

CENTRO-CARIBBEAN
CUBA, PANAMA, COSTA RICA, BELIZE
A Semester Long Gap Year Program









Centro-Caribbean

Program Details
Dates: | Spring 2021: February 8 – April 18 Fall: September 1 – November 20 |
Duration: | 80 days |
Tuition: | $13,500* |
Arrive: | Miami |
Depart: | Miami |
Grade: | 12+ |
*Airfare for international and in-country flights additional
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Program Highlights
- Experience Havana, a City Bursting With Music, Dance and Delicious Cuisine
- Relax on White Sand Beaches and Snorkel in Cuba’s Historic Bay of Pigs
- Delve into Latin American Culture and Language During a Homestay in the Jungles of Panama
- Partner with a Non-Profit Bringing Healthcare to the Indigenous People of the Remote Bocas del Toro Islands
- Help Protect Nesting Olive Ridley Sea Turtles Coming Ashore to Lay their Eggs
- Surf the Waves on Costa Rica’s Stunning Pacific Coast and Raft the Exhilarating Pacuare River
- Build and Repair Habitats for Rescued Wildlife at an Animal Sanctuary in Costa Rica
- Conduct Marine Research and get SCUBA Certified in the Belizean Islands
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2021 – 2022 SEMESTERS!
Spring 2021 Update:
The Centro-Caribbean program will be traveling to Costa Rica and Belize between February 8th and April 18th. Please reach out to margo@arccprograms.com for more details!
Program Overview
Venture to some of the world’s most exotic and intriguing regions, ranging from the historic enchantments of Cuba, to the turquoise waters of Panama, to the lush jungles of Costa Rica, to the white-sand beaches of Belize. Experiencing the color and vibrancy of Havana, Cuba’s capital city, we enjoy the echoing notes of ever-present salsa music. Partnering with an organization that prepares and delivers food via horse and buggy to a shut in elderly community, we appreciate our unique access to a side of Cuba that most never witness. Shadowing doctors in the Bocas del Toro islands off the coast of Panama, we understand the barriers to medical access for remote indigenous communities. Flying through the forest canopy on ziplines, the vibrancy of life in the jungle beckons us in the calls of toucans and howler monkeys. Partnering with local biologists on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, we work hand-in-hand to preserve the offspring of Olive Ridley sea turtles nesting on shore. Basking in the crystal clear waters off improbably white sand beaches, we take in the beauty of the Caribbean. Exploring the underwater life of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef of Belize, we gain insights into a world rarely witnessed. After experiencing four of the world’s most fascinating, and beautiful nations, we return to the U.S. with broader perspectives and a newfound passion to learn.
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Program Details
Welcome to Cuba and Matanzas
Leaving home behind, we fly together to our first country of the semester, Cuba, a nation recently opened to U.S. citizens and a land seemingly untouched by time. Once clear of customs in Havana, we travel down the coast bound for the city of Matanzas, a vibrant university town which serves as our home base for the next several weeks. In Matanzas we receive an orientation to Cuba, which includes an overview of its fascinating history, and map out our itinerary setting both individual and group goals for the duration of the program. We introduce our curriculum and brainstorm ideas for our individual Capstone Passion Projects, identifying points in the semester where each of our five global themes will be present.
Cuban Microfinance and Food Delivery by Horse and Buggy
Our orientation complete, we break into groups to learn about the many challenges and joys of running a small business in the Cuban economy. In our small groups we spend the week shadowing various small businesses around Matanzas, understanding how they got the funds to start their business in the communist economy and the many barriers these entrepreneurs face within the Cuban system. We then spend time working with an inspiring local organization that prepares and delivers food to senior citizens and the homeless populations of the area. We traverse the community’s cobbled streets delivering meals by horse and buggy to those who can’t make it to the community food center. We are honored to be able to provide valuable assistance to local families and thankful for this extraordinary access to the everyday citizens of Cuba.
Bay of Pigs, Caribbean Beaches and Havana
Taking a break from our time in Matanzas, we head to the southern coast of Cuba to visit the famed Bay of Pigs. At the Bay of Pigs Museum we dive deeper into the historic conflict of the 1960s and the U.S. involvement in Cuba during that time. We also snorkel the crystalline waters and soak up the natural beauty surrounding us. Switching gears, we say goodbye to the tropical island waters and head cross-country to Havana. Havana is a city paused in time but aching to join the 21st century; a fascinating blend of the colonialism of days long gone by. We visit Hemingway’s favorite haunts, take guided tours of Old Havana and El Malecón, visit famed museums and have time to stroll the cobbled streets and plazas of Old Havana. All the while we continue to come together as a traveling community, refining both our individual and group goals for the semester.
Panama City and The Panama Canal
Continuing on to our first country in Central America, we settle into our hostel in Panama City, eager to explore this new region. After receiving an orientation to Panamanian culture and customs, we wander the streets of Panama Viejo, the old city, whose ruins date back to the 1500s when Captain Morgan burned the city to the ground. We then head to the famed Panama Canal, a unique historical talking point in Panama, and visit the Panama Canal museum where we dig more deeply into this contentious waterway with its close ties to the United States.
Language School in the Jungle
Leaving the city behind we make our way to Boquete, a community nestled in the Panamanian jungle. For the next week we sharpen our Spanish skills, taking classes taught by native speakers and practicing what we learn during our homestays with local families. Outside the classroom, we may choose to participate in a variety of activities, such as yoga, Zumba, or local cooking classes. Outside of class we take time to visit a local bee farm and coffee plantation, gaining an understanding for these unique production markets and their place in Panama’s global economy.
Public Health Initiative in the Bocas del Toro Islands
Leaving the jungle behind, we head to the northeast corner of the country to begin our exploration of the Public Health theme. Partnering with a local grassroots organization, we spend a day acquainting ourselves with this unique island archipelago and the remote indigenous communities that inhabit them. Our partners work to provide health care access to these island communities that otherwise would have to travel long distances to receive care. We shadow these inspiring health providers as they venture from island to island setting up pop-up clinics, and have the opportunity to interview the traveling doctors and thereby gain a deeper understanding of this incredible project.
Costa Rican Rainforest Exploration and Whitewater Rafting
Leaving Panama behind, we fly together to San Jose, Costa Rica, where we are welcomed by our local partners and jump right into our in-country orientation to Costa Rican culture and customs and understanding the “pura vida” lifestyle. After a day exploring San Jose, we head to the world-renowned Pacuare River for two days of exploring the rainforest and navigating the river’s famous whitewater. Floating our way through the pristine forest canopy, we discover hidden waterfalls and natural rock slides. Making our home at a river lodge set back amongst the huge leaves of the Sombrilla de Pobre (“Poor Man’s Umbrella”), we use this area as a base to explore and adventure.
Sea Turtle Conservation Project
From the river we travel south along the Nicoya Peninsula to San Miguel where we delve into the Environment and Conservation theme with a sea turtle conservation project. Working alongside a local grassroots organization, we help monitor the nesting activity of the Olive Ridley turtles. Since 1998, volunteers have protected 2,618 nests and released 129,529 baby turtles and we can only hope to do our part in the protection efforts. In addition to patrolling the beaches at night and learning about turtle conservation during the day, we participate in community outreach educating the local youth on the importance of the Olive Ridley turtles and why these protection efforts are important.
Student Planned Module
After a meaningful experience in San Miguel we dive into our Student Planned Module. This section is completely planned, organized, budgeted and implemented by the students. We can’t wait to see what the group will do!
Wildlife Conservation in the Costa Rican Jungle
Deep in the mountains, we are welcomed into a wildlife sanctuary working diligently to rehabilitate and conserve various endangered species and rescued animals including birds, mammals and reptiles. Settling into a homestay, we are immersed into the community and given the opportunity to compare and contrast this conservation center with our work on the coast. We have ample opportunity for service learning and cultural exchange, helping out with chores on the family farms, working in the organic garden, and cooking meals with our local hosts. Our primary project at the animal refuge will be assisting in the building and reparations of habitats for the rescued wildlife. We also explore the rich rainforest surrounding the village and spend time with our new friends, playing soccer, sharing laughs, and forging bonds that will last a lifetime.
Surfing on the Pacific Coast
Our last days in Costa Rica are spent atop Costa Rica’s amazing surf breaks. After a few lessons from local surf instructors, we feel confident catching the friendly beginner waves. At the conclusion of our time here, we return to San Jose for a final day in Costa Rica before our final adventure in Belize!
Invasive Species Research, SCUBA Certification and Conclusion
Landing in our final country of the semester, we take a day to explore Belize City and gain an understanding for why Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America. We venture out into the jungle to explore the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins and try our hands at tubing through some of the exhilarating caves in the region. We then take a short boat ride to our small private island located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, where we settle in for the remainder of our semester.
Our first few days here consist of SCUBA diving classes to obtain our PADI Dive certifications. Once accomplished, we partner with a local organization committed to eradicating the invasive lionfish. Using our new SCUBA skills, we dive the reef to help capture the lionfish underwater, then have the opportunity to dissect and study their biology alongside the researchers.
After an insightful final project, we spend the remainder of our time soaking up the crystalline Caribbean waters of our private island. With our semester coming to a close, we reserve time to present our Capstone Passion Projects to our gap peers. Sharing our new perspectives with the group, there is no question our living, learning and traveling together will prepare us for the rest of our lives. We savor our last week together, but are excited to head home to share our newly gained knowledge and insights from our firsthand look at Cuba, Panama, Costa Rica and Belize.
*Please note that the order of the countries and of the projects is subject to change depending on your group assignment.
Program Reviews
“I learned that I want to travel a lot in my life and see as many cultures as possible. I gained perspective on my privilege and got to see how people in different parts of the world can be raised so differently than myself.”
— Danielle R., Dobbs Ferry, NY, SUNY New Paltz ’23“The people and places I’ve encountered on this journey will forever have a place in my heart. I’m still growing into who I want to be but ARCC has set me on a path for the rest of my life!”
— Jesse H., Enid, OK“I loved every single bit of it! I want students to know that if you are looking for a program with a mix of adventure, travel, and service – you found the right one!”
— Nick F., Brentwood, TN, East Tennessee State ‘23“Andrea departed on the ARCC semester with a limited understanding of Spanish, limited exposure to lifestyles beyond North America, and little experience dealing with day-to-day challenges outside the academic realm. She returned, confident and happy, and greatly appreciative of the people she met, and the experience itself. She is now poised to begin college with a sense of purpose and direction!”
— Parent of Andrea S., Washington, DC, Quest University ’21“The overall level of communication with the parents, and the level of detail, before and during the semester was incredible. It made us feel prepared, and gave us a high level of confidence in ARCC and its staff – and that our son was in good hands. Thank you!”
— Parent of Daniel H., Lake Forest, IL, University of Colorado ’22“My Gap Semester was, I feel, the perfect combination of directed volunteer work, experiential learning, and general fun experiences. I enjoyed every moment of the semester […] to volunteer work and teaching up in the Andes in Ecuador. The trip instructors were very experienced, fun and helpful. I am leaving this Gap Semester with a greater awareness, a sense of accomplishment from volunteer work, great friendships, and three months of unforgettable memories and experiences.”
— Dag J., Gillette, WY, Babson ’19“I want [prospective students] to know that this was one of the most incredible experiences of my life and that if you are on the fence about doing an ARCC Gap Semester, just do it because it will change you, and you will NOT regret it.”
— Gabi S., White Plains, NY, Skidmore ’19“I just knew I needed to take time off before college to grow, have fun, learn, and explore more of the world. I also felt like this time away would make me stronger… and it did!”
— Gabi S., White Plains, NY, Skidmore ’19“The amount of cultural exposure was one of my favorite parts of the semester. I felt very immersed in each country’s culture and that’s something I was really looking forward to.”
— Brooke P., Winchester, MA, UMASS ’19“Meredith’s confidence has grown. I see a more mature person in front of me who is ready to go on her next adventure. It is exactly what we were hoping for.”
— Parents of Meredith B, Raleigh, NC, UNC Chapel Hill ’19Group Journals
Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their Gap Year with ARCC:
Amazed by Family and Hospitality in Cuba
From the moment we arrived to Cuba we have been welcomed with open arms. The culture so far compared to Chile has been very different. Unlike the more sheltered-to-yourself life in Chile, Cuba has the sense and feeling that everyone is family working together to help each other out. Our first project started off buying…Read more
Arribada of Turtles!!!
Here we are to share some fantastic news! Against all odds and to the astonishment of the local scientific community, we witnessed a rare and unexpected arribada in which thousands of mama turtles came to lay eggs on a single nearby beach over the course of three days. The sight was truly astonishing to behold,…Read more
Cienfuegos and Trinidad
We left Matanzas behind on the 20th after several days filled with painting a home for disabled individuals and delivering rice and beans to handicapped and elderly people. Afterward, we headed farther south, down to Cienfuegos. Along the way, we visited the Bay of Pigs and snorkeled in the pristine, blue water while observing Christmas…Read more
Language School, Homestays and Beach Time
Our second week on this amazing journey is coming to a close! We left our hotel in Heredia on Saturday morning and began the five hour bus ride to the beautiful Samara, here on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Our bus ride entailed gorgeous countryside views and stops for exotic Costa Rican fruit, mamón…Read more
Pura Vida!
Our first week in Costa Rica has been full of adventure! After a long travel day on Monday we finally arrived to our hotel in Heredia outside of San Jose. Luckily, on Tuesday, our first full day, we were able to take it easy. It was awesome to just rest and be together in our…Read more
Surf Camp
After leaving the Beautiful town of San Isidro, we traveled to Uvita and were happily welcomed into surf camp by our host, Marvin. We arrived around noon and used our times to relax, explore the campsite and beach, play games, and eat delicious meals prepared by our friends. After a relaxed day and reviewing the…Read more
Turtle Conservation in San Miguel
This week we have had the opportunity to work with Turtle Trax. This project has been helping to save turtle nests on San Miguel beach since 1996 (close to the town of Coyote, San Miguel is a tiny beach town on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in the province of Guanacaste). Funded by private…Read more
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