ARCC Gap Year - South America

ARCC Gap Year programs offer an educational and cultural bridge between high school and college. They are an opportunity to live, work, learn and explore in some of the greatest classrooms on earth. Designed with a rich educational fabric complementing each and every location, they highlight regional issues that are directly linked to global challenges.

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Adventure and education collide during our journey through the deep valleys, snow-capped peaks, and enchanting sites of Peru and Patagonia. Our South America gap year program takes advantage of our over 20-year history of exploration in the region and opens doors unimagined by the casual traveler. Treading in the footsteps of the Inca, we gain insight into an ancient culture as we explore the famous ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. Setting up camp in a remote community in the Sacred Valley of Peru, we get hands-on experience understanding the important role that llamas play in environmental conservation and sustainability in the region. Embarking on a rafting trip down the famed Futaleufu River, we experience some of Patagonia’s most exhilarating rapids. Immersing ourselves into a permaculture farm nestled just off the Carretera Austral, we learn more about organic farming and sustainable living practices. Exploring the effects of climate change on the melting glaciers in Patagonia and researching the contentious debate surrounding proposed hydroelectric dams of the region’s waterways, we understand the complex conservation issues facing Patagonia. Embarking on a five-day trek amidst the towering peaks and glacial lakes of the famous Torres del Paine National Park, we are awed by the beauty of Patagonia’s natural landscape. The abundance of life around us underscores the rich and unforgettable experiences of this South America semester.

• ARCC Gap Year Programs are for students between 17-20 years old. 
• It is not uncommon for students who have done one to three semesters in college to join ARCC on a Gap Semester. 

• Rolling

• In order to officially hold a place on a semester, students need to complete the online application and submit an $800 deposit. The application can be found on the website by clicking the red “Enroll Now” button. This will take you to an online application where you can also make the $800 deposit.
• After submitting the online application, ARCC will confirm the $800 deposit. This deposit is essential to holding the space. If ARCCC doesn’t have a deposit held by credit card or check, please don’t consider the space reserved.
• After submitting the application applicants will receive the detailed application and two – three required reference forms via email. This is the third step in the application process and these application materials must be completed within three weeks of your deposit.

Once the Gap Director has received all application forms, the Director will follow up to set up to schedule either a face-to-face or video interview. Within two weeks, applicants will be informed as of their acceptance into the ARCC Gap Year program.

ARCC has set aside a pool of funds to be used to partially sponsor students who wish to participate in an ARCC Gap Semester, but are unable to cover the costs of the full tuition. The amount of financial aid granted to a student depends upon the family’s need, the tuition, and the number of students applying for financial aid. Aid amounts can go up to $6,000, but our average award is between $2,000 – $4,000.

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Applications for financial aid are reviewed on a rolling basis. We recommend submitting your request as early as possible for a greater likelihood of aid.

Read more about financial aid here.