





SOUTHEAST ASIA
VIETNAM, CAMBODIA, THAILAND
A Semester Long Gap Year Program



Southeast Asia

Program Details
Dates: | Fall: September 1 – November 10 Spring: February 15 – April 25 |
Tuition: | $14,500* |
Arrive: | San Francisco |
Depart: | San Francisco |
Grade: | 12+ |
*Airfare for international and in-country flights additional
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Program Highlights
- Explore Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, and other Bustling Urban Centers
- Study Public Health by Examining the Effects of Agent Orange While Working with Youth in Hanoi
- Kayak Lan Ha Bay and Sleep Aboard a Traditional Houseboat
- Build and Install Clean Water Filters in Homes in Rural Cambodia
- Learn about Cambodian History at Angkor Wat and the Killing Fields
- Settle Into a Week-Long Homestay in a Thai Rice Farming Village
- Examine the Complexities of Elephant Sanctuaries and Rehabilitation in Thailand
- Support Local Environmental Efforts at a Remote Center along the River Kwai
- Immerse Yourself in Buddhist Teachings and Meditation at a Thai Monastery
- Become SCUBA Certified in Thailand’s Eastern Gulf
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2023!
Program Overview
Leave the traditional classroom far behind, as we journey to the heart of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Our Asia Gap Semester Program is a unique blend of education, hands-on work projects, and exploration of these intriguing and ancient cultures. Our exclusive access to people and places, developed over decades, gives us a window into aspects of Southeast Asia rarely experienced by outsiders. In Vietnam, we work with youth affected by Agent Orange both in the classroom and in their daily activities. We explore the bustling and historic city of Hanoi as well as the tranquility and natural beauty of the rural provinces. While exploring Cambodia’s urban centers, we learn about efforts to combat human trafficking and how education and income-generating opportunities have helped vulnerable populations. We are a part of the change when we get our hands dirty building and installing bio-sand filters for families in rural villages outside Siem Reap. We partner with local conservationists at a Thai Elephant Rehabilitation Center deep in the jungle to understand the true value of conservation as we care for Thailand’s indigenous elephants. Standing knee-deep in rice paddies with our host families, we discover a way of life that has remained virtually unchanged. Together, we discover the many lessons this fascinating corner of the world can teach us.
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Program Details
Orientation and Hanoi Exploration
Leaving home behind, we travel together to Hanoi Vietnam, we settle into our guesthouse and spend a few days adjusting to the energy of this bustling city, wandering the Old Quarter, and dining on delicious pho and spring rolls. During this time we also meet with one of our local partners and get a brief overview of Vietnamese history and culture before beginning our community work projects.
Agent Orange Study
For the next week, we work in a community that supports people who have been impacted by the effects of Agent Orange. The aim of the village is to provide children and veterans with medical treatment, special education, and vocational training, with the goal of reintegrating them into their communities. We assist with Movement and Art lessons, help with projects on campus, and learn about student vocational projects, all the while forming close friendships with the Vietnamese students.
Sailing in Lan Ha Bay
We then make our way to Lan Ha Bay where we soak up the breathtaking views from aboard a traditional junk. Basking in the warm ocean breezes and sleeping on a private island for a two-night excursion, we kayak, swim, and relax, surrounded by the mystifying limestone cliffs of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ho Chi Minh City
After a quick flight, we arrive in the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City for a few days of exploration. We visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum as we continue to explore the last impacts of the Vietnam War and also wander bustling street markets and colorful art museums demonstrating the continued economic and social recovery. This emerging tourist destination provides a fascinating contrast to Hanoi and other locations in the north.
Travel to Cambodia and Phnom Penh Exploration
Crossing overland into Cambodia, we are welcomed by the gentle smiles of the Khmer people. We spend our first days in Phnom Penh, taking a river cruise down the Mekong River and learning about a poignant part of Cambodia’s history by visiting the infamous Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Interrogation Center. Our local partner provides us with in-depth lessons about historical and present-day Cambodia so we can be informed, respectful travelers.
Clean Water Project and Angkor Wat
We then make our way to Siem Reap where we partner with local community members to build and install biosand water filters into rural homes. These filters provide clean water for up to 40 years; a gift that directly impacts the health of each family. Our hard work on the filters is rewarded with relaxed days exploring the majesty of the Angkor Wat Temple Complex and perusing Siem Reap’s famous night markets.
Student Planned Module
As we make our way across the border into Thailand, we begin our Student Planned Module. This module is completely planned by the students, with basic parameters put in place and a budget with which to work. We can’t wait to hear what the group will do!
Bangkok Orientation, Exploration, and Buddhist Meditation Center
Excited for “The Land of Smiles,” we eagerly embrace the friendly people and culture awaiting us in Thailand. In Bangkok, we receive a thorough orientation to Thai culture, language, and customs, while sampling the local cuisine and visiting the famous sites of this bustling city. Leaving the city behind, we travel to a meditation house to learn about Thai Buddhism and have the opportunity to study and practice meditation.
Rice Fields Homestay
Heading north, we experience the warmth of the Thai people through a five-night homestay in a rural rice-farming village. Our gracious hosts invite us into their lives and show us the hospitality for which Thailand is famous as we live, work and immerse. Highlights from our time here include helping our homestay families with their daily chores, learning about traditional farming techniques and soaking up the rich culture of this friendly community.
Elephant Nature Reserve and Erawan Falls
After saying goodbye to our host families, we head into the jungle to a Thai elephant nature reserve along the banks of the River Kwai. While at the reserve we learn first-hand about the human-elephant conflict and what is being done to protect this sacred animal. Throughout, our dedicated partners teach us the basics of elephant biology and how to care for these incredible animals. Departing the reserve we try our hand at bargaining at the traditional floating markets and then spend a day at Erawan Falls, a spectacular National Park renowned for its aquamarine pools linked by cascading waterfalls.
SCUBA Diving and Reef Clean-Up
Our time in Thailand comes to an end relaxing on the serene beaches of a small island in Thailand’s Eastern Gulf. Here we explore the incredible multi-colored fish and corals of Thailand’s vibrant reefs. During the day we complete our PADI dive certifications while at night we enjoy the quiet beauty of the island. Those new to diving will have the chance to earn their Open Water Diver certifications, while experienced divers can earn their Advanced Diver certifications.
During the evenings, we present our Capstone Passion Projects and debrief what we have learned, the friends we have made and the passions we have stirred during our semester. There is no question that our learning and living have prepared us for the rest of our lives. As we savor our last week together, we are excited to head home to share our newly gained knowledge and insights from our firsthand look at the global issues facing Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
*Please note: Itinerary and order of countries is subject to change.
Program Reviews
“What can I say… she had a blast; a highlight of her life. She loved the intellectual aspects, the food, and the people.”
— Parent of Alana A., Framingham, MA“Hayes has nothing but positive reviews for his experience on his trip. Besides the tremendous opportunity to see new countries and experience those cultures, the leadership and direction he received from his instructors were second to none. He was also lucky enough to be with a cohort of peers that bonded really well and whom he enjoyed traveling with. I speak for all of us when I say that the program was a tremendous success and will provide a lifetime of memories for Hayes. From top to bottom we appreciate everyone in the ARCC organization.”
— Parent of Hayes N., San Rafael, CA, College of Marin ’23“Frances’ experience was life-changing and life-affirming. She came home more confident in her decision making, has a new understanding that a test at school doesn’t define her, has a better understanding of the world, shows interest in the bigger world around her, has no regrets deferring to college for a year to have had this experience, and lastly has a bigger appreciation for her family.”
— Parent of Frances M., Greenville, SC, George Washington University ’24“This semester has been overwhelmingly positive. Our boy has grown. It’s a good value. And it will enhance his college studies and life tremendously. One of the most impactful things for Aaron was the deep focus on building community in the ARCC program. His instructors were simply amazing and Aaron particularly was touched by Ethan’s mentorship and leadership in the program. Aaron also mentioned that all participants became real friends with each other and there was a total absence of cliques. The variety of activities the group engaged in throughout the program was also commendable – from service to cultural to historical to conservation work, etc. There was also a solid level of communication and attentiveness to safety so we felt confident in Aaron’s wellness and safety throughout.”
— Parent of Aaron T., New Rochelle, NY, University of Miami ’24“Being in this environment, away from college, he was clear-headed and focused and he has brought that home with him. He has said that he knows he doesn’t need to impress anyone to be friends and that people like him for who he is.”
— Parent of Preston P., Spring Lake, NJ, George Washington ’23“I, like many, was very impacted by this semester. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about all the adventures I experienced through the ARCC Program. I was so inspired by my gap year that I am currently studying ecotourism with a concentration in natural resource tourism at Colorado State.”
— Ava C., Bloomington, IN, Colorado State University ’23“The preparations, communications, staff support were all excellent and continued as such throughout the semester. The leaders were fabulous and well trained. The program, travel, experiences, group instruction and intentionality were beyond our expectations. We are thrilled!”
— Parent of Grace R., Nashville, TN, Baylor ‘23“The itinerary was incredible, the cultural immersion was fascinating and exciting, the food and accommodations were great, and the entire semester was a blast. Thank you for everything that you did to make this experience such a positive one.”
— Molly W., West Newton, MA, Dartmouth ‘23Group Journal Excerpts
Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their Gap Year with ARCC:
A Semester Highlight!
In life, there are 3 unavoidable truths: Taxes, death, and you will wake feeling like you just did cross fit in a sauna when sleeping in Hanoi. Seriously, it’s hot here. All jokes aside, after a great night’s sleep, we awake among the hustle and bustle of Hanoi for another day of adventuring. A slightly…Read more
Migrant Community Center
Last week, we stayed in Kunming and visited a community center for migrant workers and their families. It was an eye-opening experience for everyone. The first day, we started with a tour of the local market and a jail near the center. A police officer, who works closely with the center, showed us their holding…Read more
Thanksgiving in Thailand
For Thanksgiving this year, we took a break from the elephant sanctuary and spent the day at an orphanage playing with the children. We started the day in Kanchanaburi and explored the famous floating market, filling our boats with souvenirs for friends and family back home. Then we headed to Moo Ban Dek orphanage and…Read more
The Great Vietnamese Food Tour
As Leaders of the Week and big-time foodies, Dillon and I knew we had to partake in a food tour while in Hanoi. After desperately searching for cheap options online we finally found an $18 tour that would satisfy us. At 5:30pm sharp, our guide Hannah, a university student, came to pick us up at…Read more
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19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, OR 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC
Contact Us
19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, Oregon 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC