Orientation and Kathmandu Exploration

Leaving home behind, we fly together to Kathmandu, Nepal where we are welcomed by our local partners and settle into our guesthouse in the beautiful historic district of Bhaktapur. Here we orient ourselves to Nepali culture and explore the narrow cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, while getting a chance to practice some basic Nepali language skills. We venture to Durbar Square, where we walk the winding streets testing our skills at bartering in the various markets.

Farming Community Homestay

After experiencing a few days of city life in Nepal, we venture deeper into the Kathmandu Valley and settle into our first homestay of the semester in a rural farming cooperative. Welcomed by our generous hosts, we spend our days assisting with the daily household and farming chores. We immerse ourselves in family life and learn to cook traditional Nepalese cuisine. Working with our local partner, we visit a community school and step into the classroom to facilitate English language activities with the eager students.

Pokhara and Trekking in the Himalayas

Leaving our home on the farm behind, we make our way northwest to Pokhara, a gateway to the Nepali Himalayas. Eagerly anticipating the next five days on the trails, we gather the little gear we need and pack our bags for our trek into the breathtaking Himalayan Mountains. Hiking through small villages, feasting on the local dahl bat, and sleeping in small teahouses, we step into a world of astounding beauty and simplicity. Taking advantage of the local knowledge around us, we complete a study on the environmental changes taking place in the Annapurna Range, and learn about sustainable efforts to curb environmental and cultural degradation.

Buddhist Monastery Stay

Tired after a few days of trekking in the mountains, we have the opportunity to relax and reflect during our stay at a monastic institute nestled just outside of Pokhara. Here we learn the great practice of meditation, shadowing the monks in their daily routines and learning more about one of the major religions of the world. We play soccer with the young monks beginning their early education into Buddhism, and help them practice their English language skills. We also visit Tibetan refugee communities to learn about the economical and health challenges they face in an attempt to support themselves and find a better life. In the evenings, we practice yoga and center ourselves for the remaining portion of the semester, reflecting upon the experiences we have had thus far and looking forward to the many adventures ahead.

Hanoi and Hoa Binh

Arriving into Hanoi, 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.

Meeting up with our local partner, we travel out to Hoa Binh Province to begin a series of group stays with a small community-based tourism initiative. We trek, kayak, explore, and support local construction projects. Each night we take part in a traditional craft, activity, or performance put on by local community members.

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 English 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.

Cambodia’s Urban Centers and Clean Water Filters

We are welcomed into Cambodia 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 tragic part of Cambodia’s history by visiting the infamous Killing Fields. 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.

School Service and Angkor Wat

Staying in Siem Reap, we jump into our next project working with young students in a local primary school. In the evenings we enjoy visiting the sights of this charming city. Our work at the school complete, we take in the majesty of Angkor Wat at sunrise and improve our bartering skills in its famous night market.

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 during these three months 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 China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.

*Please note: Itinerary and order of countries is subject to change.

Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their Gap Year with ARCC: