ARCC Summer Programs | Ecuador & Galápagos: Island Village Impact
- Ecuador
- Quito
- Galapagos
About Program
Experience one of the world’s most remarkable destinations, complete with towering mountain ranges, lush rainforests, and tropical isles on this unique service program to South America. Live and work alongside Andean villagers to help maintain and improve the infrastructure of their community. Navigate the thrilling rapids of the Upper Napo River, one of the tributaries of the mighty Amazon. Visit the famous Otavalo market filled with native handicrafts and sample delicious Ecuadorian treats like potato llapingachos. Explore the incomparable Galápagos Islands, kayak through mysterious caves and canyons, and snorkel alongside playful sea lions. Appreciate the beauty of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands through the eyes of those who call it home!
Video and Photos
Diversity & Inclusion
BIPOC Support
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 includes gear lending and mentorship support throughout the gap year experience. The Voyagers Scholarship can also be combined with ARCC Financial Aid. If you are interested in applying, please reach out to gap@arccprograms.com.
LGBTQIA+ Support
Neurodivergent Support
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.
Accessibility Support
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
Sustainability
Ethical Impact
Program Highlights
- Partner with Andean Locals on Village Infrastructure Projects
- Whitewater Raft & Zipline Through Lush Rainforest
- Explore the Galápagos Islands by Kayak and Boat
- Stay at an Amazonian Eco Resort & Learn About Kichwa Agroforestry
- 35 Hours of Community Service
Scholarships
ARCC Gap Financial Support
A gap year is something that we hope to make accessible for all students and ARCC works to level the playing field so that all applicants may have a successful opportunity for education, travel, growth, and self-discovery post-high school. We strive to uphold these pillars of our organization through a variety of means. Each year ARCC Gap awards financial aid to support students who would otherwise be unable to cover the full cost of tuition. Additionally, 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 includes gear lending and mentorship support throughout the gap year experience. The Voyagers Scholarship can also be combined with ARCC Financial Aid