Program Reviews

I never thought I would be doing a gap program and the decision to go on the northwest gap program and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I grew as a person exponentially and I made life-long friendships. I also saw beautiful places that I will probably not see in a very long time. The curriculum was awesome because it was more hands on learning instead of learning in a classroom. The events that were planned were all very interesting and engaging. I really did not have a bad or boring moment on this trip.

I had an amazing trip. We went to incredible locations, met awesome people, created lasting bonds, and made unforgettable memories. It was organized really well! The people on the trip were amazing and our friendships were only strengthened through the places we went. Traveling as a group and camping in nature is a really unique and special experience, and even more special to do it in Northwest United States. Not often in your life will you be able to see a moose in your campsite at 9am, the beautiful teton mountains from your tent, and make such amazing friends.

This program provides a unique opportunity to travel, learn, and develop all whilst in nature. Learning about different parts of the country and seeing first hand a variety of different ways of life truly broadens horizons while also providing an enjoyable travel experience. Through this you grow as a person and leader by working with different types of people and by participating in a variety of work. The opportunity to do all these things while living out of a tent is wonderful. It provides a family aspect and unbreakable bond to the members of the group and to the world itself. Living outside is an incredible experience and allows you to get to know yourself and appreciate more. I highly recommend this program for anyone looking to get out of their comfort zones, explore, learn, have fun, and meet amazing people who will become family.

This program was amazing. I made lifelong friends and memories as well as going through many experiences that resulted in huge personal growth. I also came away from this trip with an amazing appreciation for the outdoors and for the incredible diversity of the natural world within the United States. I have never laughed as hard as I did on this program — I definitely had some of the happiest and most exciting moments of my life. However, if you go on this trip, you have to be ready for changes of plans and long car drives, but honestly, that craziness resulted in many of the most influential moments of the trip. If you want a crazy exciting American road trip, where you see some of the most beautiful nature on earth, go on this semester.

I think this program is amazing for anyone who wishes to see things they’ve never seen before and explore places not many people have visited. We walked in the shadows of the Grand Tetons, through the rainforest in Olympic National Park, and on the sandy shores of Hawaii. This program has adventure had everything I was looking for in a Gap Semester program. I’ve grown into myself during this trip. And I know that anyone else who experiences ARCC Northwest Gap Semester program will be forever changed, just like I was.

I thought the program was amazing. I had some health issues which put a damper on my fun, but that was no fault of ARCC. The set up and itinerary was super well thought out and you could tell that there was a ton of effort put into it. There was a great use of time for curriculum, capstone, service projects, and hiking. It was difficult to travel with such a big group for such a long time but the instructors do a great job at supporting individuals and group dynamic. If I were to give anyone advice for this trip it would be to just jump in a do everything you can!

This program helped me grow a lot as a leader and member of a group. You learn a lot about problem solving because all students play a role in building the itinerary, cooking meals, and keeping track of gear. We explored some amazing national parks and did some very special hikes. A decent amount of free time throughout the trip so the experience is not too strenuous. You need to be very adaptable and comfortable with an ever changing itinerary. Some
Of the towns we stayed in are a little dead, but you really get to know the group and bond with them during those times

This semester is such a great investment! You grow exponentially on this trip in areas you didn’t even think you needed improvement upon. You strengthen your independence, problem solving skills, and communication skills all while learning about exciting topics and pressing issues with very experienced and knowledgeable experts. You will learn so much about your self on this journey and make friends for life! I highly recommend this trip for anyone who is seeking self growth, beautiful views and once in a lifetime experiences!

I went on the East Africa fall semester in 2018, and it was the best three months! I chose to go to East Africa because I wanted to experience a new culture. I remember feeling so scared before leaving my home in Denver, Colorado to embark on this adventure. But after meeting my group during orientation, and getting to know them a little bit, I felt a new sense of comfort. Once I was on the plane that took us to Uganda, I already felt comfortable around my group and my two leaders. Every single one of us came from a different state (and two students from other countries), yet we became so connected on the trip. We traveled together, shared every meal together, and shared so many experiences. I kept a journal everyday and still fondly read it when I miss my group and time in East Africa. I have now been in college for one complete semester, and I still keep in touch with my group! Between our busy schedules we try and connect when possible, often exchanging memories about how we miss chapati (a delicious bread), our host families, and the beloved truck we drove around in. In college, I can positively say that ARCC provided me with a fresh prospective in my classes, and made me more comfortable with making a place that is not my house my home. I cannot recommend this experience enough!

This program was one of the most interesting, difficult, fun, and rewarding experiences I've had throughout my life. To get you through the difficult parts though, is a extremely helpful well prepared staff, both in the office and with you on the program. This program is extremely group oriented yet manages to build your sense if independence throughout the semester. On this trip, you will need to be prepared to see a lot of devastation in some of the poorer communities you will volunteer in. These experiences completely shifted my world view and I now feel so much more aware in my daily life. Over all, I highly recommend this program- you will get to do really incredible things like living in a Tibetan Buddhist community, or being up close to Sloth Bears and Elephants all while meeting incredible locals.