Volunteering Gap Year Programs in Multiple Countries

This was the teip of a lifetime.The other people in my group were from all over the world, yet we bonded almost imeadiately. Even though the activities, treks and itinerary were all fantastic, the 7 weeks was made unforgetable by the people. Collin, the group leader, was also extremely kind, funny and energetic the whole trip. He gave the group support whilst giving us the freedom to tailor the trip to our preferences, spend time alone or do other activities which we all really apreciated. This trip not only keeps you very engaged with the nature and culture of South America but also physically active aswell. You will be challenged mentally and physically at some point of the trip in the best way possible. I would highly recomend for any gap year students looking to get out of their comfort zones and meet new people. I am truly bonded for life with my group and will never forget the time we shared together.

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.

Doing the South America Explorer trip was one of the best decisions i’ve made in my life! I got to experience some amazing things, like spending so much time in a foreign country, volunteering with animals for over a week which has been a longtime dream of mine, and trekking in the jungle seeing amazing landscapes!! I think my favorite activities were the white water rafting, walks around cusco, the spanish school and the chance to play fútbol at a local venue. Gaz was an amazing leader and made things fun and adventurous the entire time. I felt so lucky to have such an amazing and knowledagable leader and great group of people to travel with!! I would recommend this trip to anyone in a heartbeat. Even the harder things we did, pushed me to do things out of my comfort zone and I am so glad to have had the opportunity to experience all that we did

I really enjoyed this trip! I loved the Salkantay trek as well as the other hikes we did as it felt very accomplishing and also found it to be a really beneficial way to connect with the group. The volunteering at the animal rescue centre was definitely a highlight as it was a unique experience that I’m very grateful I got to interact with such amazing animals I would have never seen otherwise. Overall I really loved the trip and would say our guide had really made the trip as well. He really helped to me to make the most of the opportunities and I think really brought the group together.

I absolutely loved the South America Explorer trip organised by Gapforce! All the activities, food and accommodations were amazing - personal highlights include the Salkantay trek and the volunteering at the animal rescue centre. My leader, Gaz, was also incredible, from his organisational skills to his insane jungle knowledge! I would thoroughly recommend this trip for anyone who wants to explore Peru and Ecuador whilst getting to know others and visiting places off the traditional tourist trail. It also offers a combination of pre-departure support and support during the trip as well as a a certain level of independence. Overall, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am so grateful to Gapforce for allowing me to experience this and create special memories!

It has been an amazing trip. I have had the best time, and enjoyed all of it. There have been such a wide range of activities, so I've not gotten bored at all, and the timings of staying at each place have been really good. Everything is organised really well, it seems really smooth, and the leader was above my expectation: a really nice, friendly man, who was also very experienced with what he does. Volunteering at the animal sanctuary was my favourite part of the trip, it was an insane experience, doing things you won't do again, such as being so close to all the animals. The trip exceeded my expectations so much, and those who came on the trip as well were so nice and friendly. The trip included so many things I wouldn't think to do if I booked my own trip, making it really good. I have had such a good time, and 100% recommend people to go on it. I will remember this forever.

Peru and Ecuador are now my absolute favourite countries, the salkantay trek was breathtaking and truly a one in a lifetime experience that you have to see- the best five days of my life. Met loads of amazing like minded people too, friends for life for sure!!

I had never been to South America before this programme, and now I feel I have thoroughly experienced what the continent has to offer. The Salkantay trek was probably the most insane 5 days of my life. Other highlights include getting to know my peers in Cuzco, and the plethora of outdoor activities in Baños.

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

I had an even better time than I could have imagined. I met some amazing people and definitely made the most incredible memories. I feel like the trip was a good mixture of fun and also cultural enrichment. It was the perfect start to my gap year travels.

I did so many things and had so many experiences as well as making real friends that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do if it weren’t for the trip. The tour leader Callum was so cool and we all got along really well. The accommodation was nice and clean and you can just put it down to a cultural experience if anything ever went slightly wrong. I saw areas of the world that I had always dreamed of seeing but never actually thought I would and for a very reasonable price overall. On the whole I had a great and unforgettable time.

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.