The ARCC Pacific Islands Gap Semester offered a mix of adventure, service, and cultural immersion. Days were filled with activities like snorkeling, hiking, and working on community projects, giving a unique way to experience the islands beyond just visiting. There was plenty of time to connect with both locals and fellow students, which was enriching, though adjusting to the intense heat, bugs, and basic accommodations took some effort. Overall, a worthwhile experience for those open to a challenge and personal growth.

I had an excellent time with ARCC! I learned so much about culture and travel, and made so many memories and lasting friendships. I would definetly reccomend ARCC to people I know, and if I could I’d go on more trips with them. My favorite parts were the adventures we took, like trekking through a jungle to see orangutans, and the ocean activities we did; like snorkeling, reef surveillance, surfing, and scuba. All in all this was a life changing trip, and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to take it.

What a great way to experience new parts of the world! I got to make new and long lasting friendships and memories with ARCC on this trip. From the deep jungles of Sumatra, to the hustle and bustle of Bali’s city streets, to the tranquility of Fiji’s beaches and reefs, this journey has been nothing short of amazing! I recommend ARCC, the Pacific Islands Gap Semester and other ARCC programs for those who want to Braden their horizons and experience religions & cultures outside of their normal day-to-day.

This was an amazing program! I found it was the perfect balance between curriculum, service learning, and fun! I loved traveling within a group like this because it takes off the stress of having to plan for yourself, so you can really enjoy and learn about the different places you go to. It was also nice to be in a tight knit group of people my age, with two amazing co-leaders who were great mentors throughout the trip. I highly recommend taking a gap semester with ARCC. It is a great length and wonderful, unforgettable experience.

I loved going on the program and would totally do it again. I made so many new friends with memories that will last forever. I learned so much about new cultures, tried new foods, learned dances, went on awesome adventures, and had so many silly moments. I never thought I would see orangutans, make coffee, kayak through jungle waterfalls, pray at temples, hike volcanos, and learn scuba on the same trip. I now have so many stories from the other side of the world that I can remember and share and I would recommend going on this trip.

I have never been on a trip that brought so much to the table. This was truly enjoy, incredible and something I will never forget would absolutely recommend for anyone looking for community, a beautiful place to travel etc! Each country you visit is unique in its own way and you'll find yourself wishing you could stay forever. Being in a structural aspect of the program is also very fulfilling, as well. It never feels too overbearing, or like you're back at school. This trip is definitely worth considering you learn so much throughout your travels and see even more!

My experience with Pacific Islands Gap Semester was one for the books. I've made dear friends that I seemed to get more and more closer with as the trip went on. In addition to that I loved waking up knowing I was going to do something that I've never gotten the chance to do before. We've seen orangutans, swam with dolphins, had dinner with a Balinese princess, drank kava with in a remote fiji village and then proceed to have a massive dance party with the whole village. Everyday the program was throwing these exciting opportunities like these in my face and I was all for it.

This trip has been an eye opener on so many different levels. I have learned how to be a team member with lots of different people and how to adapt to my surroundings. I had the opportunity to see wild, endangered orangutans, help plant trees in the rainforest, cook national cuisines, try new fruits, swim in the beautiful bodies of water, and more. I also have new friends who I will forever remember. I feel more confident in my social skills, and more intrigued by different culture. This experience was 10/10.