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!
We offer summer travel programs in: Thailand, Costa Rica, Hawaii, The Galapagos Islands, and Australia. These 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 also available on the Hawaii 6-Week Program.
But 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!
“My Pacific Discovery trip was absolutely a life-changing experience. I not only had an excellent time and make 13 new best friends, but also gained perspective that changed the way I look at the world. Meeting people from communities in Peru and Ecuador and learning about their way of life has inspired me to think differently about my own life and about those I meet. Coming home from this trip, I am more thoughtful, inquisitive, independent, and mature and will be much better prepared to handle what the future brings.”
Emily Bosworth, 2016
The Galapagos Islands Summer Program
✓ 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
✓ 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
✓ 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
✓ 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
✓ Volunteer project working with sloths and monkeys at an animal rescue center
✓ Surf on the pristine beaches of the Pacific coast with professional guides
✓ Hands-on marine debris clean-up in a Wildlife Refuge
✓ Experience the “pure vida” lifestyle in the world’s happiest country
✓ Investigate sustainable agriculture and its importance in developing communities
✓ Bioluminescence adventure: see plankton glow in the dark while floating on the water
✓ Conservation project alongside park rangers at Tawharanui Regional Park
✓ Experience Fiji's underwater world during an introduction to scuba diving
✓ Cultural immersion at a Maori cultural performance and traditional hangi feast
✓ Plant native trees and learn about native wildlife and ecology at a coastal sanctuary
✓ Stay overnight in a Marae, a traditional meeting hall and spiritual home to the Maori
✓ White water rafting adventure over rapids and the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world
✓ Cultural immersion at a Maori cultural performance and traditional hangi feast
✓ White water rafting on the Kaituna River
✓ Hike to the summit of a dormant volcano on Rangitoto Island
✓ Rewarding volunteer conservation projects in National Parks and the Kiwi Birdlife Park
✓ Explore Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of the World
✓ Spot seals and penguins on a boat cruise through the world famous Milford Sound
✓ Canyoning daytrip - rappelling, scrambling and hiking in the Blue Mountains
✓ Explore Sydney - its harbor, beaches, and museums
✓ It's whale season in Australia, so the chances of spotting humpbacks are high!
✓ Go on a multi-day canoe journey in the Noosa Everglades
✓ Snorkeling with turtles and tropical fish in Byron Bay
✓ Rewarding service-learning conservation project in National Parks
✓ Surf on the pristine beaches of the Pacific coast with professional guides
✓ Investigate sustainable agriculture and its importance in developing communities
✓ Volunteer project working with sloths and monkeys at an animal rescue center
✓ Yoga and meditation retreat to increase strength and enable self-reflection
✓ Hands-on marine debris clean-up in a Wildlife Refuge
✓ Gain real-life work experience and a Certificate of Completion
✓ Live at a permaculture farm and practice local farming techniques
✓ Practice your surfing skills in the blue waters of the Big Island
✓ Restore a local village fishpond and plant native food plants
✓ 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
✓ Gain real-life work experience at 3 local non-profits and a Certificate of Completion
