MEANINGFUL PROJECTS. REAL CONNECTIONS. TRUE ADVENTURE.
WESTERN U.S.
Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona
SPAIN,
HAWAI’I
O’ahu, Maui, Big Island
Costa Rica, Panama, Belize
Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand
Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania
Fiji, Sumatra, Bali
Prominent college admissions directors, respected educational journals, high school counselors, and experts in higher education all agree; a gap year has enormous benefits for high school graduates. Described as a modern-day rite of passage, a gap year is an opportunity to take advantage of the natural break between high school and college and to unplug from the traditional classroom. It is a chance to reboot and experience a new style of learning; to embark on a real-world experience; to gain a better sense of identity, build self-confidence, and continue developing skills as a critical thinker. This formative break can ignite a desire for change, awaken a passion for learning, and expose young adults to multiple fields of study and career paths to serve as inspiration in gaining a direction for college and beyond.
60%
reported that their gap year experience “set me on my current career path or academic major, or confirmed my choice of career or academic major.”†
from students surveyed was:
“I gained a better sense of who I am as a person and what is important to me.”†
Gap year students have proven to be more engaged in opportunities and extracurricular on college campuses.*
Gap year students show a clear pattern of maintaining a
than would otherwise have been predicted, and the positive effect lasts over all four years.*
80%
report that their gap year helped them learn how to interact with people from backgrounds or cultures different from their own.*
Gap year students are perceived to be more than non-gap year students.*
“We are happy and proud of Aaron having had such a positive and maturing opportunity far away from his comfort zone. He was able to confirm his interest in electrical engineering through the solar panel installation project and at least for a short brief moment, he was enlightened by having found the answer to “what is all this for?”
—PARENT OF AARON L. | MENLO PARK, CA
†Gap year data from The Gap Year Advantage, an independent study of 300 gap year students between 1997-2006 by Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson
*Gap Year Association (n.d), Data & Gap Year Benefits, Retrieved from www.gapyearassociation.org/data-benefits.php
ARCC Gap Semesters offer an educational and cultural bridge between high school and a student’s next steps. Our programs provide an opportunity to live, work, learn, and explore in some of the greatest classrooms on earth. Working alongside partner hosts, we engage in hands-on projects and collaborate with community members to achieve a common goal. As a small community, we embark on a journey of discovery of people, places, cultures, and ideas, while taking advantage of the opportunity to reach out and experience both life and the world from a different perspective. On every ARCC Semester, we immerse ourselves in the culture through homestays, hands-on projects, and cultural exchange.
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Hands-on projects are a major component of the ARCC Gap Semester. Projects are based upon ARCC’s six global themes and offer students an opportunity to involve themselves in the communities in which we stay. ARCC has long-standing relationships with organizations around the world and is committed to engaging in projects that are impactful, sustainable, and locally driven. ARCC’s projects are supplemented by our educational curriculum, which serves to provide background and a deeper meaning to the projects.
Learning from other cultures is one of the most significant opportunities for students during a gap year. During an international ARCC Semester, students experience new cultures through daily interactions with partners, local hosts, and students their age. By immersing in homestays and community stays, and through participating in daily traditions and local activities, students gain a deeper understanding, appreciation, and awareness of the larger world. There are also many opportunities to learn from Indigenous cultures on our domestic programs from cultural workshops to working alongside our Indigenous project partners.
Every ARCC Semester includes the opportunity to experience true adventure. Whether it be SCUBA diving, whitewater rafting, trekking, surfing, or other adventure activities, students emerge from their semesters confident in their abilities to try new experiences and to push beyond their comfort zones.
“It was a truly life-changing experience. The program was well-organized and well-executed, led by caring and competent instructors, and backed by a highly organized, personable, smart, and compassionate administration. We could not have been more pleased and appreciative.”
—PARENT OF KATHERINE C. | CARMEL, IN
ARCC’s Leadership Development Curriculum fosters growth and encourages students to participate in the group’s overall experience. Students are encouraged to find their voices and build confidence by undertaking leadership opportunities and increased responsibility throughout the semester. Through student-led lessons, activities, and excursions, students are empowered to become effective leaders and gain valuable skills that will carry on for the rest of their lives.
Designed with a rich educational fabric complementing each and every location, ARCC Semesters provide opportunities for students to learn about global issues. On an ARCC Semester, students go behind the scenes to meet with local experts, field researchers, scholars, and community leaders to study global topics and their impact on the communities we visit. Over the course of their travels, ARCC students examine six global themes.
ARCC Gap Semesters explore six global themes that provide the framework for learning and discussion throughout the semester.
Compares education across communities and countries, placing specific focus on access to education, in particular for girls, the impact of education on achieving food security and economic opportunity, and the ways that education is being diversified.
Underlying all that we learn throughout our semester is the core theme of social justice. Our projects, personal interactions, cultural observations, and educational explorations allow us to think critically about the real-life successes and failures of social justice by focusing on the equitable distribution of wealth, opportunities, security and safety, and privileges within a society.
Explores the culture, history, and stories of Indigenous peoples as well as the struggles they have faced throughout history. Using concepts from anthropology, sociology, and history, students investigate issues around land rights, examine the imbalanced historical narratives, and discuss how communities are making their voices and contributions known.
• Comparing the Lives & Struggles of Women in Three Latin American Countries
• How U.S. Consumers Affect Other Cultures: Tracking Product Lifecycles
• A Glimpse into the Lives of Migrant Workers in Nepal and Vietnam
• Humans of Southeast Asia—Stories of People Encountered Along the Way
• Education to Equality: Giving Her a Voice (Speech to the United Nations)
• Analysis of Aid and Development in India (video and interviews)
Explores the often wide gulf between public health care in different countries and communities, with a particular focus on access to healthcare for rural communities and minority groups, traditional versus contemporary ideologies, and the diversity of practices across the globe.
Examines the issues of immigration, emigration, and refugee resettlement, often motivated by political, ethnic, racial, or environmental concerns. Students study regional and global trends and their effects on food security, economic development, and the environmental landscape. Students look at the issue of urbanization in these various regions, understanding what is often referred to as the “brain drain” and the impact that this movement has on rural communities.
Investigate critical environmental issues communities face and the ways they are managing or overcoming the associated challenges. From climate change and habitat degradation to food insecurity and wildlife conservation, students explore the fine line between conservation, preservation, and the economic needs of a community.
Students draw upon the rich experiences of the program to examine a self-selected topic from a particular angle. After gathering information through interviews, site visits, immersion, and documentation, students culminate their semester with a Passion Project. They may make a video documenting how attitudes towards public health in Thailand and Cambodia lead to disparate healthcare systems or present findings comparing the success of conservation efforts in the population of Tanzania’s elephants and Uganda’s rhinos. Students come away from their semester not only with memories that will last a lifetime but also with skills and experience that will be invaluable in their future educational goals.
“Ariana had a wonderful and growth-filled experience on this trip. She views it as the best decision she has ever made in her life, and we view it as one of the best parenting decisions we made. We have seen so much growth and maturation in Ariana and a greater sense of confidence in herself and who she is. I wish every high school graduate could have an experience like this!”
—PARENTS OF ARIANA S. |
CHEVY CHASE, MD
Adventure and education collide during this journey through the lush jungles, colorful cultures, and breathtaking coasts of Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize. Tuck away in a mountain community in Costa Rica and discover the simplicity of “Pura Vida.” Partner with local biologists, and witness the impact of human populations on endangered sea turtles while contributing to protection efforts (fall only) or work with crocodile conservationists, learning more about habitat rehabilitation and aiding data collection (spring only). Shadow doctors in the Bocas del Toro islands off the coast of Panama and learn about the barriers to medical access for remote Indigenous communities. Conclude this unique experience by SCUBA diving on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in the Belize Cayes. After experiencing some of the western hemisphere’s most fascinating places, return home with broader perspectives and a newfound passion for learning.
• Raft the Exhilarating Pacuare River and Surf the Waves of Costa Rica
• Partner with a Non-Profit Bringing Healthcare to Remote Communities of Bocas del Toro
• Visit the Arenal Volcano and Contribute to Grassroots Sustainability Efforts in the Region
• Explore the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and Learn about Mayan Culture
• Get SCUBA Certified on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and Participate in a Lionfish Eradication Project
• Study Spanish During a Week-Long Spanish Immersion School while Staying at a Local Homestay
“Everything from the planning to the amazing team running the program in-country and supporting it out of country made it so that the participants could focus on immersing themselves in the experience. As a result, Sarah learned and grew more than we ever could have imagined. The kindness and support shown to the participants and their families at every turn was also just outstanding and made things feel warm and welcoming. It also made it possible to feel like risk-taking and vulnerability were good.”
70 DAYS FALL SEMESTER
Download the East Africa SAMPLE ITINERARY
The East Africa Gap Semester explores the majesty, cultures, and complexities of three African nations: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Take advantage of ARCC’s unparalleled access by gaining a unique education on this fascinating expanse of Africa. Tromp through the equatorial rainforest tracking endangered rhinos with wildlife biologists. Meet with leaders from an allwomen’s co-op designed to bring personal and financial independence. Witness the migration of millions of animals crossing the savanna at sunrise, one of life’s unforgettable moments. Build solar panels hand-in-hand with local community members, providing electricity to family homes. Soak up the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar while discovering the island’s unique history and return home with a new appreciation for education!
• Work at a Rhino Sanctuary to Assist in Protecting Africa’s Sacred Animal
• Study Education by Living with Students at Kenya’s First Free, All-Female Secondary School
• Whitewater Raft the Exhilarating Nile River
• Construct and Install Solar Power Systems in Rural Kenyan Homes
• Shadow Nurses in a Maasai Health Clinic to Learn About Access to Healthcare
• Search for the “Big Five” While on Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
“The program was so high quality. It really exceeded our expectations and has given my daughter genuine friendships, confidence, new insights, and understanding about herself and others, and real enthusiasm about the next steps in her education.”
Dive deep into culture and environmental sustainability while exploring the Big Island, Maui, and O’ahu. Work with guides in Volcanoes National Park to remove invasive ginger and hike into the lava fields of Kilauea to see evidence of the ever-changing landscape on the Big Island. Become SCUBA-certified in the blue waters off Kona and learn about organic farming techniques, medicinal plants, and lei-making in the famed Waipio Valley. Participate in permaculture and aquaponics workshops and plant and harvest endemic fruits and vegetables in the botanical gardens. Protect albatross nesting grounds and work knee-deep in flooded taro fields on the North Shore of O’ahu. Take surf lessons, hike to beautiful lookouts, lava tubes, and waterfalls, and swim with manta rays on a sunset cruise. This unique semester provides endless learning opportunities and supports growth as a traveler, leader, and environmentalist.
• Explore the Kilauea Crater and Remove Invasive Ginger
• Become SCUBA Certified in Kona
• Learn About Aquaponics, Permaculture, and Vermiculture on Campus at UHMC
• Participate in Authentic Hawaiian Traditions and Learn to Show Respect to Sacred Land
• Protect Native Dune Systems and the Nesting Grounds of Laysan Albatross
• Help Restore a 400-Year-Old Fishpond in Haleiwa Village
“Overall, Rosie found it to be an incredibly thoughtful program. There was real, conscious intention behind everything they did and how they went about it. It was well balanced in terms of being serious and real, but also making time for downtime and fun. She made authentic connections with both the locals and the group and she came home with greater compassion and confidence.”
—PARENTS OF ROSIE M. | SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Embark on a transformative journey through Bhutan and Nepal, two Himalayan gems steeped in rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Explore Nepal’s temples, bustling markets, and learn about the birthplace of Buddhism, before discovering Bhutan’s unique identity as the world’s only kingdom guided by Gross National Happiness. Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s deeply rooted Buddhist philosophy and sustainable way of life. Embrace a rare opportunity to connect with the heritage, spirituality, and culture of these extraordinary Himalayan nations.
• Stay at a Monastic Institute in Nepal and Practice Traditional Buddhist Meditation
• Trek the Peaks and Valleys of Nepal’s Annapurna Mountain Range
• Explore Kathmandu and Learn About the Nepalese Cooking Traditions of the Thakali Tribe
• Immerse Yourself Through Local Family Homestays, Learning From and Supporting Community Projects
• Help to Ensure the Survival of the Himalayan Snow Leopard in Bhutan
• Shadow Local Students, Experience Life and the Education System at One of Bhutan’s Premier Colleges
“Choosing the Pacific Islands Gap Semester was the best decision I’ve ever made! I felt like I was jumping into the deep end not knowing much about the program and the people but it has been an amazing experience. Traveling with ARCC makes me wish I took a full year off instead of just a semester so I could do another ARCC program. Best program, best people!”
—FRANCESCA P. | WASHINGTON, DC
70 DAYS
FALL & SPRING SEMESTER
Download the Pacific Islands
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Journey to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean to immerse in the island lifestyles of Sumatra, Bali, and Fiji. Trek deep into the Sumatran rainforest in search of the critically endangered orangutan. Live and work in a coffee farming community and learn the process behind the making of Sumatra’s world-famous coffee. Study various Balinese social enterprises firsthand and witness how business, social justice, and sustainability work hand-in-hand. Participate in a traditional Balinese water ceremony while learning about Balinese culture. Learn to surf on the waves of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula and become SCUBA certified in North Bali’s pristine waters. Settle into a Fijian bure for a traditional homestay and receive a warm welcome from the local chief. Partner with a local organization restoring critically endangered coral reefs along Fiji’s coasts. There is no doubt that the lessons learned, hands-on experiences, and the friendships forged will carry on well beyond these 70 days in the Pacific Islands.
• Track Orangutans and Interview Rangers While Working Alongside a Sumatran NGO
• Harvest and Roast Fresh Coffee, Learning More About Sumatra’s World-Renowned Coffee Industry
• Study Various Social Enterprises and the Effects on the Ubud, Bali Community
• Surf the Famous Waves of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula and Become SCUBA Certified
• Spend a Week in a Traditional Fijian Bure During a Homestay on Beqa Island
• Gather Data on Coral Reefs Off of Fiji’s Outer Islands and Contribute to Local Conservation Efforts
“My semester in Southeast Asia was incredible. I was surrounded by intelligent, insightful, funny people who cared about the same things I did. I had the adventure of a lifetime and countless memories I will cherish forever. ARCC rocks!”
Download the Southeast Asia SAMPLE ITINERARY 70 DAYS FALL & SPRING SEMESTER
Leave the traditional classroom behind while embarking on a journey to the heart of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. The Southeast Asia Gap Semester is a unique blend of education, hands-on projects, and exploration of these intriguing and ancient cultures. Share laughter with Vietnamese children affected by Agent Orange and experience the emerald green rice terraces while trekking in Sapa. Kayak in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend a week building and installing biosand water filters in Cambodia and wander through the vast Angkor Wat Temple Complex. Work with environmentalists at a Thai nature center and understand the value of conservation for endemic elephants. Spend time in a Thai farming community and meet with local leaders to learn how their communities thrive in a globalized world. Become SCUBA certified in Thailand’s Eastern Gulf. Throughout 70 days abroad, discover the many lessons this fascinating corner of the world has to teach.
• Examine the Effects of Agent Orange by Working with Youth at an NGO in Hanoi
• Live Aboard a Traditional Junk Boat in Lan Ha Bay
• Watch the Sunrise over Angkor Wat and Wander the Immense Temple Complex
• Build and Install Clean Water Filters for Rural Cambodia Communities
• Work Alongside Local Conservationists to Protect Thailand’s Endangered Elephants
• Become SCUBA Certified in the Gulf of Thailand
“This program made me the happiest I’ve been in a long time. You’ll make amazing friends, learn so many interesting things and feel so much better because of it.”
Download the Spain, Morocco, Portugal SAMPLE ITINERARY
ARCC’s Spain, Morocco, Portugal Gap Semester provides access to parts of Europe and North Africa rarely accessed by your average traveler. Getting our hands dirty at an organic farm in Andalusia, we begin to understand the importance of sustainability and what it means to live off the land. Settling into a homestay, we have the opportunity to learn basic Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and experience the daily life of our host family in Morocco’s bustling capital city. Wandering the colorful night markets and eclectic bazaars of Marrakech, we are awed by the sights, smells, and history of this charming, historical city. Venturing into the High Atlas Mountains, we lend a hand on various community-run infrastructure and economic projects. Partnering with an inspiring organization in the coastal city of Porto, we learn the importance of food security and how this ties to the houseless community of the region. Our time spent along the Mediterranean coast leaves us with newfound insights and unique perspectives about this vibrant corner of the world.
• Explore the Vibrant Cities of Madrid, Seville, Fes, Marrakech, Lisbon, and Porto
• Take Spanish and Darija Language Lessons
• Work with Locally-Run Tree Nurseries on a Reforestation Project in Rural Morocco
• Venture into the Sahara Desert and the High Atlas Mountains
• Learn to Surf Along Morocco’s Striking Coastline
• Fight Food Waste and Support the Houseless Community in Portugal
“ARCC has provided my daughter the ability to see, live and really feel how we are interconnected in this world. Being in nature and feeling the connectedness to the earth is a perspective she will carry forward. Whatever reservations she had when meeting the group in Bozeman had evolved into a shared appreciation and love for one another by the time they all departed. Her instructors were able to nurture a remarkable transformation of our children as they took the first steps into adulthood away from home, social media, and the crazy demands of our world.”
—PARENT OF CHLOE P.B. | BURLINGTON, MA
ARCC’s Western U.S. Gap Semester provides access to some of the U.S.’ most beautiful and remote landscapes, ranging from the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons to the depths of Utah’s most spectacular canyons to the expansive deserts of Arizona. Hiking through many national parks, we explore some of the most pristine wilderness of the West and dive into the differences between conservation and preservation. Partnering with local conservationists in Yellowstone National Park, we understand the current threats to native wolf and grizzly bear populations. Building a toolkit of medical skills, we gain our Wilderness First Aid certifications. Meeting with migrants along Arizona’s borderlands, we get an inside glimpse into one of our country’s most poignant challenges. Over the course of the semester, we learn and strengthen our backpacking skills with an overnight backpack beneath the grand peaks of the Rocky Mountains and later in the semester a four-night backpack through the picturesque Coconino National Forest. Our semester across the Western U.S. leaves us with a newfound appreciation of this incredible country and the wilderness within.
• Study Grizzly Bears, Bison, and Gray Wolves in Montana and Colorado
• Build a Toolkit of Medical Skills Through a Wilderness First Aid Course
• Participate in a Multi-Day Raft Trip on the San Juan River Through Pristine Desert Landscapes
• Work alongside an Organization Building Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Housing
• Develop and Strengthen Backpacking Skills with the Guidance and Support of Your Instructors
• Gain Rock Climbing Skills with Certified Guides in Arizona at Idyllic Crags
ARCC groups are made up of 8 to 13 students, which provides an intimate group environment for travel, immersion, learning, and work projects. Though the majority of ARCC students are recent high school graduates, our students range in age from 17 to 20 years old.
Students on an ARCC Gap Semester are excited to be a part of the gap experience and are ready to fully engage in all aspects of the program. Groups are carefully selected to ensure compatibility over the 70-day semester and considerable effort is put into making sure that students are coming for the right reasons. Our application process requires students to complete a detailed application, an interview with a Gap Director, and provide two to three outside references. This ensures that students on ARCC Gap Programs are there for all the right reasons, please see our Essential Eligibility Criteria for more information.
“I loved the East Africa program in the fall so much that I decided to go to the Pacific Islands in the spring! I love the people I met so much and the cultural immersion on both programs was amazing.”
—CAROLINE G. | GREENBRAE, CA
“Being able to share such robust experiences with people that I now consider family was amazing and I’m so grateful that I was able to see and do so much every day.”
“This program really made me look at life in a different way and will have an impact on me forever!”
SPAIN, MOROCCO, PORTUGAL GAP
W hat Wa S the BI gge S t ta K eaWaY fro M Your S e M e S ter ?
Life is what you make of it. No one is really going to understand what happened for you on the trip except you so you have to dictate how you want it to affect you. Everyone’s path is different and there are so many roads to take so don’t worry too much about all the crazy things in life.
W hat ad VIC e do You haV e for future gapper S?
Do it. If you’ve already got the bug and are on the fence about it, just do it. I promise you it’s worth it. This was not only the break I needed but the learning I needed to prepare myself for the rest of my life. Do it. You won’t regret it.
W hat S urpr IS ed You a B out Your S e L f dur IN g
Your gap S e M e S ter ?
My acceptance to be okay with being uncomfortable! I took this gap year to get out of my comfort zone so I could learn more about myself and the world. I was very surprised with how eager I was to try hard things and how excited I was to keep going out of my comfort zone. The East Africa ARCC Program made it so I was always in a safe environment but gave me room to grow and learn!
ho W Wa S I t to traV e L WI th a SM a LL group ?
I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way! Not only was it a small group but an all women’s group. Being surrounded by people who are just as excited and motivated to be traveling as I was really made my trip. There was a constant positive excitement that followed our group throughout our whole journey. Even on the more challenging days, there was always someone who was there to lift the group’s spirit and remind us just how incredible our experience is!
“I discovered that I am more of an extrovert than an introvert, and having a group of incredible people around me at all times, while being able to learn and grow from conversations with locals allowed me a sense of fulfillment I’ve never felt in my life before.”
SOUTHEAST ASIA GAP
W h Y d I d You ta K e a gap Y ear ?
Before my trip to Southeast Asia, I’d never left the United States, and during my college decision process, it was a nobrainer for me to stay close to home, but pretty soon into my first year, I started to feel like something was missing from my life. The more I learned about my values, the more I realized I needed a change. I chose to take a gap semester because I realized my dissatisfaction was due to being too comfortable in my comfort zone, and I needed to gain a new appreciation for myself and the world.
W hat ad VIC e do You haV e for future gapper S?
My advice for future gappers is to try to appreciate every experience you encounter, even if it’s challenging emotionally or physically. When those two and a half months are over, and you’re flying back home, it’ll still feel like the trip just started. So, appreciating every moment, whether good or bad, by being present and expressing gratitude allows you to not get too up or down and build stronger memories that’ll stay with you for the rest of your life.
“I think the decision to take a gap year already suggests a level of openmindedness that many people today don’t have, but I don’t think it can be stressed enough how important it is to seek new experiences and try things that are unfamiliar to you.”
SOUTHEAST ASIA GAP
W hat Wa S the BI gge S t ta K eaWaY fro M Your S e M e S ter ?
Something I learned from my gap year was how educational an experience can be outside of the classroom. Throughout my time in Vietnam and Cambodia I learned about the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge in ways that were more impactful than any classroom lesson has ever been. In other words, I learned that school isn’t the only place where learning can occur.
W h Y d I d You ta K e a gap Y ear ?
I’d known I wanted to take a gap year since I’d heard of the concept, and I knew for just as long that I wanted to spend the year abroad. I’ve always loved traveling, but I grew up having only seen certain regions of the world, and I wanted to expand my worldview. Thus, ARCC’s programs really appealed to me, as they provided the perfect opportunity to spend a semester seeing new parts of the world, along with their people, foods, cultures, and languages.
e XC ept I o N a L L eader S h I p
ARCC Gap Instructors are exceptional individuals. They average 27 years old and have experience ranging from service with the Peace Corps, to teaching full time in a high school, to a graduate degree in international development, to an extensive resume of leading international and domestic programs. All of our instructors have a shared commonality: an enthusiastic character with a love for teaching young adults about global issues.
Each semester is led by two highly qualified instructors. In addition, we also enlist professional outfitters for our adventure activities such as rafting, surfing, and SCUBA diving.
e X tre M e LY S e L e C t IV e h I r IN g pro C e SS
ARCC’s outstanding reputation in the industry brings us hundreds of staff applications each year. We take careful steps to ensure we hire instructors with extraordinary character and experience. Many gap instructors are selected from our talented summer leader pool. In addition, all instructors pass rigorous background checks in order to work for ARCC.
e X te NSIV e tra ININ g C urr IC u L u M
Every ARCC Instructor has training in emergency wilderness medicine (WFR certified–80 hours) or an EMT (120 hours). In addition to the multitude of experiences, our instructors bring to ARCC, all instructors, new and returning, are required to attend fifteen days of intensive staff training focusing on program safety, group dynamics, logistics, leadership, communications, protocols, and emergency procedures, making them some of the most well-rounded instructors in the industry.
“Never has any teacher, counselor, therapist, coach, or relative ever had an impact on William as a mentor as much as John did. I am so glad that he met someone he wanted to learn from, and be inspired by.”
—PARENTS OF WILLIAM F. | BURLINGTON, MA
Programs Led: Hawai’i, Central America, and East Africa Gap | Belize Custom | Belize Summer Programs
BA in Literature, Claremont McKenna College
When he was nineteen, John spent the summer living in Cusco, Peru and has been trying to work around the world ever since. Career highlights include being a Fulbright grantee in Brazil, guiding backpacking trips up volcanoes in Nicaragua, translating for a guiding service in the Bolivian Andes, teaching empowerment in Japan, publishing a handful of short stories, and starting Full Belly Brasil, an NGO that has provided over 250,000 meals to families in need. John speaks fluent Spanish and Portuguese, has his TEFL, is a SCUBA instructor, and is a licensed sky diver. In addition to his work with ARCC, John has also led programs for similar companies in Bali, Belize, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. An aspiring novelist and avid traveler, John is thrilled to be part of the ARCC team. He is a huge proponent of travel and experiential education as a catalyst for growth. He wishes he’d taken a gap year.
Programs Led: Central America, Southeast Asia, and Pacific Island Gap | Northern Sierra and Costa Rica Custom | Costa Rica and Bali & Sumatra Summer Programs
BA in Psychology, Hobart & William Smith Colleges
Hadley grew up in Natick, MA and spent every summer finding her love for nature, outdoor activities, and trip leading in the Pocono Mountains, PA. Her summers leading adventures in the forest and on the lake encouraged her to dive into experiential education during her year of AmeriCorps in Port Angeles, Washington, while teaching about different time periods in U.S. western history at the Colorado Outdoor Education Center. While teaching snow and avalanche science and forest ecology at Keystone Science School, and as a bilingual naturalist in Argentina. Hadley joined ARCC in Summer 2022 and since then has enjoyed learning about different cultures, making connections with students and locals, and participating in adventure activities while leading trips - especially SCUBA, hiking, camping, and finding new animals! She is excited to spend more time exploring and growing with ARCC students in the future!
“It was a life-changing experience! I wish I could take 100 more gap semesters with ARCC.”
—LUCY P. | NEWTON, MA
“Ella watched her friends enthusiastically apply and go off to college this year, yet she knew that she wasn’t ready. It must have been hard for her, yet she did what was right for herself despite the pressure. Taking a year off, going on a gap year program, and having such an incredible experience, solidified her choice as the right decision. [...] Ella has come back more confident, more independent, more worldly, more enthusiastic about her future, more connected to herself. She had definitely matured in ways we are only starting to see.”
—PARENT OF ELLA G. | BETHESDA, MD
“Anna’s experience with ARCC has been outstanding! 10 out of 10, from the application process to the last day of the semester. This was such a positive and enriching experience where she made great gains in her personal growth and self confidence. She loved her whole group and definitely made some lifelong friends. As her parents, we can’t thank you enough for providing Anna with this once-in-a-lifetime and unforgettable experience! Your exceptional communications to us throughout the semester definitely put us at ease.”
“This experience has opened my eyes up to so many different ways of life. I have tried more new foods than I can count, seen more incredible views than I could’ve imagined, and met people with all different backgrounds. I am constantly discovering new things about myself and the world around me.”
NY
“From the people you are with to the places you are in, life doesn’t get much better than this!”
—SAM S. | NEW YORK, NY
“I had the time of my life, and I learned so much more than I think I would have in a classroom.”
—MOLLY R. | MONTCLAIR, NJ
“When we first spoke to her at the end of September, Tabitha’s exact words were “I’m having the time of my life! Everyone is so amazing! Everything has been so amazing!” So as parents, we can’t ask for anything more.”
“Being able to learn in an open environment has truly been one of the best experiences of my life. Everyone in my group wanted to be here and was excited about the adventures that we had and all that we learned, and that just made the experience even more exciting. This semester was everything I was looking for and more.”
—KATIE E. | CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
“This trip is incredible and the connections ARCC has with people in country leads to experiences that I could never have otherwise! Such well-planned and meaningful activities that I’ll remember for the rest of my life!”
—CLARISSA S. | BOZEMAN, MT
Managing risk on our programs is a top priority at ARCC Programs. With over 40 years of operating programs all over the world, we have been able to cultivate stringent policies and procedures to prioritize the safety of our students. We recognize the inherent risks that are associated with international travel and outdoor adventures and focus on setting our leaders and our students up for success during our gap semesters.
W e LL- p L a NN ed progra MS, L eaVIN g LI tt L e to C ha NC e
Activities, meals, work projects, transportation, etc. are organized by our experienced office staff up to a year in advance of the departure date of any program. This way, we are able to equip our instructors with an extremely well-planned and detailed itinerary, which allows them to better focus on the well-being of their students, which in turn leads to smoother programs.
Prior to leading programs for ARCC Gap, all instructors are required to go through an 80hour intensive Wilderness First Responder (WFR) first aid course and have at least 10 days of ARCC training and preparation. While these first aid skills are rarely used for more than scrapes, bruises, and blisters, we’ve found that this level of medical training ensures that our instructors are proactive in any environment. By being proactive, we can generally avoid most potentially dangerous situations, and be better set up to respond to those that do arise.
A typical Gap Instructor is 26–35 years old and has considerable program-leading experience as well as background working with young adults. We hire instructors who make intelligent decisions on behalf of our students and our organization. This maturity and experience is critical to operating a successful program. Our instructors have previous experience working with groups, facilitating educational curriculum, and with relevant travel, and many of our instructors return semester after semester.
ARCC’s commitment to risk management is what drives a “safety first” philosophy on our programs. Whether designing our program itineraries, hiring our staff, choosing our locations, selecting partners and outfitters, or developing protocols, our first consideration is always the safety of our students. We take pride in our safety record and challenge ourselves to continually evaluate and improve our policies and protocols to ensure we match or exceed industry standards.
Choosing to travel with ARCC during your gap year is a big decision and we’re glad you’re considering us! A gap year is something that we hope to make accessible for all students and ARCC works to decrease barriers so that all applicants may have a successful opportunity for education, travel, growth, and self-discovery post-high school. We offer ARCC Financial Aid, the Voyagers Scholarship, the Binkley Scholarship, a gear-lending program, payment plans. We also accept 529 funds (if pursuing college credit) and external scholarship funds. Please visit our Financial Assistance webpage for more information.
To be considered for ARCC’s in-house, need-based financial aid, all application materials (including the financial aid application, detailed application, references, and interview) must be completed by May 1st for Fall applicants and October 1st for Spring applicants. ARCC sends out Financial Aid Awards by May 15th to Fall applicants and October 15th for Spring applicants. ARCC will consider financial aid applications submitted after these deadlines but aid will be more limited. Please know that aid is awarded based on need, program availability, and overall aid available.
ARCC is committed to increasing accessibility for our programs and supporting diversity within our community. ARCC’s Voyagers Scholarship provides up to three 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. The Voyagers Scholarship can be combined with ARCC Financial Aid or external scholarships. If you are interested in applying, please reach out to gap@arccprograms.com.
The Binkley Foundation has created a scholarship program specifically for individuals from historically marginalized communities. This includes but is not limited to, people of color, those from under-resourced municipalities, women and girls, LGTBQ+ persons, and individuals covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Foundation wishes to assist such individuals if there is a financial need in order to participate in programs designed for personal or community growth in terms of academic or work-related advancement or cultural awareness. You can access the full eligibility criteria here. A Binkley Scholarship can be combined with ARCC Financial Aid or Voyagers Scholarship. If you are interested in applying, please reach out to gap@arccprograms.com.
If you elect to register for the optional college credit provided through the Gap Year Association and the University of Montana, you are eligible to use 529 funds to cover the cost of the college credit tuition and the ARCC Program tuition. Please note this is only available if you choose to do college credit.
ARCC Gap students have the option to earn college credit on their gap semester through the Gap Year Association and the University of Montana. While these credits are widely accepted throughout the U.S. at both public and private institutions, we recommend that you speak with your college or university about transferring these credits and how earning credit during your gap year might impact your enrollment status. Please call the ARCC office at 415-332-5075 ext 2 to learn more.
While there is no experience necessary to participate in an ARCC program, there are some critical attributes that we expect of all ARCC participants. We expect students to maintain high standards of personal behavior. A successful ARCC program requires participants to have a positive and unselfish attitude as well as an open mind and flexibility. ARCC programs are ‘work hard-play hard’. We hope everyone will actively commit to all the program’s activities, as teamwork is often required for the experience to be successful. ARCC does not tolerate the possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol, or discrimination, harassment, or bullying of any kind.
Please see our Essential Eligibility Criteria for more information.
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S tep 1: S u BMI t a N INI t I a L app LIC at I o N
Click Enroll Now on the top right-hand corner of any of our web pages. To complete this step, you must submit a $200 non-refundable application fee. While this fee does not guarantee your spot on a program, it does allow you to begin the application process. The date of this initial application and the application fee will be used to prioritize your application ahead of other applications that come in thereafter.
S tep 2: S u BMI t the “ deta IL ed ar CC gap app LIC at I o N” a N d 2 – 3 refere NC e S
Once your Initial Application is received, a Gap Director will contact you to review the next steps of the application process including:
• Detailed ARCC Gap Application (with some short answer questions and additional information)
• Two References (one based on character, one based on academics)
• Mental Health Reference Form (for any student who has seen a therapist or other mental health professional in the past four years. Please review our Essential Eligibility Criteria).
All materials included in the Detailed ARCC Gap Application are due 3 weeks from the date of your Initial Application.
S tep 3: IN ter VI e W WI th a gap d I re C tor
Once the Detailed Application and all references have been received, a Gap Director will email the applicant with a link to schedule your ARCC Admissions Interview via Google Meet. A preview of some of the interview questions will be shared before your interview.
S tep 4: f IN a L de CISI o N
ARCC Gap will offer the applicant a position on the program within two weeks of the interview.
Your spot is not guaranteed until you have completed all four steps including submission of the appropriate deposit based on your offer date.
refu N d S: All payments are non-refundable upon submission.
