Program Guide:

The Changemaker

September 8 - November 17, 2023

Day-by-day
itinerary

Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to availability and local conditions at the time of departure.

Days 1–13: Costa Rica

Day 1: Friday, September 8
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica
Depart the U.S. and arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city. Your EF Tour Director will be waiting for you at the airport with a friendly face and a “pura vida”! Meet the rest of your group and enjoy a welcome dinner all together.
Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: Saturday, September 9
First day of Orientation at University for Peace
The University for Peace (or UPeace) is a UN-founded university that is focused on training leaders to solve global problems related to global peace and wellbeing. While at UPeace, you will be doing workshops with a facilitator focused on preparing you for your experience on-program, understanding your goals, and building teamwork. Plus you’ll be on UPeace’s absolutely stunning campus atop a mountain overlooking the city of San Jose!
Meals included: All

Day 3: Sunday, September 10
Second day of Orientation at University for Peace
Enjoy another day at UPeace of workshops and sessions focused on helping you and your group make the most of your experience ahead.
Meals included: All

Day 4: Monday, September 11
Travel to Arenal
Travel into the mountains of the Arenal region. Soak in the natural hot springs.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Tuesday, September 12
Kayaking & Waterfalls in Arenal
Hike to one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls, and paddle your way through the mists of Lake Arenal — taking in the views of Arenal Volcano looming above you!
Meals included: Breakfast

Days 6-8: Wednesday, September 13 – Friday, September 15
Sustainable Agriculture & Eco-Living at Rancho Margot
Rancho Margot is an off-the-grid, sustainable ranch surrounded by the rainforest. They are focused on sharing their sustainable skills and perspective with visitors. While you’re there, you’ll take different workshops that focus on learning how the sustainable farm works and doing things like making soap and making cheese. Your meals there will be made from the food grown on-site! During your free time, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy this special environment — taking yoga classes, enjoying the natural pools, and recharging in nature.
Meals included: All

Day 9: Saturday, September 16
Head to Central Pacific Coast
Journey by private bus from San Jose to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10: Sunday, September 17
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s natural gems. From trekking through the rainforest and seeing sloths and monkeys to swimming on the pristine white beaches, you’ll enjoy taking time to appreciate nature and relax!
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11: Monday, September 18
Head to Corcovado
The Corcovado region is one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Costa Rica. You’ll travel by private bus from Manuel Antonio down to Corcovado.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Days 12-14: Tuesday, September 19 – Thursday, September 21
Service Learning Project with the Latin America Sea Turtles Association (LAST)
LAST is an organization with over 30 years’ experience working with Costa Rican sea turtles. They are experts in sea turtle population management, community-based conservation, coastal management, and volunteer-assisted research. While there, your day-to-day will depend on the needs of the turtles! Be ready to be in and out of the water, to go out on boats, and to learn a lot!
Meals included: All

Days 15-29: Panama

Day 15: Friday, September 22
Land Crossing between Costa Rica and Panama
Cross the border between Costa Rica and Panama by bus. Meet your Panamanian Tour Director at the border, and get ready to explore a whole new country!
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 16: Saturday, September 23
Coffee Tour & Free Time
Settle into the cozy Northern town of Boquete. Visit a coffee plantation and learn about how coffee is grown in this region — including one of the world’s best coffees called Geisha Coffee. Enjoy some free time to explore Boquete and rest.
Meals included: All

Day 17: Sunday, September 24
Zipline & Hanging Bridges
This day is all about adventure! Zipline through the rainforest, and enjoy the cloud forest canopy as you walk through hanging bridges. This is a magical way to see this special ecosystem.
Meals included: All

Day 18: Monday, September 25
Whitewater Rafting
Spend a day learning to work together as a group to navigate rapids as you go whitewater rafting through the rainforest!
Meals included: All

Day 19: Tuesday, September 26
Fly to Panama City
Fly from Boquete to the bustling Panama City. Panama city is the biggest urban hub in Central America, and it is a great place to explore, relax, and soak up the history & culture.
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner

Day 20: Wednesday, September 27
Mangrove Reforestation with CREHO
Spend your first of two days with the organization CREHO, which works to restore and protect environments in Panama. You’ll venture out of the city to a the seaside town of Chame, where you’ll head out on boats to collect mangrove propagules and plant them. You’ll learn about the importance of mangroves in Panama’s and the world’s ecosystems.
Meals included: All

Day 21: Thursday, September 28
Biomuseo and Panama Canal Locks
See some of the wonders of Panama City. Start with the Biomuseo, an interactive museum that shows Panama’s environmental history and its strategic geographical importance in a hands-on, fun way. Then see one of the wonders of the modern world — the Panama Canal — at the Miraflores Locks Visitors’ Center. Watch ships cross between the Atlantic and the Pacific and gain an understanding of global trade and Panama’s significance in this world.
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner

Day 22: Friday, September 29
Visit to the Embera Indigenous Tribe
Visit one of Panama’s indigenous communities. Learn about their unique language, history and culture.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 23: Saturday, September 30
The Urban Jungle

Take a hike in one of Panama City’s impressive green spaces and take in the views of the city.
Meals included: Breakfast

Days 24-25: Sunday, October 1 – Monday, October 2
Free days in Panama City
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 26: Tuesday, October 3
Visit to Panama Viejo & Casco Viejo
Spend a day immersed in the history of Panama City. You’ll see some of the architectural remnants of the original city destroyed in 1671 in Panama Viejo. In Casco Viejo, you’ll see the colonial heart of the city, with bustling museums, restaurants, and cobblestone streets. Enjoy some free time to explore Casco Viejo on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 27: Wednesday, October 4
Free day in Panama City
Take a free day in Panama City to rest, rejuvenate, and explore.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 28: Thursday, October 5
Urban Sustainability with CREHO
Reconnect with the organization CREHO to learn about urban sustainability. Visit one of Panama City’s urban beaches to do a trash pickup and learn about the impact of pollution on this environment. Learn how the city is recycling trash in innovative ways. In the afternoon, enjoy free time in the city.
Meals included: All

Day 29: Friday, October 6
Bamboo Workshop with FEDVIDA
Learn about sustainable architectural practices by meeting with an expert in using bamboo to build structures at the NGO FEDVIDA. Have a farewell dinner with your group.
Meals included: All

Days 30-49: Peru

Day 30: Saturday, October 7
Fly to Lima
Take a flight from Panama City to Lima. You’ll be greeted by your Peruvian Tour Director! Your group will have a welcome dinner together in Lima.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 31: Sunday, October 8
Guided tour of Lima
Explore Lima with a guide and visit the San Francisco Monastery.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 32: Monday, October 9
Free day in Lima
Enjoy a free day to explore Lima on your own.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 33: Tuesday, October 10
Fly to Cusco
Fly from Lima to Cusco in the mountain city of Cusco. Be prepared for the high altitude by taking it easy and drinking lots of water! Take a walking tour of Cusco and have a group dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 34: Wednesday, October 11
Sacsayhuaman
Visit the ruins of the ancient Inca temple of Sacsayhuaman.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 35: Thursday, October 12
Free day in Cusco
Enjoy a free day in Cusco to explore on your own.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 36: Friday, October 13
Transfer from Cusco to Calca
Drive from Cusco to Calca in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Days 37-39: Saturday, October 14 – Monday, October 16
Service Project: Sustainable Agriculture
Spend time in Peru’s Sacred Valley working with rural communities. Learn about their traditions and agricultural practices.
Meals: All

Day 40: Tuesday, October 17
Ceramics Workshop & Salineras Salt Mines
Visit the Salineras Salt Mines, ancient mines that date back to pre-Inca times. You’ll also do a weaving workshop and learn about local textiles — and take your work home with you!
Meals:  All

Day 41: Wednesday, October 18
Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Transfer to Ollantaytambo and visit the ancient Inca Ollantaytambo ruins.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 42: Thursday, October 19
Train to Aguas Calientes & Waterfall Hike
Take a scenic, winding train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Visit the Mandor Waterfalls.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 43: Friday, October 20
Machu Picchu
Visit one of the wonders of the world — Machu Picchu.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 44: Saturday, October 21
Travel to Patacanca & Meet your homestay

Train to Ollantaytambo & transfer to Patacanca, where you will immerse yourself in local culture with a homestay while working on service projects. This homestay experience is often one of our students’ favorite experiences during the program!
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 45: Sunday, October 22
Homestay in Patacancha
Get to know your homestay family in Patacancha. Depending on the needs of the family and the area when you visit, activities could include: alpaca shearing, farm visit, medicinal plants walk — and much more!
Meals: All

Day 46: Monday, October 23
Transfer to Cusco
Transfer with your group back to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 47: Tuesday, October 24
Fly to Lima & transfer to Paracas
Fly from Cusco to Lima and head to Paracas, a beach town on Peru’s west coast.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 48: Wednesday, October 25
Islas Ballestas
The Islas Ballestas are teeming with historical and natural wonders. On the islands you’ll see ancient Inca bluff carvings, and you might spot unique wildlife, like penguins! You’ll be on the water, so make sure to be prepared for boat rides.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 49: Thursday, October 26
National Reserve & Transfer to Lima
Spend a day on the beautiful beaches of the National Reserve before having a farewell dinner with your group.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Days 50-71: Ecuador

Day 50: Friday, October 27
Fly from Lima to Quito
Fly from Lima to Quito, where you’ll meat your Ecuadorian Tour Director.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 51: Saturday, October 28
Sightseeing in Quito
Take in the city of Quito as you visit places like El Panecillo and the Church of la Compania de Jesus.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 52: Sunday, October 29
Visit to Yunguilla Sustainable Community
The Yunguilla community is a sustainable community where you’ll learn about local agricultural and culinary traditions and get to try making some of them yourself. You’ll also visit the Equatorial Line and the Itinan Museum.
Meals: All

Day 53: Monday, October 30
Free day in Quito
Enjoy a free day in Quito to explore or relax.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 54: Tuesday, October 31
Transfer to Banos
Head out of Quito and deeper into the Andes to the mountain town of Banos, famous for its hot springs.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 55: Wednesday, November 1
Devil’s Cauldron & Hot Springs
Explore Banos, visit Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall, and do a cooking class!
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 56: Thursday, November 2
Free day in Banos
Enjoy a free day to soak up the vibes (and soak in the hot springs) in Banos.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 57: Friday, November 3
Transfer to Tena
Transfer from Banos to Tena, a city in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 58: Saturday, November 4
Hike in the Grand Canyon
Get your legs moving as you hike to an impressive canyon near Tena, where you’ll really appreciate the Amazonian jungle surrounding you.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 59: Sunday, November 5
Visit to Kichwua community & Amazon night
Visit an indigenous Kichwua community and learn about their history, culture, and language. Spend the evening with them.
Meals: All

Day 60: Monday, November 6
Whitewater rafting
Take a whitewater raft through the Amazon, taking in the jungle surrounding you.
Meals: All

Day 61: Tuesday, November 7
Transfer to Quito
Return to Quito and prepare to depart for the Galapagos Islands.

 

More detailed day-by-day information on the Galapagos Islands coming soon! Note that all meals are included while you are in the Galapagos.


Day 62: Wednesday, November 8

Fly to Santa Cruz & Charles Darwin Research Station
Meals included: All

Day 63: Thursday, November 9
Isabela: Flamingos, tortoises, & snorkeling in Tintoreras
Meals included: All

Day 64: Friday, November 10
Boat to Santa Cruz
Meals included: All

Day 65: Saturday, November 11
Explore Santa Cruz, Hike in Tourtuga Bay, and Snorkeling in Las Grietas
Meals included: All

Day 66: Sunday, November 12
San Cristobal & Snorkeling and hike in Tijeretas
Meals included: All

Day 67: Monday, November 13
La Loberia, and Hike to El Junco Lake
Meals included: All

Day 68: Tuesday, November 14
San Cristobal & Flight to Quito
Meals included: All

Day 69: Wednesday, November 15
Wrap-Up & Farewell Dinner
Spend some time with your group reflecting on all that you’ve been through together during your time on-program. In the evening, enjoy a farewell celebration dinner.
Meals: All

Day 70: Thursday, November 16
Otavalo Market & Peguche Waterfall

Spend a day in Otavalo Market, where you can see and purchase some local Ecuadorian handicrafts. Visit the stunning Peguche Waterfall.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 71: Friday, November 17
Fly home
Say your goodbyes and board your flight back to the US!
Meals: Breakfast

Tips to make the best of your experience


Traveling
smart

Packing
During the Service & Sustainability parts of your program, you will spend most of your time outdoors doing physical labor, so ensure that you bring casual, comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting dirty. Out of respect for the local culture, we ask that you please dress conservatively during your service project; depending on the project, you may not be allowed to wear tight or revealing clothing, shorts above the knee, tank tops, sports bras with nothing over them, or leggings. You will have less restrictions during the Guided Exploration portions of your program, but you should always keep cultural appropriateness in mind.

Budgeting
Whatever your personal spending habits are, it’s important to anticipate your expenses and budget accordingly so that you can travel care-free with more time to enjoy participating in your program. While many meals and activities are included during your EF Gap program, we want to help you build a realistic budget for additional expenses so that you can fully enjoy trying the local cuisine, participating in activities in your free time, and, of course, shopping for souvenirs to bring back home.

Packing list
Clothing

– T-shirts (5)
– Tank tops (2-3)
– Nice shirts/outfits (2-3)
– Nicer shirts/blouses (1-2)
– Raincoat/windbreaker
– Athletic/work shorts (4-5)
– Lightweight work pants (1-2)
– Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
– Flip-flops/sandals
– Sturdy work shoes/hiking boots
– Socks and underwear (2 weeks)
– Warmer layers in case of chilly nights (2)
– Lightweight pajamas
– Bathing suits (2-3)

Accessories

– Reusable water bottle
– Sunglasses
– Hats: 1 for sun coverage, 1 for warmth
– Packing cubes, optional
– Micro fiber towel / beach towel
– Work gloves
– Headphones
– Camera / memory card / charging cables
– Portable charger
– Travel lock for luggage and belongings
– Laundry  bag

Toiletries

– Toothbrush / toothpaste
– Deodorant
– Body wash/soap
– Shampoo / conditioner
– Hairbrush
– Reef-safe sunscreen
– Calendula / aloe vera for sunburn
– Stomach soothing medication
– Wet wipes
– Stain Remover stick / detergent packs
– Contact lenses / solution / eye glasses
– Menstrual products

Documents

– Passport
Pro tip: bring a photo copy as well

– Copy of your flight itinerary
Found in your EF Gap Year portal

– Copy of your itinerary and accommodations
Found in your EF Gap Year portal

– COVID-19 documents:
CDC vaccination card  and Negative COVID-19 test result

– Copy of any prescriptions

– Primary Health Insurance card from the U.S.

Carry-on

– Backpack
This is your carry-on! It can also double as your daily bag while abroad.

– Wallet
Bring your debit or ATM card so you can withdraw cash, as well as your credit card, ID, and student ID if you have one (discounts!)

Medications
For prescriptions, make sure it is in original container and bring enough of a supply to last your program.

– COVID-19 CDC vaccination card
Or, a negative COVID test result if applicable.

– Entertainment!
Books, downloaded Netflix streams and Spotify playlists, magazines, travel journal, deck of cards, etc.

– Passport
– Airline ticket
– Reusable water bottle
– Neck pillow / eye mask / ear plugs
– Toothbrush / toothpaste
– Contact lenses / solution / eyeglasses

Budgeting guide
Currencies

We don’t recommend traveling with large sums of cash. You may want to convert a small amount money to the currency of your first destination in each country. From there, you’ll be able to access local currency by using your debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM.

In larger cities, you will likely be able to pay with your credit card, debit card, or even Apple Pay. In smaller towns, you should make sure to keep cash on hand.

Be sure to check with your bank ahead of time and, if necessary, provide a travel notice so they don’t block the card for suspected fraud. Also ask them about any foreign transaction fees that might apply, as these can add up quickly. Apple Pay is another great option that past students have used during their time on-program.

  • Costa Rica’s currency is the colón (1000 colónes = 1.50 USD), but most places also accept US Dollars. Note that exchange rates can vary when you’re using cash in stores. Many places will not accept bills bigger than $20 USD.
  • Panama’s uses called the balboa (similar to the US dollar), and they also accept USD. You may receive change in balboas when you pay with USD.
  • Ecuador uses US dollars as their currency
  • Peru uses the sol (about 1/4 the value of the US dollar)
Meals

Get ready to eat lots of rice and beans, yucca potatoes, seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, and amazing coffee! You can’t beat the local cuisine in Latin America, and it’s usually cheaper than back home too. Lunches from local restaurants (called “sodas”) are usually anywhere from $5-$10, whereas the nicer restaurants in the cities will be more expensive. Your Tour Directors
are great resources to point you in the direction of delicious, local, and budget-friendly food options!

We recommend budgeting between $60 to $100 each week for food. When you’re on service projects, all your meals will be included. When you are traveling and during your free days, all breakfasts and some other meals are included.

Extras

We recommend budgeting up to $50 a week for extra costs. This could mean putting money aside for things like:

– Checked bag airline fee (usually around $30-50 per bag for every flight)
– Additional items of clothing
– Emergencies
– Extra toiletries
– Souvenirs
– Laundry This can vary in cost based on where you are. To save money, we suggest bringing a small bottle of condensed soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, that you can use to wash your clothes in the sink. 

Throughout your trip, your Tour Director may find opportunities for additional excursions and activities; typically, these experiences can cost anywhere from $10-$50, and there may be one or two opportunities like this each week. 

In bigger cities that you’re in, you will have a public transit card that you can use to access the public transportation system. There are also taxis or other ride services in the larger cities that you will be traveling to. Your Tour Director will let you know what to expect in terms of choosing safe and budget-friendly transportation options during your free time in each location.

Destination-specific packing tips
Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a tropical and sub-tropical climate. The temperature averages 70-80˚F year-round, so breathable, loose-fitting layers are best. Bring a warm layer for cooler nights. Because it is a tropical climate, expect rain and pack a quality raincoat. The rainy season runs May to November, during which you will still see the sun most days and experience rainfall in the afternoons or evenings. Please note that you will need water shoes for the Latin American Sea Turtle Project in Costa Rica. While you may see tourists in Costa Rica showing a lot of skin, remember while you’re at your service projects that you should respect the customs of the area that you’re in, which means wearing shirts that cover your torso and wearing longer shorts or pants.

Panama

In Panama City, the locals tend to dress casually and in comfortable
layers. It is typically hot during the day, so bring lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics such as linen, cotton, or bamboo; these will
keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry. The weather in Panama is characterized by its spurts of rainfall that nurture the nation’s luscious greenery. The dry season, or summer, goes from December to April.
February and March are the hottest months, while October is typically cooler. You’ll be spending most of your time in Panama City, as well as Boquete, which is in the countryside. Pack a few nicer outfits for
exploring the town in-between projects!

Peru

Peru is an ecologically diverse country defined by the Andean mountain range, which runs north-south, dividing the country into three broad climatic regions: the Coast, the Andean Highlands, and the Eastern lowlands and Amazon rainforest. You will be traveling to both the coast and the Andes on your trip. The Coast experiences a semi-arid, subtropical desert climate. Along the southern and central coast, temperatures vary from 55–79 ̊F, with colder weather in May and October. In the Andean highlands, climate varies with elevation; traditionally, a rainy season occurs from September to March and a dry, cold season from May to August. Average temperatures range from 52–65 ̊F. You’ll want comfortable shoes for the hike to Machu Picchu, layers for the varied climates, and conservative attire for the service destinations. You will feel the altitude when you are in the Andean Highlands, so be sure to go easy on yourself for the first few days and drink lots of water!

Ecuador & the Galapagos

Quito is about 8,000 feet above sea level, higher in some places, and such a drastic change from sea level can feel a little disorienting, so, like in the highlands of Peru, go easy on yourself the first few days and drink lots of water. It’s chillier here than most of your other destinations because of the altitude, but still wear your sunscreen because the sun is intense! Most locals don’t wear shorts in Ecuador; they’re not taboo, but bring a few pairs of pants if you want to blend in. Make sure to wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in the jungle when hiking, and use insect repellent and sunscreen to protect your skin. When in the Galapagos, you will be traveling between islands on small boats. We recommend everyone bring Dramamine or a similar anti-nausea medicine, even if you haven’t experienced motion sickness in the past, as the water can sometimes be choppy. You will need bathing suits for your time in the Galapagos–it’s helpful to have two options so that you can wear one while the other is drying. Water shoes are also helpful while in the Galapagos.

Packing tips


Making the most of your program

To make the most of your time during your program, this section gives some helpful context and reflection questions. These questions are great ones to think about on your own, to journal about, or to discuss with a friend or in a small group. Make the most of your time during your program by spending a little bit of time each day—even as little as 5 or 10 minutes—doing conscious reflection!

Costa Rica

Consider your five senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and feel. What new things have you sensed with each of these senses during your first few days in Costa Rica?

Think of a time in your first few days in Costa Rica when you felt a genuine connection with a person, a place, or a group. What did this connection feel like?

During your first few service projects, what was a challenge that you faced? How did you overcome it?

If you haven’t already, set a concrete goal for yourself to achieve over the course of your program. Take a moment to write it down in a journal or on a piece of paper that you will keep with you. Re-visit this goal during your program, and think about ways you can incorporate working towards this goal each day!

Sustaining your mental and physical health is vital while on-program. Make a list of the ways that you proactively plan to maintain both.

Panama

What is it like to go from more rural and remote areas to the hustle and bustle of Panama City? Which type of environment would you prefer to live in?

While in a spot in nature—maybe the rainforest, maybe the beach—take a moment to close your eyes. Listen to the sounds around you. What are you hearing? What is the farthest-away sound you can hear? What is the closest?

Who is one person in the group you want to get to know better? Challenge yourself to reach out to them and get to know them better—maybe this means inviting them to hang out with you on the beach, asking them questions about their hometown as you walk through the jungle, or sitting next to them at dinner and chatting about how their day went.

What is the biggest surprise you’ve had in during your program so far?

Peru

By this point in the program, you have probably had at least one moment where you’ve felt frustrated, confused, or annoyed. How did you deal with this moment? What worked, and what didn’t work? What will you do next time you face a difficult moment on-program?

How has your group dynamic changed between the beginning of the program and now? What moments have helped the group bond and grow?

What is one thing you learned about Peruvian culture? What surprised you?

You have a whole network to support you during your program. Have you connected with your EF Gap Year Advisor yet? Shoot them a text to let them know how you’re doing—whether everything is awesome or you’re struggling with something, they are there to cheer you on and support you!

You’ve probably tried some new foods and flavors during your time on the road. What is the best bite of food you’ve eaten during your trip so far?

During your free time, how are you making time to rest and recharge? Check-in with yourself and make sure you are getting enough time to recuperate physically and emotionally after each long day.

Ecuador

By this part of the program, you have done some physically demanding activities, like kayaking and hiking. How does your body feel after you complete these activities? How do your mind and emotions feel?

What is one thing you learned in the Galapagos about sustainability that you want to take back home with you?

What is one thing you learned on program that you want to share with your friends/family when you return home? This could be something you learned about the places you visited or sustainability, but it could also be something you learned about yourself.

Think back to one of your happiest moments on program. What was it that made this moment so special? Think about the environment you were in, the activities you were doing, and the people you were with. How can you bring more moments like that into your life?

What was a moment on program where you pushed yourself outside your comfort zone? Maybe this was trying a new food, doing an activity you weren’t sure if you could do, or pushing yourself to connect with new people. How has your comfort zone perhaps expanded while you’ve been on the road?

Social Identity Resources

Travel provides incredible opportunities to learn about yourself, the world, and yourself in the world. But travel is also a deeply emotional experience that can bring different challenges to every individual based on the identities they hold and experiences they’ve had.

This resource is intended to help you think about how your intersecting identities can, and will, shape your experience as an EF student. Take some time to review our Social Identity Resources to hear different perspectives, learn about identity-specific resources, and prepare with helpful tips before you go abroad.

Questions about your
upcoming program?

Your dedicated Gap Year Advisor is here to help every step of the way.