Staff Spotlight: Rebecca Thomas

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Outreach & Alumni Coordinator
Rebecca Thomas grew up outside of Baltimore, Maryland and graduated with a B.A. in Spanish and Education at Colorado College. She has been a Pacific Discovery participant, Program Leader and now works as a Program Coordinator in Portland, Maine. In the past five years, Rebecca has lead over 450 people on adventures in Mexico, Costa Rica, US Virgin Islands, Tanzania, and Southeast Asia.

staff member

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.