Program Reviews

I found myself among some very cool people on this trip, I started a relationship and made a lifelong friend, something that seems difficult or unlikely in such a short amount of time. This trip is a great way to explore yourself and what you want to do in life. Most of the trip is spent following around guides to amazing places unlike any other part of the world, and being able to travel to such beautiful sights with a group you can easily bond with is such a refreshing break from life back home.

This was an incredible trip that helped me immerse myself in the cultures of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. The local partners ARCC used were phenomenal, and the ARCC programming was very educational as well. I am really glad I began my gap year with such a structured group, as I had confidence throughout the whole trip that the itinerary was very well-planned. I think this trip also taught me about how to solo-travel so that I could hopefully travel by myself at some point in the near future.

I have enjoyed my gap semester in Southeast Asia so much it is one of the best deductions I have ever made. My instructors John and Skye were some of the coolest people I have ever met. I really enjoyed all the activities we did. I think scuba diving was my favorite something I never would have done without going on this trip. The other students on the trip were also really cool. I am so glad I chose the Southeast Asia trip I will 100% be coming back to all the countries we visited they were all so amazing.

ARCC’s Southeast Asia program, held Fall 2024, was a tremendously unique and engaging experience. What stood out about this program to me was its catered nature towards first-time travelers. The predominantly urban, accommodation-based nature of the program allowed SEAS to be a perfect fit for people traveling far from home for the first time, while still maintaining its commitment to cultural education and engagement. This being my first time in Asia, this program was flawless in its instruction on traversing a new continent, and how to take part in new cultures and settings with curiosity and care. This was an excellent program, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend this to people searching for a unique Gap-semester travel experience.

Very fun trip and I recommend to anyone who wants to explore the world. The trip was informational and fun and I feel more prepared to explore and travel. I am glad we went to the places we did. They were historically rich and full of fun things to do and learn. Additionally, we had plenty of time for more student led activities where we explored and learned more about the struggles of solo-traveling. For those taking a year off from school I highly recommend this trip and as it has been a fantastic chapter in my life.

As someone who’s never left the US, this experience has contributed to my growth in unfathomable ways. I’ve learned gained a completely new perspective on the world, learned how to be navigate situations independently, and how to be a member of a team. The friendships I’ve made on this trip will last for a long time, and are stronger than I ever could’ve wished for. Because of this immersive trip, I already have the urge to keep traveling, and keep exploring the world. There’s so much out there to see, and this trip made me realize that.

Do you like having fun? Do you like good food with cool people in cool places? If so, PIGS is for you! This was the best two months of my life - every day brought a new adventure, whether it was chilling with orangutans in the jungle of Sumatra or learning a funky dance in Fiji, everything we did was an unforgettable memory.

This trip was the perfect bridge between high school and college for me, it gave me time to reflect on what I want out of college, while also giving me the rest of the year for solo travel and work. I can’t recommend this enough, do it!!

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.