Alumni Interview with Isabelle Neuschatz

What inspired you to go abroad?

I really wanted to make a difference in a community that really needed it, and ARCC's clean water initiative in Cambodia/ Vietnam seemed like the perfect chance to do so. I also really wanted to experience a culture unlike anything I'd ever seen before, without my parents always by my side.

Why did you choose ARCC?

ARCC had wonderful reviews, and that's how I initially choose to go with their company. Past program participants raved about how amazing their trips were- posting videos and photos of their ARCC trips all over social media.

What was your favorite part about Cambodia and Vietnam?

Cambodia is possibly the happiest country I've ever been to in my life. Everyone smiled and waved as you passed them, whether you were on a boat or in a car or riding a moped! As for Vietnam, HaLong Bay was extremely tranquil- the tropical turquoise waters and warm sand was absolutely wonderful.

What made your experience abroad unique?

I've never worked with a group of teenagers who worked together as well as my ARCC trip did. By the second day of the trip, we were having slumber parties in each other's rooms, and buying matching "my country, my beer" t-shirts. The friends I made on my trip I can confidently say are some of my best friends, which was the most unique part of the trip.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

Our group leaders, Biz & Jack, were extremely helpful in every way. They were always willing to answer our questions, and loved exploring. In addition, we had a local tour guide (named Vey) who was amazing in every possible way. He was a little man with a kind heart, who loved to joke around & was very knowledgeable about Cambodia.

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

I wish the trip was a bit longer, if I was being completely honest. Every other aspect was magical.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

Every day started out the same, no matter if we were volunteering and building water filters, or exploring the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat. We would set a time the night before to meet up for breakfast, and the next morning we'd all show up at that time (and order delicious smoothies and fried rice). Then, as a group we'd head out to a day booked full of meaningful activities, interrupted at some point to eat at a local restaurant near our location at the time. Usually, we'd be able to go back to the hotel in the late afternoon, and have two hours to have personal time. We could swim (if the hotel had a pool), nap, shower, hang out, and sometimes even go explore in groups. After this, around 7, we'd go out to a delicious dinner as a group, usually ordering family style dishes and all sharing. The time after dinner depended on what the group wanted to do (we could explore some more, shop, get desert, etc.). Eventually before bed, we'd all gather around and talk together in a ritual known as "evening circle" where we could have meaningful talks about the day's activities and what we'd learned. After this the leaders went to bed, and the kids were able to go to bed when they pleased- usually hanging out and playing cards until the late hours of the night.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

I loved the giant slumber parties we threw constantly throughout the trip. We'd buy face masks and Cambodian junk foods, and watch hilariously cheesy Khamer soap operas. A majority of the girls had matching pajamas, which made it even more fun. Other than this, the whole entire group loved swimming, and it quickly became our favorite group activity.

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

We stayed in multiple hotels, my favorite was on Cat Ba Island in Vietnam. This hotel was composed of an assortment of beach bungalows, only a few feet from the water. At every hotel, we were assigned roommates by the leaders, which was a great experience and helped everyone get very close, very fast.

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

That you're going to cry at the end of the trip, because you'll have the best time of your life and won't want it to end. You'll miss your new friends more than anything after you leave them- but the great memories you'll all make together will last for years and years.

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

I have a better understanding of communities and religions around the world, as well as a better respect for societies different from those in the US. I also now understand the great privilege my parents have given me, and think about it constantly. This trip gave me a better outlook on life (mine in general), and has made me stop taking every day norms (such as showering or eating lunch) for granted.

Would you recommend ARCC to others? Why?

Yes, most definitely!! It was absolutely magical, and ARCC had everything planned down to the hour. This being said, they gave us a good amount of independence to explore and be our own people. The type of people who participate in the ARCC programs are interesting, fun intellectuals from all around the world, who all share a common goal. Please, if you get a chance, do an international ARCC program. You won't regret it.