10 Reasons to Do a Summer Program

Not sure how to spend your summer? Join us on one of our incredible summer programs!

So, you’ve decided you want to travel this summer? Congratulations! This is an important decision that will serve you for the rest of your life. Summer programs are a great opportunity for students to take a break from their regular academic routine and gain new experiences that can enhance their personal and professional growth. These programs offer a variety of opportunities to learn new skills, explore different cultures, and build meaningful relationships with peers and mentors. 

Pacific Discovery curates programs with different intentions depending on interests and age group. For our summer programs, we host Gap Summer programs and Mid Teen Summer programs. 

Our Mid Teen summer programs are for high school students ages 14-17. These programs are two or three weeks long in duration and explore different regions all over the world. Our two-week programs tend to take place a little closer to home. Each program is designed with area-appropriate activities, adventures, and humanitarian projects. For example, our Australia Mid Teen Summer program involves canyoning, surfing, and camping, with service work focused on environmental sustainability and climate action. Similarly, our Thailand Mid Teen Summer program involves snorkeling, rock climbing, and cultural immersion, as well as elephant conservation. 

Our Gap summer programs are for students aged 17-19. These programs provide a month-long action-packed adventure that will help students gain clarity as they enter the next phase of their life. With an older group of students who are transitioning into their final year of high school or college, these programs provide an eye-opening opportunity to learn about the world and themselves. 

Here are ten reasons why you should consider doing a summer gap program. 

1. Develop new skills

Summer gap programs provide students with the opportunity to learn new skills that can be useful in their future academic and professional careers. These skills may include leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

2. Build a network

Participating in a summer gap program can help students build a network of peers and mentors who can offer guidance and support throughout their academic and professional journeys.

3. Gain a global perspective

Summer gap programs often involve travel to different parts of the world, allowing students to experience new cultures and gain a global perspective that can be valuable in today's interconnected world. If cultural immersion is something that you seek, then our Thailand Gap or Mid Teen summer programs could be the one for you.

4. Boost your resume

Participating in a summer program can make your resume stand out to potential employers, demonstrating that you have taken initiative to develop yourself and gain new experiences. At the completion of any Pacific Discovery program, students receive a Certificate of Completed Service Hours specific to the program.

5. Learn a new language

Many summer programs offer language immersion experiences, which can help students learn a new language or improve their language skills. For instance, if you want to improve your Spanish, then our Costa Rica Gap or Mid Teen program or our Ecuador and The Galapagos Gap summer program would be perfect!

6. Make a difference

Some summer gap programs involve community service or volunteer work, giving students the opportunity to make a positive impact in the world and contribute to social good. If service learning is one of your goals, our Costa Rica Gap or Mid Teen summer program could be a good option.

7. Step out of your comfort zone

Participating in a summer program can be challenging, as it requires students to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. However, this can also be a valuable opportunity for personal growth and development.

8. Build independence

Many summer gap programs involve living away from home and taking on new responsibilities, which can help students develop independence and self-reliance.

9. Explore your interests

Summer gap programs often offer a variety of activities and experiences that can help students explore their interests and discover new passions.

10. Have fun

Finally, summer gap programs are a great way to have fun and enjoy a new and exciting experience outside of your regular routine.

Taking part in a summer program can provide you with a wide range of benefits, from developing new skills and building a network to gaining a global perspective and having fun. If you're looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer, this is it! Pacific Discovery is here to help you navigate your choices. Check out our range of summer programs here, and please email us at info@pacificdiscovery.org if you have any questions. In addition, we have an extensive alumni network if you want to gain a student perspective, and we would be happy to connect you!