Program Reviews

I am currently finishing the 6 week mini trip in hawaii. I have to say the only thing i really found enjoyable were the people and some of the activities. I feel PD was not very transparent about how poor the living conditions would be. we had 4 people crammed into a 2 person yurt, staying at an accommodation with about 10-15 people with 2 toilets and 1 shower. I could barely sleep due to how uncomfortable the living situations were. The packing list was also misleading, i was underprepared and overprepared. They didn’t give us any money in the budget for group snacks, and i spent hundreds on buying my own food. The 10$ a day for spending is not true. PD also didn’t tell me I would be spending 6-7$ on laundry, or getting laundry where the dryer doesn’t work or it is cold so all my clothes smelled weird and didn’t dry properly.

Leaders were amazing and had lots of fun. Our group really meshed well together and had a blast traveling everywhere and doing all the activities. Food was amazing in Australia but a little on the pricier side so maybe spend less on that because in Bali everything is so cheap and we could have planned a little better. Accommodations were great especially Waves campground, the people were so cool there. I would recommend adding an excursion in Bali with the water because Nusa Penida is so close. ( we checked it out after and it was so cool). I highly recommend this trip to adventurers and I met my best friend on this trip. You will make amazing relationships with people all around the world!

My 10 weeks experience with my group were fantastic. Learning about all the different cultures and then fully immersing ourselves with the locals, showing how they lived their days without having a lot of money and how there's more to life than getting paid. How friendship and family meet. To them, it's not about material possessions or wealth, but about the bonds they create and the love they share. The way they prioritize relationships and community over monetary gain was truly eye-opening. I realized that true happiness lies in the connections we make and the memories we create together.

The Polynesian Journey for me was an amazing time that allowed me to grow as a person and branch out more than I ever expected. The combination of activities and people you meet throughout the trip along with having 2 great instructors (special shout-out Henry Grayson) made for an incredible trip with a great group of students. Made some life long friends from all over the world and I wouldn’t have done it any other way. Pacific discovery is awesome with great staff support. If you have the opportunity to go on a gap year trip with PD definitely do it. Life changing experience.

Going into this program I had no experience or expectation of what it was going to be like. Not only was I able to step completely out of my comfort zone but I was genuinely supported and encouraged every step of the way. It was the best mixture of teamwork and independence, exploring and learning, and the ability to truly be present and focused. This program, along with the people I have met and learned from within it have impacted my being in such an incredibly powerful way, that it has inspired me in my approach with how I move forward through life. I recommend an experience like this to anyone and everyone.

I mean what I say when I say that this program is an experience of a lifetime. You are constantly moving, and do, see, and experience so much every single day. You also get to experience local culture and customs in a safe environment. My counselors Grace Crema and Manuel Olvera are good, experienced world travelers. The other people on my program were all interesting and from backgrounds. Every single day I spent with these people felt like an exciting adventure into uncharted territory. I couldn't wait for what came next. Being away from home, parents, and being put into this new environment allows you to explore your identity and grow on your own. It allows you to present facets of your personality that you typically don't present to the people at home. Through this process you learn self sufficiency and gain confidence in yourself. I cannot state enough how this program was one of the most happiest times in my life.

Partaking in the Polynesian journey through Pacific Discovery truly changed the trajectory of my college experience and life. After spending two years struggling to find my place in college, my time with my small group in Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand gave me a whole new outlook. I made friends from all around the country and even the world that i couldn’t have been more different from. However we all bonded and now I don't know how I ever functioned without their love and support. Some of my most fun experiences that I have to reflect back on happened during this trip from snorkeling in Hawaii to rafting down a 20ft fall in New Zealand. Experiences like staying in a traditional Fijian village altered what I value in life. I am returning to school with lifelong friends, people I can always fall back on for advice and help, and a newfound appreciation for the opportunities I have, especially in m education. You have to want the best out of a program like this, but if you come with an open mind and an appreciation for the differences of other, it will change your life.

I had an amazing time on my Pacific Discovering program and grew in so many different ways! I grew in confidence, independence and pushed myself out of my comfort zone, doing things I would have never imagined doing! I absolutely loved travelling around with a group of new people, getting to explore stimulating, new cultures so different from our own, learning about different ways of living. The variety of activities was incredible throughout the program, ensuring there was something for everyone. During these activities, the support and encouragement from the group was so reassuring, creating an amazing group dynamic. Also big shout out to my program instructors John and Kali who got stuck into every single activity with us! They didn’t seem like instructors at all, but instead were keen to get to know us individuals on a personal level, there whenever we needed anything. I would 100% recommend to do a pacific discovery program as you will grow and learn in so many different ways, experiencing brand new things.

This trip was one of the most amazing in my life so far. I was forced to open my mind to new experiences and ideas. I felt so supported by my program instructors and fellow students. I met loads of people, some of which I am still very close with. I grew in many unexpected and positive ways, and my outlook on life has improved greatly. Since coming home J am filled with love, gratitude, and independence. I think taking a gap year is a spectacular idea for anyone out of high school feeling lost or confused, these worldly adventures will help guide your path!

The experiences that I had on this program made me realize that there’s so much more out there. It made me realize what life is actually about. Happiness truly starts within yourself. Life is about doing the things that make you happy. It’s about finding the things that make you excited and chasing them. I’m proud to say that I became the best version of myself on this trip. I’ve always wanted to see the world and learn all about it and this journey was the perfect balance between those two. It made me even more excited about acting up and making a change. I feel extremely lucky that I’m going home with the most magical memories and best friends I’ve ever made.