ARCC Gap: Pacific Islands - Sumatra, Bali & Fiji

ARCC Gap: Pacific Islands - Sumatra, Bali & Fiji

Location
Multiple Locations +2
  • Indonesia
    • Sumatra
    • Bali
  • Fiji
Length
4 - 12 weeks
Need-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, 529 Plan eligibility, BIPOC funding

Program Details

Activities
Animal Viewing Boating Camping City Exploring Farming Hiking Kayaking Remote Exploring Scuba Diving Sightseeing Snorkeling Surfing Swimming
Timeframe
Fall Spring
Housing
Guesthouse Host Family Hostel Hotel Tent
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
17
Age Max
21

Pricing

Starting Price
16688
Price Details
Tuition includes all food, lodging, group activities, and in-country ground transportation.

Airfare and Visas are not included
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Meals Park Fees Tour Guide Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Apr 30, 2026
Apr 17, 2026
75 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Travel to and immerse yourself in the island lifestyles of Sumatra, Bali & Fiji. Trek deep into the Sumatran rainforest searching for the critically endangered orangutan. Assist in restoring age-old Bataknese Houses in a rural Sumatran while learning about traditional ways of living. Conduct site visit to various social enterprises and shadow workers in Bali. Learn to surf on Bali's legendary waves and get SCUBA certified with a PADI certified dive shop. Discover the Fijian lifestyle and be welcomed into the community by the local village chief. Participate in a traditional dance workshop and cooking classes in Fiji. Lend a hand in a coral reef rehabilitation project with a local marine biologist and collect vital conservation data.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers deep cultural immersion, meaningful service, and adventurous activities like trekking, scuba, and surfing, all supported by caring leaders and local partners.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

ARCC Programs believes that social responsibility is an essential aspect of our programming and business operations. We strongly believe that cultural immersion, cross-cultural conversations, and reflection on these experiences can increase self-awareness, promote empathy, and foster growth. We recognize that our staff, student, and participant body is not as diverse as we would hope. We also recognize that there are inherent imbalances in access, particularly when it comes to international travel and outdoor experiences. Recognizing the current imbalances and accessibility issues within the world and more specifically within experiential/outdoor education/gap year programs, we are able to move towards a more just and inclusive world.

ARCC is committed to increasing accessibility for our programs and supporting socioeconomic diversity within our community. ARCC’s Voyagers Scholarship provides up to five scholarship opportunities per semester to students who identify within the BIPOC community. These scholarships can range anywhere from $5,000-$8,000, and also include gear lending and mentorship support throughout the gap year experience. The Voyagers Scholarship can also be combined with ARCC Financial Aid.
ARCC Programs believes that social responsibility is an essential aspect of our programming and business operations. We strongly believe that cultural immersion, cross-cultural conversations, and reflection on these experiences can increase self-awareness, promote empathy, and foster growth. We recognize that our staff, student, and participant body is not as diverse as we would hope. We also recognize that there are inherent imbalances in access, particularly when it comes to international travel and outdoor experiences. Recognizing the current imbalances and accessibility issues within the world and more specifically within experiential/outdoor education/gap year programs, we are able to move towards a more just and inclusive world.
Our Essential Eligibility Criteria outlines the requirements for participation in our programs to determine if our programs are a good fit for each student. While ARCC Gap is not a therapeutic program, we do provide an inclusive environment for students with neurodivergence. We have had students with various diagnosed neuro-differences (such as dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, TS, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, etc) find success on our gap semester programs.

During our interview process, we have open communication with students and families about the support ARCC instructors are able to provide students while on program. For students needing some additional support, we ask them to complete a “Plan of Action” with their at home support system. These plans may include additional information about communication/support preferences, coping strategies, and/or specific requirements to encourage the student to engage with the program effectively. Once on the program, our instructors will periodically check in individually with each student, help the student stay accountable to their Plan of Action, and provide general support to all participants.
ARCC Gap Travels to locations around the world that have varying levels of accommodations for students needing accessibility support. For this reason, please see our Essential Eligibility Criteria to see if our gap programs are a good fit for you.

Whenever possible (determined by specific location and program - ie. infrastructure, access to specific health care facilities, dietary options available, etc), we have successfully assisted students with anaphylactic allergies, chronic medical conditions, and other accommodations on programs. We recommend that you reach out with specific concerns to your Gap Director to find the right fit for you.

Impact 🌎

At ARCC Programs we recognize that all human action impacts our physical environment and the living beings on the planet. Everything on Earth plays a role in supporting life and we believe that it is our responsibility to have a net positive impact with our actions. We strive to balance the impacts of our programming by partnering with communities and organizations with similar goals toward bettering our planet for future generations.
ARCC believes that we (as an industry) need to shift the way we think about international service. We (as a society) have now come to realize that international volunteers often benefit from their service experience, while the impact on the community can be short-lived or even harmful. We at ARCC are taking the years of experience that we have in the international service learning realm, have reflected on previous mistakes, learned from our in-country partners, and have made changes. Our goal is to live, work, and learn alongside community members while also making a positive impact. We are committed to partnering with local community-driven organizations to focus on reciprocity while contributing to established long-term projects. It is our responsibility to engage in mutually beneficial community-driven projects and teach fair trade learning principles to our students.

Program Highlights

  • Track Orangutans Alongside Rangers and Conservationists in Sumatra
  • Learn About Island Life and Coffee Farming Through a Homestay at Lake Toba
  • Explore Ubud, Indonesia’s Spiritual Hub, and Take Surf Lessons in Uluwatu
  • Shadow Workers in Various Social Enterprises in Bali and Earn Your PADI SCUBA Certification
  • Conduct Coral Reef Assessments in Fiji and Remove Invasive Species

Program Dates

Application Deadline
Program Dates
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Program Reviews

4.81 Rating
based on 43 reviews
  • 5 rating 81.4%
  • 4 rating 18.6%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.3
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.8
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 33 - 40 of 43 reviews
Mariella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great program !!!!

This program is amazing and incredible and awesome and the best time ever! ARCC created such a special experience! John and Gill were the best leaders ever and this trip was truly life changing. I can’t recommend it enough! The food was so delicious, the activities were unique and pushed me out of my comfort zone, and the local partners were fabulous! Definitely do this program if you want a super super special gap year experience!

98 people found this review helpful.
Gardner
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

PIGS 10/10

This was possibly one of the best life-changing experiences I’ve ever had. We had amazing food, amazing housing, and some wonderful adventures that I will remember forever shut out to John and Gillian our trip leaders. They really made this trip as magical as it could’ve been. They were literally like mom and dad and will forever be mentors in my eyes.

What was your funniest moment?
During the first month, when we were in Sumatra, we had partners that worked with a company called Guest Sumatra, and the owner of the company was hilarious and cracked jokes about some of the symbols on the traditional housing
Pros
  • Food
  • Pretty places
  • Warm weather
Cons
  • Time difference
  • Spotty cell
  • Early mornings
82 people found this review helpful.
Georgia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South Pacific Islands Gap Semester Arcc

I loved my experience on this gap semester. I’ve grown and learned so much. I could not recommend it enough. it has changed my life for the better. My favorite parts were meeting and connecting with the locals/ Arccs partners. Also the beauty of the South Pacific islands is unforgettable. I loved snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, surfing and any time we spent in the outdoors. I also was lucky enough to get amazing leaders. They were such inspiring role models and amazing friends. I have definitely left this semester a better, more empathetic and well rounded individual.

Pros
  • Cultural immersion
  • Beauty of the landscape
  • Amazing partners/ employees
Cons
  • Not enough time in Sumatra
139 people found this review helpful.
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ARCC Gap: Pacific Islands - Fiji, Sumatra & Bali, hosted by ARCC Programs.

This program was the most memorable experience I have had in my life. If you are considering doing a gap year program; I seriously encourage you to do ARCC gap programs. This program had not only an amazing cultural immersion element but a great educational element. I saw myself grow immensely during the 70 days in which I give a ton of credit to the group I was with as well as the leaders. This program has everything for every type of person including a bunch of physical activity such as hiking, swimming, surfing etc. and artistic/ educational activities like making pottery, going to historical sights, curriculum sessions etc.

148 people found this review helpful.
Garrett
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ARCC Gap: Pacific Islands - Fiji, Sumatra & Bali, hosted by ARCC Programs.

I thought this experience was super fun and taught me so much about other cultures and ways of life. Also I’ve grown so much and learned many lessons from our partners and leaders. There were so many memories that I’ll hold dear forever such as, homestaying at Lake Toba and learning a traditional dance with the kids or seeing my first orangutan. One of my biggest take aways would be the friends we’ve made along the way on our travels and how it’s like we are all family after the adventures and memories we’ve made together.

Pros
  • Adventure
  • Learning about culture
  • Immersing yourself in a different style of life
Cons
  • Might be extreme for some
  • Not everywhere had AC
  • Very hot and humid
147 people found this review helpful.
John
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ARCC Gap: Pacific Islands - Fiji, Sumatra & Bali, hosted by ARCC Programs.

Everyone was so kind and helpful throughout the whole trip. There was always plenty of food and activities. There was also plenty of down time and time to spend for myself. My leaders were lots of fun and helpful throughout the trip they gave us plenty of space when needed and encouraged us to get out of our comfort zones. This trip would not be complete without both of my leaders. The Scuba activities were some of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It was so calming and eye opening. I’ve grown so much from this trip and will remember it forever.

Pros
  • Spending time with children
  • Eating lots of delicious food
  • Plenty of fun activities
Cons
  • Not everywhere had AC
  • The sun was really hot
145 people found this review helpful.
James
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ARCC Gap: Pacific Islands - Fiji, Bali, Sumatra, hosted by ARCC Programs

This semester was incredible! We went to Sumatra, Bali, and Fiji. All of our local partners were amazing. So nice, fun, and accommodating. Everyone was so friendly and the activities we did were super fun. We really got to experience these different cultures by living with locals, eating they’re food, and experiencing they’re traditions. Our leaders on the group were the best. They made the trip so great. This trip was the experience of a lifetime that exceeded all expectations. I feel it’s opened my eyes and helped me grow as a person. I feel more independent and confident after going on this trip.

Pros
  • Experience local cultures
  • Super fun activities
  • Learn about the environment
148 people found this review helpful.
Katrina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Katrina Hardy ARCC Pacific Islands

This trip was amazing! The cultures in Indonesia and Fiji are so special, and it was amazing to get to experience. The itinerary is amazing, and packs in so much fun stuff in a few months. The trip is very well planned, with amazing local partners facilitating immersive activities in Sumatra, Bali, and Fiji. We saw orangutans, which was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience. Also, the food is absolutely amazing! Be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone a little bit, but it will absolutely be worth it.

Pros
  • Amazing culture
  • Beautiful places and animals
  • Super fun itinerary
Cons
  • Lots of rice
  • Hot
  • Some culture shock
151 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers