My son had an ok time on the trip to Belize but there were some issues. My guess is that they overbooked the tour, such that 4 teenage boys had to share beds (my son says single beds, ARCC says Caribbean doubles which are smaller than US doubles) for 4 nights. Who makes teenage boys share beds for 4 nights? Also, he felt like the amount of diving was too small (the itinerary says a week on the "private" diving island but I think it was actually 4 days) and the buggy jungle portion was too long.
My daughter had an amazing trip with ARCC to Costa Rica. It was the perfect mix of cultural immersion and adventure travel. She got the whole group experience with 14 other teenager and two leaders, she rafted, worked on a farm, did a homestay, planted trees, surfed, zip lined, and more. She is a kids who is normally reticent to be away, but ARCC was amazing with pre-trip information. She just wishes it were longer. I love that they only had their phone once during the trip for an hour. I'm super impressed by ARCC.
My daughter just returned from her trip to Australia and Fiji. She said the group became very close and that, miraculously, all 15 of them got along and appreciated each other. She loved her leaders, she said they were fun but also good about letting them know the boundaries. In fact, my daughter mentioned that the Fiji guide told the group that they always love to have ARCC on the island bc the group is the most respectful of the teen groups. ARCC seems to attract a service-minded, community-minded teen. This is our third trip with ARCC and we couldn't be more pleased with the resulting mindset, memories and friends that our daughter has when she returns home.
We love the no cell phone policy, and our daughter has said that it has been so nice to unplug. She said it forces the group to bond, sing songs, do skits, and be goofy bc they don't have any other choice but to be social with each other.
My daughter didn't end up getting her diving certification as she panicked in the water training at the last minute, but they accommodated the change by letting her snorkel and stay on the boat with the group so she didn't miss out.
Fantastic trip.
I did ask my daughter to tell me which trip with ARCC has been her favorite so far, and she said, they are all so different that she can't compare.
She attended the Costa Rica La Pura Vida, Ecuador and Galapogos and now Australia and Fiji. She is already ready to select her next trip.
We are so glad she got to experience this once in a lifetime trip. ARCC was well organized, the program kept you informed, and helped you every step of the way. She has made some really great friends from all over. Thank you for this memorable experience for her.
My daughter went on this trip and it turned into a trip of a lifetime for her. What I liked about ARCC as an organization is that from the first communication, it seemed like they were dealing with a very small group. You would never know they had so many trips going at the same time. I was connected to Whitney who was my main contact throughout the process and she was always immediately responsive to any question I had. I received lots of information about the trip. Because they have been doing this for so long, they have the process down. They also have all of these contacts in these other countries so there is comfort in knowing that they are not leaving anything to chance. They are extremely organized in their pre-trip information and the counselors are well trained and phenomenal with the kids. The only suggestion I would have is to not bother getting the trip insurance (which is a separate company) unless you have an impending death in the family. After all the red tape, that's about the only reason they will refund money for a trip.
This summer I ventured to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with ARCC and I had the most incredible time. It was the perfect combination of cultural immersion, adventure, and community service. Both my group and leaders were wonderful and were always on top of the work we were doing. A highlight of our trip was snorkeling with the sea lions and turtles in the crystal clear waters of the Galapagos. The sea lions were everywhere and they would come right up next to you!! In terms of community service, we worked in two main villages. In one of the communities, we expanded their communal kitchen so that it could seat more people, and in the other village we dug out the dirt floors and replaced them with concrete ones. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I would highly recommend. This trip is perfect for anyone who is looking for some summer fun and for a new, fantastic experience.
I just got back from my three week trip to India with ARCC and could not have been happier with my experience. Last year I also traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia last year and loved it so much I spent a second summer traveling with them. ARCC is incredibly organized and well-run and never hesitates to answer any questions you have prior to, during, or after your trip. My bag was lost during our first few days in Delhi, and the ARCC office/leaders handled it amazingly and got my bag back before our next flight into the Himalayas. On both of my trips I had amazing leaders who I became super close with and still keep in touch with today! They do an awesome job of bonding the group and creating an amazing experience for everyone. I still talk to both of my groups almost every day, and two girls from my first trip are coming over tomorrow, and five from my last group are coming over in like two weeks. I have made the most amazing friends from all over the country and the world and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Through ARCC I've learned about so many different cultures and different critical issues and I can't wait to continue traveling with them in the future!! I HIGHLY recommend ARCC and I hope you choose to embark on one of their amazing trips!
I just got home from a two week long service trip in Northern California with ARCC. It was an amazing experience, that will will make me smile for a while thinking of all the wonderful memories. I felt safe and comfortable at all times, and felt both of my counselors were experienced, and aware of everything happening. We completed service in the morning, where I felt I made a difference in the community, or park, but it was mixed with the perfect balance of exploring, playing games, hiking, swimming, and having fun! Overall, it was one of the most memorable trips I've been on, and I'd love to return for another ARCC trip this upcoming summer!
Our freshman daughter attended the Cuba trip for 2 weeks this summer. We can't say enough about the wonderful experience she had there! The leaders were well trained, attentive and offered wonderful spur of the moment opportunities. They surprised everyone with snorkeling in the Bay of Pigs. The accommodations were wonderful and meals were exceptional (according to our daughter). She made some amazing friends as a result of the leaders facilitating so many group activities. They offered a historical perspective and education along with fun experiences and cultures. We are looking for her next trip to book next summer through ARCC!
ARCC Programs has offered programs for students since 1983. ARCC Gap Semesters are an academic semester with a defined curriculum and leadership development component. Program Locations: Africa, Asia, Central America, South America, Oceania, Europe, United States. ..(more)
Experience Fijian and Australian culture in depth as you immerse in their daily life and age-old traditions. Join indigenous guides to learn hunting and gathering techniques, and eat what you've caught! SCUBA dive and snorkel the unsurpassed Great Barrier Reef from a liveaboard boat. Experience the vast cultural influences throughout the small, but unique, islands of Fiji. Find out more!..(more)
Spend two weeks exploring the rich marine life of this beautiful tropical nation. Earn your PADI SCUBA certification or advance your current skills while diving in the Belize Barrier Reef World Heritage Site. Spend your free time kayaking and paddleboarding through the clear tropical waters around our private Belize island. Find out more!..(more)
Leave the traditional classroom far behind, as we journey to the heart of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Our Southeast Asia Gap Semester Program is a unique blend of education, hands-on work projects, and exploration of these intriguing and ancient cultures...(more)
ARCC’s Western U.S. Gap Semester provides access to some of America’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 and the dazzling turquoise waters of Hawaii. ..(more)
Experience the bounty of Californias most magical landscapes and help to improve them! Explore the splendors of Yosemite National Park, take a dip in Lake Tahoe, and lear to surf the famous California wavves as you soak in the warm summer sun. Find out more!..(more)
Delve into a region rich in history, culture and beauty, as you explore some of Asia’s most famous locales and make an enormous impact on the communities you vist in this summer service program in Vietnam & Cambodia. Find out more!..(more)
Discover majestic cliffs and panoramic views at Big Sur State Park, and experience the exhilaration of mastering ocean swells on a surfboard. As night falls, bond with fellow adventurers under the star-studded sky. From the iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium, blending education with awe, to the captivating Channel Islands boasting unmatched biodiversity, this expedition is a haven for science aficionados!..(more)
Adventure and education collide during our journey through the deep valleys, snow-capped peaks, and enchanting sites of Peru and Patagonia...(more)
Costa Rica is home to many beautiful national parks, but Corcovado on the Osa Peninsula is one of the country’s most pristine. Barely disturbed by human presence, Cocorvado is home to many endangered animals, including jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. Find out more!..(more)
The East Africa gap year program explores the majesty, cultures, and challenges of three East African nations: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania...(more)
A chance to experience the diverse cultures, languages, and histories of three unique Mediterranean countries – Spain, Portugal, and Morocco...(more)
Discover the awe-inspiring allure of Kauai, from lush tropical rainforests to dynamic ocean reefs! Delve into the enchanting landscapes of the Northern-most island in the Hawaiian archipelago, affectionately known as “The Garden Island,” renowned for its unspoiled rainforests and pristine beaches. Uncover the distinctive features that set this majestic island apart and learn why it remains a coveted destination in the Pacific...(more)
Step into the enchanting "Land of Smiles" and embrace tranquility in our floating huts while engaging in marine and wildlife conservation endeavors. Delve into sustainable fishing techniques and immerse yourself in the captivating realm of SCUBA diving. Snorkel amidst the breathtaking panoramas of Phang Nga Bay and acquaint yourself with eco-conscious practices on Koh Yao Noi. Unveil the vibrant allure of Phuket and climb on the magnificent rocks around Krabi...(more)
Journey to the captivating, peaceful land of East Africa as you explore Tanzania and Kenya. Work hand in hand with a local community to build and install solar power panels. Encounter an extraordinary array of wildlife on safari in the celebrated Masai Mara. Find out more!..(more)
Travel into the heart of Southeast Asia where you learn about the region’s rich history, beautiful cultures and breathtaking natural beauty. Spend 29 amazing days exploring Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Find out more!..(more)
Journey to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean where we immerse ourselves in the island lifestyles of Sumatra, Bali and Fiji. ..(more)
Witness very different cultures that have collided over the past centuries in these two amazing countries, then witness how those influences remain today in the medinas of bustling Spanish and Moroccan city centers. Taste iconic dishes, visit historic sites, and practice your Spanish every day. Stay in a local village in the High Atlas Mountains and connect with the local community as we share and learn more about each other's unique cultures. ..(more)
Link hands with a Hawaiian native and see the positive impact you can have as you work to preserve the splendor of the sea and the majesty of the lush rainforest. Protech Hawaiian beaches, learn reef ecology, and catch a wave, hike the magnificent coastlines for a Hawaii summer program. Find out more!..(more)
Explore the tropical paradise of the Hawaiian islands of O’ahu, Maui, and the Big Island, where white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical forest become our classroom. ..(more)
Explore the incomparable Galápagos Islands on this unique service learning program. Live and work with Andean villagers as you get handy with community improvement infastructure projects. Soar through the canopy on ziplines and navigate the thrilling rapids of the Upper Napo River in the Amazon Rainforest. Find out more!..(more)
Join us for an exciting adventure to the “Rainbow Nation”. Tour Cape Town, a city known for its rich culture and natural beauty. Hike to the top of Table Mountain Nat'l Park. Learn about the apartheid era with a tour of Robben Island. Assist biologists helping protect endangered white rhinos. Tour the Cape of Good Hope, with stunning coastlines and wildlife. Learn to catch a wave at popular Muizenberg Beach. Take an opportunity to explore this beautiful and diverse country!..(more)
Journey to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean where we immerse ourselves in the island lifestyles of Bali and Sumatra. Find out More! ..(more)
Build your leadership and wilderness skills by exploring the untouched wilderness of America’s “Last Frontier.” Backpack through the backcountry in the shadow of snow-peaked mountains. Visit multiple national parks and spot moose, grizzly bear, orcas, and humpback whales in their natural habitat. Make lifelong memories with new friends while whitewater rafting and ice climbing on a glacier! Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime!..(more)
Explore magnificent rock formations of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, uncover ancient history in Mesa Verde, surf towering dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Challenge yourself with exciting activities like climbing, canyoneering and rafting in Moab and learn about the important role of wolf conservation and the efforts being made to protect these magnificent creatures. Hike to new heights in the mountains of Colorado!..(more)
The Costa Rica: Cloud Forest Community Initiative program is the perfect blend of service learning and adventure. Build your own Spanish-speaking skills while living in a traditional Costa Rican community. Experience the natural beauty of this majestic nation while rafting through thrilling rapids on the world-famous Pacuare River. Experience the “Pura Vida” lifestyle that makes Costa Rica one of the happiest places on earth!..(more)
Venture to some of the world’s most exotic and intriguing regions, ranging from the turquoise waters of Panama, to the lush jungles of Costa Rica, to the white-sand beaches of Belize...(more)
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I have been on 2 ARCC summer tips the most recent being Alaska: Leadership in the Frontier. On this trip I gained memories that will last a lifetime and had fun doing it. I also had many opportunities to break out of comfort zones from white water rafting down class 4 rapids to ice climbing on a glacier. During this trip I was able to reconnect with nature in a way that I am not usually able to during the school year. I have also gained a sense of independence from the trip and this was due to the many life skills that I learned. For example, as a group we were tasked with cooking and cleaning all of our meals which brought us closer together as a group. Our leaders were also great at providing a supportive community where everyone felt free to be themselves. All in all, an ARCC trip is something I would recommend to anyone who is looking to have a good time during the summer while also learning more about the world around them.