Ever wondered if you could travel the world, gain real-world experience, and actually make money doing it? Sounds too good to be true, right? We sat down with Adam, the founder of AdventureEXP, to talk about why he started this game-changing program, how it works, and why it’s not just a dream—it’s reality.
Q: Adam, let’s cut to the chase. Why did you start AdventureEXP?
A: You know when you look back on your life and realize that the experiences that shaped you the most weren’t in a classroom? That’s exactly why I started AdventureEXP. I spent years traveling the world, and meeting people from all walks of life. I saw firsthand how gaining real-world experience—especially in new places—teaches you more than any textbook ever could. Travel has been my most impactful teacher. The problem? Most young people don’t think they can afford to travel, or they feel like they have to follow a rigid college-career path. I created AdventureEXP to show them they can travel, work, and grow—all while making money.
Q: So how does AdventureEXP actually work?
A: It’s super simple. We connect students and young professionals with paid work opportunities in amazing locations across the U.S. and abroad. Think ski resorts in Colorado, beachside hotels in Florida, or even working in New Zealand!
Once you apply, we match you with an employer partner that fits your skills, interests, timeline and goals. You get a guaranteed job before you leave home, plus affordable housing secured so you don’t have to stress about where you’ll live. We take care of the nitty-gritty details so you can focus on the adventure ahead. You learn, you earn, you explore—it’s as simple as that.
Q: This almost sounds too good to be true. Is there a catch?
A: We get that a lot! But nope, no catch. The secret sauce is students earning their right to learn in beautiful places. The reason most people think travel has to be expensive is because they only see the study abroad programs with insane price tags. AdventureEXP flips that model on its head. Instead of paying thousands just to be somewhere, you’re working, earning money, and gaining experience that actually boosts your resume, while living like a local in some epic places. It’s a cost-positive program, meaning you leave with more in your pocket than when you started. That’s why we say AdventureEXP isn’t just a gap year program—it’s an investment in yourself.
We positioned AdventureEXP to solve the problem of young people wanting experiences while gaining skills and then employers in these seasonal communities needing staff that are committed and actually want to be there. We joke that we’re EXPerts at getting “dope kids to dope places” which actually sums up our value, mission and day-to-day, pretty concisely.
Q: What about independent living skills? How does AdventureEXP help with that?
A: Oh man, this is one of my favorite parts of the program. Moving to a new place, managing your own money, learning how to cook, doing your own laundry—these might seem like small things, but they’re life-changing. I remember when I was 15, working in a restaurant for the first time. It was a total trial by fire, but I learned skills that I still use today. Working in the service industry is a rite of passage—it teaches you time management, communication, resilience, and how to handle anything life throws at you. Those skills don’t just make you a better worker; they make you a more capable, confident person. And that’s what AdventureEXP is all about. We went through getting our online course, called the Life Skills Foundation Course, accredited so students traveling on our program have this course included alongside their experience then have the option to gain college credit–and of course we’ve done everything we can to make it affordable.
Q: What’s AdventureEXP’s mission?
A: Our mission is simple: Make meaningful travel accessible to everyone. We believe young people shouldn’t have to choose between adventure and responsibility. You should be able to see the world, gain independence, build skills, and make money all at the same time. And beyond that, we want to change the way people think about gap years. They’re not just for people who don’t know what to do next. They’re for students who want to supercharge their future, who want to step outside their comfort zone, and who want to create a life filled with experiences—not just degrees and job titles–under an arbitrary timeline.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of running AdventureEXP?
A: Hands down, it’s seeing our students take ownership of their journeys. Every year, we watch people step off that plane (or out of their car), wide-eyed and nervous, and within weeks they’re thriving. They’re budgeting their money, exploring new places, making lifelong friends, and gaining confidence in ways they never expected. And the best part? They inspire us. Seeing young people take control of their own travel experiences, push their limits, and create unforgettable memories reminds me why I started this in the first place. Every time I hear from a past participant about how AdventureEXP changed their life, I know we’re doing something truly special.
Q: Any final words for someone thinking about taking a gap year with AdventureEXP?
A: Just go for it. Seriously. The most common thing I hear from parents, educators and colleagues is that they wish they had something like this when they were younger. The biggest regret I hear from people is that they didn’t take the leap when they had the chance. AdventureEXP is here to make that leap easier. You don’t have to figure it all out alone—we’ve got the jobs, the support, and the resources to set you up for success. The question isn’t why should you do this—the question is why not?
