Program Reviews

During my senior year of high school I was put into a situation I never imagined would happen to me. I was accepted at my dream school as a February admit. For the first time in my life I had an extended period of free time where I could do anything in the world; and that frightened me. I knew I wanted to travel to a new place, but not on my own. I discovered Pacific Discovery and knew immediately that this program was the answer I was searching for. From day one it was obvious that this was going to be a life changing experience. We had two amazing, organized, and fun leaders who were ready to push us to get the best cultural experience while also creating friendships. Each day at Pacific Discovery entails a great new adventure. You visit temples, go rock climbing, bathe elephants, bike around ruins, etc. The amount of adventures you have are almost inexplicable, but for me the best part of this program was having these crazy adventures with all of my friends. This program allowed for me to make many lifetime friends that I am still very much in touch with to this day! I can not recommend this program enough.

I'm from Spain and I love to travel. Last year, i decided I wanted to make the best of my summer after finishing High School. I started looking for activities and adventures around the world and I found Pacific Discovery that would offer me all i wanted. I'm really greatful to have found it. I had an amazing experience. I got to know many people from around the world and discover the East cost of Australia. At the end I didn't want to leave my friends that had become a family.
We had the opportunity to do many activities such as surfing, bungy jumping and safaring.
I recomend this experience to anyone who loves to travel.

Being able to learn ways to cook good food simply has been an invaluable experience. I distinctly remember now how to cook better than decent pasta using just broth and spices. 8/10 food for 2-3 people for under 15 Australian dollars? Count me in any time!

The Ecuador/Galápagos program was--hands down-- the most incredible thing I've ever experienced. There is so much diversity and YOU get to experience it. We saw the city, the country, the islands, lakes, rivers, villages, jungles, rain forests, snow, beaches, volcanoes, etc. The wildlife was amazing too (llamas, vicuñas, sea lions, sea turtles, tortoises, sharks, dolphins, iguanas, etc.) Not only do you see and experience amazing things, but you'll meet amazing people. From day one, everyone was hanging out in each others' rooms and getting along wonderfully. You'll be amazed at how close you become with your group in such little time. At the end of the trip, walking each other to our gates at the airport was heartbreaking. Your group members will be incredible, but so will the people you get the privilege of helping. It was so humbling and rewarding. The culture and language immersion was also something that I loved.
When trying to pick a program, I read many reviews. They all seemed too good to be true ("life changing" "time of my life" "made life long friends"). I was skeptical to say the least, but I was so so wrong. I live in Hawaii and have travelled a bit (Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Spain, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, Korea, and more), but nothing compared to what I saw, learned, and experienced on this program.
Please please please feel free to contact me (there should be some way of doing so since I've left my email address here). If you're trying to decide or if you have questions about what to expect/bring if you have decided, I'd love to help!

I have nothing but amazing things to say about my Thailand experience and Pacific Discovery as a company. Going into the trip I had no idea what to expect. I loved that 15ish people that lived completely different lives all met up in Bangkok and by the end we were great friends and knew so much about one another. There were so many neat experiences that I know I would never have done without this program such as: work on an elephant reserve, go caving, go on a meditation retreat, and live with villagers. I learned how to go with the flow and be okay with not being clean all the time. The food was amazing and the street shopping is a blast since there were so many neat artifacts and it was so cheap! Although most of out time was planned, I enjoyed our free time and our leader, Rebecca, would help make whatever we wanted to do possible. Overall the trip far outweighed my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone!

I can say immediately that participating in this trip fundamentally changed the direction that my life has taken since. Prior to June 2013, when I took this trip, I lived a life that was very insular to the United States and places very similar - I had, up to that point, visited Canada and Israel.

This trip was the first time I had gone somewhere that was really fundamentally different than my own home, and I can't imagine a better way to have done it. The concept of traveling is very romantic, but when you pass through customs in a place where you don't speak the language or know anything about where you're headed, it's very comforting to have a spectacular trip leader waiting there for you.

Because of this trip and Ele's guidance during my month in Thailand, I have had full confidence in all the trips I've taken since to move from place to place and make friends independently, even across language and political barriers.

As someone who very much expected to have an office job before going on PD Thailand, I am now lined up to teach English for a year in South Korea, then hopefully work on an sustainable, organic farmstead in Hawai'i. Thanks to Pacific Discovery for making all that possible.

I took a trip with Pacific Discovery in June 2014 and it was by far the best decision I ever made for myself! From the planning stage all the way to program completion, I was well guided every step of the way. The month was full of exploring the beautiful country of Australia while forming a close bond with my group. We still talk all the time and reminisce about the great memories last summer. Traveling to the other side of the world really threw me outside of my comfort zone because I didn't know anyone in my group before going. I learned so many new travel skills and discover so many qualities within myself that I didn't know I had. I learned to surf, rappelled down mountains, tried scuba diving, and even bungee jumped! I also got to learn about the culture and history of Australia along with its beautiful landscapes and animals. Since I am studying to be a veterinarian, interacting with so many unique animals was a once in a lifetime experience that I will cherish forever. All in all, you would be crazy to pass up this trip with Pacific Discovery. You won't regret it I promise!

This trip was truly life changing. With just over two months of constant adventures and travel, it is truly impossible to imagine how many lasting memories and friendships can be made through this program.

After researching this program for over two years, I finally made it a reality and it still exceeded all my expectations. No other program incorporates so many different experiences into one program.

The Pacific Discovery team is committed to each participant and goes above and beyond again and again to create the the best experience to everyone involved. I would truly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a life changing experience.

I am so glad I decided to fill part of my gap year with a Pacific Discovery program. I learned more about myself than I have from any other experience. The level of leadership, responsibility, and freedom made me much more independent and confident in the skills that I have. I got pushed out of my comfort zone multiple times and always got a huge thrill from the adventures that I had. The trip as a whole gave me a personal revolution and made my feel more alive than I have in a while. As a person who relished everyday, this was quiet an accomplishment. Also, the people on the trip far exceeded my expectations. Every person was able to teach my something, whether or not they realized it. I know that I have made thirteen life long friends. If you are on the edge, go for it! If you are not on the edge, choose Pacific Discovery! I can't praise this company enough. It is amazing, and it will change your life.

The Southeast Asia Semester Program with Pacific Discovery was the best decision I have ever made. The trip was a perfect balance of cultural experiences, volunteer service, outdoor activities, and free time. There is no replacement for actually traveling to a place and immersing yourself in the culture.I learned so much about the history of Southeast Asia as well as the people. Our leaders, Josh and Rebecca, were absolutely amazing! Along with being so knowledgeable, Josh and Rebecca were simply great people with great values. Pacific Discovery has such a terrific thing going and I am so happy that I had the privilege to be apart of it. I made lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. I grew so much as a person. It was the best nine weeks of my life!