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9.2 (107)Verified12 Programs

Why choose Gapforce?

The Gapforce family provides the perfect solution for any prospective gap year traveler. Find the best gap year experience with a pool to choose from featuring leading and trusted adventure travel brands. Spanning across a range of adventure or job training experiences, Gapforce provides an array of opportunities. Participate in a volunteer project, undergo vocational training, or develop cultural...

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Gapforce Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.2

Total Reviews

107
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Just an incredible experience

by: Andries Brummer - NamibiaProgram: Thailand Marine Conservation
9

Earlier this year, I completed an incredible experience with the Thailand Marine Conservation Program. While many in our group participated for a gap year, my goal was to earn my divemaster certification and deepen my understanding of conservation efforts to apply back home. The vibrant marine life and unique ecosystems were incredible and made me fall inlove with the ocean all over again. Overall, this program was a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow both as a diver and a conservationist. The program was expertly led by Marine Biologist Jade Bosco, who managed our education and schedule. She was exceptional at teaching us about local marine and reef ecology. Jade was supported by Ciara, another passionate biologist who oversaw our diving training and participated in most of our projects and eco dives. Their enthusiasm and passion was great to experience. In all honesty I could write a book about these two and how much they love the ocean. While I could go on about how special everything was, Jade and Ciara we're a highlight and I can't imagine better people to learn from and experience this program with. After starting with basic dive training, we moved on to survey dives focused on coral ecology, where we learned to identify various corals and marine life. As we improved our skills, we began working on the artificial reef, learning more about the ecosystem, planting new corals and maintaining the reef. Personally I loved our weekend cleanup dives—they were some of my best experiences. It was calming, peaceful and just gave me a good feeling. In addition to all the educational dives, we also had fun dives that allowed us to simply enjoy the underwater world outside of the program. Overall, the mix of training, conservation work, and fun dives just hit the best balance for me. For my divemaster training, I had the privilege of learning from Frankie Gard-Storry, one of the best instructors I’ve ever had. Frankie struck the perfect balance between professionalism and what I can only call stupid fun, making every moment memorable and helping me manage my time between the ecology program and my divemaster training, even though I got very ill (pretty sure he carried my 130kg body to the clinic with only one arm while I was blacked out) basically a superhero. Throughout the program, I had the pleasure of meeting an amazing group of people from all over the globe. While many weren’t part of the program, they added so much to the experience. From locals to fellow divers and travelers, each person added something unique and special, making my time truly memorable. The island itself was fantastic, and the Thai cuisine was absolutely delightful and mouth watering—something I miss the most! Although I chose to explore on foot and by taxi, I’d recommend renting a scooter to fully experience everything the island has to offer. There’s so much to do beyond diving and classes, ensuring that you’ll never be bored. The locals we're wonderful, warm and friendly. I want to extend a massive thank you to Jade, Ciara, Frankie, and the entire Roctopus team. Your dedication and support made my experience unforgettable. While there were many others who contributed to this amazing journey, naming everyone would make this review quite long. Just know that I truly appreciate everything you all did to make this adventure, experience and education so special. Andries Godlieb Brummer

Our Rescue Diver Team featuring Instructor Frankie.Just some loveOur weekend Cleanup team (honestly still some of my favorite dives) fraturing Biologists Jade and Ciara.

Overall Fantastic Experience

by: Tom Hollingsworth - United KingdomProgram: Thailand Marine Conservation
10

I did the 4 week course and couldn’t recommend highly enough. Jade led a driven and passionate eco-team which it was inspiring to be a part of. She delivered interesting and high-quality tuition on multiple aspects of marine ecology and then we got the opportunity to apply some of these principles in specific eco-dives, participating in exciting current projects and even designing and conducting our own project. Dive instructor Ciara gave exemplary diving tuition and it was amazing to explore the many stunning dive sites of Koh Tao, which were teeming with life and beautiful reefs . All of this was combined with fantastic accommodation and food, an extremely friendly and welcoming community, and ample opportunity to explore and enjoy the wonders of the island.

Arriving at one of the dive sites.Sairee Beach, right next to the dive shop.Night dive as part of advanced open water qualification.

Simply brilliant!

by: Jasperkirkby - United KingdomProgram: Marine Scientist Training Costa Rica
10

I have made so many friends for life and found a new passion! Diving out of Quepos and working closely with the Marine conservation team is an incredibly special experience and well worth it! Thank you to all the team

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Interviews

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Interviewed in 2022

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Awards

Check out awards and recognitions Gapforce has received

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Gap Year AbroadTop Rated Provider 2023 - Gap YearYET 2023Go Overseas Community Choice Award - Top Rated in Safety 2022CanGapYear Out GroupDuke of Edinbrugh