- United States of America
- Costa Rica
- San José
About Program
From the mountains ranges and rivers of Costa Rica to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and the beaches of the Pacific Northwest, Adventure Treks' gap semester traverses multiple ecosystems and cultures over the 74-day program. Throughout the semester students will gain skills in backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater kayaking and canoeing while also learning how to communicate effectively, step into leadership roles and gain independence. Another component of the program is learning life skills like plumbing, auto-maintenance, carpentry, resume building and more. During the semester, we’ll spend time in areas like:
Pacuare and Pejibaye Rivers
Pisgah National Forest
Goat Rocks Wilderness
Olympic Peninsula
Smith Rock
North Cascades National Park
Great Smoky Mountains
The gap semester will offer the ability to earn 14 hours of college credit (which equals four classes) through Western Carolina University (WCU).
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- 14 college credits, internship opportunities and 529 funds available
- Get your Wilderness First Responder and Swift Water Rescue certs
- Be a part of a supportive, fun community
- Learn how to rock climb, mountain bike, canoe, whitewater kayak and backpack
- Learn life skills in auto maintenance, plumbing, carpentry, electrical and more!
Popular Programs
Students will begin their semester in North Carolina learning how to mountain bike, rock climb, canoe, plan a backcountry trip and will hone in on their leadership and life skills. They will take their Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue courses and build up to leading their own five-day backpack. They will then travel as a group to Costa Rica where they will spend their last three weeks whitewater kayaking, rafting, canoeing and exploring the mountains of Costa Rica.
This is an expedition program starting in Portland where students will learn how to mountain bike, rock climb, canoe and will hone in on their leadership and life skills. They will take their Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue courses in and build up to leading their own backpack on the Olympic Peninsula. They will then travel as a group to Costa Rica where they will spend their last three weeks whitewater kayaking, rafting, canoeing and exploring the mountains of Costa Rica.
