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.

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