Program Reviews

I really could not recommend this program enough. I learned so much about building a life around the outdoors, planning backcountry expeditions, cultural exchange, international travel, leadership, adventure, and so much more. The instructors were incredible role models and friends, and every place we visited taught me something important and truly took my breath away. I am so eternally grateful to Lee and Alzar for this life-changing experience, and really recommend scheduling a call if you are at all interested!

My experience with alzar gap has been super eye opening and such an amazing experience. The balance between adventure and learning about the culture is perfect. I had such a good time with all the students and I felt the instructors were great leaders and people. My favorite part of the trip was all the white water kayaking and rivers we got to explore and go down. We got to go on some many rivers and I had such a good experience. I’m so happy I chose to do this program and would definitely recommend to anyone taking a gap year!

I came hoping to meet others interested in outdoor adventure, gain some Spanish knowledge, and see some pretty places. It was so much more than that. Through the help of our amazing instructors I was able to grow my leadership ability, learn useful outdoor living skills, be immersed in Chilean culture, and all while traveling to breathtaking places. I saw crystal clear glacial rivers flowing straight from glaciers, skies of twinkling stars turn to day, heard only the sound of birds in the woods. It was truly an experience of a lifetime and has given me the tools to continue traveling by myself.

A chance to explore and understand the uniqueness and beauty of Patagonia’s culture and landscapes. River and backpacking trips combined with cultural exchange allows students to see Patagonia in all sorts of lenses. The program is well paced with a great mix of chill time and expeditionary adventure. The length of the trip is perfect as to absorbs Patagonia’s vibe, but also not get too tired by the end of the trip. Also a great way to get introed into outdoor skills. Expeditions are meaningfully and not too difficult.

The Alzar School provided me with real world leadership skills. After attending in the fall of 2015, I have sought out leadership programs at other schools, and none compare. Alzar helped me learn that I have a lot to gain from the knowledge and experiences of others and that asking for feedback is a good thing. I also learned that I can handle extremely difficult situations, especially when others are depending on me. I learned to communicate with my peers through constructive feedback and small group expeditions in the backcountry. These communications skills carried over to my interactions and relationships with friends and family back home, and also in conversations with professionals when searching for jobs. I carry myself taller, trust in my own strength more, and have no fear to ask for help and support from others after coming back from the Alzar school. It is truly a life-changing experience. I conquered my fear of kayaking after years of being horrified of it, and created memories I will cherish for a lifetime. Thank you Alzar!!

Before coming to Alzar, I was hoping to get a sense of independence from my family and the routine that I live at home. I wanted to hone my leadership skills, make lasting friendships and apply my backpacking skills. I also wanted to explore the brand new realms of spanish and kayaking. At Alzar, I learned that I am able to broaden my definition of a leader from just being someone that people liked, and who knew the plan. I am now able to define many other types of leadership other than my own, and work with people to understand where my assets work best. I hope to be a better leader in my own home, communicating and being fair to my siblings, and also doing a good job of helping my parents around the house. Anyone is lucky to experience a semester at this special place.

Alzar helped me find lifelong friends, cultivated my desire to explore, and equipped me with the interpersonal skills I needed to become more independent and confident. Each day was filled with laughter and adventure, in and out of the classroom. I chose to attend Alzar because I wanted to diversify my high-school experience, and this program was certainly successful in helping me achieve that. I now have a passion for cultural exchange, leadership, and outdoor adventure as well as a broader perspective of the world.

I went on the Payette River, one of three rivers featured in the Western Whitewater Gap program while I was a student at Alzar. Northwest whitewater is exciting, serene, and challenging. The landscapes are beautiful, the accommodations with Alzar are comfortable, and the staff does a fantastic job of balancing your comfort level and challenging you to improve. Additionally, I took a Swiftwater Rescue course at Kelly's Whitewater Park, just up the road from the main Alzar campus. Kelly's is well equipped with three main features to accommodate all Swiftwater Rescue lessons and we had well trained staff to guide us along each different scenario. Alzar also integrates student leadership well into each of its expeditions, and gives everyone the chance to help plan and facilitate the trip.

At Alzar, I was hoping to have a fun experience with amazing people, and I achieved this! The expeditions were amazing because of the challenges and bonding with friends. Kayaking is amazing! I learned so much about why/how I make decisions. I also learned what I like about leaders and what I want to do with my life! Im so thankful for the network of friends across the country. The teachers are an awesome support system that i feel i can rely on and who will help me move forward in my life. I could not be more thankful for my experience at The Alzar School!

Alzar is a fantastic opportunity for young people of all ability levels to spend time with a uniquely motivated group of peers exploring the world and developing their leadership skills. From designated leadership experiences in the front and backcountry geared towards building confidence to tailored challenges in outdoor and social settings, the programs are geared towards and inspired by suggestions from students. Beyond outdoor adventures, the social atmosphere of the program is beyond compare. Students come from all across the country with unique stories, talents, and backgrounds, but all with the commonality of saying "yes" to this amazing adventure. Both the Idaho and Chile campuses are gorgeous, fully equipped, and extremely comfortable for all students. While academics are rigorous, students have ample time to explore their surroundings, take fun trips to explore local areas, relax, and spend time with each other.