ARCC Summer Programs Catalog 2026

GLOBAL PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH

MEANINGFUL PROJECTS. REAL CONNECTIONS. TRUE ADVENTURE.

For over 40 years ARCC has offered extraordinary travel experiences for young adults with the mission of providing unique, life-changing opportunities in some of the most amazing places around the world. What we have learned over the past four decades is that delivering quality, fulfilling, and enriching programs for our participants each year is not an accident Find out what sets ARCC apart and makes our programs exceptional!

UNIQUE & UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

An ARCC program is not your typical tourist experience. During our programs, students venture to places far off the beaten path, immerse in new cultures, and participate in activities that most people only dream about. We have spent decades building close relationships with our partners and communities around the world to ensure meaningful and immersive experiences for our students

EXCEPTIONAL TRIP LEADERS

Our leaders and instructors are exceptional individuals of extraordinary character and experience Selected through an extensive application process, ARCC leaders are enthusiastic about education, travel, social and environmental justice, and, most importantly, working with young adults and helping our students thrive.

SUMMER

P R O G R A M S

At ARCC, no experience is accidental Each program is carefully crafted to weave together cultural immersion, hands-on learning, and adventure, encouraging students to stay curious, build real connections, and engage deeply with the world around them.

CULTURAL IMMERSION PROGRAMS

ARCC Cultural Immersion Programs invite students to truly engage in a place, not just visit it. Through exposure to language, food, customs, religion, and history, students gain a deeper understanding of daily life and local perspectives Along the way, they learn from local experts, NGOs, language instructors, and community partners, and take part in cooking classes, collaborative projects, or even a group stay in local communities Our hope is that by the end of the program, this place feels familiar like a second home and the connections made last long after the journey ends

FOCUS PROGRAMS

ARCC Focus Programs center on one defining topic of a region and explore it in depth Students learn directly from experts, then take that knowledge into the field through hands-on experiences. Some programs involve contributing to active research alongside professors and graduate students; others focus on building practical skills or helping protect vital global resources. By the end of a Focus Program, students don’t just leave informed they leave inspired, confident in their voice, and deeply aware of the topic’s real-world impact

SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAMS

ARCC Service Learning Programs are built around meaningful, thoughtful engagement with communities Travel provides the context, but relationships and reflection are at the heart of the experience Students work alongside local partners while openly examining the ethics of service asking hard questions about impact, responsibility, and voluntourism By the end of the program, students leave with a deeper connection to the people and places they’ve worked with, and a genuine sense of pride in contributing in a way that is respectful, intentional, and real

ALASKA

Leadership in the Wild North

AUSTRALIA & FIJI

ISLAND VILLAGE INITIATIVE

BALI & SUMATRA

PROTECTING REEFS & RAINFORESTS

CARIBBEAN REEF CONSERVATION

Houston,

CALIFORNIA

PACIFIC MARINE BIOLOGY

GRADE

6-8th & 9-12th

COSTA RICA

CLOUD FOREST COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

Blending cultural immersion with heartpounding adventure, this program offers an indepth look at the many stories that shape Costa Rica From towering volcanoes and extraordinary wildlife to palm-lined Pacific beaches, students experience daily life through the laid-back Pura Vida spirit that helps make Costa Rica one of the happiest countries in the world

ECUADOR & GALÁPAGOS

ANIMALS OF THE AMAZON

From the Andes Mountains to the vibrant markets of Cusco, journey into a region shaped by more than five thousand years of living history. In the Valle Sagrado (“Sacred Valley”), ancient sites and welcoming communities create space for real cultural exchange sharing meals, stories, and daily life alongside moments of discovery in the mountains This is an experience rooted in connection, perspective, and a deeper understanding of a place that stays with you long after you leave

THAILAND

WAVES & WILDS

Immerse yourself in the energy of Thailand the “Land of Smiles” where vibrant cities, rich culture, and meaningful conservation work come together Experience the buzz of Bangkok, explore colorful floating markets, and learn about Asian elephants and other wildlife in Thailand’s jungles. Then head south to the beautiful islands of Phang Nga Bay to earn your PADI scuba certification and get hands-on with marine conservation. This is adventure with purpose immersive, impactful, and unforgettable

VIETNAM & CAMBODIA PROJECT CLEAN WATER

Journey into a region rich in history and culture while working hand-in-hand with local communities Examine the lasting impacts of the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnam War, help build water filters for communities in need, and explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. Through meaningful exploration and reflection, gain a deeper understanding of two distinct cultures and a region whose complex past continues to shape its present

CENTRAL AMERICA

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Work at a Rhino Sanctuary to Assist in Protecting Africa’s Sacred Wildlife 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 Meet with Nurses in a Maasai Health Clinic to Learn About Traditional Medicine Search for Africa's “Big Five” Animals While on Safari in the Serengeti

HAWAI'I

SPAIN, MOROCCO, PORTUGAL

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

ENROLLMENT PROCESS

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

ARCC’S EXPECTATIONS:

"She had the most amazing time! Great leaders who were knowledgeable and inspired her to follow a path of happiness. She only has positive things to say about her leaders and group members. Incredible! She’s already planning her next trip with ARCC. As a parent, I felt she was always safe and in good hands. I support her doing as many trips with this company as possible!"

“Choosing this gap semester changed my life for the better. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to connect with so many amazing people this semester. I have learned so much and have come out of the trip as a better person!”

"We have never heard Gracie so fully engaged and happy as she has been in reporting on her ARCC adventure. I have been scratching my head trying to think of something constructive to offer by way of a suggestion for improvements, but honestly the trip has been perfect in every way. So all that we can say is please keep it up. We love following the blog and seeing the amazing photos. And from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for this incredible opportunity for our daughter!"