People who've travelled with us have a few things to say...

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Student Program testimonials

I am Sariah Kendall from Texas mom and I want to give you my deepest thanks for the opportunities you gave her with your program, it is the best money I have ever spent! I am thrilled with her experience. You and Rachel are truly special individuals to be giving this lifetime experience to young adventurers. Sariah grew up in a small town that is very polarizing and if you do not believe or do what they do, you are held out on the outer fringes as odd or stuck-up. We have always wanted her to follow her own path, and her coming together with other students from a broad spectrum really showed her what you grew up with is not how you have to live. I know she knew it all along but its different when you have the experience first hand, so although it was an adventure it was also allowing her to really move into herself. I am truly blessed and thankful we were able to send her to New Zealand. Julie Kendall, Sariah's mom.

I had The most amazing experience of my life on this trip! I loved exploring new cities, battling through challenging expeditions, and giving back during the volunteer weeks. However, what I will take away most from this trip is the incredibly close-knit group, many of whom will become lifelong friends. Josh Swartz

What we experienced wasn’t the shallow surface learning that the everyday tourist gets. We may have been to the same places and seen the same sites, but we got to know the culture, the people, what goes on in their daily lives. Not only did we get a feel for the history and the politics of each region, but we got so see how it affected the people by talking about it to them and their families while they put us up in their homes. What I experienced on this program was more than I could ever have imagined, and so much more than I could have gotten on my own. Jillian Forte

Travel allows us to see life beyond what we experience and creates a new lens to see through. From January 4th- March 20th 2011 I had the opportunity to embark on travel that indeed changed my lens and has inspired me to change the way I live. Throughout the trip I experienced specific encounters with people that really challenged and changed the way I perceive bits of the world and how I want to live within it. My faith was pushed to expand, my idea of business and development collided, my passion for people grew, my knowledge of history widened and my heart for people’s stories has developed into new future goals. I feel so blessed to have had the chance to go on this trip and I know the lessons I learned through this experience will continue to shape me for a long time to come.
Blair Hensen



You told us at the beginning of our journey that Pacific Discovery was created with the hope of impacting peoples lives. After two months in New Zealand and Australia, we all agree that the program has affected us all in a positive and unforgettable way! Together we have felt what it is like to be physically and mentally pushed, we have witnessed incredible sights, and reaped unbelievable rewards, overcoming our fears and learning so much on this journey. Thank you so much!
New Zealand Australia Semester program group.

I can never thank you enough for the New Zealand Australia and Southeast Asia programs. They are two experiences that have profoundly affected me in so many ways and I will never forget them. So many moments of laughter, beauty, amazement and intense emotion that run straight to the core of one's being. Travis Allen

I pushed myself to new heights, tried new things, took new risks. I made amazing friends that I shared some incredible experiences with. I came away from the program overwhelmed by the beauty of the countries we visited, and full of a new confidence in myself and a thirst for adventure. I really mean it when I say you have changed my life. Thank you! Katie Lane

I have known Scott and Rachel for several years, and I can recommend them in the strongest positive terms. In my opinion, they run the most impressive student-oriented programs available anywhere. I have led numerous study abroad programs and worked with many other companies over the years, so I am most confident in this assessment.

I worked with Pacific Discovery extensively in the planning, development, and implementation of a Texas State School of Social Work study abroad program to Cambodia and Thailand in winter 2007-2008. This was a three-week in-country program involving fifteen students. I was immediately impressed with Pacific Discovery by their excellent, extensive website, and their quick and professional response to my initial inquiries. They were very attentive to the details of the trip as well as responding to my needs. They gained my full confidence very quickly. Our planning time was shorter than desirable, but they were able to make it all happen very efficiently and effectively. They handled every aspect of the program from start to finish without any problems of any kind, and I truly enjoyed their pleasant, friendly attitude.

Scott was our tour leader, and the students really loved him. I appreciated that he not only managed the logistics of the program so well, but also greatly enhanced the academic quality with his extensive knowledge of Southeast Asia, particularly the history and contemporary culture of Cambodia and Thailand. In addition, Pacific Discovery arranged for several very unique learning opportunities, such as staying with a wonderful family in a village, visiting local schools to interact with students and donate books, volunteering at non-governmental social service agencies, and touring an ecologically-based nature preserve.

I can say that Scott and Rachel changed our lives through this amazing adventure.
Catherine Hawkins, Ph.D.
Professor of Social Work
Honorary Professor of International Studies
Texas State University-San Marcos



When my daughter Shira decided to take a gap year between high school and college, Pacific Discovery's Southeast Asia Program became part of that plan. What an amazing adventure it has been! The trip was very well thought out, each day packed with extraordinary experiences and meaningful interactions with peoples of different cultures. She saw remarkable things and learned so much. Her whole sense of the world shifted. Shira returned home with greater confidence, sure of her abilities to navigate any challenge. She gained a deeper understanding of other cultures and more clarity and insight about herself. All in all, a tremendously valuable learning experience. Ruth Weizman (mother of Shira)

I learned so much about culture, eco-tourism and being conscious. I felt proud to be part of group that was also learning about responsible travel. This program pushed us to think critically about tourism and culture and gave me the building blocks I need to work overseas someday. Heather Bugni

Awesome, awesome, awesome. Loved the trip, love the people on the trip, and loved the people we got to meet on the trip. I love how there was always an opportunity to go things, caving, mountain biking, rafting, snowboarding, sky diving, bungy jumping. There was never a dull moment! Elyse Glor

I am so thankful that my first big trip was with Pacific Discovery, it taught me to be responsible about travelling and the impact we all leave everywhere we go, I really think it will shape the way I travel my whole life. I not only saw, felt, tasted and heard things I could never imagine, I learned about the places we visited, along with how my visit affected those parts of the world. I gained a broader world view and was forced to challenge myself in ways I would not have done by myself. I have come back changed and excited to use what I have learned and experienced in the rest of my life. There were moments while travelling though Thailand, Lao, Vietnam and Cambodia that were so spectacular and fleeting that I was almost sad to see them pass me by because I knew I would spend a lifetime remembering that exact moment, which could never be replicated. It was a perfect trip that provided me with experiences to savour my whole life.
Sasha Jalowsky

I think the Southeast Asia program is genius! It's just so damn well planned out and thought through! How do you do it? Ken Aspeslaugh

Just a short note to thank you for organizing such a great trip for my Daughter Alex Woodcock. She just loved Vietnam and felt you guys did a terrific job in looking after the group. Again many thanks and I am certain Alex will want to consider other trips that you have coming up next year. All the best, Tony Woodcock

This experience changed my life, I first signed up for the trip not knowing what to expect, and full of nerves, but once met by the Pacific Discovery staff in Peru and the other travelers my worries soon faded. I made life-long friends on the trip, experienced once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and had the time of my life! I had never hiked or camped before this trip and had no idea how I was going to live out of a backpack for a month, but I learned and dove right into the experience. During the home stay and volunteer part of the trip I learned a lot about myself. Volunteering with the kids and seeing their world was eye opening and rewarding. My home stay family was fantastic and they welcomed me as if I was one of their own daughters. Everyone I communicated with was very patient with my Spanish skills. The adventure part of the trip was fantastic as well - hiking, camping, white water rafting and sand boarding. Peru is a friendly and breathtaking country, and would recommend this trip for anyone looking for new experiences and challenges. Caity Feindt

I just wanted to thank you guys for offering such a fantastic program. This trip has really been amazing! I feel it has really exposed me to so many things and provided me with so much experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Thank you so much. Linda Chan

The past two months have taught me more about travelling and camping and hiking and adventuring than I ever dreamt possible. However, I am ten times as grateful for the things I've learned about myself. At times I was challenged, frustrated or scared and these lessons will never leave me. Thank you for an amazing two months that I will remember for the rest of my days. Dominick Baruffi

Before I came on this trip, I'd travelled quite a bit in Asia on my own. I wasn't sure if it was worth joining a group tour rather than doing a similar trip independently. But I got so much more out of the trip than I would have otherwise. In the past I'd spent countless hours lugging a heavy backpack in the heat looking for a place to stay, which would frequently turn out ugly or filthy or overpriced. Instead we stayed in amazing guesthouses that were much nicer than anything I ever found on my own. All the treks we did seemed less touristy and more authentic than some of the other ones available. Our leader knew all the areas really well and could suggest things to see or do, great places to eat, and worthwhile places to go out. Finally it was really wonderful to have a group of people to share everything with. I would recommend this trip to anybody interested in Southeast Asia. I would recommend this trip to anyone who has never thought about Southeast Asia. It was a totally unforgettable experience and I had the time of my life. Ellie Laird

Some of the most amazing things I've ever experienced. Also some of the most surreal...riding on elephants, meeting Hmong hilltribe girls and swimming in huge waterfalls, made me feel like I was living some kind of adventure film. Every day brought something new and intriguing and I can't express how happy I am that I decided to do the program. I suggest that anyone with the means to do it jumps at the chance. You won't regret it! Bati Myles

My overall trip experience was...amazing, unforgettable and invaluable! No exaggeration - best decision I've ever made! There's no excuse for you not to go on this trip. Dave Elman

When I think about my trip to New Zealand with Pacific Discovery, a lot of things comes to my mind: a cool group, high adrenaline level activities, a wonderful kiwi leader loving his country and breathtaking landscapes. I remember the laughs, the rewarding volunteer work, the excitement to finally see a kiwi, cheering for the All Blacks, the feeling of being a resident, not a tourist and doing something good for the country. This trip is imprinted in me forever, me, a French small-town girl living le voyage de ses rêves. Thank you for everything. This is the trip that anyone loving nature and adventure should do once in their life. Joelle Drolet-Ferguson

Absolutely amazing. This trip went above and beyond my expectations. I think the volunteer work we did was instrumental in making my time in New Zealand a life-changing experience. I feel so much more connected with the country, having spent so much time working to maintain its beauty. Volunteering gave me a unique first-hand experience that such a small percentage of the population will ever be so fortunate to participate in. Audrey Richardson

I feel like you should SPREAD THE WORD about how great the programs are. I would have never heard about the program if it was not for my friend randomly typing “Peru” into Google's search bar. So spread the word about the amazing trips you have set up because more people should get out and learn about the world's different countries and how to travel through them. Chad Danklef

We were thrilled with the global exposure Pacific Discovery gave Gabe at just the right age. On the first trip, our confidence in your program grew in leaps and bounds once the kids started sending emails home! By the time Gabe went on the SE Asia program, we could not have been more enthusiastic. Even with a departure just after 9/11 when, you'll recall, we all had a heightened degree of concern regarding travel abroad, our confidence in you was very strong. Most appreciated was the slant Pacific Discovery gives to environmental and cultural issues. It's not easy, when travelling with a bunch of fellow countrymen, to pry them loose from each other and force 'em to experience the wonderful foreign-ness of their surroundings. We feel you're doing your best to turn the kids outward on their travels.
Jane Scotti (Gabe's mom)



I simply wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can't imagine the time and effort that goes into putting these trips together, and for me, it was definitely a life changing experience. For one, I didn't know what to expect of this trip -- you know you kind of pick up your things and go and just hope for the best. I really walked away with a lot of new found knowledge and experiences that taught me about myself and others. I loved how you taught us to be culturally respectful and also taught us historical backgrounds of each country. It is a significant aspect to truly immerse into a culture, which I have found that many people and programs overlook. All in all I pushed my self beyond limits and did things I never thought I could do and for that I thank you.
Priya Dhanani



I was so impressed with how well planned the whole trip was, with such a good balance of challenging experiences such as the orphanage and hospital visits, of important educational experiences such as the bird sanctuary, and of just chill time and bonding time, like swimming and eating! When I look back on how much you packed into the two weeks, I am just astonished. Thanks so much to you and Rachel for helping make it happen. I had a wonderful time, both as a travel adventure and also as a good way to really understand what you are doing and how deeply it affects the students. Every one of them felt it had been a life-changing experience.
Dr. Kathie Carpenter
Associate Professor / Director Southeast Asian Studies Program
University of Oregon

Paying $5,000 for a pretty much all-inclusive adventure abroad where I learn infinitely more than a normal college term, where I pay $13,000? Sweet deal! Brendan Cooper

I couldn’t have imagined a better quality experience for my students. Pacific Discovery have exemplary ethics, humanity and organizational skills. They have introduced my students to the rest of the world in a sensitive and empowering way that will influence them forever. Rachel Hawthorne Dean at Hagley College

No words will ever be able to express what this program means to me and what it has done for my life. Not only was I able to explore New Zealand the way it should be, off the beaten track, but I was able to create friendships both inside as well as outside the group, and test myself mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. This experience far exceeded what I had expected from this program. I was drawn to the adventure, environmental work, and fun it offered, but I came back with more than I ever could have asked for. I have returned to the states as a new person, free from cares that I held onto for so long. Thank you for making me feel more in the present than I ever have in the past. It is one thing to hear the phrase "It is not about the destination, but the journey", but it is another to actually live it and breathe it. I know can move forward with my life and live it the way it simply should be lived, happily. Lisa Prendergast

This was an amazing trip. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience travelling through Southeast Asia. During this trip I learned a lot about traveling and the different cultures. I also learned a lot about myself by testing my limits and being out of my comfort zone. Emily Hom

Thank you for an amazing trip! I can't think of any other way to explain how amazing this trip was for me! It has certainly motivated me to travel more in the future to places I previously probably wouldn't have considered traveling to! My experience was an eye opening adventure, soaking up Vietnam and all of its vibrancy. I had little idea of what to expect which I think allowed me to appreciate the culture shock and all of the craziness that much more. Thanks again! Hayley Walker

What an amazing adventure Pacific Discovery was for Marissa. She has come back a changed person. The personal challenges she met not only strengthened and stretched her as a human being, but also enriched her life in ways that she would have never had the opportunity to experience had it not been for Pacific Discovery. You were absolutely wonderful in the support and encouragement you gave her. She's returned with some amazing insights into herself - and the world she shares with everyone. It's so nice to see her reflect on other's experiences being different from her own - and how they shape people in different ways - and that everyone has a right to be heard - even when you don't share the same view point. She had written to us that from this trip, she discovered how everyone can find a common thread somewhere - that will unite them - no matter how different they are. She absolutely loved every part of the adventure...even the testing her limits part. You made everything safe enough for her to really push herself to regions that she never would have done on her own. She found confidence in herself and an appreciation for the amazing natural resources and the peoples of New Zealand and Australia. Rachelle Alkemade (Marissa's mom)

With Pacific Discovery, you go beyond observing a new and mysterious world - you participate in it. Each day revealed a new, valuable piece of insight that I could not have obtained in a classroom. By the end, I had developed an entirely transformed understanding of myself, the world, and my relationship to the world. Richard Ellis

I look back now and I realize how much has changed. Not so much on the outside but on the inside there are new thoughts, ideas, new wisdoms and new attitudes towards life. The patience and compassion I found when dealing with people of different cultures and all the respect I have for the people I met along the way. Memories of landscapes more beautiful than anything I've ever imagined have been etched into my mind. Emily Hanley

This trip was much more than a touristy stroll through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. We were able to truly immerse ourselves in the cultures of the places we visited through a wide range of activities that involved a lot of personal involvement with the local people. In my previous travels, I was able to take in much of the sights and sounds of the cities I visited. However, I never felt like I understood the places I visited through the perspective of local people. That is not the case for my journeys with Pacific Discovery. It seemed that with every activity, I met amazing new people and learned about their personal lives in their respective countries. I learned more than I could have ever imagined, and the true learning took place through my experiences. A person can read every book ever written on a topic, but they will never truly understand something until they see and experience it first-hand. Pacific Discovery gave me the opportunity to experience Southeast Asia in a unique way, and I will be forever grateful for the people I met and the countless things I learned during my travels. Kevin Greene

It was more emotionally and mentally challenging than anything I have ever done and I have seen a different side of myself already. This trip not only showed me different countries and cultures, but it also showed a different me. I stepped out of my comfort zone and challenged myself in so many ways and I have to thank Pacific Discovery for that. Aimee Kastein

Truly an amazing experience. I saw some of the most beautiful places in the world with some of the most wonderful people I've ever met. It was the best two months of my life. Doug Kallin

This was a phenomenal experience. One of the best decisions I have made. I learned so much about camping, hiking, traveling, the culture each country, connected with people from all over the world, built relationships with my travel mates, gained insight and awareness on caring for the earth and practical ways that I can do my part, captured new perspective on myself and my life, was exposed to and challenged by the new perspectives and ideas on the world and life, having first time experiences with so many things like skydiving, caving, canyoning, surfing, new and different types of food and beverage, feeding kangaroos, backpacking, a rugby game, snorkeling on the reef, camping on islands, volunteering, and I was captivated by the beauty and mystery of the wilderness of New Zealand and Australia. Andrew Lafflin

It was the best 2 months of my life! I HIGHLY recommend going on a trip with Pacific Discovery. You will learn so much about yourself and see so many magnificent things. The only thing I wish was that it had been twice as long! Margot Horwitz

Just to let you know that Hannah came back with a resounding “thumbs up” about her trip. She absolutely LOVED IT!! Even though the outdoor work was physically challenging, she felt gratified that her efforts helped save the New Zealand conservation department a lot of money. She really liked everyone in the group and felt well cared for by their program leader. She had the time of her life and can’t wait to go back to your beautiful country. Michele Gaier-Rush, Hannah's Mom

Pacific Discovery is a young traveler's dream. You travel with like-minded people who become some of the best friends you'll ever have. You get to do exotic things that most people only dream about like riding elephants, trekking to remote villages and home staying in floating ones, scuba diving with sharks, swimming in phosphorescence - the list goes on. You'll have a fantastic experienced, knowledgeable, and fun leader. Not to mention it's the most affordable company you'll ever travel with. You don't just feel like you're passing throug - you get the chance to give back, from speaking with Burmese refugees and Cambodian high school students to improve their English to building bio-sand water filters so people can have safe drinking water to taking impoverished kids in Phnom Penh to a water park for a day of fun. You'll learn to appreciate your own culture more through learning about theirs and you will understand that we're all really the same. This trip has made me change the way I see the world, and has made me very thankful for everything I have in life. Kerry Gaiz

My overall trip experience was... incredible, educational, empowering, moving, Insightful, exhausting and wonderfully beautiful. This trip was the best decision I have ever made, not only did I gain new friends, I walked away with a better understanding of cultures I knew nothing about, and overcame fears by facing real life obstacles.  It was by far the most eye opening experience I have ever done and I would recommend it to anyone. Kacy McCracken

I really miss the group, but I have come to realize that meeting great people and then leaving them is a fact of life. Most I will see again and some I will not, but the times we shared were unforgettable. You have taught me how I want to live my life. Throughout this adventure I have discovered a new side to myself. It is a more adventurous, self reliant and courageous individual. I really like this new person and I thank you for helping me discover her. Anne Beckerman

The timing of the trip was perfect. Every time it got to a point that we were feeling a little overwhelmed or tired, we had a really nice hotel the next day or we had some time off! Overall I would rate the leaders, the organization, the timing of everything as prefect!! I thought this trip was worth $20,000! OK, maybe not that much but you get the point. Everything we did, just the level of organization you would not ever be able to put together a trip like that on your own. Having vans and trucks waiting for us in to middle of now where is worth everything!! I would recommend this trip to anyone needing an eye opening experience. This is hands down the best thing I have ever done in my life and I can't wait to go back. Mark Youngblood

Being with this group of people in these amazing countries has opened my eyes to the world. My perspective has broadened, my heart has opened, and my limits have been tested. I will never forget this experience! Laura Gipson

We saw so much, did so much, learned so much, and grew so close. Traveling with Pacific Discovery will change your life. Not only do you get to see and experience an amazing part of the world, but you get to do it with people who know what's up. You will come out of an adventure a better person than you were going in, and with a whole bunch of new friends! Jane Butter

I was looking to step out of my comfort zone and put my own life into perspective, to learn more about myself, my culture, and my goals. Pacific Discovery provided the perfect setting and opportunity to do this. The program was a perfect balance of free/introspective time, and more structured group time. Having 13 other people to share the memories with and put my experiences in a group perspective was truly valuable. I have been, and will continue keeping in close touch with my trip mates. I feel lucky to have gone deeper than the level of 'tourist' to these countries, into a much more interactive and cultural immersion role. My most intense memories are those of interacting with locals, whether at home stays, at street food stands, or at local bars. By living another culture's way of life for over two months, I now return to America with a more holistic view of my own culture, and am more conscious about my life choices. Mike Duboe

It was better than anything I could have imagined. People were nicer, our accommodations were better, the activities were more fun, and everything surpassed all of my expectations. As cool as everything sounded in the brochure when we actually got to doing it was just amazing. Mallory Blyth

I am returning home a different woman. I have grown emotionally, spiritually, and professionally. This trip opened my mind, eyes and heart in ways I never imagined possible. Erin Henry

Absolutely amazing. I can say without exaggeration that it was the best trip I've ever taken! I'm actually surprised by the quality of the trip that Pacific Discovery put together. I never expected how much I would get out of this vacation. I think I especially enjoyed how non-touristy it was! A lot of people in my group expressed this same sentiment - we never felt like a tourist while we were there. We felt totally immersed in the environment and the culture, which, in my opinion, is why Pacific Discovery is such an exceptional and successful organization. They really do care about providing a quality, safe, and enjoyable atmosphere for their clients. They genuinely love what they do, and their main goal is to share the incredible places they've been with other people. I also like how they're small, and casual and friendly. I always felt comfortable contacting them with questions, and there isn't a sort of "faceless corporation" atmosphere, which I find off-putting. I fully intend to recommend them to my friends and family, as well as travel on further trips with them. Meghan Robinson

I did push myself physically, had incredible experiences and adventures, and saw beauty that I have never witnessed before but the biggest lesson that I took away from this experience was due to the people that I spent the month with. This aspect of this trip in which 15 strangers come together, worked together, and learn together, enabled me to discovery things about myself that I would never have found out otherwise. Thank you. We are discovering the Pacific and New Zealand but we are also discovering ourselves while having the adventure of a lifetime! Cathy Chezik

This was the best trip I have ever taken. I honestly have no bad things to say. The amount of time and outlook of the trip completely immersed me in the Kiwi culture. The conservation work gave me a sense of belonging. I would not have truly understood why preserving New Zealand is so important without it. I never felt like a burden to the locals or the environment. My experience was perfect. If you want to experience New Zealand from an insider perspective and as a stakeholder in the local environment, then pick this program. Max Rohr

When Liz first told us she wanted to do the Southeast Asia program, I was very much against it. I was afraid for her and she would be so far away. I was still afraid the day she left. But what really helped me was how organized the program was. Also, I thought the safety issues were very well handled and the online communication was great. Liz experienced first-hand very different cultures from our domineering western culture and I can't think of a more valuable learning experience. She seems to value people and their feelings and ideas now more than the material things in the culture. I have always perceived Liz as being self confident but now she is quite the adventurer and I truly admire her desire to learn and experience life to its fullest. Sherri Neal (Liz's mom)

Pacific Discovery is an incredible program that enables you to explore all aspects of a new country by interacting closely with people from a diverse range of places; exploring and interacting with the land; volunteering and taking an opportunity to give back to the country, and challenging yourself to reach beyond your limits. Amy Peterson

This was the most amazing 2 months of my life - I have really found inspiration from the trip and all the people I have met, to follow my own path and take risks. I have definitely gained an understanding of the 'big picture', of the world, people, and my own life...it's been a life altering experience...thank you! Meghan Logan

In a world increasingly burdened under its own weight, it’s nice to know some people still care…these people work at Pacific Discovery! Committed to ethical tourism and sustainable travel, Pacific Discovery have set themselves apart from the crowd by going above-and-beyond. They take particular care in minimizing the negative impacts of travel. They do this while simultaneously taking steps towards positively helping out and benefiting the peoples and cultures we visit along the way. Traveling with Pacific Discovery was not only an ethical and sustainable travel experience, but educated and taught me about the disproportionably large impacts tourists can have on these developing countries. Pacific Discovery 'walks the walk' and that give much more meaning to their 'talk'. John Crestani

The program exceeded my expectations. I didn't expect there to be such an emphasis on learning about the region but that information proved valuable and insightful. It gave me a greater sense of purpose in the area rather than being a tourist taking random photos of things they knew nothing of. The Southeast Asia Program exposes people to experiences that they would never be able to do back home. This program gives you a unique insight into the world around you and also into yourself. Bobby Sammuels

My experience was one I have never had and don't know that I will ever have again. It was absolutely amazing and words can't describe the ways I have changed as a result of the trip! I came home with a deep appreciation for learning about other cultures and now have a deeper passion for the care of our environment. This experience was worth every penny I paid. Jen Carraux

Pacific Discovery is an amazing organization to travel with. Not only does it inform you about the areas you enter, but it allows you to interact with different cultures and have wonderful, life-altering experiences. The guides are incredible and the way the groups are set up is amazing. You find yourself with special bonds that no one could ever take away or understand. It was the best experience of my life. I will NEVER forget my fellow group-mates, my guides or the incredible joy of the whole experience. Thank you! Michelle Thomassian

The whole experience had such a significant impact on me.. It allowed me to see things through a different perspective. If I were to describe my experience with one word it would be 'freeing'. I engage in life now with a spirit that is free to fly and soar to all the dreams and aspirations that I have living within. Laura Lemieux

Pacific Discovery's small group size and focus on responsible travel allows you to interact with a country's local culture, customs, and environment on a much deeper level. I was able to challenge myself, both mentally and physically, and do things that I never thought I would do. I had the time of my life on the trip and would travel again with the Pacific Discovery program anytime! Mauri Lowrey

You will come back inspired in ways you never thought possible. I came back inspired about life. The people you meet will share stories and experiences that change the way you think about the world. I became inspired to travel and see for myself the diversity of life that exists on the other side of the planet. I was sick of reading in textbooks and listening to lectures - to really gain knowledge and understanding of something you have to experience it firsthand. Secondly, I can guarantee you will be challenged. I was challenged socially, mentally, physically, spiritually and came back a much happier, stronger person because of it. I have some of the best memories of my life on that trip and I am fortunate enough to have shared them with incredible group-mates. For once in my life, I threw away logic, emptied out my savings account and did the one thing in my life I really wanted to do. I have now realized that anything is possible. You just have to open your mind and go after your dreams. The best of luck to all of you. Kelli Barnett

I just wanted to tell you what an amazing time I had this last semester. I had more experiences than I ever could have imagined having in my entire lifetime! I met so many amazing people and learned through the classes as well as the activities. It is wonderful that you had the vision for this program...it has done so many great things for so many people that have had the opportunity to participate. Karen Stanley

An amazing life changing experience. The blend of conservation work and adventure made the trip exciting and meaningful. Being able to help preserve native habitat and history left me with a feeling that I had given back to a country that had provided me a new outlook on life. The trip organization was fantastic and we never had a single hic-up. I recommended Pacific Discovery to everyone. You will have an amazing time! Matt Kalman

It was a uniquely beneficial, enlightening, inspiring, eye-opening, challenging, life changing experience. The leaders of my group are amazing individuals; I wish I could be more like them. They helped everyone in our group overcome many challenges, taught us adventure skills, environmental stewardship, increased our confidence, our trust in each other, respect for each other, optimism in difficult situations, curiosity of the world, appreciation for diversity, empathy, and I think all of us learned to dream big.

Pacific Discovery will help people increase their opportunities and the ambition and passion to pursue them. In the past other people would have been able to impose the limitations they perceived onto me. Now I have the confidence and motivation to seek what interests me; even if others say I'm irrational. I learned so much, yet at the same time I realized the vastness of what I don't know. Justin Simpson

I would like to thank you endlessly for giving me the opportunity to be the "REAL" me as I had never lived before. This person is full of life, courage, emotion, confidence, perseverance, determination, and ready to take the next steps in my life. Thank you for being my guide to steering the wheel in the right direction, but letting me take these next steps on my own as a person!!!! Jennifer Parker

It was incredible and it will forever impact me and my experiences in life. Micah Fletcher

My overall trip experience was...Amazing! I feel like I definitely got more out of the experience than I would if I had traveled on my own. My program leaders insight and knowledge about the country helped me to get to know Vietnam in a way I would have missed going it alone. I enjoyed everything that was planned for us. The Vietnamese people are so kind and generous. Anywhere that we stayed I felt completely welcome, and our hosts went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. I also loved the idea of giving back to the people with our volunteer work. On a one occasion while picking up trash visitors to the park asked where they could get a bag and stick so that they could help as well. One Vietnamese woman stopped to thank us for picking up litter. At that point, I really felt like we were doing something influential, or at least setting a good example. Danielle Green

I came into this program wanting to have a life changing experience and that's what I came out with. I made amazing new friends, and I've learned I can go half way across the world and travel on my own, make great friends, not be homesick, push myself to my limits and found I can go further than I thought. I would not change a thing on the trip because each of those adventures made the experience amazing. Piper Annese

Going into Southeast Asia, I really didn't know what to expect. The trip really opened my eyes to the world. We contributed to cultures and smaller organizations that I otherwise wouldn't have known about. The trip really taught me how to start helping where it is needed. This trip has been the best and most memorable months in my life! Maureen Laffey

I can't imagine a better way to have seen New Zealand and Australia than with Pacific Discovery. I never felt like I was on a tour - we were just a group of friends travelling together. We tried an awesome variety of outdoor activities and I was pushed much harder than I had expected to be. I learned a ton about myself and can't wait for another adventure!! For a girl who washes her hair everyday and had never camped before, I was so excited to become accustomed to those days of sleeping outside and swimming in lakes instead of staying in hotels everywhere we went, no one back home can imagine me doing that! The program made me want to be more adventurous and go outside my comfort zone. I want to travel more and see other parts of the world. I am more comfortable being dirty. I feel like it will be easier to take on challenges in terms of being in a new places and meeting people. Jordan Laney



This trip has taught me more about myself and life than anything else I've ever done. I got to travel to picturesque destinations with a group of amazing people. I'm so thankful I decided to embark on this adventure!! The itinerary was an excellent mix of group time and individual time, free time and planned time. The destinations couldn't have been better picks and the activities really complemented each location. I came on this trip hoping to grow and I can honestly say that I am going home a changed person. The friendships I've made, the fears I've overcome, the culture's I've experienced and the adventures I've had have all changed how I view my life and the world around me. I've learned how to experience cultures while still respecting their differences. I've learned to be comfortable with myself and whatma I have to offer. You've taught me so much and I'll forever be thankful. Jocelyn Kane