Program Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Overall this program is a mix of extremely fun adventures and a lot of rule following. There are many things you get to do on this program that you wouldn’t be able to do solo travelling due to ARCC’s connections, however if you get stuck with a group you don’t connect with it’s going to be a long 70 days. Remember that the experiences you will get will be invaluable, but you will also be following others the entire journey which for me felt a bit restrictive and I would have preferred to do all these activities solo.

Truly an incredible program with outstanding people and amazing in-country partners and activities that make your experience way more than just a tourist trip- you’re connecting and traveling and experiencing so many things that you wouldn’t be able to without ARCC’s connections.

Additionally, ARCC’s semester has tons of adventure! You get to do some of the “instagrammed” touristy things that places are known for. Though, even more important, you get to do the adventure travel that isn’t crammed with hundreds of tourists- what i personally loved the most- where you’d be hiking or biking or doing something else with a local or community and connections are made and culture and values are exchanged.

This adventure was packed with opportunities for fun and unforgettable experiences. During the semester cultural immersion, community service, and building leadership were central to each leg of the journey. I loved the challenges, like our week backpacking the W-Trek, or organizing an entire week with my peers for the student planned module. Each week was like another world, between the dense Amazon rainforest, and the ashen slope of Cotopaxi volcano. Our instructors were enthusiastic, well traveled, and clearly valued our personal growth and allowed us the room we needed to take charge and learn. Although there were moments where I felt discomfort, perhaps due to unfamiliar circumstances, the powerful moments and once in a life time opportunities created something I would have never been a part of otherwise. Beforehand I didn’t have much interest in travel, but now with expanded horizons, I want to continue to visit and learn from locations around the world.

I had a very memorable and impactful time on my gap semester with ARCC. I made strong connections with many different people through home stays. This was definitely a highlight for me. I also got to participate in awesome activities in amazing places. Backpacking the W trek in Patagonia, surfing and snorkelling into the Galapagos, biking down Cotopaxi, I mean, come on! I also learned a lot about myself, how to achieve my best self, and be surrounded by good people. And I got to do it all in South America! A continent so rich in culture and adventure.