ARCC offers three types of programs:
Cultural Immersion Programs
- ARCC Cultural Immersion Programs expose our students to the many facets of a culture, from language, customs, and food to religion and history. Interspersed throughout the group’s travels are lectures by topic experts such as professors and NGOs, language schools, cooking classes, projects with local populations and in some cases a “group stay” in a local home. It is our goal that by the end of your ARCC cultural immersion program you think about this part of the world as a second home.
Focus Programs
- ARCC Focus Programs drill down into a single topic important to the country or region of travel. We bring in experts to educate our students on these topics and then get hands-on experience working with these experts. In some cases, we participate in important scholarly research doing fieldwork alongside professors and grad students. On other programs, we are gaining knowledge and skills and working to protect precious global resources. It is our goal that by the end of your ARCC Focus Program you are extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the program’s focus topic.
Service Learning Programs
- ARCC Service Learning Programs provide authentic and meaningful service learning opportunities for our students. Using travel as a backdrop, these programs are designed to be rich, fulfilling experiences that make a positive impact both on the communities we work with and on our own students. Together we discuss and consider all aspects of this experience and we tackle tough questions such as “Are we really doing ‘good’?” and “The pros and cons of voluntourism”. It is our goal that by the end of your ARCC Service Learning Program you have had meaningful encounters with the peoples and the lands you have visited and come away proud of the impact you have made.
Location(s)
Cultural Immersion Programs:
- Australia & Fiji: Island Village Initiative
- Costa Rica: Cloud Forest Community Initiative
- Costa Rica: Pura Vida Experience
- Peru: Secrets of the Sacred Valley
- South Africa: Land of Wild Wonders
- Spain & Morocco: Spice of Life
Focus Programs
- Alaska: Leadership in the Last Frontier
- Bali & Sumatra: Protecting Reefs and Rainforests
- Belize: Caribbean Reef Conservation
- Colorado & Utah: Canyons and Conservation
- Costa Rica: Protecting Rainforest Wildlife
- Yellowstone & Grand Teton: Wildlife of the West
Service Learning Programs
- California: Urban and Wilderness Service
- Ecuador & Galapagos: Island and Village Impact
- Hawaii: Blue Water Adventures
- Hawaii: Preserving Paradise
- Kenya & Tanzania: Lighting Lives
- Thailand: Elephants and Islands
- Vietnam & Cambodia: Project Clean Water
Schedule
- Two, three, or four weeks in June, July, or August
Cost/Compensation
- $4,000-$6,000 tuition
ARCC programs are meant to be “all inclusive,” meaning all food, lodging, transportation, and activities are paid for with trip tuition. Unlike other programs, ARCC will never say “For another $100, you can do the zipline.” You will only need to bring spending money for things like luggage fees, souvenirs, or unexpected medical emergencies/clinic visits.
Eligibility Requirements
- Ages 13-19
- Willingness to explore and contribute to new experiences
Deadline
- Applications are accepted until programs are full
Application or Entry Requirements
- Submit an Online Application including trip preferences
- Correspond with Regional Director
- Secure space with $800 deposit
- Submit final payment and forms
Notifications of Decisions
- A Regional Director will contact applicants shortly after application submission with information about program choice.
Financial Aid Details
Each year approximately $75,000 in financial aid is offered to qualified students with need. Email info@arccprogams.com or contact ARCC by phone for more information on the financial assistance program. Please know that aid is awarded based on need, program availability, and overall aid available.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
Adventures Cross Country (ARCC) is a travel organization that provides outdoor adventure and service programs for teenagers and young adults. Founded in 1983, ARCC offers a wide variety of programs, including backpacking, rock climbing, surfing, and community service trips. These programs are designed for students aged 13-18 as well as college students and adults. ARCC's service programs provide opportunities for students to give back to communities around the world, including building schools, teaching English, and supporting conservation efforts.
