Study Abroad Gap Year Programs in Multiple Countries

I went into Seamester feeling excited, nervous and worried that my expectations were unrealistically high! I can not stress enough that I was so wrong, Seamester blew my mind, it was more incredible than I could ever have began to imagine. I can not recommend this program enough, you will experience once in a lifetime things and see incredible places. More than that you will learn, learn about the world the ocean and most importantly yourself. You will be challenged in the best way possible and truthfully flourish. I owe this program so much and would do it again in a heartbeat. Go in with a smile and an open mind and it will not disappoint.

SAS as a recent high school graduate was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to sail on the Fall 25 voyage as an international gap year student. The experience as a whole was so unique and I truly do not believe that you can find such a program anywhere else. The accommodation was so surreal because I got to wake up and see the waves as we sailed across the world. The community SAS builds is welcoming and kind because whenever I had a problem on the ship or in port, I never once felt alone or stranded. There will always be someone in your corner, which I appreciated. A massive thank you especially to the crew members on the ship who always make an effort to get to know your name, check in and give you a smile or laugh whenever you're stressed by travel planning, relationships and/or academics. The food does get quite repetitive if I'm being honest but it's truly a blessing to have such skilled crew members who can create delicious and nutritious meals in the middle of nowhere on the ocean. Pro tip: always get your cake first cause everyone loves the cake and it's always the first to go. In terms of academics. there are a variety of courses and I loved how everything always tied back to our in-port experiences, which allowed us to reflect on our SAS journey deeply, which I think was a crucial aid in how I developed and matured as a person. This was a great bridge between high school and university because I feel that I came out more mature, socially aware and ready for adult life. I also never felt that I couldn't make new friends because everyone is so open and you get to interact with a lot of diversity due to the various represented cultures, backgrounds, religions, nationalities etc. Til now, I am so grateful for the friends I made on SAS and we keep in touch almost daily as we plan our reunion trips. If I had one piece of advice for whoever's reading this, is that you will never truly see and understand the world around you until you're interacting with various people on the ship and in port. So do it!!! You will never regret SAS, I can promise you that :p

My Seamester trip changed my life. I was shocked to discover how much I love to sail, explore new places, and live on the ocean! I was really struggling to find something I’m passionate about, but since leaving Argo, I am actively chasing opportunities to work on a boat and continue living on the ocean. I met some of the best friends I’ll ever have, and I cannot imagine a world in which I never met them. The staff were so helpful, supportive, and incredibly caring. I immediately felt like we were all one large family. I cannot recommend this enough. There are hard parts, that’s for sure. I definitely had moments where I was just so exhausted, homesick, nervous, and stressed out. But the lessons I learned in those situations shaped me into a more confident and adventurous person, and I am so grateful for that. If you’re considering going on a Seamester trip, GO!! I highly recommend the Mediterranean to Caribbean trip, the places we went were remarkable and I wish I could go back in time and do it all over again. Seriously, it is worth every penny. I will always remember my trip and if someone else has even half the experience I had, I know they will absolutely love it.

This Fall 2025 South America Semester program was an amazing experience where I made amazing new memories. There is time to explore nature and get to know the culture I a different way that you wouldn’t normally do.

Yes. This South America Semester program genuinely made me grow so much as a person and I am grateful to have made many meaningful connections, memories, and to have seen all the beautiful things I have on this program.

I had an amazing time on my gap semester. I learned so much and loved pushing past my comfort zone in activities, trying new things, and bonding with the group. I not only grew as a person but created lasting memories and connections.

Rager of a program. I found myself struggling, thinking, and then growing constantly. It's not a walk in the park but it's a program that I would recommend for someone who genuinely wants to be challenged in order to be molded into a better version of themselves.

The two and a half months I spent in Peru and Ecuador flew by, and I still can’t believe everything we did. I came in hoping to improve my Spanish, but I achieved lots more. I overcame my fear of heights, learned practical life skills (like plunging a toilet), formed a close group bond, became a stronger hiker, and so much else.

This program is perfect for someone that loves and appreciates the outdoors and is very active. I had an amazing experience and made some unforgettable memories. I also made amazing new friendship with the other people on the program.

Pacific Discovery was an amazing experience! I formed amazing friendships and did countless bucket list activities. This program allowed me to grow as a person and push past my comfort zone. You won’t regret signing up for one of their trips.

The New Zealand and Australia trip was a wonderful experience for our son. The group experience allowed him to travel to a new country in a safe environment without family. He wanted to travel independently but we wanted him to learn within a safe environment first. Pacific Discovery has given him the skills knowledge to now go out and travel on his own.

I have been on the Australia/New Zealand gap semester, had an amazing time here did so many cool tings, had amazing instructors and learned so much about a lot of things and it also changed my life in an positive way! I can really recommend it for people how really love to travel and learn and enjoy doing outdoor activity’s

The 70 days I spent pacific discovery in Aus/NZ were absolutely unforgettable. My instructors were absolutely incredible people. Both were so knowledgeable and so qualified to lead us. The program was the perfect mix of freedom and structure. It was a great mix of camping/hostels. I learned so much about myself and the world I live in. I gained more than I could have ever imagined. New Zealand is the most incredible place I have ever been and you will never want to leave. If you are at all considering this program, DO IT. There is so much joy on the other side of the fear holding you back

I was nervous about the decision to take a gap year. Pacific Discovery facilitated a life changing experience that not only made me a better person but connected me with life long friends. I’ll recommend this program to anyone who will listen.

Pacific Discovery gave me one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. The 10-week gap year program was a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and personal growth. The staff were very knowledgeable, and always there to encourage us. I left with lifelong friends and memories, plus a newfound appreciation for nature and different cultures. If you're looking for a meaningful, eye opening adventure, I can't recommend Pacific Discovery enough!

The Australia and New Zealand semester was the most amazing trip I’ve ever been on! From the beautiful beaches of AUS to the stunning southern alps of New Zealand, every single activity and view on this trip was amazing. There is nowhere I would rather have spent the last 70 days, and no group I would rather have been with!

Pacific Discovery was recommended to us by parents of a PD alumni (Aus/NZ) and it made a huge difference to us in our review of alternative programs. The points highlighted by the parents that appealed to us centered around personal growth, world/cultural/travel experience, great planning, and excellent guides; our student's experience was terrific in all these aspects, and we so appreciate the guidance he received during the program to help contextualize all of the amazing and mundane experiences he had on the progam. The opportunities and emphasis on the 'discovery' aspect of the program particularly for his individual development, was, for us, the main reason for selecting PD, and we couldn't be more pleased with how that purpose was achieved.

We loved the communication between Pacific Discovery and parents. The portal offered detailed information and forms prior to the trip. During the trip, the weekly summaries gave us a window into the activities and the spontaneous discoveries the group was making in their towns, service sites, and local hosts.

I had an amazing time with amazing people on the Australia New Zealand Gap semester! It was an incredible program that showed us how to live and travel more sustainably, make the most of our time with every experience, and learn from others we meet along the way! I definitely recommend this program!!

The South America Gap Semester pushed me out of my comfort zone both mentally, physically, and socially. Pushing my body beyond what I thought it could do, opening up to - and being vulnerable with- a new group of people, and communicating in a different language in a place so vastly different than I’m used to, were all challenging and rewarding experiences. I feel like I’ve grown a lot and learned a lot about myself from stepping out of my comfort zone and opening myself up to new opportunities and possibilities.