Program Reviews

I would recommend ARCC gap to any of my friends, family or strangers, not only is there a variety of choices of trips but also a variety of activities that ARCC has planned for your semester. In my opinion, ARCC had a perfect balance between educational activities such as the Monteverde Insitute, volunteering activities such as environmental rehabilitation programs and also activities such as surfing and scuba diving and free time to bond with your fellow gap year students. The amount of students and instructors were perfect and was very balanced the only thing I wish about the semester was that it went longer.

This was a great program. It was really well led by experienced leaders who wanted to both support the students and have a fun time. The locations we visited were all beautiful, and I think we all felt that we learned a lot about the country and ourselves along the way. There was a great balance between adventure, service, sight seeing, and group bonding. By the end of the trip, we were really like a family. My only criticism is that sometimes there seemed to be a disconnect with the office that led to disorganization at times. However, I could not recommend this program more!

This experience was the best experience I could have had this year. I learned a lot about myself, others, the culture of these countries, and how to live sustainably. We saw the most incredible sights and things that I may never see again in my life. The life skills this program gave me will take me very far into the future. It was a great mix of service work, learning, and fun. We went to 10 different remote locations in Costa Rica, and then drove across the boarder and went to 3 incredible towns in Panama. I am now scuba certified, have friends all throughout the United States, hiked the highest Volcano in Panama, learned a good amount of Spanish, and helped local environmental programs in the most sustainable country in the world. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to travel with 13 other amazing people in Costa Rica and Panama.

My experience on the ARCC Southwest program was an incredible one and I highly suggest it. I had never gone camping before and was quite nervous but the supportive staff were very accommodating. My peers on the trip were very nice and like minded, so we were able to have great discussions on the academic elements of the trip as well as become close friends. This program isn't an intense backpacking experience but you'll learn a lot about living in a group, and hopefully have good takeaways on yourself. The places in nature we went to were incredible and there is much beauty to be found in the southwest, especially in how varied the landscapes are. If you're looking for a good mix between political, structured adventure activities, and camping ARCC is a great trip. We also became Wilderness First Responder certified. I highly suggest ARCC Southwest, or otherwise if you want to go on an outdoors gap trip but are either newer to outdoor activities or want a varied experience.

I had a great time! Wish I had done one in the fall too! I definitely recommend this trip, make sure to pack warm, the Southwest can be deceivingly cold. I really enjoyed the education aspects that focused on immigration and water rights. I do wish that there was less waiting/sitting around, I think if we were able to go more places some of the weeks that would have been great. Also, I particularly had a fun time on the rafting trip, surfing, and hiking at the different national parks. I wish we got to the Narrows hike at Zion, but we did get to do Angel’s Landing. Overall, had a really fun time!

I absolutely loved my gap semester with ARCC. This program has awesome traditions and curriculum. I have learned so much not only about myself but about culture, social justice, and everything about life in general. My group leaders made the experience so amazing by always providing such strong support. I was so thankful to have them as my leaders. This trip was so amazing for my mental health and allowed me to grow in so many ways. I can’t wait to implement all the things I’ve learned into my daily life at home.

It was an awesome adventure! We got experience the culture and we learned so much of the history. We hiked a lot and visited so many places, which were so worth it! Getting to visit and work with locals was an amazing experience! The volunteer work was hard, but what came out of it was also worth it! The guides were fantastically amazing and were so knowledgeable! The people that I journeyed with have become irreplaceable friends that I would continue seeing even after the trip has ended! I would definitely do another gap year with ARCC because it helped me improve and become more confident in myself.

I absolutely loved my experience with ARCC South America gap programs. Throughout the trip we had such diverse experiences, opportunities, and adventures. I loved traveling to two different countries and learning about the country’s traditions and history while being immersed in the culture. The other students were all amazing and I made life-long friendships on the trip. The staff was amazing and they were always so thoughtful and supportive throughout the trip. Overall, I had an amazing experience filled with so many adventures and memories that I will cherish forever!

This program really gave me the support and opportunity to grow both on a personal level and as a global citizen. Traveling in a group setting allowed me to figure out my place within that group and as a leader. ARCC has given me some of the most amazing experiences and the best friends I will continue to grow with in years to come! I can now go into college and the future excited about the independence I gained as well as the cultural education that comes with being exposed to new people and places. I have travelled with other gap year companies and ARCC is by far the best!

This was my second semester with ARCC. I had another amazing experience! I grew as a leader, as an individual, and as a student. The leaders were very supportive and connected with everyone on the trip. My group had a mix of some very active and less active members. In addition, since this trip was abroad, there was a mix of camping and staying at hostels. We stayed at many unique locations where we were able to get to know the locals while having an amazing experience at the place we were staying. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I would recommend this trip to anyone on the fence.