Pacific Discovery Summer Abroad Programs are designed to be an intense and immersive insight into a country or region. You’ll be inspired by new perspectives, forge wonderful friendships, and gain experience and skills that will be with you for life.
Our programs are based on the concept of experiential education, and blend cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, personal and leadership development, volunteer and community service projects, ecotourism and sustainability focus.
If you are looking for an experience that challenges you, broadens your horizons, and merges cultural insights and environmental sensitivity with fun and adventure – come and explore with us!
Our educational travel programs are suitable for high school graduates, gap year students, college students and graduates, ideally 17 - 22 years. Optional transferable academic credit is available on the Hawaii 6-Week Program. We offer summer travel programs in: Thailand, Costa Rica, Hawaii, The Galapagos Islands, New Zealand & Fiji, and Australia.
Did you know that Pacific Discovery also offers some amazing summer internship programs specially designed for high school students? These high school summer internships are ideal for students between 15 and 17 years old - check them out now!
Looking to compare our Programs for Summer 2022? Get the full Summer Program run-down in our catalogue. This catalogue provides information about Pacific Discovery's values and program design, as well as program descriptions, testimonials and a comparison chart!
✓ Practice your surfing skills in the blue waters of the Big Island
✓ Remove invasive vegetation that threatens water quality and local fish species
✓ Stargaze on top of the highest peak in the world, Mauna Kea
✓ Prepare a local Imu feast where we take the food from ground to table
✓ Snorkel the reefs of Kona and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and manta rays
✓ Learn about conservation and sustainable living from a local non-profit
✓ Optional transferable college credit is available
✓ Get outdoors and learn about sustainable farming techniques on a permaculture farm
✓ Explore the waterfalls, trails, beaches and botanical gardens of the Big Island
✓ Surf Lessons based in Kona, the sunny district on Hawai’i Island
✓ Get hands-on in marine conservation and restoration of local ecosystems
✓ Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture by learning about the heritage, language and importance of canoes
✓ Rewarding volunteer project working with elephants at an elephant sanctuary
✓ Try your hand at Muay Thai (or Thai boxing), the country’s national sport
✓ Hike in the amazing jungle of Khao Sok National Park
✓ Learn to make authentic Thai food during a cooking workshop
✓ Kayak around the beaches and islets surrounding Railay Beach
✓ Rock climbing and canyoning adventures in northern and southern Thailand
✓ Experience Fiji's underwater world during an introduction to scuba diving
✓ Plant native trees and learn about native wildlife and ecology at a coastal sanctuary
✓ Go snorkeling and stand up paddle boarding over coral reefs in Beach Comber Island
✓ Cultural immersion at a Maori cultural performance and traditional hangi feast
✓ Conservation project alongside park rangers at Tawharanui Regional Park
✓ White water rafting adventure over rapids and the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world
✓ Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef with turtles and other marine wildlife
✓ 4WD-adventure on Fraser Island through the rainforest and along endless beaches
✓ Learn to ride waves from surfing-guru instructors during a surf camp
✓ Explore the famous beaches, museums and opera house of Sydney
✓ Experience life and work with animals on an outback station
✓ 'Save our Species' project around conservation in two coastal National Parks
✓ Snorkel Kicker Rock, one of the best locations for spotting the incredible marine life
✓ Mountain bike through the stunning landscape of the Wetlands
✓ Learn about Galapagos conservation in action at the Charles Darwin Research Station
✓ Hike to the top of the active volcano Sierra Negra
✓ Remove invasive plant species during a reforestation project
✓ Have close encounters with marine iguanas, sea lions and giant tortoises
✓ Volunteer project working with sloths and monkeys at an animal rescue center
✓ Hike through the unique cloud forest of Monteverde
✓ Investigate sustainable agriculture and its importance in developing communities
✓ Bioluminescence adventure: see plankton glow in the dark while floating on the water
✓ Surf on the pristine beaches of the Pacific coast with professional guides
✓ Spot an abundance of wildlife in the forests, mangroves and beaches of a Wildlife Refuge
✓ For students 15-17 years old
✓ Live at a permaculture farm and practice local farming techniques
✓ Become a global citizen with a global perspective on environmental issues
✓ Snorkel the reefs of Kona and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and manta rays
✓ Restore a local village fishpond and plant native food plants
✓ Gain real-life work experience at 3 local non-profits and a Certificate of Completion
✓ For students 15-17 years old
✓ Volunteer project working with sloths and monkeys at an animal rescue center
✓ Surf on the pristine beaches of the Pacific coast with professional guides
✓ Transfer the applicable learning activities to benefit both school and personal life
✓ Investigate sustainable agriculture and its importance in developing communities
✓ Gain real-life work experience and a Certificate of Completion
