Alumni Interview with Grace Crema

What inspired you to go abroad?

I've always wanted to travel and I found asian culture interesting. I wanted to experience it for myself. Also my school didn't offer a service trip that I could go on so I sought one out for myself.

Why did you choose your ARCC?

I chose it because I loved asian culture and I wanted to explore my independence while meeting new people.

What was your favorite part about your host countries?

I loved how friendly and beautiful the countries were. It was incredible experiencing a different way of life.

What made your experience abroad unique?

I made 15 new best friends while I was abroad and we still talk everyday.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

We had different in county leaders throughout the trip and they were all wonderful and helpful guides. We really had a lot of fun with them as we bonded through our trip

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

I wish I had taken benadryl on the plane home because I couldn't sleep and I was awake for 78 hours straight!  I also wish I brought home more souvenirs because I was afraid to spend too much money and not have a place to bring things home.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

We wake up by receiving a wake up call from one of our leaders and get ready to meet either in the lobby or at the hotels breakfast. Then we get on a bus and head off to either the first tourism activity of the day, or we head off to service. Then we find somewhere to eat for lunch, have a little downtime at the hotel, then head back out for another service activity or tourism activity. Then we head to dinner and then out to the night markets.

After the nightly activity we come back to the hotel and have evening circle which is a really fun opportunity to share our experiences throughout the day, bond, and play games. After that we are sent off to bed and sometimes we hang out in someone's room until we get too tired, then head to sleep. That's usually a typical day in the cities and in Cambodia, but it also can vary depending on the type of place we're in like in Halong Bay.  The structure was a little different, but very similar and just as much fun.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoyed hanging out with my friends in their rooms or in the pools. We liked to watch bad Cambodian soap operas and Harry Potter on the TV’s in the hotel.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

Our accommodations were always safe and clean. You definitely can't be the type of person who wants a five star resort while going on this trip, but the accommodations all had clean showers and air conditioning, which I felt was most important for me.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

Be open to everyone on the trip. If everyone becomes friends it’s much more fun than if you are being immature and creating drama. No one on these trips is interested in drama, everyone just wants to meet new people and explore the country, and if you try to be the one to start drama people won't appreciate it. ARCC is a very loving place and exclusive relationships aren't tolerated. This program includes everyone and everyone who goes will have a good time. You also have to be willing to get a little dirty and venture out of your comfort zone. You need to be mature (this doesn't mean just in age -- You can be 13 and be more mature than an 18 year old, it all depends on the person), adventurous, and willing to just have fun and try new things in a new culture.

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

ARCC completely changed my life. I made so many new best friends and I am actually meeting with one this week! I had been going through a rough time in my life and traveling was always my dream. By following this dream it completely changed my perspective on things and made me a much happier person. I left feeling like I could do anything and achieve anything. I wouldn't change my experience for the world.

Would you recommend ARCC to others? Why?

I would 100 percent recommend ARCC to everyone. There is a trip for everyone and it is incredibly organized and well run. I have no complaints about ARCC and it really was the most positive experience of my life.