Southeast Asia Explorer with Gapforce

This trip exceeded my expectations more than I could’ve imagined. If you have any doubts about a trip like this, look past them and sign up anyway! It is so incredible, and you will have the time of your life. Southeast Asia is absolutely breathtaking, it will feel surreal to see the landscapes you’ll encounter, like you’re in a movie. I was unsure about traveling with a group of people I’d never met, but I ended up making connections with people that I hope will last a lifetime. This trip has changed me immensely, and made me more sure of myself both as a traveler and in my day to day life. The only bad thing that will come out of this trip is when you have to go home! I made some of the best memories in my life on this amazing trip, and it gave me a better perspective on my goals and who I want to be. Don’t let uncertainty or fear keep you from experiencing this life changing adventure. And when you get there, give the trip your all. Make the most of every day there, go explore, take hikes, wake up early some days and stay up late to see how the city changes when the sun goes down. Fully immerse yourself in wherever you are, and I promise you’ll have the best time. Don’t forget to journal, or at least take some time to reflect to yourself and take a moment to appreciate where you are. You’ll want to remember how you felt when you get home. To sum it all up even though it’s hard to put how great this trip is into words: do it. Thailand is incredible, Gapforce is incredible, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to look forward to!

I've learned much more on this 6 week trip about myself and the world then I did in four years of higher education. This trip has showed me alot about myself and what really makes me happy. I am already planning my second trip because of how amazing this one was. This trip gave enough freedom to where I would feel comfortable traveling by myself, but the structure it did have made it less stressful for a first time traveler. The volunteer groups made me so excited to get out and try to help the community some more. The experiences and lessons from them are indescribable! I really can not see myself traveling without finding at least one volunteer program. really couldn't reccomend this trip enough! The sights and learning experience will be something you carry with you forever. If you do decide to come on this trip the biggest thing I could advise is to always say yes with a smile! Take risks and put yourself in positions you wouldnt normally put yourself in. Say yes to hikes even if you do not do it at home. Say yes to getting a little messy and learning a new task. You learn so much about yourself and what you really can do when putting yourself in those situations. If you dont you will miss out on some golden opportunities. The leaders are very helpful and amazing people. They will help make you feel as comfortable as you can in those new situations, so just know you are never alone. There are too many amazing memories to really pick one favorite. Some being all the laughs and experiences shared with the people I can now call some of my best friends. I think one memory that does stand out would building a house in just three days. To see what our group was capable of when working together and even the things I noticed about just myself were unexplainable. To finally hand it over to the family and see just how much this act had changed their lives. The feeling is something that could never be beat. Please to all who are thinking about doing this program say yes! Go for it and I promise you you will never forget it.

I cannot recommend this program enough. I'm 19 years old and had never left the United States before this trip. This experience opened my mind to not only Thai culture, but culture from all around the world. In my program alone, we had people from America, England, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and Wales. These are people that I now call some of my best friends, and that now give me a place to stay in 5 countries in the world. That in itself is amazing when reflecting upon the experience. This trip gives you opportunities to step out of your comfort zone, emerge yourself in nature, and try hundreds of new things. I highly recommend this program for anyone who feels stuck in a rut, or just wants to get out there. Gapforce provides opportunities to travel spontaneously, but also with structure. Having leaders to make reservations for you, ensure safety, and be there for anything you need is extremely reassuring when in a new place. Pack light, turn your phone off, and make it happen. Its now or never (: