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.
ARCC’s Western U.S. Gap Semester provides access to some of America’s most beautiful and remote landscapes ranging from the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons to the depths of Utah’s most spectacular canyons to the expansive deserts of Arizona and the dazzling turquoise waters of Hawaii. Explore some of the most pristine wilderness of the West and partner with local conservationists to understand threats to native species, ecological systems, and our waterways. Building upon our 40-year history of running domestic programs in the U.S., this semester provides hands-on opportunities and access to areas usually unavailable to the everyday traveler. The newfound insights gained from this in-depth look at some of the most famous landmarks of the American West leave our perspectives and appreciation for our own backyard changed forever.
Location(s)
- Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona & Hawaii
Schedule
- September – November
Cost/Compensation
- $200 application fee
- $15,500 tuition
- Airfare for international and in-country flights is additional
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
- 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.
Notifications of Decisions
Within two weeks of the virtual interview, applicants will be informed of a decision regarding 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. There are additional scholarships that can cover up to another $10,000.
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.
