

PACIFIC ISLANDS
FIJI, SUMATRA, BALI
A Semester Long Gap Year Program






Pacific Islands

Program Details
Dates: | Fall: September 1 – November 9 Spring: February 15 – April 25 |
Tuition: | $15,000* |
Arrive: | Los Angeles |
Depart: | Los Angeles |
Grade: | 12+ |
*Airfare for international and in-country flights additional
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Program Highlights
- Track Orangutans and Interview Rangers While Working Alongside a Sumatran NGO
- Become SCUBA Certified in the Warm Pacific Waters of Fiji
- Explore Ubud, Indonesia’s Spiritual Hub, and Participate in a Water Cleansing Ritual
- Surf the Famous Waves of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula
- Conduct Site Visit to Various Social Enterprises in Bali while Living in a Homestay
- Visit a Balinese Birthing Clinic to Learn About Access to Health Care in Bali
- Lend a Hand in a Coral Reef Rehabilitation Project and Conduct Important Reef Surveys
- Learn About Traditional Sumatran Life and Rice Farming During a Homestay
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING & FALL 2023!
Program Overview
Journey to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean where we immerse ourselves in the island lifestyles of Sumatra, Bali and Fiji. Trekking deep into the Sumatran rainforest we search for the critically endangered orangutan. Assisting in restoring age-old Bataknese Houses in a rural Sumatran village we learn about traditional ways of living. Learning to surf the waves of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula we challenge ourselves to develop new skills. Settling into a Fijian bure for our homestays we are welcomed by the village chief. We gain insight into environmental sustainability and natural disaster relief by planting mangroves and we explore health care by visiting nursing stations on some of Fiji’s remote islands. We round out our program by gaining our SCUBA certifications in Fiji’s turquoise waters. Reflecting on the experiences had and the friendships forged we conclude our semester excited to share all that we’ve learned and experienced!
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Program Details
Program Start and Orientation
Traveling across the world as a group, we land in Medan, Sumatra, and kick off our semester with an in-country orientation to Indonesian culture and basic language. With more than 261 million people, Indonesia is the world’s 4th most populous country and is made up of over 17,000 islands. Indonesia is home to hundreds of different ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups; 52 languages spoken in Sumatra alone. For our first few days in Sumatra, we learn the basic greetings, cultural forms of respect, and acclimatize to our new time zone and home. We also map out our itinerary and set individual and group goals for the program. We introduce our curriculum and brainstorm ideas for our individual Capstone Passion Projects while coming together as a traveling community.
Bukit Lawang and Orangutan Trek
Leaving the noise of the city behind we travel into Sumatra’s interior passing by endless palm forests and remote towns. Finally arriving in the small community of Bukit Lawang we settle into our new home situated along the Bohorok River and bordering the expansive Gunung Leuser National Park. Through engaging with our hosts, we learn that this community developed in the 1970s alongside the creation of an orangutan rehabilitation center. During our time here we track the critically endangered orangutan, camp in the pristine and protected forest, tube down the playful rapids of the Bohorok River, and continue to form as a traveling community at our eco-lodge home base.
Rice Farming Community Homestay
After acclimatizing to our surroundings, we embark on our first homestay of the semester in the neighboring rice farming community. Welcomed by Dharma, our kind host, we settle into the simple homes of our host families and spend the next few days helping out in the rice fields, assisting in on-going volunteer projects, learning skills such as traditional basket weaving, cooking Sumatran food, and getting a feel for the rural Sumatran lifestyle. Packing smaller bags, we then make our way to the riverside for three nights of camping in rustic river huts. After learning a lot about the conservation efforts taking place around the critically endangered orangutan we lend a hand by planting trees in the developing buffer zone, created to protect the orangutans from potential poachers.
Rounding out our time in Sumatra we cool off in the river, visit some of Indonesia’s most spectacular waterfalls, pick up last minute souvenirs, and reflect on our experiences thus far as we eagerly anticipate all that awaits us in Bali.
Surf Lessons
Saying farewell to Sumatra, we board our flight to Denpasar, Bali. Settling into our small hotel in Uluwatu in the Southern peninsula, we jump right into our surf lessons on Bali’s famous waves. For the next few days we improve our surf skills, relax along Bali’s white-sand beaches, and note the significant differences between Sumatra and Bali, two unique Indonesian islands.
Bali Social Entrepreneurship Study
Settling into a group homestay in a small community outside of Ubud, we begin our in-depth study into social entrepreneurship and its important in the livelihood of many Balinese people as they balance traditional ways of living with globalization and modernity. We also begin our deep dive into Balinese culture, customs, and language. Through our local partners we do site visits to various local nonprofits, including ones focusing on women’s empowerment, access to health care, proper waste management, education and food sustainability.
When not conducting site visits or attending culture workshops, we explore our stunning surroundings through hikes to local waterfalls, impromptu games of volleyball, afternoon beach visits, and through immersion opportunities such as participating in a traditional pig slaughter, joining a Melukat ceremony, and visiting local temples.
Ubud Explorations and Student Planned Module
Saying goodbye to our gracious homestay hosts, we make our way back to Ubud, the spiritual center and heart of Bali. Surrounded by terraced rice fields and ancient monuments, we spend the next few days exploring this beautiful city, which may include learning about the various religions practiced here, trying out Balinese yoga, or practicing our bargaining skills in the endless markets. We also take an afternoon to visit an incredible birthing clinic where we learn about Balinese access to healthcare, focused primarily on women’s health, through engaging with this center’s inspiring founder. Halfway through our semester, we also catch up on sleep and put the final touches on our upcoming Student Planned Module.
For the next four days we head off on our Student Planned Module. These days are 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!
Travel to Fiji, Nadi Exploration, and Namosi Highlands Immersion
Leaving Indonesia behind, we travel by plane to Fiji where we jump right into our Fijian orientation in the coastal city of Nadi. We take a few days to settle into the Fijian way of life by exploring the sleepy city of Nadi. Diving right into Fijian culture and history, we take a half day traditional dance workshop, and in the evening attend a local culture show through the same organization that focuses on an engaging tale of Fijian history and customs.
Then, basics learned, we say goodbye to the coast for now and head into Fiji’s highlands where we embark on a rural groupstay surrounded by Fiji’s lush rainforest. Sleeping in local homes, we soak up our remote surroundings through day hikes, exploring remote waterfalls, and engaging with our welcoming hosts.
SCUBA Certification in Pacific Harbor
For our last week in Fiji we spend five days exploring the incredible array of multi-colored fish and corals populating Fiji’s world-renowned reefs through our PADI dive certification course. Those new to diving will have the chance to earn their Open Water Diver certifications, while experienced divers can earn their Advanced Diver certifications.
(All students wishing to SCUBA dive must pass a thorough diving physical and cannot have used an inhaler or suffered from asthma in the past three years.)
Marine Study in the Yasawas and Departure
Saying goodbye to our friends in Pacific Harbor, we make our way back to Nadi where we catch our boat out to the Yasawa Island chain. Known for its quintessential white sand beaches and stunning reefs, this island chain is a must-visit while in Fiji. Settling into our campsite on Naviti island, we are welcomed by the local community and awed at the beauty of this outer Fijian island.
Diving into the conservation theme, we have the opportunity to work alongside our passionate partners who are committed to fighting the significant degradation of Fiji’s coral reefs due to pollution and the warming water temperatures. Joining the grassroots initiative within this small community, we spend our days in Fiji’s warm waters as we shadow and assist local marine biologists with their on-going work conducting reef surveys, assisting in coral planting, and helping out with their fish identification program. We also get our hands dirty joining a mangrove restoration project. When our day’s work concludes, we enjoy friendly impromptu matches of Fiji’s favorite sport, rugby, and soak up our tropical surroundings.
During the evenings, we take in our final Fijian sunsets, present our Capstone Passion Projects and debrief all that we have learned, the many friends that we have made, and the passions we have ignited over the past three months. There is no doubt that our experiences over these three months have prepared us for the steps that await us. As we savor our last week together, we are excited to return home to share our newly-gained insights and knowledge from our myriad experiences in Sumatra, Bali, and Fiji.
*Please note that the order of the countries and of the projects is subject to change depending on your group assignment.
Program Reviews
“Drew needed this. This experience helped reground him. He has his enthusiasm and zest back and an intellectual curiosity toward things.”
— Parent of Drew B., Wheaton, IL, Chapman ’23“Lindsey had a wonderful gap experience! It was everything she wanted and more. By her third week, she was already saying that she learned more in her three weeks with the program than she learned in all her years of formal schooling. She loved each experience, made some wonderful lifetime friends, and had experiences that helped her grow and experience things that will be forever a part of her.”
— Parent of Lindsey G., Armonk, NY, Elon ’24“This experience for Hayden was life-changing. My observation is that Hayden is a more communicative and responsible person than when he left. He has always had a sense of adventure and this experience fulfilled that for sure. This experience outside of a normal classroom was perfect for where he was in his life. This semester had a perfect blend of work, education, collaboration, and fun. Thanks for the experience!”
— Parent of Hayden S., Corte Madera, CA“Hannah came home exuberant and so delighted that she has another “family” of friends around the country. It opened her eyes to see beyond what she had previously.”
— Parent of Hannah F., Fairfield, CT, Keene State College ’23“Neil had an amazing time. He loved his group and his instructors. He has lasting memories and has experienced social and emotional growth and maturity. So many good stories and lots of good smiles!”
— Parent of Neil B., Yarrow Point, WA, University of Wesleyan ’23“Katie has absolutely loved her experience!”
— Parent of Katie S., Gansevoort, NY, Brown ’23“She absolutely loved being in the village life in Sumatra; that’s the kind of experience she was hoping to have. She loved the people, the homestays… everything! It gave her time to be self reflective on what was important to her and how simple joy could be found in simple ways.”
— Parent of Grace J., Franklin, TN, Dickinson ’23“Livia had an amazing experience. From everything she said, she loved all of the places they went, she loved the adventures, the group got along very well and their instructors were superb. Livia’s awareness of the bigger, broader world was much enhanced. When she returned she talked about how lucky she is to have been raised in our family, where we live, to have gone to such good public schools, etc. These are things we had not heard much of before (and may not again, but it was good while it lasted!).”
— Parent of Livia R., Newton, MA, Occidental ’23“Grady had a wonderful experience. He raved about his group and how well they all got along, he loved his instructors and felt they were supportive, approachable, fun, and good life coaches. He really enjoyed the itinerary. He was extremely positive about his whole experience. […] I am so pleased with the program from top to bottom.”
— Parent of Grady C., Redmond, WA, St. Olaf ’23Group Journal Excerpts
Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their Gap Year with ARCC:
A Balinese Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving was awesome! It started great by waking up to breakfast and then heading off to the grocery store for some grocery shopping. Wooooooo! Grocery shopping was interesting because we had to replace an item in almost all the Thanksgiving recipes we’d chosen, which left us questioning how good the recipes were going to turn…Read more
A Day in the Life of a Kayaker
Hello blog beauties, Katie here and I am back and better than ever. I was fortunate to be leader as we ended our stay in Sumatra. During our last couple days in the final village stay of the trip, we were lucky enough to spend an adventure day on Lake Toba. Waking up bright and…Read more
Orangutan Tracking!
Hello Bloggies! It is 2:27 pm and we’re all laying around our first Indonesian village, digesting our delicious meal, and trying to stay cool from the everlasting heat. Last Saturday we left Fiji, stopping for 12 short hours in Singapore, and landed in Medan Sunday morning. Upon arrival to the Ecolodge we were all taken…Read more
Our Rice Farming Village
Hello everyone! We have just arrived in Darma’s beautiful village! Our first two days in the village were filled with muddy rice farming. Our first day, we plowed and decided to tackle each other in the mud which turned into doing mud relay races. The second day, Alex joined us in on the fun of…Read more
Reflections in Fiji
I have learned to respect and cherish everything we have back home such as the basics we use every day. I notice with time some things start to lose their value, like a hot shower. But, I feel if you are living off of just the bare minimum you appreciate a whole lot more of what life…Read more
SCUBA Diving!
Bula!!! This week we checked something off of our bucket list. At 7 am every day, we woke up, shoved breakfast into our mouths, and piled into the van to head to scuba diving!! Over the course of three days we learned a variety of skills and eventually completed our SCUBA certifications. Personally, it was…Read more
Sumatra So Far
Hey fellow bloggers! Over the last few days, the group endured a decent amount of moving around, some sickness, but most importantly loads of laughter & fun! Let’s bring it back to Monday morning. We finished planting rice yesterday, so we began our journey to the buffer zone to plant trees. We ate breakfast, packed…Read more
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19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, OR 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC
Contact Us
19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, Oregon 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC