Southeast Asia Gap Semester Program | Pacific Discovery

Why did you pick this program?

Julia: I picked this program after extensive research. I wanted a program that would provide lots of time outdoors as well as time in cities enjoying the nightlife of modern cities, as well as traditional cultures of a different part of the world. I knew I wanted to go somewhere really different than the Western culture I was used to.

I looked into about twenty different programs and this one caught my eye. The fact that I'd get to travel to four different countries during the program is what really sealed the deal for me! After reading the program description and the detailed itinerary I honestly thought it was too good to be true.

My brother even tried to convince me it wasn't a real program and was just a scam to get your money (HA! Maybe he was just jealous.) I took a leap of faith and paid the deposit. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

What do you wish someone had told you before you went abroad?

Julia: The lighter you pack the better. You can get practically anything you could ever want abroad. On this program you'll pay a lot less for everything than you would in the States. They have a lot of really cool clothes in Asia and they're really cheap. They're perfect for traveling so you really only need the clothes on your back.

Plus, the more things you bring the more you'll have to carry. It's really freeing to have almost nothing with you. And if you don't bring anything you're expensive or that you're too attached to, when things do inevitably get lost, stolen or broken you won't sweat it.

What is the most important thing you learned abroad?

Julia: Simply put I guess I learned "It's not what you do it's the way that you do it." Having an awesome experience isn't about the places you go or the things that you see, it's the attitude you bring with you everywhere you go. But, it's easy to wake up happy and excited every morning in a new place, with a new sunrise on your horizon. It's not so easy to do that once you come home.

On this trip each day was fresh and new and exciting, when you come home it's easy to fall into the mindset that each day will be dull, monotonous and won't bring anything new. But each day is really only as wonderful as you think it will be. Going abroad helped me see each day as a something new instead of just a boring continuation of a robotic life.

What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?

Julia: I tell them to definitely go for it! I think people are often pretty hesitant to go abroad because it is really intimidating to imagine going half way across the globe all by yourself. I understand you won't know anyone at first, but you will make friends easily even if you're not the most outgoing person (trust me.)

It's easy to think of the worst case scenarios when going abroad, but they won't happen. In fact, in all likely hood your trip will far exceed your expectations.

What was the hardest part about going abroad?

Julia: The most challenging part of the experience for me was dealing with illness. On this program you're almost always doing something, whether it's traveling, hiking, exploring the city, or something else physically demanding -the program doesn't stop when you don't feel up to it. It's not unlikely that you will get very sick at some point on the trip and dealing with it will test both your physical and emotional limits.

What position do you hold at Pacific Discovery and why do you like working there?

Rebecca: I currently work as a Program Coordinator for Pacific Discovery, however, I have been leading our programs in Southeast Asia for the past 18 months. My role at Pacific Discovery is to work closely with prospective students, registered participants and their families, to discuss different program options, answer questions and give advice on what to expect and how to best prepare for their specific program.

I also continue to lead programs throughout the year and will be leading the Ecuador & Galapagos Program this summer. I love Pacific Discovery because I get to work with an incredibly motivated and dedicated team. I also not only get to work behind the scenes as a Program Coordinator but still continue to lead students on our amazing educational programs around the world.

Did you take a gap year? If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Rebecca: Yes! I was a participant on the Pacific Discovery Southeast Asia Semester in 2006. I was accepted as a "winter-start" student at Colorado College and decided I wanted to take full advantage of the fall semester before I started school. I searched around and looked at many different programs, finally coming across the Southeast Asia program - I immediately signed up.

I had never been to that part of the world and I was fascinated by the itinerary. I loved everything the program had to offer... experienced leader, small group setting, optional transferable credit and affordable prices! Doing a gap year semester program was one of the best decisions I have ever made and it was during those two months that I decided I wanted to continue to travel the world and hopefully come back and lead students on Pacific Discovery programs in the future.

What is one thing you would tell any future gapper?

Rebecca: I always tell my students, "there's a lot you can do in one day, so just go for it." Pacific Discovery gappers that have studied abroad with me would tell you that I always encourage them to experience something new everyday - go on an adventure, interact with locals and try new foods, practice the language and learn about local customs.

I would say this to all gappers - take advantage of every opportunity you have while traveling; embrace new challenges and enjoy your experience abroad. It's such a unique and precious time in your life and it can go by so fast.

Which program is your most popular among gappers?

Rebecca: I think every Pacific Discovery program is very unique. Our Southeast Asia and New Zealand & Australia semesters have been running the longest but in recent years we have added the Nepal & Tibet Semester and the South America Semester, which have both proven to be very popular as well. All of our programs offer students a supportive and fun small group setting, qualified and experienced program leaders, immersive learning opportunities, and community initiated service projects.

My favorite program is our Southeast Asia Semester because I have been lucky to spend so much time in that part of the world. In nine short weeks, we travel through four very different countries, which allows participants to experience many different cultures, customs, food and landscapes. All Pacific Discovery programs are an amazing real-life classroom for gap students because our trips combine adventure travel, community service learning and cultural immersion, plus you get to travel with an amazing group and fantastic leaders.