Sports Programs Abroad

I book a week of Spanish Immersion in San José along with a week of surfing. I had a great time combining the time and found everyone I interacted with to be super pleasant and friendly. The spanish course at Maximo Nivel were very thorough and helpful and the surf camp was a lot of fun with great instructors. Pura Vida, I will return.

My son participated in a program with Rustic Pathways in Costa Rica last year, and it was an incredibly positive experience for both him and our family. The counselors updates, looking at the photos and videos gave me a great sense of comfort and connection. He was able to keep his phone, so we stayed in touch throughout the trip. Hearing how happy and even on days focused on community service validated that I chose the right camp. The program was a wonderful balance between meaningful work and fun. He is super excited to go on a trip this year to Belize My son returned home more independent, and inspired to continue to connect with many cultures and see the world.

Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewJune 02, 2026

Thanks so much for your comment, Susie! We're thrilled your son had such a great experience! We love hearing about their transformation post-trip. We hope he joins us for another awesome summer soon :)

I recently finished the four-week cooking course with Mente Argentina, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. This course stood out because it felt personal and genuine. The instructors shared technique their love of Argentine food and culture in an engaging manner. I left with more confidence in the kitchen and a real appreciation for Argentine hospitality and friendship. If you want something meaningful, hands-on, and unforgettable, Mente delivers exactly that.

Don’t know what I would expect going into the surf school. Everyday I saw myself getting better and becoming more confident in the water and with my swimming skills. Thank you so much for offering this program.

Joining the surf instructor course in Australia at 40 was an unexpected yet unforgettable life chapter. I found myself learning just as much from the younger crowd as they did from me. The camp’s atmosphere was all about kindness, no judgment, just people living in the moment. From early sunrise surf sessions with dolphins to deep late-night conversations, every day was filled with meaning. The training was intense but rewarding, and the instructors were passionate and supportive. I made lifelong friends, reconnected with nature, and came home with a fresh perspective. I’d go back in a heartbeat, no hesitation.

Doing my surf instructor training in Australia was honestly one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Starting from zero made it all the more rewarding, every wave was a small victory. A typical day ? Waking up with the sun (and the tides), grabbing a quick breakfast, then heading straight into the ocean where stingrays might glide beneath you and dolphins often joined us for the sunset sessions. Lunches were fresh wraps on the beach, followed by lazy naps under the sun and fireside evenings with surf films, theory lessons, and chats over tea or beers. We lived in tipis or beachside cabins just a few steps from the water, a dreamlike setup. The instructors were incredibly passionate, not just about surfing, but also about the ocean and preserving the environment. Their support in and out of the water was unmatched. Beyond the surfing, this experience immersed me in a whole new world. I met inspiring people from all over the globe, improved my English dramatically, and fell in love with a lifestyle I didn’t know existed. It wasn’t just a course, it was a reset. Now, there’s a list of dream waves pinned in my room, and a whole new life mindset that came with them.

Professional surf instructor training in Australia was a real-life lesson for me. At 40, I learned as much from 20-year-olds as I could have given them. You don't go to the other side of the world for no reason, but there, no one judges; everyone just wants to have a good time, and everyone adapts. Getting up at 4 a.m. to film the sunrise, surfing from 6 a.m. until sunset, is a privilege. This interlude in my life will undoubtedly be one of the indelible memories.

If you are scrolling through the Pure Exploration website and upon just reading about the experience think you’re going to have, makes you excited - then honestly do whatever you need to do and book onto a program. My Pure Exploration experience was one for the books, the people you meet, the in-jokes you'll have, the country culture you get to live and learn about are just some of the things the program offers you. To top if all off with a great support team and gaining real quality outdoor instruction that you can take either into your life or job, I did it and it was one of the best things I've ever done, so why not!

I originally did this program because I had no idea of what I could do. I finished school with a degree I came to hate, I started another degree just to try something else. I was unhappy and confused about my future. Then I heard about Pure exploration. I gave it a shot because at this point I just needed to be outside and do some outdoor stuff. Now, with what I learned about myself and the experiences I gained, I have a list of things I want to do to reach my dream job, that is not related to guiding by the way. And I wouldn't know about my dream job if I didn't do the program. Our Nepalese guides are amazing resources and I learned so much from them. I truly hope that all the students or workers who feel stuck or unhappy about their degree or work come to Nepal and try this course.

Participating in the program was an absolute joy! It was a fun and enriching experience where we not only made new friends but also gained valuable knowledge and skills. The activities were diverse and engaging, providing hands-on learning opportunities that made complex concepts easy to grasp. We delved into exciting topics, explored new cultures, and worked on team projects that were both challenging and rewarding. Overall, it was an incredible journey of growth, discovery, and unforgettable memories.

Pure Exploration was one of the best decisions of my life. Going to Nepal and learning the skills to rock climb, provide outdoor wilderness first aid, participate in a river course and hike and camping all in 3 months was such a whirlwind knowledge and hands-on experience. Meeting the team and all the friends I made along the way was the cultural emersion I was thirsting for. If you are even playing with the idea of doing one of these courses I would say - jump in, do it now

This was one of the best experiences of my life. I was supported through physical and mental challenges by a spectacular team that only wanted me to succeed, and I did that and more. I learnt both technical and soft skills to become an outdoor leader, and learnt so much about myself and how I interact with others so I can better communicate and manage group situations, but as a leader and a participant.

This was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done in my entire life. I would say with confidence that I had learned more during this 10 week program than I have in the two years of college that I have already attended.

I went on the polynesian gap year journey not knowing exactly what to expect. I remember a day before it hit me that i would be spending 10 weeks with complete strangers. However, these were some of the best people I have met and best friends for life. There were many experiences that one would unlikely ever experience without doing a programme as such and i therefore highly recommend it. Many people were put out of their comfort zones and had to take risks which caused them to growth as an individual.

My Polynesian journey with Pacific Discovery has helped me get over a lot of my fears and anxiety around social interaction and relationships as well as my physical fears and it has really helped me to grow as a person

Literally the time of a lifetime, never experienced something like this ever, and even though I’m young this will be something I will 100% tell my kids about. So much happened in only 10 weeks it’s hard to even fathom.

For any adventure seekers interested in honing their skills in the mountains of Nepal I can not recommend this program enough. If you’re a first-time climber, climbed sport for years, have done minimal camping in the backcountry, or are an ultralight long-distance trekking professional this program has everything you need to upskill in any area that interests you.

For me, this is the perfect program to start your career in the outdoors, especially when you are not sure which direction to take. Here you can experience different sports or activities such as climbing, hiking and rafting and see what feels right for you. Also, you have the chance to challenge yourself and experience hard conditions

The Nepal program was an amazing experience in many ways, definitely challenging and educational at the same time. I personally learned a lot of new hard skills in the areas of climbing and hiking thanks to the great team of guides. I also gained experience in leadership and group management skills which will be very useful in the future.

A full immersion lifetime experience not to be missed by those with a nomadic spirit who seek to engage in and learn about diverse outdoor activities, safety, leadership and personal growth as well as culture, people and places in a country so diverse, rich and beautiful like it's people. I can not think of anyone better than Amrit and his experienced, professional and genuine team of people who taught and shared with us over the past 3 months.