If you'd like to discuss the programs with PC alumni, parents of alumni, or faculty/advisors, just contact us and we'll put you in touch.

New Zealand Australia Program Feedback

Justin Simpson, MN
Pacific Challenge was a uniquely beneficial, enlightening, inspiring, eye-opening, challenging, life changing experience. Almost everything about it is unforgettable. The cost of the trip may at first seem prohibitive, but I assure you the
immense value is undeniable. I saved for 15 months, sold my car and a few other unnecessary items, in order to do the Pacific Challenge and a few other extended trips. After traveling for 8 months total (the best months of my life), I can easily say the PC program was the most worthwhile use of my
money. Read more....

Sara Scarpelli, OR
I knew going into this trip that it would be an experience of a lifetime and that I would return home with a new knowledge of myself and the world. That being said though, this trip far exceeded my expectations. The people I met, the friendships I made on the trip were so much more than what I had expected. Being tossed in with 20 other people whom I had never met and traveling in such beautiful countries was awesome and I will never forget the memories and the people I met along the way.

Karen Stanley, WI
I just wanted to tell you what an amazing time I had this last semester. I had more experiences than I ever could have imagined having in my entire lifetime! I met so many amazing people and learned through the classes as well as participating in the activities. It is wonderful that you had the vision for this program...it has done so many great things for so many people that have had the opportunity to participate.

Jen Carraux, WI
It was absolutly amazing and words can't describe the ways I have changed as a result of the trip. I expected that it would be difficult to live with 20 strangers for two and a half months but it turned out that they were 20 of the best friends I
have ever made. I feel confident in saying that I came home with a deep appreciation for learning about other cultures and now have a deeper passion for the care of our environment. This experience was worth every penny I paid.

Emily Hanley, ME
Since I had already been on the PC SE Asia trip I had only the highest expectations for the NZ/OZ trip and I was not let down! I had an amazing time, I loved all the outdoor adventures and really enjoyed the atmosphere. I definitely felt like I just learned more and more about co-operative living
and learning to appreciate all different kinds of people.

Anne Beckerman, MN
I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful experience you have given me. I really miss the group, but I have come to realize that meeting great people and then leaving them is a fact of life. Most I will see again and some I will not, but the times we shared were unforgettable. You have taught me how I want to live my life. Throughout this adventure I have discovered a new side to myself. It is a more adventurous, self reliant and courageous individual. I really like this new person and I thank you for helping me discover her.

Brad Hanson, MN
Every person I've talked to or heard of that has gone on a Pacific Challenge trip say it's the best thing they've ever done, including ME! I will remember the people I spent those 60 days with far longer than many people that I have known for years. The bonds that form in the Pacific Challenge environment are indescribable. At first I was a bit intimidated that I didn't know anyone on the trip, but after 3 days my worries were completely gone and I felt extremely comfortable with everyone. Pacific Challenge gave me a chance to grow in many new directions. My self-confidence and interpersonal communication skills grew tremendously.

Andrea Thurston, MN
The Pacific Challenge trip really changed my life. It helped me to realize that I can accomplish anything I want to, anything I can dream. I would recommend the trip to everyone. If they don't have the money, take out a loan and GO! It was worth every penny, and I would definitely do it again. I feel very lucky that I had such great leaders. They really made the trip!

Meghan Ryal, WI
I wish I had the money to do the trip again, because I would, in a heartbeat! The trip was pivotal for me, I didn't even know how to pitch a tent before I went, and in two months, I had rafted over a waterfall, jumped out of an airplane, hiked on a glacier, and made some lifelong friends. Pacific Challenge was more than a trip, it was a life changing experience for me.

Parents of Alumni Feedback

Chris Welisek , IL, parent
My oldest son, Ryan, just finished the trip to New Zealand & Australia...he had such a positive experience...our son experienced the time of his life and thought very highly of his two leaders...we can tell just how this experience has matured him and broadened his horizons. Thank you again for providing this wonderful trip and excetional personnel.

Advisors & Faculty of Alumni...more coming

Dr Roger Riley, MN
I have taught on Pacific Challenge for the last 2 years. In my opinion, the trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the participants. Regardless the courses undertaken by students, their incidental learning far surpasses the 'planned learning'. Nevertheless...their planned learning is immense. Feedback from [my] students...overwhelmingly positive. Let me just say what a wonderful job you did with Kirsten and Jen. Their eyes and "worlds" are now open to so many more possibilities. They are full of confidence and ready to explore their own potential.