Location
Multiple Locations +2
  • Thailand
  • United States of America
Length
4 - 12 weeks

Program Details

Activities
Backpacking Camping Rafting
Timeframe
Spring Winter
Housing
Ashram Cabin Host Family Hostel Tent
Primary Language
Thai
Age Min.
17
Age Max
24

Pricing

Starting Price
9900
Price Details
This includes room, board, and activities while we are together.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Meals Park Fees Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Some Equipment
Nov 14, 2022
May 04, 2020
20 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

For the adventurous soul, who's craving something out of the box, who wants to climb mountains and explore the world with a group of fun loving friends. We offer the chance to be seen and accepted for who you already are and the chance to see the world for what it is and what it could be. We inspire rather than coerce.

For 14 weeks you will practice living in the moment while traveling and exploring in Thailand and the US southwest. You will dig into the skills that build community and explore the meaning of freedom in a variety of contexts. You will emerge from the program feeling inspired and with a sense of possibility. Our goal is to truly experience the rawness and realness of the people, landscapes, plants, animals and special moments. We guarantee you’ll feel alive and shake up your life.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Explore the mountains and beaches of Thailand while connect with locals
  • Live the good life while climbing mountains and hiking canyons, baking your own bread, learning community living skills, and exploring sustainable living.
  • Experience small town, off the beaten path to learn about pressing border and environmental issues.
  • Be part of a homespun family that challenges you to deeply understand and experience your inner self, your world, and your options.
  • Adventure with fellow participants who are creative innovators, young people in charge of their own education already making things happen in the world.

Related Programs

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 5 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.8
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 4.8
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Default avatar
Jesse
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life-Changing Program

Being a part of the High Desert Center was one of the best experiences of my life. Dev and Marian are amazing and I got to meet the most wonderful people that I hope to know for a long time.
I got to try a bunch of new things I never would have been able to without this program, with some awesome people along the way, from backpacking in Colorado, mountain climbing, driving to mexico and staying in rural homestays, as well as learning what it's like to live in a community, I would absolutely do this program again.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open and don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.
109 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Milla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A life changing experience!

My time with the High Desert Center was truly one of the best experiences of my life. The chance to go explore the world with a supportive community was so valuable and staff guidance throughout the whole program added an important sense of security to our often crazy adventures. The opportunity to learn skills like group cooking, farming, building, and butchering animals in the first semester was a definite highlight for me. Whether you join one of the shorter programs or for a whole year, anyone who feels attracted to what this company offers will gain something valuable from participating in such a cool space. I highly recommend this program for any young people seeking to grow their sense of self and figure out their place in the world!

106 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Otto
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Eye opening program

I had an amazing experience doing this program! I loved being able to sleep under the stars with some awesome people and being able to hike all day and see the land. It truly opened my eyes to so many more life options. it also made me appreciate how little personal items I need to have. after this program all I have been thinking about is what my next adventure is going to be. My goal was to walk all 800 miles, sadly I did not exactly that. it was kinda ironic trying to take a day in the van was more challenging for me that actually hiking, but I was glad that I ended up taking that break. this program is always gonna be one of those things that I think about before going to bed. one thing that was really nice during the program, I only would focus on the present not the stressful future . I reccommend doing any programs with the HDC.

104 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Nic
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

So awesome, would highly recommend.

My time staying at the high desert center was truly fantastic, I loved the people the place and all that went with. I wasn’t the best writer on the trip, but I had so many great people to talk to and learn from, which I think improved my writing greatly. We were given awesome sources to talk to from all around Colorado. I got to meet established authors, Learn dance from one of the staff, do impressions, have barefoot nighthikes and explore a truly wonderful area. After spending 5 weeks at HDC I was living life and felt more open to people. After I returned home I signed up for another trip they were hosting and went on an 800 mile thru hike! I enjoyed it immensely and would highly recommend to any and all who like off the grid living, meeting crazy cool people and learning the importance of healthy group living to check out the programs.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do everything always, say yes to fun. You might be scared in the moment but it’s worth it. Have fun!
108 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Noah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Definitely worth checking out!

Ive done both the 2018 Gap Year Program, and the Arizona Trail trip with the HDC and both have been amazing and life enriching experiences. In fact, I love it so much that I keep coming back for more! The town, Paonia is such an interesting and beautiful place. Make sure to take a dip in the River! Ive made so many exciting memories here and made some friends that I will have for the rest of my life. The programs challenge you in every way, and the staff are extremely supportive of you and anything you want to do. The town is full of people that have an insane variety of interests, and there is no doubt that there is somebody who can nurture yours! There is no shortage of adventures and plenty of personal growth, Highly recommend to anyone and everyone!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I had the chance to have a do-over, Id definitely do my best to push myself to do the things I want to do. You have the ability to go for anything that piques your interest here and I wish I had taken advantage of that.
108 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers