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.
Experience the diverse cultures, languages, and histories of three unique Mediterranean countries – Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. Partnering with local organizations, we gain exclusive access to people and places not typically seen by your average traveler. We dive deep into the idea of sustainable living at an off-the-grid eco-village in the Andalusia, examine how the movement of people over time has influenced the culture and language of Morocco, support a local association as they distribute endemic fruit trees on a carbon offsetting project, and lend a hand on a volunteer run project working to reduce urban food waste in Portugal. Together, we examine the lessons learned and reflect on our many experiences as a group along the Mediterranean.
Location(s)
- Spain: Madrid, Malaga & Sevilla
- Morocco: Marrakech, Atlas Mountains & Essaouira
- Portugal: Lisbon & Porto
Schedule
- Fall: September - November
- Spring: February - April
Cost/Compensation
- $17,000 tuition
Eligibility Requirements
- 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.
Deadline
- Rolling
Application or Entry Requirements
- 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.
Notifications of Decisions
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.
Financial Aid Details
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.
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.
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.
