ARCC Gap Year - Centro-Caribbean

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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Venture to some of the world’s most exotic and intriguing regions, ranging from the turquoise waters of Panama to the lush jungles of Costa Rica to the white-sand beaches of Belize. Shadow doctors in the Bocas del Toro islands off the coast of Panama and learn more about the barriers to medical access for remote indigenous communities. Participate in a cultural exchange program with Panamanian youth, a great chance to work on your Spanish and to help the kids practice their English. Visit the lush forests surrounding the Arenal Volcano and speak to local Costa Ricans about the importance of sustainability within this unique ecosystem. Explore the underwater life of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and gain insights into a world rarely witnessed, while doing a small part to protect the reef through a lionfish eradication project. After experiencing three of the world’s most fascinating and beautiful nations, return to the U.S. with broader perspectives and a newfound passion to learn.

• 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

• Students need to complete the online application and submit a $200 application fee. 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 $200 payment.
• After submitting the application applicants will receive the detailed application and two – three required reference forms via email.  All forms must be submitted within 3 weeks of starting the application.
• Once the Detailed Application and all references have been received, a Gap Director will email the applicant with a link to schedule your ARCC Admissions Interview via Google Meet. A preview of some of the interview questions will be shared before your interview.

Within two weeks of the virtual interview, applicants will be informed of a decision regarding 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.  There are additional scholarships that can cover up to another $10,000.

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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.