Orientation to the Asia Gap Program

We begin our semester with a Gap orientation in San Francisco, California. After a welcoming BBQ with all ARCC Gap programs, we settle into our Asia group, getting to know one another and our instructors. Together we map out our itinerary and set both individual and group goals for the duration of the program. We introduce our curriculum and brainstorm ideas for our individual Capstone projects, all the while coming together as a traveling community.

Travel to Beijing

We fly together to Beijing, China where we jump into our orientation to Chinese culture, customs and language. While in Beijing we find ourselves in an entirely different world. With 1.3 billion people, China is the most populous country in the world and Beijing is the perfect place to get oriented, as this ancient city offers an intriguing view of ‘old and new’ as skyscrapers blend with classic architecture.

We explore the city and journey back in time hundreds of years to the magnificent Forbidden City where dynasties once reigned. We visit Tiananmen Square, which was constructed in 1949 as a symbol of the People’s Republic of China. Finally, we witness the achievements of modern day China as we take in the Olympic Stadium, home of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Throughout this exploration we take note of both the obvious and subtler signs of growth and development.

No visit to China would be complete without visiting the iconic Great Wall. Dating back to the 5^th century, the wall was built of stone and other earthen materials as a form of protection from various nomadic groups. We spend a night sleeping on the wall, taking time to learn its rich history and marvel at its construction.

Shangri-La Minorities High School and Liming School

We have the opportunity to spend the next few days at the Shangri-La Minorities High School where we facilitate English lessons and exchange Q&As with students our age, forming connections and learning about the Chinese education system in comparison to our own. When not teaching, we join them in their sports and dancing classes, getting a glimpse of how non-academic subjects are taught in China.

After a few days assisting in the school, we begin our first homestay experience. Having already formed relationships with our friends at the high school, we split into pairs and head off to our homestay families for a night of cultural immersion. While with our hosts we enjoy a hike through the meadows speckled with yak and past Tibetan villages to the Dabao Temple, one of the earliest Tibetan Buddhist temples in Shangri-La.

Our next project takes us into the mountainous countryside to Liming where we revisit the Literacy & Education theme. Coming face-to-face with this very impoverished community where the average income is less than $600/year/person, we work at the local primary school where we assist in painting the school dormitories. When not working and playing with the children, we engage in discussions about education, the problem of “left behind children,” and mass migration from villages to the modernized cities.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Saying goodbye to our new friends in Liming, we drive to Qiaotou, the gateway to the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge. Leaving our big bags behind, we spend the next two days hiking this world renowned location. We brave the “28 bends,” a series of switchbacks taking you to the highest point of the Tiger Leaping Gorge Trail and providing spectacular views of the imposing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. With comfortable guesthouses awaiting us every night, our hike in China is one we will never forget.

Kunming Microenterprise Project and Migrant Community

Transferring three hours to Lijiang, we enjoy some downtime, participate in group activities, and explore our new surroundings. We spend the morning taking a Chinese cooking class, which begins in a local market where we buy supplies. We then try our hand at making three distinct Chinese dishes. In the afternoon we hike to Black Dragon Pond and explore the old town of Lijiang. This evening we catch an overnight train to Kunming, the site of our last project in China.

In Kunming we visit a small microenterprise project that is teaching migrant women from rural villages to make handicrafts, which they can promote and sell overseas. We have the opportunity to learn about the lives of these women and to interview the directors of this amazing project. On our second day we visit a community center for migrant children. Accompanied by university students who are majoring in English, we are able to communicate with the children and conduct home visits to learn about the transition from rural villages to the cities. On our last night we share a special dinner as we conclude our time in China, reflecting on all that we have already experienced and learned.

Exploration in Hanoi and Sailing in Halong Bay

After a short journey to Vietnam, we find ourselves stepping into the bustling city of Hanoi. Wandering the back streets of the Old Quarter, we sample Pho, and gorge on delightful cuisine, while visiting must-see sights, such as Ho Chi Minh’s tomb and the One Pillar Pagoda.

We  then make our way to Halong Bay where we experience the breathtaking views from aboard a traditional junk. Basking in the warm ocean breezes and sleeping on deck for a two-night excursion, we kayak, swim and relax, surrounded by the mystifying limestone cliffs of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Agent Orange Study

For the next week we live in a community outside of Hanoi working with locals that have been strongly impacted by the effects of Agent Orange. The aim of the village is to provide children, veterans and youth volunteers with medical treatment, special education and vocational training areas, with the goal being to reintegrate them into their communities. We teach English lessons, help around the grounds, and learn about the projects that students are working on (such as embroidery, beadwork, etc), all the while forming close friendships with the eager Vietnamese students who have long-anticipated our visit.

Travel & Ho Chi Minh City

After a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City, we take a guided tour of this bustling metropolis filled with ancient pagodas, teeming markets, street-side vendors, and endless motorbikes. We have a day and a half to explore the city and relax as a group as we prepare for our upcoming section in Cambodia.

Travel to Cambodia and Clean Water Filters

Catching an early bus to Phnom Penh, we cross the border into Cambodia and find ourselves welcomed by the gentle smiles of the Khmer people. We spend a couple days in Phnom Penh, participating in classes such as boxing and pottery, taking a river cruise down the Mekong River, and increasing our knowledge of Cambodia’s history by visiting the local Killing Fields. Then we leave Phnom Penh behind as we head to Kampong Speu.

In Kampong Speu we partner with an inspiring NGO to build and install bio-sand water filters into impoverished rural homes. These filters provide clean water for up to 40 years; a gift that greatly impacts the livelihood and health of each recipient family. Working, eating and sleeping in the village, our days in Kampong Speu are rich in culture and community, and allow us to settle into the slower pace of the Cambodian lifestyle. Our final evening in Kampong Speu is spent celebrating with our new friends and reflecting on all that we’ve experienced.

Chambok Ecotourism and Homestay

Making our way to Chambok, we spend the next four days experiencing village life by living in a homestay. Our partners, the Chambok community, have protected 1,260 hectares of forestland from logging and hunting. Their ecotourism project is managed by the villagers themselves, and all revenues from ecotourism stay in the community. These revenues provide an alternative source of income to help villagers protect the forest and manage it in a sustainable way for future generations.

While in Chambok we study the Environment and Conservation theme, while also having the opportunity to trek to waterfalls, make traditional crafts, and volunteer in the women-run restaurant. Through our homestays we experience a day in the life of rural farmers by helping out with the growing of rice and vegetables, and assisting with the farm animals such as cows, chickens and pigs.

Student Planned Module

Saying a sad goodbye to our dear friends in Chambok, we head off on our Student Planned Module. This module is totally 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!

Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

Making our home in Siem Reap, Cambodia, we find ourselves busy balancing work at the nearby school, with visits to the amazing sights of this charming city. Experiencing one of the World Wonders at sunrise, we take in the majesty of Angkor Wat, wander down tree-lined narrow streets, and improve on our bartering skills at Siem Reap’s famous night market, all the while observing the differences in this new country.

Bangkok Orientation, Exploration and Buddhist Meditation Center

After a seven-hour bus trip, with viewpoint stops and a lunch break along the way, we arrive in Bangkok, Thailand! Excited for “the Land of Smiles” and the last country in our Southeast Asia journey, we are eager to embrace the friendly people and culture awaiting us. For our day in Bangkok, we sample incredible Thai delicacies and visit the great sights including the famous Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha. We also receive a thorough orientation to Thailand and Thai culture, language, and customs.

Leaving the city behind we travel to a meditation house where we learn about Thai Buddhism and have the opportunity to study and practice meditation. We enjoy a relaxing couple days before we begin our service with the exotic Thai elephants.

Kanchanaburi Elephant Rehabilitation Center

Exploring the Environment and Conservation theme of our curriculum, we make our home at a Thai elephant rehabilitation center. For four days we learn the basics of elephant biology and how to care for these incredible animals. From our dedicated partners at the rehabilitation center, we learn first-hand of the plight of Thailand’s indigenous elephants and what is being done to help this species. For our final two nights with the elephants, we head off into the nearby national park where we are able to witness elephants in the wild. During our time here, we take trips to the historic River Kwai, the nearby floating markets, and Erewan Falls; a spectacular National Park renowned for its aquamarine pools linked by cascading waterfalls.

Public Health in Kantang

Traveling south from Kanchanaburi by overnight train, we arrive in the small coastal village of Kantang.  Kantang is our home for the next week, as we live, work, and immerse ourselves in the lives of local families through homestays. Our gracious hosts invite us into their lives and show us the hospitality for which Thailand is famous.

During our time in the Kantang, we focus on the Public Health theme as we visit Kantang hospitals. We observe and help promote a health awareness program for the disabled and elderly, and also help with physical therapy. We feel honored to witness this worthwhile endeavor firsthand and gain practical knowledge and experience as we shadow health care professionals, conduct site visits and learn about the health care system in Thailand.

Koh Tao SCUBA Diving, Reef Clean-Up and Departure

We end our time in this wonderful country by relaxing on the Gulf of Thailand’s serene beaches. Off the island of Koh Tao we explore the incredible array of multi-colored fish and corals populating Thailand’s extravagant reefs. During the day we complete our PADI dive certification while at night we enjoy the quiet beauty of Koh Tao. Those new to diving will have the chance to earn their Open Water Diver certification, while experienced divers can earn their Advanced Diver certificate.

During the evenings, we present our Capstone Projects and debrief all that we have learned, the friends that we have made and the passions we have stirred over the past three months. There is no question 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 that the order of the countries and of the projects is subject to change depending on your group assignment.

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