ARCC Gap: Pacific Islands - Fiji, Sumatra & Bali

I loved my experience on this gap semester. I’ve grown and learned so much. I could not recommend it enough. it has changed my life for the better. My favorite parts were meeting and connecting with the locals/ Arccs partners. Also the beauty of the South Pacific islands is unforgettable. I loved snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, surfing and any time we spent in the outdoors. I also was lucky enough to get amazing leaders. They were such inspiring role models and amazing friends. I have definitely left this semester a better, more empathetic and well rounded individual.

This program was the most memorable experience I have had in my life. If you are considering doing a gap year program; I seriously encourage you to do ARCC gap programs. This program had not only an amazing cultural immersion element but a great educational element. I saw myself grow immensely during the 70 days in which I give a ton of credit to the group I was with as well as the leaders. This program has everything for every type of person including a bunch of physical activity such as hiking, swimming, surfing etc. and artistic/ educational activities like making pottery, going to historical sights, curriculum sessions etc.

I thought this experience was super fun and taught me so much about other cultures and ways of life. Also I’ve grown so much and learned many lessons from our partners and leaders. There were so many memories that I’ll hold dear forever such as, homestaying at Lake Toba and learning a traditional dance with the kids or seeing my first orangutan. One of my biggest take aways would be the friends we’ve made along the way on our travels and how it’s like we are all family after the adventures and memories we’ve made together.

Everyone was so kind and helpful throughout the whole trip. There was always plenty of food and activities. There was also plenty of down time and time to spend for myself. My leaders were lots of fun and helpful throughout the trip they gave us plenty of space when needed and encouraged us to get out of our comfort zones. This trip would not be complete without both of my leaders. The Scuba activities were some of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It was so calming and eye opening. I’ve grown so much from this trip and will remember it forever.

This semester was incredible! We went to Sumatra, Bali, and Fiji. All of our local partners were amazing. So nice, fun, and accommodating. Everyone was so friendly and the activities we did were super fun. We really got to experience these different cultures by living with locals, eating they’re food, and experiencing they’re traditions. Our leaders on the group were the best. They made the trip so great. This trip was the experience of a lifetime that exceeded all expectations. I feel it’s opened my eyes and helped me grow as a person. I feel more independent and confident after going on this trip.

This trip was amazing! The cultures in Indonesia and Fiji are so special, and it was amazing to get to experience. The itinerary is amazing, and packs in so much fun stuff in a few months. The trip is very well planned, with amazing local partners facilitating immersive activities in Sumatra, Bali, and Fiji. We saw orangutans, which was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience. Also, the food is absolutely amazing! Be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone a little bit, but it will absolutely be worth it.

My gosh!! I cannot say this loudly enough... BEST GUIDES, BEST PLACES, BEST ACCOMMODATIONS, BEST EVERYTHING!! After first hearing that I had been selected to go on this trip, I had to pinch myself. Now being almost a year later, I pinch myself thinking "that did really did happen!" I cannot express enough through words how much this trip made me see the world through different eyes, believe in myself and learn that everything happens for a reason. I, 100% believe that from seeing wild orangutans 3 feet in front of you in Sumatra, to hiking to the most unbelievable waterfalls in Bali, and finally rafting through the most beautiful Fijian rivers, you will pinch yourself after your 90 days too!

When I decided to take a gap year, I had no idea what I was going to do. After some research and meeting some great ARCC employees, I knew this was perfect for me. While I was going through the ARCC catalogs and website, I knew I wanted to do the Pacific Islands trip. Thank goodness I did.
During this trip I did things that most people my age have never done. While in Fiji we stayed in an orphanage and played with the most amazing children. We also got to plant coral on the most beautiful private island! That was easily one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The Fijian people are the nicest, most caring people you will ever meet.
After 45 days in Fiji, we migrated to Sumatra, Indonesia. This was the highlight of the trip for me. We spent time planting rice on local rice farms, painting elementary schools, making coffee, and so much more. One of the most exciting things we did was tracking orangutans. We saw about ten in total. At lunch one day during the tracking, an orangutan came so close to us. There was a mama and a baby swinging on vines about five feet away from us!! The baby was so cute and tiny. He was even sticking his tongue out. It was incredible.
Once we were done in Sumatra, we traveled to another Indonesian island, Bali. This island had the most beautiful beaches. We started this trip off with a Student Planned Module which couldn’t have gone better. We spent weeks researching all the cool things in Bali that we wanted to do. Our group managed to do almost everything that we wanted. Once that was over, we spent two weeks in an East Bali Immersion program. It was amazing. Here we spent time working in a local cashew factory, while also working in a Preschool. Those kids were the sweetest. After that, we had the chance to explore the city of Ubud. Once we were done spending all our money, we spent our last few days surfing in Uluwatu.
During this trip I got pushed out of my comfort zone and got to experience more than most people my age. I don’t know one other person that could say they got to trek through the highlands of Fiji or scuba dive with sting rays in Bali.
In the beginning I was very hesitant. I have never been away from my parents for more than 2 weeks. I have also never been camping before, or even on a hike! As out of shape and unexperienced I was, I loved every second of it.
Thank you ARCC for giving me some of the best months of my life.