

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







Asia

Program Details
Dates: | Spring: February 8 – April 28 Fall: September 1 – November 20 |
Duration: | 80 Days |
Tuition: | $13,500* |
Arrive: | San Francisco |
Depart: | San Francisco |
Grade: | 12+ |
*Airfare for international and in-country flights additional
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Program Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Buddhist Teachings and Meditation at a Monastic Institute in Nepal
- Explore Nepali Culture through a Rural Homestay in the Kathmandu Valley
- Trek the Peaks and Valleys of Nepal’s Annapurna Mountain Range
- Study Public Health by Examining the Effects of Agent Orange While Working with Youth in Hanoi
- Build and Install Clean Water Filters in Homes in Rural Cambodia
- Settle Into a Week-Long Homestay in a Thai Rice Farming Village
- Support Local Elephant Communities with a Thai Animal Reserve
- Become SCUBA Certified in Thailand’s Eastern Gulf
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2021 – 2022 SEMESTERS!
Program Overview
Leave the traditional classroom far behind, as we journey to the heart of Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Our Asia Gap Semester Program is a unique blend of education, service, 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 Nepal and Southeast Asia rarely experienced by outsiders. Welcomed into a homestay, we understand the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake and experience a day in the life of a rural Nepali family. Trekking through the mystical mountain trails of the Annapurna range, we test our endurance inspired by the glacial peaks of the Nepali Himalayas. 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 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.
Program Reviews
“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 ‘23“This trip will change you in ways you never thought possible. I came on this trip not knowing who I was and am now leaving it being the best version of myself with enough passion and fulfillment to last a lifetime.”
— Katie D., Greenwich, CT, Tulane ‘22“Zander had the time of this life, and the organization of everything from keeping us informed to the semester itself is first-class. Congratulations to you & your team – this is not an easy thing to pull off!”
— Parent of Zander M., Boulder, CO, Bates ’22“Sam has always been a positive person, but the semester provided him a new perspective on the world that gave him a new sense of maturity, calm strength and self confidence. He has a greater appreciation for the diversity of the world and was inspired by the many people he met and their resiliency.”
— Parent of Sam W., San Rafael, CA, Brown University ’21“It is a wonderful experience for Kali and we are thrilled to hear her widening her perspective and thinking. The office and the instructors were on top of everything. We are very very happy and just loved the blog posts!”
— Parent of Kali M., East Greenwich, RI, New School ’22“Annie has never been happier. She has really hit a new stride on this semester and loved everything so much.”
— Parent of Annie W., Chattanooga, TN, Elon ’21“Truly an exhilarating experience, and honestly the best time of my life.”
— Kevin J., Vienna, VA, College of William and Mary ’22“Kevin’s experience with ARCC and the Asia Gap semester exceeded my expectations. The program was well organized and provided amazing travel and learning opportunities. I appreciated that the service learning projects provided exposure to the fields of education, health care, animals, and the environment.”
— Parent of Kevin B., Deerfield, IL“I have learned what passion is, and I have learned how to channel it within myself. I learned that I am much more capable than I give myself credit for. I have gained so many new interests – a new one from every new experience.”
— Allegra B., Washington, DC, Skidmore ’19“I didn’t know I could ever be so excited about learning and trying new things. I came on this trip to gain a new perspective of the world, learn about history and culture, push myself out of my comfort zone, have adventures, and have fun; that is exactly what I got out of my ARCC Gap Semester.”
— Rachel S., Henrico, VA, Christopher Newport ’19“This trip will change your life. Period. I learned more in these 3 months than I ever have in school and I feel more than prepared to enter college. The world is a big place, and ARCC will help you be exposed to it in the best of ways.”
— Teddy F., Hermosa, CA, Northeastern ’19Group 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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