Gapforce

The program 100% met my expectations. I learned so much even in just four weeks. I would definitely recommend it to others; the program is also very flexible. I actually got my nudibranch awareness diver certification, which isn't part of the program, but I was interested in it, so I worked with the amazing people there to get it. The best part, as obvious as it is, was the diving. I loved learning new skills, but being able to apply them underwater was next level. I've definitely unlocked a new obsession. If you want to be a confident diver and learn about coral health and marine life, this program is for you :)

I had an amazing time in Peru and Ecuador! I made friends that will last a lifetime and experienced things I will never forget. Seeing one of the seven wonders of the world was surreal. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide either. Colin was attentive and kind to everyone always!

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.

I had so much fun doing the Eco Internship in Koh Tao. I’m very grateful for Gapforce’s support before my trip and also very grateful for the support we had on site by the lovely dive instructors and especially Matt. Everyone was really looking out for us which made for a lovely atmosphere.

Very very close to the breathtaking rice fields, location very close to Ubud. The staff were very friendly and was unforgettable. The excursions were amazing(rafting, coffee farm, massage) and the smile on everyone's faces.

This trip was the best it gave me so much travel confidence while still being in a secure and safe environment met so many new people and have made freinds which I can visit all over the world as well as in quepose

The program has been absolutely amazing! I have loved everything about Australia, formed a lot of new friends/relationships, and made so many great memories so far. I would 100% recommend it to others, I think everyone should get to experience this beautiful place. My favorite part was the camping trip on Frasier Island, but I have also loved sky diving, snorkeling, and all of the nights out have been a blast. Overall, this has been the best experience I’ve ever had and I’m so glad I got out of my shell and booked it.

A very enjoyable 50 days spent with fun like minded people. Our leader Gaz was very knowledgeable about travel and had plenty of tips. We did a variety of activities with tubing and white water rafting being highlights along side Machu Picchu we also did lots of day hikes to some amazing views! Would recommend as a great confident booster to first time solo travelers. About half the group went home after the trip and half stayed in South America to do further travel. Would recommend bring a waterproof cover for day bag as it can rain a lot on treks and this helps to keep stuff dry.

This was an amazing experience in which I learnt a lot about the world around me and myself. The trip has the perfect balance of Independence and being led as well as a balance of adventure and chill time, all amazing to bond with team mates. The trip has a nice mix of urban areas and countery side and beautiful views. Would definitely recommend. There are so many awesome opportunities to take part in and range of activities keeping you on your toes.

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.

My Gapforce trip to Peru and Ecuador was amazing and full of adventure, culture, and volunteering. I loved exploring Machu Picchu, hiking through the rainforest, and meeting locals in small communities. Our guide was super helpful and made sure everything ran smoothly. I didn’t enjoy the lack of freedom at times, but I understand it was for safety reasons. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that helped me grow, make friends, and see the world in a completely new way.

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.

My South American trip happened as a result of my previous trip being cancelled. This trip was referred to me as it included volunteer work, something I am focusing my gap year around. I’m happy to say that I had the best time ever with the most amazing people and rich experiences. From the Spanish classes to the treks to the volunteer work everything was planned properly and allowed us to properly experience South America to its fullest. My highlights were Punta Hermosa and Yanacocha/Tamandua. The beach was such fun with the surfing and stunning sunsets, the perfect time to relax after Salkantay. The jungle experience and volunteer work was more than I could have imagined, working with animals and becoming our own leaders by the end of it. I learnt so much and had the best time!

Everything on this trip was organised so well that it all fit together without it feeling rushed and giving plenty of free time to explore things individually as well. The homestay experience was a highlight for me as it let me practice my Spanish and meet an amazing family. Although the Salkantay trek was tough at times it was so worth it and everyday you got to see something new and amazing and alongside the jungle experience and working at the animal sanctuary you really feel like you get to grips with the wildlife that Peru and Ecuador have to offer. In addition the adventure activities were definitely adrenaline fuelled and so much fun. I would recommend this trip a million times over to anyone who is looking for adventure and culture combined!

This was my first travel experience and it was great. Starting in Cusco was a great place to meet everyone and the city is amazing. The Salkantay trek was some of the best days of my life with Machu Picchu capping it off. So the whole trip with Quilatoa,the activities in Baños, the wildlife volunteering and the otovalo market it’s overall a great trip. I would also say though if you are going bring a bit of soap unless you’re ok with 3in1 :) and pack a bit of variety in your clothing as you will be trekking but there are opportunities to go out at night with the others on the trip.

I had a lot of fun Cusco was a good start to the trip. After that the Spanish school was a nice to stay in a house. Salkantay trek was great! Some other highlights was banos and punts hermosa, that’s all.

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.

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.

I loved every second of my time in South Africa. All the staff at the reserve were fantastic, especially the rangers who were really knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the conservation that was happening there. There was a really good blend between all aspects of the course, including the classroom learning, field learning and also participating in some of the volunteer activities as well. The accommodation on the reserve was really nice and well looked after too!

Earlier this year, I completed an incredible experience with the Thailand Marine Conservation Program. While many in our group participated for a gap year, my goal was to earn my divemaster certification and deepen my understanding of conservation efforts to apply back home. The vibrant marine life and unique ecosystems were incredible and made me fall inlove with the ocean all over again. Overall, this program was a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow both as a diver and a conservationist. The program was expertly led by Marine Biologist Jade Bosco, who managed our education and schedule. She was exceptional at teaching us about local marine and reef ecology. Jade was supported by Ciara, another passionate biologist who oversaw our diving training and participated in most of our projects and eco dives. Their enthusiasm and passion was great to experience. In all honesty I could write a book about these two and how much they love the ocean. While I could go on about how special everything was, Jade and Ciara we're a highlight and I can't imagine better people to learn from and experience this program with. After starting with basic dive training, we moved on to survey dives focused on coral ecology, where we learned to identify various corals and marine life. As we improved our skills, we began working on the artificial reef, learning more about the ecosystem, planting new corals and maintaining the reef. Personally I loved our weekend cleanup dives—they were some of my best experiences. It was calming, peaceful and just gave me a good feeling. In addition to all the educational dives, we also had fun dives that allowed us to simply enjoy the underwater world outside of the program. Overall, the mix of training, conservation work, and fun dives just hit the best balance for me. For my divemaster training, I had the privilege of learning from Frankie Gard-Storry, one of the best instructors I’ve ever had. Frankie struck the perfect balance between professionalism and what I can only call stupid fun, making every moment memorable and helping me manage my time between the ecology program and my divemaster training, even though I got very ill (pretty sure he carried my 130kg body to the clinic with only one arm while I was blacked out) basically a superhero. Throughout the program, I had the pleasure of meeting an amazing group of people from all over the globe. While many weren’t part of the program, they added so much to the experience. From locals to fellow divers and travelers, each person added something unique and special, making my time truly memorable. The island itself was fantastic, and the Thai cuisine was absolutely delightful and mouth watering—something I miss the most! Although I chose to explore on foot and by taxi, I’d recommend renting a scooter to fully experience everything the island has to offer. There’s so much to do beyond diving and classes, ensuring that you’ll never be bored. The locals we're wonderful, warm and friendly. I want to extend a massive thank you to Jade, Ciara, Frankie, and the entire Roctopus team. Your dedication and support made my experience unforgettable. While there were many others who contributed to this amazing journey, naming everyone would make this review quite long. Just know that I truly appreciate everything you all did to make this adventure, experience and education so special. Andries Godlieb Brummer

I did the 4 week course and couldn’t recommend highly enough. Jade led a driven and passionate eco-team which it was inspiring to be a part of. She delivered interesting and high-quality tuition on multiple aspects of marine ecology and then we got the opportunity to apply some of these principles in specific eco-dives, participating in exciting current projects and even designing and conducting our own project. Dive instructor Ciara gave exemplary diving tuition and it was amazing to explore the many stunning dive sites of Koh Tao, which were teeming with life and beautiful reefs . All of this was combined with fantastic accommodation and food, an extremely friendly and welcoming community, and ample opportunity to explore and enjoy the wonders of the island.

I have made so many friends for life and found a new passion! Diving out of Quepos and working closely with the Marine conservation team is an incredibly special experience and well worth it! Thank you to all the team

I have been in Costa Rica for just over a year and I can honestly say that the past 10 weeks with oceans unlimited have been the best time I’ve had here. Doing my eco dive master was really fun, especially having a roommate who was doing the same thing, so we could do things together. The whole community is so nice and inviting whether it is going out at night or doing a weekend trip, no one gets left out. Going from no diving experience to dive master in a short amount of time has been challenging but I have loved every day of it. All of the staff and instructors made me feel comfortable and are so caring. Some of the relationships I have made here I will never forget.

Going into this trip I was so nervous and had little idea of what to expect, but it truly was the best two months of my life! I’ve come away with the most wonderful memories, experiences and friends for life, I’d go back and do it all again tomorrow. The day trips, volunteering, and cultural experiences were really second to none and fulfilled everything anyone would hope to do when travelling to South East Asia- it’s a really great way to see that part of the world without the added stress of organising and planning everything yourself. Our guide, Stefan, was great with leading us around for the eight weeks, making us feel safe but still independent to do our own thing, no activities were ever forced or expected of us. Overall this trip has the perfect balance of experiences, culture, adventure, relaxing and fun. I’d recommend it to anyone and can’t thank Stefan and Gapforce enough!

I enjoyed it, we did a lot over the two months, the people we interact with and work with in the counties; elephant sanctuary and volunteer building are great. It’s a varied trip with good amounts of independence, doing different things. Stephan was good and the group also. Being 1 of 2 guys in a group of girls made it difficult to connect at time, but I did eventually. Also the switching up of rooms and living arrangements helps, cos it changes the dynamics. Overall good, hot, amazing, nice people, food :), great variety within the trip. Would definitely recommend.

It was amazing, the activities were amazing, the volunteering of was amazing, the leader (Stefan Ivanovic) was amazing. It was so much fun. I loved every moment. I would absolutely recommend it, and I would definitely do it again if I had the time and money.

It was good fun. A good mixture of relaxing and busy, good to experience the culture and do things off the tourist track. I really enjoyed the volunteering part as it was good to experience more of the culture and do something which will actually benefit the community

Honestly was the trip of a lifetime, and something I will never forget! Gapforce were brilliant in addressing any concerns before and during the trip, and managed to create an itinerary which was fab (including most of the activities I wanted to do in South East Asia anyway!!). It was so lovely meeting people from all over the world and making friends for life.

this trip is the best thing I've had in my life so far, full of laughter, happiness and joy! on We had an unforgettable time with the locals and learnt an enormous amount about ourselves and about other countries and ways of life! We weren't forced into anything, we were safe and we had lots of free time! and for me, as I don't normally speak English, I learnt a lot and excelled myself! I can't see anything negative about this trip apart from the fact that I had to go back at the end... Best experience of my life!

This trip was so much better than I ever thought it could be! I was so nervous to travel across the world and meet a bunch of new people from all over - but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever taken. This trip was the perfect balance of exploring, cultural immersion, relaxing, adventure and so much more! It was planned really well and I’m so happy I was able to take part because without it I’m not sure I definitely would not have been able to see and experience the same things as I did. The tour guides were all so informative and fun and all the day trips were so interesting. I also loved that we were able to have days off to do whatever we wanted every now and then whether that was relaxing, shopping, exploring ect. Like I said before - the trip was balanced just right! I loved travelling in a group and I’m so happy to have met these wonderful people and hope to keep in contact and meet again soon! I highly recommend this to anybody who wants to explore the world without the stress of planning every single detail alone. I’m returning home with a more open mind, 15 new friends and a lifetime of stories to tell<33 Thank you so much! - Heba

the best 8 weeks, such a balance of culture, adventure and making amazing friends. such an iconic guide in Stefan as well, who really made the trip! would do again in a heartbeat and I know everyone else in the group would too

I spent an amazing two months doing this marine conservation programme. The quality of teaching for both the diving and ecological sides of the programme was incredibly high and done with a lot of care. I would really recommend this to anyone considering it. Particular thanks to instructors Jade and Ciara for making the experience as great as it was.

I did the 8 week program and I had the absolute best time. Koh Tao is a perfect island to be on if you're looking for incredible diving, a fun going out scene, and great beaches. The location of the accommodation above the dive shop is perfect. You're close to so many amazing restaurants, stores and right off the beach. The max this program has is 8 which I thought was a great size. The dive shop you dive with is super social, welcoming and very organized. The marine conservation program itself was very organized. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and eager to help the students learn. I learned so much about coral, coral restoration, fish, indicator species and more. The dive shop has its own amazing artificial coral reef where you get to help manage every week. I think the program to free time ratio is perfect. You dive 5 times a week, twice a day, and have two days off to explore the island. The diving is amazing and you really get the chance to hone your diving skills. I became a very advanced diver by the end of my two months on Koh Tao. I would also highly recommend the 8 week program. It gives you more time to really learn and understand the content of the program, join the dive shop community, and overall enjoy the island! I also think the price of this program is super worth it.

When I was choosing my gap year program I had a checklist of everything I wanted to get out of the experience. 1. Meeting new people from around the world. Check. In my group I made friends with people from England as well as South Africa, Ireland and Martinique! It was so cool to be put in a group of people who have different life experiences and stories to share. We had lots of fun debating on the different ways to say words and exploring how our lives differ in school and social life. I was so happy with the bonds I’ve made and the friendships that will always be remembered for future travel buddies! 2. Adventure. Check. This trip was everything I could have hoped for in terms of adventure. Zip-lining, white-water rafting and bungee jumping were some key highlights that made sure, there was never a dull moment. The adrenaline rush I got from these activities was very unforgettable! I can also never forget waking up to tea at 5am in a tent ready to start our hike on the Salkantay trek up to Machu Picchu! This trek held so many cherished memories like going for a dip in the glacier water river, singing our way down a mud slide as it poured down on us and so many more! I can say that my thrill seeking was fulfilled! 3. Volunteer work with animals. Check. The volunteer work on this program was very unique and incredible. We had the opportunity to work at the Yanacocha animal rescue center which was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity! It felt good to be doing hard work feeding, cleaning pens and completing extra work around the sanctuary. The owner and volunteer coordinator made many efforts to make it a fun work environment with the other volunteers. We had chants in the mornings to pump us up for work and fun games in the evening after work was done! You could tell they loved it there and their hearts were in it for the animals! The sanctuary was filled with macaws, pumas, tayras, owls, baby racoons, toucans, ocelots, caymans, many kinds of monkeys and so many more. It was devastating leaving because of the love I developed for these animals. We also had the unique chance to go through gap forces terms and conditions for volunteering to make sure it is ethical and the animal walfare is good. From working there for a week we already knew the sanctuary was amazing and had all the right intentions and going through the paperwork verified that. We even got to release a toucan and sloth into the jungle which was an incredible experience! As I’m done the trip this volunteer experience was definitely my favourite part of the entire trip! 4. Lastly experiencing the jungle. Check. We stayed at the ecolodge Tamandua which was a close tie to my favourite part of the trip. We had an amazing view over the tree tops and spent our nights stargazing on the decking that hung over the trees. Our days were spent either walking to hidden waterfalls, making bracelets and chocolate, reading in hammocks and enjoying the peace that the jungle brings. Another once in a lifeline opportunity we had was sleeping in hammocks in the jungle! We set up the hammocks and shelter ourselves, even making one out of leaves and sticks! We fell asleep to just what you can imagine a jungle would sound like at night and woke up to the birds singing and the sunrise! I even had the opportunity to do it twice which I jumped at the chance to. As a kid I dreamed of being in the jungle and what I got from this trip was so much better! Overall all of my wishes were checked off and fulfilled way beyond I could have ever hoped! Thank you GapForce

Cannot recommend this programme enough! The dive teaching is exemplary, the method of supporting coral reefs is clear and feels gratifying, and the staff are super welcoming and friendly- lots to do in free time and special shout out to Jade and Ciara who lead the programme for their support and joy every step of the way!

A lovely varied itinerary meant there was something for everyone to enjoy. The social side was a real bonus with the group gelling well which added a lot to the experience. Trekking to Machu Picchu was a real highlight.

Amazing experience. A good mix of adventure activities and volunteering. The leader was great and made sure everything was fun and safe. One of the best experiences of my life. This last sentence is just to hit the 200 mark

I really liked how we basically had a new adventure every week but it didn’t feel rushed either. All of the activities were very fun and we had enough free time to explore each town or city we stayed in.

I had an amazing time. Although parts of the Trips itinerary were slightly different in real life than on paper, such as activities in Tamandua the Jungle retreat, it was still a great experience overall. Almost every place we stayed was very safe, and even in places where it was less safe such as Quito, sufficient warnings were given and information was said so we could be as safe as possible! The treks were so beautiful, and they are also very difficult especially the Salkantay Trek at the beginning. I would say both Guides knew loads about everything and both Colin and Raul were extremely fun and knowledgeable, making us feel safe. The best part was the Animal rescue centre, and would even maybe have liked to extend the time we were there by a few days. A trip that is so worth it, and I made lifelong friends and memories!

I had altitude sickness for the all of the trek on Machu Picchu. At one point I thought I wouldn’t get up there but I did. I’m very thankful for Colin for helping me. I was very happy that I was able to do the walk up to Machu Picchu and see it

Loved traveling with this group! We saw so many attractions and had lots of freedom in planning our days! Would definitely recommend, especially as a first time travel experience. The month went by super fast and we were all sad to say goodbye.

I’ve seen everything I need to see in Europe. The trip was long enough for me to meet my new best friends, and Mike was a very good group leader. When I got my phone stolen in Rome Mike helped me file the police report and get all of that sorted out. All of the accommodations were very nice and the travel was easy thanks to Mike. Overall this was a great experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.

I was unlucky to start my trip already under the weather with a stomach bug and felt overwhelmed arriving into such a different atmosphere, however our leader Magnus was super reassuring and got me all the right medication/support to quickly get me back on my feet and able to enjoy the experiences around me! That remained the same throughout the trip, whether you had a query big or small he would approach the situation with no judgement and a level head to ease any worries. I chose this trip due to its organised nature and group aspect as I had concerns about travelling solo for my first backpacking style trip. It definitely met my expectations in that regard as I didn’t have to do any planning of activities or transport but it also made me realise I would’ve liked more freedom because there were activities we missed out on due to the tight schedule. Overall a really rewarding trip, with amazing people and lots of really cool new experiences - you won’t regret going!

The SEA 8 week programme is a great trip full of activities to experience new cultures, foods and people! I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment, especially because I have been surrounded by a great group of friends and an amazing leader, Magnus. He has been very organised and supportive whilst providing us with the freedom to do what we want in our free time. If any one of us were ill, he was quick to respond and provide the necessary measures to support us. The only criticism I have is that the itinerary in Thailand was a bit up and down meaning we had to visit Bangkok 3 times which was a bit tiring. Also, if you want to have flexibility during the trip (e.g. extend your stay in a certain area) then this programme won’t be suited for you as the itinerary is fixed from the start. Overall, I would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to travel and be adventurous in their gap year- you definitely won’t regret it!

I chose this trip because of my initial worries about being a solo female traveller with no experience. The description of the expedition in the brochure detailed a mixture of volunteering, exploring and relaxing and I can confidently say the trip ticks all three boxes. You truly get an authentic experience as you volunteer at the amazing elephant sanctuary (a real highlight of the trip), explore temples or visit waterfalls, celebrate local traditions and appreciate a new culture and cuisine. For someone who wants to gain proper travelling experience and exposure to an entirely different way of life whilst simultaneously staying safe, with the guarantee of making friends and lifelong memories, I really can’t recommend this trip enough. Our team leader Magnus really made the trip, consistently making everyone feel at ease and comfortable, and often going over and above to make you feel reassured in nerve wracking situations that will naturally come with being in an entirely new and different country. His support and knowledge was the best safety blanket as a first time traveller, whilst also a good insight into how to manage mix-ups and what to do when things go wrong. Overall, the trip is the perfect springboard for those looking to gain confidence and experience proper backpacking travel, and by the end of it, you’re ready for the freedom to lean away from a tight group itinerary and embrace the spontaneity of solo travelling that you’re impatient to start it all over again by yourself, or even with the friends you made along the way!

I went to Southeast Asia for 2 months and the the trip was we really something not to forget . We got given a really detailed tour of Thailand Cambodia and Vietnam : the culture , food etc and had a great aray of different activities . My personal favourites were the jungle hike in pai and temple visits in siem riep . We also had a tour guide who was really good and organised and took us on all these activities and made sure everyone was safe . Would definelty recommend the trip

The course allowed me to build up technical and jungle specific skills whilst embracing and enjoying the jungle environment. The breadth of activities was great and it means I feel I’m leaving with a broader understanding on not just outdoor based skills such as kayaking and starting fires but also leadership qualities and the realities of managing a big team effectively in difficult environments. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I had such a good time whilst also learning a lot about myself.

This course is a wonderful blend of leadership training, travel organization training, and technical wilderness skills. You start out in Wales where you engage in mountain leader skills, then you move on the Costa Rica where you spend the majority of the course. The Costa Rican portion consists of a nice blend of jungle trekking, navigation, activity based leadership (ziplining, biking, kayaking, etc), and general cultural immersion. I would highly recommend this course for anybody who is exceptionally adventurous and wants to break into the outdoor industry as an expedition leader.

A good basic introduction to adventure travel leadership. It covers a wide range of topics including theory based workshops as well as practical information and outdoor skills such as jungle and medical training

A Greta course with a really good balance of practical and theory based content. To be in Costa Rica was a great experience. The instructors were knowledgeable, supportive and friendly throughout. I’d recommend the course to anyone.

I had the most amazing and rewarding time on the ELT course with Gapforce. Learning to live and work in the jungle has been thrilling and I have loved the challenges it has presented to us. The adventure of crossing rivers, dealing with poisonous snakes and medical evacuation planning has been an experience I'll never forgot!

An action-packed course where you learn to become a competent leader and outdoors person. During this course you try your hand at nearly every outdoor activity. The course and leaders guide you through lots of helping leadership and mindset workshops which help you progress as a leader.

A really unique experience that I doubt you would find anywhere else ! For me I was attracted to this course because of the job opportunity at the end of the course. I was looking for a change in career path and this course provided everything I was looking for. Now that I've finished the course I can definitely say it didn't disappoint. I learnt a lot about leadership and developed my people skills. Not everyone was interested in a job at the end and just did the course for the experience. It was great to see the change in character of some people over the course. Especially the increased confidence in the younger ones !

The Gapforce Expedition leader training is a great adventure and an entry into the outdoor industry for those wanting this. The leader training is mainly focused on leading groups of young people aged 18-25 on long duration trips around the world. If you are looking for Jungle survival skills, leadership training, adventure, team spirit and general adventure this course is a good place to start! Extract of a letter to home: ---------------------------------------------------------------- “we have spent some incredible time with the Bri Bri tribe and gathered all the info we could. Really interesting! Build with Vines, Made spears & bow and Arrow, Learned Friction fire, Animal snares, a thousand types of animals and plants. We were on night fishing / hunting with Mynor (Bri Bri ) and caught Crabs and crayfish. The jungle have started to feel like a “Forest instead of an Alien and totally overwhelming place. I get up every morning to the sound of howler monkeys, shake my boots for spiders and scorpions. I lift my backpack to se if a snake has made a home under it. After that, I put on my wet work Clothes and prepare for another day. It sounds dangerous and alien and it feels like that in the beginning, but the truth is that you “Tune in” and that the nature here is mostly friendly. I observe tarantulas and see them more like you would see a forest mouse in a European forest – notice how is runs away and is afraid of me. I enjoy the sight of unbelievably beautiful poisonous frogs and all the other stuff here. There lived a sloth next to one of our camps – I call him Alfred :D There is a lot to write! , bullfrogs the size of a rabbit, turtles crabs, parrots, Tapirs, 100 spiders and snakes etc. That being said, there are plenty of challenges here and this is a rough environment to be in. I have started to eat 300-400g of peanut butter a day to maintain my weight somewhat, but despite that I would recon that I have lost 5-10 kg of weight. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Can only recommend the training: Pack your bags and go into the jungle :)

This was an amazing experience and I have learned so much along the way. The Oceans Unlimited dive shop is super welcoming and there is a big sense of community among all the divers. The instructors give you all the tools to help you succeed and are very nice. Quepos and Manual Antonio are beautiful and have the best sunsets I have ever seen. Staying in a homestay is wonderful and is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. Highly recommend to anyone interested in becoming a dive instructor!

This was one of the most challenging, adventurous and fun experiences I've ever had. I learned so much about myself and developed so much as a person and as a leader. The instructors were fantastic - being incredible supportive throughout the programme, helping each person work towards their goals, challenging us in every way we needed and brought learning to life. The activities and training were great, tailored to what the outdoor industry is like today, and giving us to many unique experiences. I had so much fun every single day, worked with a diverse and inspiring team of people and so inspired to enable others to experience the outdoors in the best way possible.

This experience was excellent and professionally run and administered throughout. This includes the Office staff based in the UK, who remained in regular contact and were very supportive, answering queries promptly and politely, to the instructing staff in Wales and Costa Rica. Highly recommended.

The staff of Gapforce was really well prepared and friendly throughout the full length of this 4-month course. I have learned a variety of new skills and handicrafts and was able to immerse myself in the indigenous Bribri tribe.

It was an incredible experience that will never be forgotten. We discovered a lot of new things in the group: breathtaking places, a new culture, new food, etc. We were given a good impression of the whole country and I was very convinced. The local people in Thailand, but also in the group were very nice. An experience you should have made!

Was so much more than I expected. Met amazing people and leaders. Would highly recommend this to anyone as you will have the trip of a lifetime and you will never look back at it with regret. Helps you step out of your comfort zone with likeminded people.

The whole trip was just incredible! In those 7 weeks you see all of the famous east coast spots and do a lot of well-planned activities but also have enough freetime to do your own thing which makes it perfectly balanced. The volunteering part is another very good part of the trip because even though it might not be interesting all the time, you give the country you stay in something back. If you think about doing the trip, than book it now!

This trip is amazing for those who may not have much experience in travelling much like myself , it’s been a great experience and i have had the time of my life the gap force team have been amazing and i have enjoyed everything moment of the trip would definitely recommend to anyone.

Travelling to Costa Rica with Gap Force was incredible. We had the opportunity to volunteer throughout our trip including reforestation and hatchery guarding. We saw lots of different things I would not have experienced had a travelled on my own such as seeing turtles laying eggs on remote beaches and staying with the BriBri tribe. I also loved the ziplining and the Tarzan swing. Through this trip I have met so many great people and formed amazing friendships. I would definitely recommend this once in a lifetime trip!

First off I have a lot more confidence in myself. The jungle is the hardest environment on earth. There is a reason why the special forces train in the jungle. Gapforce agrees with me, if you can lead groups in the jungle then you can do that everywhere on our planet. After this course there is the feeling that you can handle everything everywhere. I always had the spirit of adventure and a small dream to travel to beautiful remote places, but I had no idea where to start and where to learn the essential skills of planning, surviving and taking a group with you. Either as work or as your own expedition with mates. I also learned medical stuff. I was never a fan of medical procedures and I didn't know anything about it. But during this course I learned a lot of medical procedures and I liked it. I know now how to set up an evacuation, give CPR and how to handle an emergency. Before this course I never thought of risk assessments and how to keep people safe. Now everywhere I go I think of emergency scenarios and how to fix them. It is a little bit like a mind puzzle. I enjoy that very much and it makes you feel like you're prepared on anything. I learned a lot but it doesn't mean that there weren't any fun things. For example we had a barbecue and during a volunteer project I measured a leatherback turtle and reburied its eggs to protect them from poachers. We visited a local tribal Bribri village and we did a 7 days trekking through untouched jungle. To get the most out of this course I would recommend already having the basic lead/survival skills but even without it you can make it and end up working as a expedition guide. It is important to know that this course is focused on training you to become a expedition leader. This is more of a training course then a adventure course.

Really good introduction to travelling! I’ll be doing more travelling after this trip and now feel a lot more confident about it. A pro of this trip for me has been staying in hostels and interacting with locals, you get to understand the country a lot more.

Really has been an incredible month - it hasn’t slowed down for anyone, I don’t think I could imagine getting anymore out of a volunteering travelling experience! So incredible to see such a vastly different way of life, from indigenous peoples to coastal towns to mountains in the jungle, I don’t think I could’ve asked for anything more - thank you!

Very mind opening experience seeing and meeting new things, group of people were amazing and everyone was like minded fun, good mix between having social time for own activities like surfing and helping the local community, would recommend to anyone wanting to do volunteering or digging holes

Such an amazing experience that I doubt you can get from anyone else! Gapforce really made sure our trip was stocked full of such rewarding and great experiences; Volunteering in the local community, hikes to waterfalls, zip lining, surfing, and plenty of afternoons off where we could explore our local environment! I don’t think I could have asked for a better trip, money well spent if you’re looking for an engaging and fun adventure. Our trip leader Jeremie was great, really helped the group gel and such a good motivator; you always felt supported by him and he had such good advice (and dad jokes). The trip all in all felt so well organised and you never felt as if you were out of things to do. I’ve made friends for life, working hard as a team and reaping the rewards brings people together so well and gapforce has managed to create a trip where exactly that happens!

I‘m an experienced Survival Expert and Outdoor guide from Germany but I thought there’s always something to learn and I wanted to get more experience in leading groups through the jungle and getting a good fundamental mountain leader training from a british company. The GapForce ELT program seemed to be perfect for me, because of it’s adventurous content and schedule. What I got and experienced was really good. We did many day hikes through the mountains in Wales with navigation, rope work like abseiling and much more. And we also spent many many times in the jungle in Costa Rica. That helped me to develop my skills and behavior in the jungle a lot. We‘ve seen fantastic places, gorges, hills, mountains, a lot of wildlife and also bad wet weather. The instructor are very nice, helpful and experienced in what they doing and they gaved me everything I‘ve wanted from this course. We did a lot of river crossings, water safety and some rope work too. There’s also a big part of wilderness and survival training wich was also a reason, that this is the right thing for me. We did the jungle training in many different camps with different conditions wich is really good to get as much experience as possible. There was also a lot of theory content in terms of safety, leadership, presentation etc. included to help beginners becoming a leader and organizing and leading trips. Really good to get into this industry. It’s also good to prove yourself and get a better life experience. Over all I was able to gather many knowledge and skills that I can use for my private expeditions or for my company. But this is not a holiday trip! You should be fit, healthy and tough and bring some outdoor and life experience to get the best out of this incredible journey!

The ELT program was amazing and such a good experience. The biggest thing I got out of it for me was the confidence in my own abilities to start planning work straight away. The course is structured to provide a progressive program, developing your skills (both personal and leadership) constantly. The first few weeks in Wales were great to meet the team, climb some mountains and form friendships. The pace and intensity picked up when we got to Costa Rica and straight into the jungle. The instructors were great at making us feel as comfortable as possible and you do get used to living in a jungle environment quickly. The endless animals and plants is beautiful and there are some really amazing sights and sounds you’ll see every single day. Belt-kit and survival challenge tested our skills but also developed them and our confidence even further. For me, the highlight of the course came during the survival challenge. During this, my team ended up making a huge five person bed out of vines which was incredibly comfortable. After several nights of sleeping on that, it was time to leave the jungle…but our way of doing it. We trekked down the river, past incredible waterfalls and through a lot of obstacles. We kept on trekking through the river until it got too deep. At that point, we swam, using our massive 75L+ rucksacks as floats. We ended up following the river down to the beach and seeing the astounded look on the tourists faces as we emerged from the jungle absolutely soaked and stinking was priceless. I highly recommend the course, you will develop your skills and confidence way above what you thought was possible!

This course was the most amazing experience. The chance to live in the jungle, learn from indigenous folk and learn important life skills is priceless and an opportunity most of us will never have again. Over the past 4 months I have become a more confident, well-rounded and employable person, enjoying every second of it. The staff are supportive and are passionate about what they do. If you want into the adventure travel industry, this is your chance! Gain skills, memories and friends for life!

The program was great, it was exactly what I wanted it to be. All the activities were good fun and weren't too hard. The staff were very energetic and positive which made the experience much more enjoyable. Also there was a good bunch of other gap year students which made the whole program very fun. And the weekend trips to Port Elizabeth and Jeffery's Bay made it even more fun.

I had a fantastic time and really enjoyed my 2 weeks. Wish I had booked an extra one. The organisation was spot on and the staff at Kwantu were lovely and friendly. I was surprised at how much I learnt whilst also having great fun- as met other gap year students on the same trip. We managed to visit Port Elizabeth in our free time but also Jeffries' bay and squeezed in a bungee jump before going back home. Strongly recommend.

The most amazing and quickest 7 weeks in Australia! My highlights have to be Fraser Island and the Whitsundays Sailing as both places were absolutely stunning, and I had never experienced something like those places before. I was worried that the trip may feel like a school trip however this was not the case as you are given a fair degree of independence and free time. Our two leaders were very friendly, easy to talk to and knowledgeable about the trip. My only criticism with the trip is that you do spend a long time in Cairns which isn't the most exciting of places. Overall, I would highly recommend this trip, especially to new travellers mainly due to its amazing itinerary and it being well organised.

This trip has been the best 8 weeks of my life and I have extremely enjoyed experiencing different cultures and meeting new people. My expectations were completely exceeded and I never thought that I would see as much as I did. I would recommend this trip to everyone thinking about travelling. Throughout this trip I felt that the money was well distributed, however in Thailand I felt budget money for food was slightly restricting. Furthermore, I also felt that visiting Kampot was slightly unnecessary as there was not a huge amount to do. However, the leadership on this trip was amazing, a great balance between being professional and engaging and socialising with the participants. Overall, I had thoroughly enjoyed this trip and I would definitely consider doing another trip similar.

Loved the activities, cycling, visiting waterfalls and snorkelling. The hostel, white rabbit, in Siem Reap was incredible and felt safe and happy throughout my stay. Liked it how we had a variety of hostels and continuously moved about it made it feel as if we saw everything. Personally, I didn't see the point of seeing Kampot, it was a lovey hostel but the town itself didn't make an impact on the group, and the mountain tour was a little bit on the dull side. Nonetheless, loved the rest of the trip and would highly recommend to others. thank you.

Since the moment the 8 weeks started, the group leaders mad an active effort to include and welcome all the participants. For anyone who's thinking of going travelling for the first time and are unsure what company to go with or where to go, gapforce will support you in every step and have a good range of trips if you're uncertain of where to go. All accommodation, food and activities were inclusive and I'd do the whole 8 weeks again.

This program is a great introduction to long-term traveling, as you are in a group of people with planned activities most days. You see the best of what Australia has to offer on the east coast, my favorite city being Byron Bay. The Whitsunday Islands and the Atherton Tablelands in Cairns were also highlights. There are many scenic and gorgeous overlooks for pictures and you get to see the diversity of wildlife and climate that Australia has to offer. After 4 weeks there is a volunteering segment, which can be challenging, but is rewarding in the end. Around this portion of the trip there are less activities and a lot of free time, as you are in Cairns for a little over three weeks. There is an excellent extra activity called Green Island tour, which is a beautiful area with snorkeling. There is also skydiving, bungee jumping, and white water rafting (these all cost extra $). Be sure to bring enough if you want to do these, and for food in general because Australia is expensive in certain areas. You get a good mix of free time and planned activities throughout the time you're there. It's an amazing trip and you get to know the people you're traveling with very well and become like a big family. You will get a lot of it and learn so much about an amazing country with many experiences to offer.

This was my first time travelling alone without my family, which was a daunting experience in itself. That's why I chose to do a guided trip with other people, this was definitely the right decision and it is a great way to start off your travelling in a safe way, it eases you in and makes you so much more confident to go and travel by yourself. The trip itself was jam-packed with activities and you definitely got your money's worth for 7 weeks of travelling with accommodation and activities included. However, I did find that there were quite a few 'free days' which sometimes was a little frustrating as you just ended spending money for the sake of it. On the topic of money, I should have taken double what I did. The Gapforce website advised that you take approximately £750 for food for the whole trip, this was definitely not enough as Australia is really expensive!! A lot of others on the trip also recognised this, and some of us had to go into extra money or contact our parents because we hadn't brought enough with us. I think it might have been helpful to have known how expensive Australia was and how much money per day you would need (I'd advise £25-35). The highlights of this trip are definitely the Whitsunday Islands and the trip to the Atherton tablelands in Cairns. Everywhere here is beautiful and therefore your camera roll will be filled with scenic views and many waterfalls! The best times that I had were actually the extra activities that you could pay for like Green Island and Skydiving! (I would recommend taking at least an extra £500 to be able to have the freedom to enjoy these activities if you'd like to) a lot of people also got the opportunity to get their PADI diving certificates over 4 days which I would highly recommend as it is much cheaper than England! The volunteering section in the last couple of weeks was definitely harder than expected, a lot of us were a little disappointed as on the Gapforce website it states that the volunteering would involve animal conservation such as Koalas and Wallabies. However, we only got told a couple of weeks into the trip that we were actually going to be spending 4 hours in 35ºc heat weeding and planting trees, not what we had expected. Despite this, we all learnt a lot and very much appreciated the week after volunteering where we could relax and catch up on some sleep! This trip was honestly some of the best weeks of my life and I met some wonderful people. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who hasn't travelled before and finds it hard to meet new people. You get a wonderful tour of Australia and I don't think anywhere was missed out on the trip at all, the itinerary was great and the Gapforce leaders were even better, they were so supportive and got to know all 23 of us individually, you really felt like a big family only after 1 week of knowing each other. I would highly recommend a Gapforce trip but brace yourself for 7 weeks of beautiful views, unforgettable experiences and lots of partying! I vlogged my 7 week experience - if you want to know exactly what we did.

It was a lot of fun, great combination of travelling and volunteering. Very nice atmosphere in the travel group and great leader. A lot of fun activities. You see a lot of each country and get a great feeling for every place. Definitely recommended

Travelling halfway around the world for 2 months is never going to be easy, but the Gapforce trip makes it an incredible experience. The trip is packed with different experiences, from the fast paced city of Sydney up to the serene Fraser Island, this was a truly unique and fun way to experience the east cost of Australia. It’s daunting travelling thousands of miles to spend 7 weeks with people you’ve never met, but after a while you forget that you only met recently, as you’ve made friendships that will last. I even decided to remain in Australia for another few months, to live and work with some of the people I’ve met on this trip. The volunteering portion of the trip was difficult, 4 hours of hard work daily in the heat planting trees and weeding areas of land. This was a different experience to what was described on the website, and it was a little disappointing that we weren’t working with the amazing wildlife and animals found in Australia. It was overall a rewarding experience to have done, but not my first choice when it comes to voluntary work and something to consider when planning this trip! The leaders provided fantastic support, and their advice on what to do, where to visit and the extra activities available was very helpful. Their interaction with the group made it a better experience, and it was clear they loved what they were doing. The optional activities are definitely worth it, from bungee and skydiving, to spending a day relaxing on Green island there is definitely something you’ll want to do, and no doubt they’ll be one of the most memorable parts of your trip. If you’re looking for a tour of the east coast that captures a bit of everything, whilst giving you some freedom to choose what you’d like, this trip is a fantastic opportunity in an incredible country.

The most amazing 7 weeks travelling up the East coast of Australia. The included activities were incredible- my highlights being Fraser Island and the Whitsundays sailing, as both places were both stunning and nothing like I'd ever experienced before. I was anxious at first that the trip would feel like I was back on a school trip, however, I did not find this the case as you are given relatively large amounts of freedom and are able to go off into the local area on your own. Our two leaders, Humphrey and Andy were both very good, as they were friendly, easy to talk to and had good knowledge of the local area. My only criticism is that you do spend a long time in Cairns (3.5 weeks) during and after the volunteering, which does end up getting very samey.

My Australian adventure was amazing! The trip was jam packed with activities but also well balanced with free/down time. The leaders were always making sure everyone was having the best time and we had all the information we needed. The days were well structured with a lot of free days to explore for yourself which was really good. My favourite part of the trip was the 3 days on Fraser Island, a surreal experience! You definitely get your money’s worth with all the included activities which were fun to do as a group.

I came on the TEL course looking for a challenge different to one I’d ever had before. I’d just finished school, in which the vast majority of your work is very individual. So I wanted to put myself in a team environment instead and learn as much as I could, both about being in and leading a team. The travelling the world and jungle bit was a big selling point for me too. The course absolutely delivered. I found myself very much out of my comfort zone and I absolutely loved it. The course is very intense. You receive a huge amount of feedback, which can be hard to keep taking on board. But it is super helpful and alarmingly insightful, and I was very grateful for it when I saw how much quicker I was growing. The jungle was quite something. To be so immersed in nature is not an opportunity most of us get often, and even the photos don’t do it justice. It was also just so refreshing to not be surrounded by technology and marketing, and to just be happy in the moment with some quality and down to earth people. Speaking of the people, I had such a lovely group to share this with. The outdoors tends to attract a certain down to earth type of person and that they were. Spending every day with them for 4 months means you all go through many different dynamics together, but learning how to be amongst and even influence that was another challenge I loved. Lots of us wanted to go on to be expedition leaders (though you don’t have to want to to go on this course), and by the end I felt really well trained and that I had a solid and detailed understanding of what it meant to run an expedition. Ultimately, I had an amazing time and would 100% recommend it.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do this trip. For reasons such as only being 18; the fact Australia is on the other side of the globe; and a few others, I was worried I’d feel alone on this trip. However, that is not the case, the group becomes friends that will last forever. You learn to live with others, and you learn the challenges of travelling through a foreign country all the while having the support of your group leaders and new found friends. The trip itself is rather fast-paced. You head from one town to the next almost every other day. Once you arrive in cairns, you can unpack and relax, as moving around stops for a few weeks. The volunteering in cairns is not a piece of cake. You work hard for 4 hours a day. There is a lot of manual labour involved, but in the end, you can look back and be proud of what you and your group has accomplished. As for accommodation, you stay in hostels, but you are never with strangers. Wifi and power outlets are common and keeping devices charged isn’t something to worry about.

i had a really fun time, will always remember it and i wish it was carrying on for longer. everyone was so nice and the group leaders were very helpful and were more like friends than people in charge which was nice.

Made friends for life and memories I will cherish. The experience has built my confidence about traveling and trying new experiences and food. Had a brilliant time. The one exception was mental health problems were not dealt with suitably. Our leader Callum was both professional and fun. Always felt safe and happy.

I signed up to this course not really sure what I wanted out of it but having always loved challenging myself, being outdoors and travelling the world. This course delivered that and more. The last four months have been a serious test of grit and perseverance; from eating porridge every day for four months to trekking through beautiful, dense jungle for twelve hours a day; leading multi-day cycles around lakes and volcanoes and trying to stay awake through overnight cave rescue/medical training. The instructors are awesome, supportive and experienced people who help you discover strengths you didn’t think you had. I’ve come away with a clear idea of the direction I want to take and relevant, industry recognised qualifications. The course packs a lot in so don’t expect to have a day off in the four months you’re away but who cares when you’re doing something different and insane pretty much every day! Whether you’re interested in getting into the industry or not I cannot recommend this course enough. If you’re currently sat in a grey office wondering if this course is worth the investment then I can 100% confirm that signing up will be the best choice you make.

I had a great time on the South American Explorer program. I only did the 4-weeks, but I really enjoyed everything in the program. I’d have to say my favorite activity was the Salkantay trek to Macchu Pichu, despite it getting hard at times, it was a great experience and very rewarding once you stood overlooking Macchu Pichu. The culture is so different from my own and it’s very humbling and exciting to be immersed in the indigenous culture here. The people are very nice and I would one hundred percent recommend it for anyone looking to do it.

I absolutely loved this program! I was really scared going into it because I’ve never traveled alone before but I had nothing to worry about. Everyone I met was fantastic. They were down to earth, nice, and so much fun. I can not describe how beautiful Peru and Ecuador are, I’ve never been anywhere like it. There are definitely challenges along the way but they are very “character building” and I am so thankful for them. The trek to Machu Picchu was tough but you get so much closer along the way. Also you get to go to relax in a hot spring and go zip lining! My favourite part was definitely Yanacocha, I could literally stay there forever it was such an amazing experience. Banos pushes out limits as we went rafting and jumped off a bridge! The only thing I’ll say is that the spanish lessons were a bit of a let down. I was in the basic group and we didn’t learn anything. I heard the advanced group did a lot though. I definitely recommend this trip for everyone but especially people who wanna get out of their comfort zone and meet fantastic people along the way:)))

This trip included everything I’d hoped for, from Spanish lessons to hiking to Machu Picchu and volunteering in a beautiful animal center. Our guide Colin was amazing and went to great lengths to make our trip the most enjoyable experience. He got extra activities such as yoga in Lima and better busses for our journeys. The accommodation was great as well. Loved it!

Nach dem ich mit der Schule fertig war wollte ich mir eine Auszeit nehmen und fand diese Programme. Es war perfekte für mich um aus meinem gewohnten Umfeld zu entkommen und nicht nur ein neues land und neue Leute kennenzulernen sondern auch eine gamz anderes Universum. Nemlich die Unterwasser welt, jeden Tag den ich mit Tauchen verbracht habe lernte ich etwas neues über das Meer und seine Bewohner. Wie wichtig die Ozeane für die Zukunft sind und was jeder von uns tun kann um sie zu schützen. Außerdem lernt ich das die kleinsten Lebewesen manchmal die am interessantesten sind, z. B nudibranch. Diese kleinen Lebewesen sind manchmal nicht mal 2 cm und so schwer zu finden aber unglaublich interessant und farbenfrohe Tierchen, welche zu meine absoluten Favoriten gehören nach meiner nudibranch awareness Klasse. Alles in allem habe ich die beste Zeit meines Gap years in Costa Rica unterwasser verbracht und würde jederzeit wieder gerne in Costa Rica tauchen gehen.

When I first heard about that program I thought that it sounds too good to be true. But it turned out that it has been exactly what was promised. Together with the experienced and flexible crew of the DiveShop Oceans Unlimited I feel like I became a professional and confident Divemaster. Thanks to the theoretical and practical teaching I could feel an improvement everyday during diving which motivated me to keep studying to become more and more professional. Their ability to adapt to every individual skill-level or handicap allowed all of my friends that I got to know during the program to become a Divemaster as well. Beyond my personal improvements in Scuba diving I made much experiences in teamwork, teaching but most of all sustainability and marine conservation. At first I was skeptical whether they could teach us all the specialities they where promising in only two and a half months. But the passionated members of the Marine conservation Costa Rica non profit organization, that works hand in hand with the dive shop, were able to teach us everything they promised and beyond. Special thanks to John Reinbott, a marine Biologist that worked in the Florida Keys and became a member of the non profit. He introduced me into the fascinating life and role of Corals, Nudibranch, Octopus, Sponges etc. It taught me so much and I definitely see the oceans with different eyes now, which has been one of many things that I wanted to achieve with this program. My homestay was really close to the Diveshop. The lovely local mom spread nothing but good vibes, love and good, fresh food. It always felt like coming home rather than coming back to just a homestay. She put a lot of effort in keeping the house clean and making me feel comfortable. Quepos, the little town where you will live is rather local than touristy. It gives you an interesting perspective on the culture and the local way of living. It feels safe and offers everything you need. ATMs, Coffeeshops, supermarkets, Sodas and a nice food market every weekend. A good contrast to Manuel Antonio, a touristy town 20min with the bus. It has an amazing beach just as the beautiful little national park. In conclusion I will say that my time in Costa Rica was a once in a lifetime experience that expanded my horizons and expanded my knowledge about the marine life and its conservation. Furthermore I became a good Divemaster and met many interesting people that I became friends with.

I joined the 8 week program. I would definitely suggest to do the whole program, cause Vietnam was one of the best parts of the trip. I also really enjoyed the “house building project“. It is such a good experience to build something with your own hands and seeing the result just after 5 days. I had a really good time in Asia and suggest it to everyone who likes to have a look into new cultures and a different kind of living.

I participated in the six weeks excursion of South East Asia! Facing the longest flight and furthest I’ve ever been away from home, saying I was nervous is an understatement. However, once I had landed in Bangkok and met one of my team leaders (Terence) all of the nerves melted away, he welcomed everyone with open arms and reminded us all of the adventure we were about to embark on. I would say that the two team leaders Callum and Terrance made the trip! Straight away they were both so welcoming and encouraging and offered a lot of support throughout the trip, from being the biggest motivators to giving all types of advice as well as provided a lot of laughs. But in conclusion I loved every second of it and was gutted I couldn’t continue on with the group to Vietnam. I honestly achieved so much more than I anticipated and packed so much into such a short space of time which I know, would have been impossible on my own as a first-time traveller. My biggest piece of advice is to just book it!!!

I did the 6 weeks tour of both Thailand and Cambodia and had the most amazing time ever. I had never done anything like that or been anywhere like this so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but as soon as we got greeted at the airport by Terence I was at ease, he was very welcoming. Him and Callum both made the experience what it was, incredible. They both were very easy to talk to, fun and supportive. We saw amazing places, including beautiful beaches and views, mountains and waterfalls, get up close to elephants, I did things I never thought I’d do, activities like hiking, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, building a house for a family in Cambodia, and even when I found it challenging, the support from Callum and Terrance helped allot. I would really recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for an adventure and to meet amazing people!

My tour leaders Callum Jenkins and Terence Kuan were able to maintain professionalism while still managing to make me feel comfortable as well as gave me ample opportunity to have fun. I really developed a lot as a person over the past two months from the cultural immersion, the independence and freedom I got from being able to go out on my own on our free days and having to figure things out on my own, Ive swam through caves, summited the highest mountain in Thailand, been blessed by monks, and built a house!!! Im very thankful to gap force for giving me these opportunities.

When my family and friends ask me how was Australia it’s very hard to answer. Mostly because stories I tell sound unbelievable - on the trip I pushed myself to do things I would have never done back home; and because the whole trip has been so amazing it sounds like I am exaggerating. The location was obviously dreamy - amazing beaches, friendly Australians and warm weather. But what made this journey even more special were the people. We lived together for (only) seven weeks, but I can say that some individuals turned into friends, as they helped me to overcome my fears and push my limits. And the experience I have gained because of this trip will benefit me forever. I am going back home with tanned skin, head full of amazing memories and heart full of joy. And I am so glad that I (for once in my life) did not overthink the whole situation and just spontaneously booked the trip. It’s maybe the best decision I have ever made. I also want to thank the leaders of the trip who were always there for us (even at 3 am in the morning).

I did the 7-week program. The trip was absolutely amazing! Already after 4 days the group had become so close. The order of the trip was perfect and we got to see so much. There were two people who switched their 4-week program to the 7-week program, because they liked it so much. Over all you’ll get a good image of the east coast the only city we didn’t go was Melbourne but that didn’t make the trip less good.

Can’t stress enough how amazing this trip was in every way. Totally prepared me to travel on my own in countries across the world, increased my confidence when talking to people and taught me how to be an adult (or some parts of it). None of that would be possible without the group leaders Andy and Humphrey. They allow the perfect level of flexibility and independence while also making sure you are safe and being there with the answers to any questions you may have. 10/10 would recommend to someone considering a gap year. Gapforce will push any concerns you have about your gap year away. Miss everyone already!

I would highly recommend this trip to anyone and everyone! Having always wanted to travel Australia I would never of been able to organise everything on this trip i.e white water rafting, fraiser island, surfing (I could go on) making my trip very easy. Our leaders, Andy and Humphrey truly made our experience being the parent, friend and occasional doctor we needed for our little family. We laughed the whole way up the coast whilst obviously conducting many dynamic risk assessments! The people on the trip were amazing and I made many true friends who saying goodbye was difficult. It’s crazy to me that I ever considered NOT going on this trip, it’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone whilst always feeling safe and make friends. The only bad thing about it is that the rest of gap year might not measure up! Thank you GapForce (Andy and Humphrey). Memories for a lifetime

The trip was truly amazing! Made so many good friends and will miss every single one of them. All the activities were super fun and well planned. Accommodation was mostly comfy. Would definitely do this trip again :)

I have thoroughly enjoyed this trip and feel it has been the perfect mixture of travelling around different places, trying new activities and meeting new people. We had two leaders - Andy and Humphrey who were fantastic and ensured we had the opportunity to undertake any activities that we desired. I loved that there was such a big group of individuals who have come from all over the world, we all became close, very quickly :) I would recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in travelling around the East Coast of Australia.

This trip has exceeded my expectations. This was my first time travelling on my own and I am so pleased I chose this trip! I was homesick at first but the leaders, Andy and Humphrey, made me feel at home and really encouraged me. They made the trip so enjoyable! The trip is fantastic to really build your self confidence and memories as there are many experiences to participate in such as the Harbour Bridge Climb which i definitely recommend. Moving from place to place i really enjoyed and Byron Bay was a big favourite on this trip with Fraser Island and the Whitsundays being absolutely magical. There is alot of flexibility on this trip to really find yourself. My confidence really increased so much so, I didn't want to leave Australia! I am very pleased i pushed myself to take part as i wouldn't have made the memories or made the most amazing friends.

If this is your first time traveling, and feel safer with some babysitting, Join Gapforce!! If you have travelled Anywhere at all before and are interested in the ability to spend free time doing what you want when you want, no need for a group. The group and itinerary are both great, however this is basically a high school trip with two teachers. It is very hard to go on excursions on your own even when you have 24+ hours of free time due to the companies risk management and legal team. The issue with the buddy system is often times 18 year olds like to see and do nothing all day and drink all night. Don’t get me wrong, if you are scared to travel on your own or would like some babysitting, join Gapforce!!!

I participated I The Europe Tour put on by Gapforce in July 2019 and I have to say I’m glad I took the chance to participate in the tour! From London all the way to Amsterdam I made many friends and memories I’ll never forget! This was my first time travelling abroad and Gapforce took all worries that I had about traveling away! Hostels: The living conditions Gapforce provided were better than I expected! They found safe/clean hostels for us to stay where we’d bunk in rooms together and with other travellers. I met so many interesting people and made some friends at the hostels we stayed at! Tour Guides: Will and Andy our tour guides provided by Gapforce did a FANTASTIC job on this tour! We were very lucky to have such ambitious, patient and charismatic leaders! Whether it was assisting us after our nightly adventures or making sure everyone was being included in group activities both Will and Andy went ABOVE their job description to make sure everyone enjoyed their trip! Cheers boys!! Travelling: We always travelled by train in between countries! The trains are very spacious and I had no bad experiences on any of them! Make sure to use the metro in the cities, they’re your best friend and will save you a ton of walking! If you do partake in this trip be prepared to do a lot of walking during the day while your out and while you’re going to the next destination so be prepared to be moving around a lot! The tour: Everyday we’d usually start out in the morning with a tour by either Will or Andy in which we’d go see different tourist attractions and sights around the city. After that we’d take a break for lunch and have a choice after to continue on a guided tour by them or to be able to take the afternoon to ourselves. I found taking the afternoon to walk around and explore was a good way to take in the culture and meet some locals! Escape days and the nightlife: We got two escape in our four week period in Europe in which we were able to do whatever we wanted! My best advice would be to plan your day out in advance the day before so you can get tickets to any tours or sights you’d like to see! The nightlife in most of the places was interesting! It’s a very fun way to take in the culture and meet people! My only advice would be to always travel in groups( especially when out at night) and make sure to look after yourself if you are partaking in any of the nighttime adventures. Safety: Our tour guides did a great job of making sure everyone stayed safe on our trip! They always would check in on us if we were on our own adventures and always made sure we were staying hydrated if we were with them! Overall the trip was life changing and I met so many great people that came along on the tour and on our travels! A truly unforgettable experience!!

The 4 weeks I spent in Costa Rica were some of the best in my life! The homestay immediately felt like home, and everyday was a new adventure diving and learning about the local ecology. The dive staff were happy to help with anything related to the course and tips with Costa Rican life. At the end of my trip, I wish I could do it all over again.

I have never done something like this before. I’ve never been away from family for more than a week so this was a huge step. The leaders were there for me to lean on when i needed comfort from my homesickness and they talked me through different ways to help cope. They genuinely cared about my well being as well as my mental health which helped me tremendously throughout the duration of this trip. I learned a lot from my leaders and matured from this experience and saw many, MANY beautiful places unlike any other. Each place holds a unique memory for me and i would recommend this to anyone/everyone looking to gain some independence, friends, as well as the experience of a lifetime.

This 4 week trip along the Australian east coast was awesome. We had a great group and thanks to our amazing Leader Gaz we could see and experience a lot. He showed us how beautiful and exciting Australia is. Traveling changes the view of life and brings you home with a big backpack with many new experiences and friends. Such an organized tour is great for young people who start traveling. Even though I was already traveling alone, it was an incredible experience to spend 4 weeks with a group.

This trip was so fun! It was perfect for someone like me who really wanted to travel to Europe but wasn’t comfortable traveling by myself. I got to experience so many different cultures, beautiful places amazing history and meet so many amazing people that I will continue to keep In touch with. Our leaders Andy and Will were amazing and did a great job keeping everything running smoothly and making sure that everyone was always having a good time. They knew so much about each place we went to and made sure we got to do anything we wanted to do. I would 100% recommend this trip to anyone looking to travel around Europe!

I had such an amazing time on the Europe tour with Gapforce. I was looking forward to the trip for ages, and once it started it didn’t disappoint. I met such great people on the trip. Our group leaders were awesome. Will and Andy couldn’t have done a better job. They knew a lot about each city we traveled to, and lead great tours throughout the trip. I really enjoyed the itinerary- the leaders did a really nice job of letting us explore each city in small groups after a big group tour. Escape days throughout the trip were so fun, and it was nice to be able to make your own itinerary for the day! If you’re looking into a travel agency, I would 100% recommend Gapforce. The Gapforce team was so helpful when questions needed answers. The Europe tour with Will and Andy was by far the highlight of my summer!!

Thinking about traveling through Europe? Gapforce is the perfect company to approach. I chose Gapforce because they had a well structured itinerary. Our leaders Andy and Will were both excellent in managing the logistics of our tour. They always made sure that we were on time for our trains and that we were safe and comfortable. Everyday was filled with sightseeing, fun and laughter, our leaders even arranged a boat cruise for us in Barcelona. There was never a dull moment ! I also made so many incredible new friends on this trip. I would recommend booking your Europe tour with Gapforce. You won’t regret it !

The Gapforce Europe Tour was a greatly enjoyable experience and a true highlight of my gap year. Through this trip you can see so many cities with a variety of cultures and attractions. I got to see Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, the Berlin Wall and so so much more, all in a single month! All the planning was handled by our incredible tour guides Will and Andy, so it was all the fun with none of the logistics! The food was great, the people friendly, and the sights spectacular. You’re given a good tour of all the sights, and then the freedom to explore where you want to go. I highly highly recommend it to anyone on a gap year who wants to travel, and I myself and so glad I went!

I started off doing the 2 weeks and then decided too do the 4 weeks and It was the most amazing 4 weeks ever! Visited some amazing places and made some amazing friends! The leaders were great, approachable and professional and both leaders (Will and Andy) are very informative! I would love to do it all over again. It was hard work carrying luggage around (I used a large backpack) but would definitely recommend taking a backpack! Overall, it was a great experience and would definitely recommend for anyone looking to travel Europe and have a little adventure. Alicia :)

The hardest and most rewarding four months of my life. Expect dirt; hunger; a brutal workload; high stress; perilous wildlife; unforgiving environments and the need to find reserves of physical and mental resilience you didn't know you possessed. Gapforce's Expedition Leader Training Program is not for the faint of heart, but provides a unique fast track into the industry with good employment opportunities for those who do well. I've subsequently led a number of overseas trips for the company as am important first step in my career. Employment opportunities aside. if nothing else you will come out of the course with a host of transferable skills and the knowledge that you achieved something remarkable. Oh, and you get to keep your machete afterwards.

I signed up to the Gapforce ELT program in June 2015 to participate in the October intake. From the start you are thrown in at the deep end with many new skills to learn and master in order to keep progressing through the course. Which i absolutely loved. Unlike many Gap year or training courses the ELT program gives you the opportunity to have a role in the management of the course on a day to day basis, being given regular leadership roles which you are assessed on further moulds you into the potential leader you can be. Which fills you with confidence if you do go into a leadership role after the course. The intensity of the course creates bonds of friendship like no other and years later i'm still in contact, if not working with many of the people from my intake. I completed the Gapforce ELT training program in February 2016 and have since been leading expeditions in Borneo, Bali, Tanzania, South Africa, Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua. If you'r looking to get into the expedition industry then this is a brilliant place to start.

I found the course when I was in the final year of univeristy and wanted to follow my curiosity for the outdoors, the unknown - the jungle, a place I would call home for 4 months. This course is a fantastic way to find a job in the outdoor adventure sector as it's far more than any other volunteering/training programme. It has happily surpassed my expectations in more ways than I expected as I've been able to plant trees, learn about BriBri culture and lead trips. You will be tested mentally and physically on amazing treks with challenges in beautiful camps. The skills you gain from recce, medical training, leadership workshops and teaching will help you to become a more confident and capable leader as you progress on the course. You will have to comfront you fears on this course as all kinds of challenges are thrown your way to help you become a stronger version of yourself. It will go so fast that you will want to soak up every minute. Anyone can find this course a massive benefit to them as there are different skillsets for people to express their talents, like lighting campfires or discovering new animals. One of the things I enjoyed about this course was the teamwork we developed in such an intense environment. The bonds you create make it feel like you have another family. I'm thankful for these bonds, experiences and memories as they've helped given me more direction for what I want to do with my life. Just go for it! You'll only regret the things you didn't do in life.

I came on this course for the adventure of a life time and to come back a more all rounded person, I certainly wasn't disappointed. The intense environments and situations you're put in, to learn leadership, teaching, and jungle survival is just one reason why this course is so special. Both phases in Wales, and in Costa Rica offer a unique classroom to learn in, both offering their challenges and amazing moments. This course is Intense but without doubt, still the best four months of my life so far. The memories and new found knowledge I have gained will stay with me for years to come. I cannot recommend this course more!

An amazing team of instructors teaching and guiding an equally amazing team of people through some very tough and challenging experiences and learning opportunities. I think I have learnt more in the last 4 months, both about myself and about new experiences than I have ever before. It is an awesome opportunity for anyone fortunate enough to be able to experience it

The TEL Course is an experience of a lifetime. The opportunities it offers to grow and become a stronger leader exceed any standards I imagined. The Instructors are some of the greatest role models I have. The team has become a second family for me. The course and what it has offered me has opened up a new world of expeditions and adventure. I couldn’t be more grateful to be part of the course.

I chose this course both for the adventure aspects and the huge array of qualification you get by doing the course. Signing up, I was worried about whether this was something I really wanted, given the big investment that has to be made for the course. If you’re reading this thinking the same, my advice would be just to go for it. The TEL course changed me more than I could have ever imagined. I feel like I have gained more life skills in 4 months than I have in my 19 years put together. The course certainly pushes you to your limit, but this only allows you to find where your limits are and for me they’ve been much farther than I first thought. Unlike others on the course, I wasn’t specifically applying to get a job with gapforce, but this didn’t mean I was treated any different- as long as you are prepared to work hard everyone is pushed to improve just the same. Whether you are complete novice or you already have plenty of experience, the course is brilliant at providing for individual needs and because so many areas are covered, each participant is able to find their niche. The intense environment also means that teamwork is essential, and the bonds that the eight of us had made by the end of the course were really something special. I cannot recommend the course enough; if you have a passion for adventure and you are prepared to work hard then it’s really a no brainer.

I chose to do this course as part of a potential career change. It has consolidated my past experience in the great outdoors. The programme is structured well and delivered in a well thought out manner in the right environment to facilitate an optimum learning experience. Definitely recommended for those who are looking to join the adventure industry.

I did the Gapforce Expedition Leader Training course in January 2018. It was a physically and mentally demanding challenge. And ultimately life changing. If you’re into serious adventure and want to explore this exciting industry, this training course is you first step. Get into it!

I had no specific reason for signing up to this course other than reading the description and immediately feeling like I must. The only hesitations I had were to do with the quality of the course (is this actually worth spending so much money on?) and the kind of people I'd find myself doing the course with. To those who might have the same hesitations, it turns out I had no reason to be concerned at all. The course fully delivered what it promised AND teachers and peers were such enthusiastic, open, driven people that I rarely felt so supported in my learning efforts. A wonderfully motivating atmosphere.

If you’re lusting after a career in adventure travel this is the ticket you need to get a foot in the door with strong enough skill sets behind you to make your mark. The course provides an intensive environment and constant leadership training that can be beneficially taken into any corporate environment just as easily as into the field. Be ready to be pushed out of your comfort zone and forced to face up to your weaknesses as the dedicated course leaders nurture your strengths to build you into a more confident, capable and charismatic version of your former self. The challenges you’ll face are both mental and physical and you’ll need stamina in both departments to bring your A-game every day for a gruelling 4 months. Whether you come into the course an experienced outdoorsman/woman, a well-versed medic, a leadership guru, a logistics whizz or a total novice, you can be assured you will leave with both knowledge and experiences that will more than justify the investment. I was 30 when I started the course, unsure of what ages I’d find my peers to be and was pleasantly surprised to be amidst a group of 18-34 year olds very typical of the demographic the course attracts. I’ve been working for Gapforce for a year now since successful completion of my course and it is without doubt one of the best decisions I have ever made. Having been to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Bahamas in that time it’s not hard to see why. If you’re up for a challenge, have an insatiable thirst for adventure and want to meet and inspire like-minded individuals I strongly recommend setting out on this endeavour of a lifetime!

Prepare to emerce yourself in the greatest experience of your life, whilst being pushed to be more courageous and logical in your thought processes and planning. After a few years of wanting to become and expedition leader, stepping foot in the jungle was a dream finally brought to life, with scenery and wildlife so beautiful, it renders you speechless. Everybody joins this course for their own personal reasons, yet are all bonded over being pushed to physical - and sometimes emotional limits which is nearly always trumped by the overwhelming feeling of succession, completing challenges, overcoming fears, and finally, being able to confidently take control of the course in the final stages of your assessment. If you’re looking to grow as a person and expose yourself to the real outdoors, then sign up to this course, as Gapforce makes sure not to miss anything out that you may need to kickstart your career - from budget and itinerary workshops on Excel to firemaking, foraging and survival in the wild, to even cooking classes and voluntary project work, this 3 month course provides it all. Don’t wait another year to make the best decision of your life. Happy adventuring!

Throughout the 4 months of this course one will find themselves challenged to the limit in all aspects be they physical or mental yet due to the natural intensity the friendships forged are unlike any other. Looking back on this experience I can only express it in one word. "Wow" Spend less time reading and take part in the jungle of Costa Rica there is so much out there, it's a shame not to take a part in it all.

i had the most amazing experience on this conservation trip to Andros! everyday held something knew and we were kept busy doing various activities that were the opposite to boring, the diving especially was unbelievable and learning about the island and all the fish was really interesting. it was also nice to get away from all the luxury and experience living in beautiful remoteness. All i can say is that my time was not at all long enough!

This trip is utterly faultless. I have never been the company of such amazing people doing things that I love. The staff on the phase were brilliant with a huge font of knowledge about the oceans and environment surrounding us. The equipment we used was top of the range, and I felt safe when in the water. The sea life that I was so lucky to see was amazing, from Caribbean reefs sharks to Loggerhead turtles, the Bahamas had it all. Andros, being such a remote island, had a create sense of community, with locals being friendly and generous with their possessions. The social life was great with 'Timmy's bar' being a 30 second walk from the house. We also went to such events like the Islands regatta which was a great way of embracing the culture that Andros so strongly expressed. The living conditions were great taking into account the remoteness of the Island. If you like rice and noodles this trip is the one for you. Overall I had the best 5 weeks and couldn't have asked for better people to spend it with.

It was afternoon by the time the second group set out to go diving. The sun was shining, and see sparkled in the afternoon sunlight. It was hot and humid, and clouds were lining the horizon. We kitted up and loaded everything into the motorboat, and as we undid ourselves from the boje, four very excited volunteers were lying on the front deck. As we approached the dive site (I believe it was Aladdin's) the wind was tousling our hair and a sudden feeling of happiness erupted in everyone. A smile spread across my face as I felt a deep inner enjoyment and content. The sea was calm so we threw in our BCDs and hopped in with our fins and masks to put everything on in the water. As everyone swam to each other Chloe gave the signal and we slowly descended. You felt almost as if you were floating, weightless. The warm water encased you as you started swimming with only board shorts and a rash vest. As we rounded up around Chloe we all got our dive slates out and began the coral point out. Everyone seemed very confident after the last lecture in the morning and some hours to practice. Chloe showed her amazement and joyfulness by giving us energetic thumbs up ever time we identified a given coral correctly. Like this half an hour drifted by seamlessly. I was just watching Chloe when I saw her eyes focus on something in the distance. I swivel around and am astonished to see a Caribbean Reef Shark swimming by silently. You could see the awe stricken faces of all volunteers, and the coral point out was momentarily forgotten as we all watched with wonder this amazing creature of the ocean. As it started to swim away we went after it in hot pursuit until it disappeared in the distance and blended in with the turquoise blue of the warm water. As we ascended to the the safety stop Theo and Lukas were finally able to fool around, they played around by snatching Chloe's fins and taking off her boots. This ended up being a mad chase in circles until the three minutes were over and we were able to surface. As we inflated our BCDs we all erupted in laughter and Chloe had big smile on her face when she said: "You guys were awesome. You knew your corals inside out, and that dive really made my day!" We finished up that great dive with jumps off the boat and a swim around before we headed back home to camp.

What a thrill to live feeling so free from what we deem reality and be part of the conservation for our sea. Leaving behind a world of luxury and learnin that protection of our earth is key. I felt so lucky have had amazing people by my side that encouraged all to leap forward with a positive stride. Thank you james chloe and sam for being the best team in all the land!!

I cannot find any thing negative to say about this program, from the amazing location, incredible diving and wonderful staff members the two months I had the pleasure to spend on the island of Andros was easily the best two months of my life. What the camp lacks in luxury it more than makes up for in location and being surrounded by amazing people and having amazing experiences daily means any missed creature comforts are very quickly forgotten. The diving, the main attraction to the course, is beautiful, being surrounded every dive by exquisite fish and crazy corals is breath taking at first, however after lectures on fish and corals it soon amps up the experience ten fold being able to ID what you are sharing the warm, clear water with. Overall it was an unforgettable experience that I cannot recommend any more to any body considering it, do it, you won't regret it.

This program was utterly faultless, I had the most fantastic time being taught both marine conservation and how to dive by some of the most professional instructors who also had the unique ability to make every moment unbelievable fun. The volunteers and staff are in my experience some of the most fun loving, hard working and kind people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. The location is genuinely second to non and although the accommodation might not be a five star hotel its homely, comfortable and one massive bundle of partying and fun. The diving is beautiful and there are more fish and corals than you could shake a stick at. The visibility is fantastic, 30m was the average distance you could see clearly on each dive. The gear we used was fantastic and I felt totally safe while having a great time and learning a lot. All in all I suggest anyone who is reading this should stop considering the course and get yourself on it. I did and it was the best decision I ever made.

The phase was genuinely the best time of my life, as we had an amazing group of volunteers who all bonded perfectly, and staff who got along with everyone. The island itself was enough reason to make me love the whole thing, but the organisation by the staff to get us at least one dive a day in some of the clearest, and most perfect waters imaginable just added to that. Whether you're an experienced diver like myself, or a complete novice then this is the perfect course for you. You can learn to dive in amazing conditions and see an unparalleled variety of marine wildlife just 20 metres from the house! And if you have dived before, whether it's in clear blue waters or in the murky lakes of England (like I was unfortunate enough to learn in) then it's still an amazing experience in itself. I would highly reccomend anyone and everyone to try this out for themselves, even if it's for two weeks, it will be the best fortnight of your life! Not just because of the diving, but the setting in which you are staying. There is so much else to do other than scuba dive, like visiting the blue hole lagoons, which are straight up amazing, and a lovely break from the normal routine on camp. If you do anything on your gap year, and you're even slightly interested in the oceans or scuba diving, I cannot push this option more than anything, as it has truly made my gap year the most memorable!

This trip has changed my life. Before discovering it I was at a loose end with no real direction, now at the end of my 12 weeks here, all that has been changed, I feel inspired and I am so grateful. I have had some wonderful, once in a life time adventures, which I couldn't have experienced anywhere but here and with the people that shared and helped create them. Since arriving as a complete novice, I have learned to scuba dive, and I am amazed at the confidence that I now feel when in the water, I really believe that it is the result of the fantastic efforts made by the staff. As with all things in life, I don't think this trip would suit everyone, but for someone like me I can't fault it. Every day has brought new experiences and taught me new things.

This trip has definitely been the one of the best experiences of my life so far! The diving was incredible, we saw sharks, turtles, rays and loads more amazing marine life. All of the staff on the project were very friendly, helpful and fitted in just like anybody else which was really nice to see. I met some amazing friends for life and would recommend this trip to anybody! I just wish I was still there...

I came to this project as a graduate of Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Management (BSc), and came with my PADI Rescue Diver qualification! When I arrived I was greeted by so many smiley, happy welcoming faces from both volunteers and staff members. These people will become your family during your time here!! The science and conservation lectures and practicals that you will experience on this will be amazing! the lectures consist of the AGRRA priority species lists - fish species, mega fauna and benthic organisms. The lectures also identify key aspects and issues that this island faces, such as the invasive species Lion fish and conservation idea. Upon passing your species ID tests both on land and in the water, you begin to survey! Surveying is so much fun and gives you the feeling that you are contributing massively to the sustainability and preservation of the fish populations and the health of the ecosystem. All the data that is collected is sent to BNT (Bahamas National Trust) for processing and analysis. The diving here is gorgeous! So much beautiful marine life, reef fish, Sharks, Dolphins and Turtles! The water is almost always beautifully clear (meaning amazing visibility when diving) and the temperature means that it is comfortable to dive in swim suits! There is also opportunities to further your diving education with the on site camp diving instructor, this is well worth consideration as the cold training quarries in England are nothing compared to the abundant ecosystems of Andros! The social life is such a laugh! You live, learn and laugh with your new family on camp everyday! On weekends we have a few cheeky drinks which usually ends up in giggles and a lot of hugging! There are many experiences that I will take away from this project that will stay with me for my life time, I dove with my first shark here - such beautiful and majestic creatures! You certainly do not want to miss out on that opportunity! As some friendly advice, ensure that you do your research on any abroad project that you sign up for. Sometimes things are not always as they seem! I would recommend this experience highly to people for all walks of life with all kinds of ambitions and career prospects! You will have so much fun and fall in love with the ocean - I guarantee it! Have fun guys, make your dreams come true!

Living on Andros for the last 10 weeks has been extremely fun and life-changing, and will stay with me for a very long time - I learnt an awful lot about myself, being in such close quarters with different people for this amount of time, and has helped me so much in many ways - I've made some amazing friends here who I will be sure to keep in contact with and meet in the future, the diving has been breathtaking; swimming with sharks, dolphins, turtles and rays has been insanely different and I am so grateful and lucky I could have such an opportunity!

This experience was definitely one to remember. Not only did I learn the importance that the oceans have on us as people but I learned a lot of life lessons that will stick with me forever. The staff was very welcoming and willing to help you with learning the numerous fish species and corals. Living on a remote island with no air conditioner, water and electricity outages made me learn to appreciate the simplicity of life and to not overuse things. I took many things home such as keeping fish products out of the house (except lion fish of course), having a compost bin, recycling, and just simply making people aware of what's going on. I grew up as a person on this trip and even though my experience was cut short due to personal issues I want to send many thanks to everyone who was apart of this experience with me to Chad, chelle, Sarah, rach, the volunteers, elle sand man and stripey. I recommend this to everyone and anyone who wants to help!

My experience overall was excellent. When I arrived in Andros I had no idea what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised when met by the overwhelmingly nice volunteer group and supportive staff. Although some parts of the journey were bumpy, I don't have any regrets about participating, and if asked to do it again, I would be on the next flight to Andros!

This volunteer project has been one of the best experiences in my entire life. I found almost every aspect of it enjoyable ranging from the location and accommodation to the people I shared the experience with. I found the staff incredibly helpful and professional throughout all of diving training and really supportive of any problems I encountered both in the water and out. Yet despite the student-teacher attitude while learning you could also speak and act towards them as a friend which I found most welcoming and truly appreciate during the few occasions things got too much for me. Overall, I would highly recommend this project to anyone who seeks to gain experience of the real working and diving world and at the same time feel part of a family

Overall a wonderful experience, you really do get used to the living conditions in 'the real' Bahamas. Good community feel, locals are friendly and the site is fantastic, dead on the beach and 20 minute boat ride to the dive sites. Great science dives, learned some useful skills with fantastic science leadership. Staff were friendly and approachable and ran the camp extremely well, through the good times and the hard! Made some lifelong friends from all around the world A phenomenal place for your first step into the diving world. Would definitely recommend! Well worth the money.

The TEL course run by taskforce was what I would call an experience, it's designed to challenge you and push you outside your comfort zones. The day to day life though some things always happened such as collecting firewood or making breakfast always kept you on your toes, especially during assessment time where we could be pulled out of bed at 3am! The training you are given and the experiences you have make you a stronger more adaptable person, I'm glad to have had the chance to go on this course especially as my career aim is to lead groups around the world, this trip will change you for the better!

Had an excellent time learning the AGRRA fish list, being educated about the corals around the island of Andros and learning about the current state of the ocean and the efforts made all around the world to protect and conserve it. The social life was brilliant with themed nights every Saturday and the trips out to various places on the island were highly anticipated. The dive instruction was brilliant, extremely proficient and I learnt to be a conscious and competent advanced qualified diver in a matter of weeks. The living conditions were good given the development of the island itself and the tight squeeze into the accommodation created a close knit/team atmosphere. The medical facilities however were not brilliant, having to spend lots of money to obtain ear infection antibiotics - a rather common condition of divers - that weren't available on site. The remoteness of the trip was an extremely enjoyable characteristic for me however it wasn't advertised as such on the website which may have been an issue for some volunteers. My overall experience has been thoroughly enjoyable and I loved pretty much every minute of it!

Before I came on the Greenforce Bahamas volunteering expedition I had never scuba dived before. I got some really amazing training and now feel completely comfortable diving at all of the sites we have gone to including the tongue of the ocean, oceanic blue holes, and many other coral reef environments. On top of that I made some friends here that I truly feel that I will have for the rest of my life. We all got to bond through our experiences diving and providing valuable information on fish and coral for AGRRA and BNT not to mention in living together day in and day out. It was truly an unforgettable experience and I would recommend it to anyone.

I would highly recommend this expedition to anyone interested in marine life, diving, and just the environment in general. My knowledge and awareness of marine life and the current state of the ocean has expanded greatly and I plan and passing on this knowledge to people I meet back home. The staff and other volunteers were very accommodating and accepting of people from different backgrounds which helped in creating a strong communal environment. I will remember this trip and all of the friends I have made during the expedition for the rest of my life.

This has been my first volunteering experience and adventure abroad and it has been absolutely incredible and has exceeded many of my expectations. I have learnt many things about myself but also about diving and important skills that I can utilize in the future. The staff have made this experience a pleasure, making me feel welcome and giving the camp a home away from home feeling. I am particularly grateful for Chads support and encouragement whilst teaching me to dive from a novice to advanced. This has been the best summer of my life, I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I would definitely return and would recommend others to come here too.

Bula!! I was only on the program for 4 weeks but it was possibly the best month of my life. The remote camp is as close to paradise as I have ever experienced, the scuba diving was phenomenal, the staff were very cool, friendly and helpful and I made some great friends in the process. The local people are very friendly and accommodating, the worst part of the whole experience was having to leave. Accommodation is basic but more than adequate and with such beautiful surroundings, amazing diving and great company it really doesn't matter. I would recommend it to everyone, this particular program is a little expensive but it really is awesome!!!

I've had the most wonderfully, unique experience on Andros with the Greenforce Team. Living in a rustic, little beach-house in a beautiful, ramshackle settlement of the Bahamas unexplored backcountry alone has been truly amazing. But with it's curious locals, cute little hamlets, empty beaches, bizarre blue holes both inland and oceanic, stunning reef topography - of the third largest coral reef in the world and beyond that the continental shelf that drops into the Tongue of the Ocean - as far as adventures go it's incomparable. But to add to all that the Greenforce Team have done a phenomenal job. The daily challenges they face in running such an expedition on a remote island is astounding. Their vast knowledge and experience has opened my eyes and given me a greater appreciation and understanding of the oceans complex and beautiful structure, of which I'm so thankful for. With the Chief Marine Scientists Sarah's wealth of knowledge in aquatic life, patience and attention to detail when teaching us all we needed to know for our surveys. To Chad and Warren's fast experience as instructors and passion for the ocean, training us all to be better, respectful and safer divers. Coupled with Warren's friendly, open and caring approach as a leader - I couldn't have asked for more. I've met some amazing people and made lifelong friends. I feel truly bless and fortunate that I choose this expedition.

Hello!!! My name is Maggie, and I am a french Canadian. My experience with Greenforce in Fiji was just amazing. I wasn't expecting a lot but it was even better than what I thought. Learning how to dive was incredible. It was my first time, and not my last. I did my courses from open water until dive master. My first 10 weeks on camp were as a volunteer, and then 10 more weeks as a trainee. Of course, a lot of things can happen. I would lie if I said that everything and every day was easy. But it's a challenge that everybody should do. Personally, My experience with greenforce in fiji was just amazing. I wasn't expecting a lot but it was even better than what I though. Learning how to dive was incredable. It was my first time, and not my last. I did my courses from open water til dive master. My first 10 weeks on camp were as a volunteer, and then 10 more weeks as a trainee. Of course, a lot of things can happen. I would lie if I said that everything and everyday was easy. But it's a challenge that everybody should do. Personally, my emotions were all over sometimes. But it's just normal, being in this kind of environment and with the same people for a long time. You come out of this with so much, that I would do it again, without even thinking. The food was great on camp, especially for a volunteer program. The community was so given and warm. I miss my family from there, my mom, my dad, my sister and the village. Fijians live with almost nothing but they give everything! Because their english is pretty good, you can have conversations with them and learn about their village and country. After my first 10 weeks, I didn't want to go home. So I was chosen to stay and be a trainee. It was great. I have now a new career that I am really excited about. I did more than 100 dives in amazing sites. I have seen sharks, turtle, rays, inverts, coral so close that I could almost touch. The ocean changed my life and I found a new passion. I would love to put my name for Greenforce, to go somewhere in the world as a divemaster! Chad Sinden was a great teacher and inspire me in what he does. Being a staff member was even better than being only a volunteer. Thanks you so much and I suggest this program to everybody!!! Maggie