities and travel. Some of my favorite memories were from surfing, sitting around the campfire, hikes with stunning views, exploring cities, and fun nights with the whole group. There were many overnight and day trips with a lot of driving, but the travel time was usually worth it for the unique locations we got to explore. There was a lot of free time to relax, and I loved spending peaceful time along the coast in Bundoran or at our favorite cafes in town, especially since the weather was always nicer than expected! The leadership workshops felt a bit incohesive at times, but I enjoyed spending time to reflect in nature. The leaders were great, and if we ever had a concern or problem, the they were there to help and open to our feedback. There was sometimes a lack of communication between the leaders and gappers, but it was never a big issue. Also, bikes were not provided, but it wasn’t an issue at all as it was an easy walk into town. Overall, I have loved my time here and have made great friends!!