ARCC Programs

Excellent experience and program for teenagers and young adults. Highly recommend as a must do and my teenagers will be repeat customers. The programming captivates the imagination of teenagers (something very hard to do today) as it had the right balance of intrigue, learning and fun. The experience is very authentic, and not manufactured, which is a key differentiator when selecting teen programs. The program managers and staff where excellent communicators and very available to answer questions and overall were highly professional. I recommend ARCC over all the others on the market, as the ARCC experience is a step above the rest.

My son had an ok time on the trip to Belize but there were some issues. My guess is that they overbooked the tour, such that 4 teenage boys had to share beds (my son says single beds, ARCC says Caribbean doubles which are smaller than US doubles) for 4 nights. Who makes teenage boys share beds for 4 nights? Also, he felt like the amount of diving was too small (the itinerary says a week on the "private" diving island but I think it was actually 4 days) and the buggy jungle portion was too long.

My 15 year old daughter looked at a number of programs before narrowing in on this program. ARCC was very professional prior to departure, during the trip, and afterwards. My daughter got so many experiences within the two weeks she was there-- all so valuable and educational. I loved that the teenagers were without phones for all but an hour of the trip. ARCC has the whole thing dialed. It's clear they know what they are doing.

My son went on the Vietnam/Cambodia trip Summer of 2024. He loved it!! He learned a lot about the culture, food, and just overall had a great life experience. He said the leaders were great and that he enjoyed getting to know the other kids in the group. The planned activities were great and the organization did a great job of teaching the kids about safe eating in foreign countries which was a concern for me. They did some volunteer work, building water filtration systems in Cambodia. My son said that this was easy and really fun. He said one of his favorite activities was going to a school in Cambodia and playing sports with the kids. My son did not know anyone going on this trip, actually none of the kids knew each other. So it was a great experience for all of them to meet kids from all over the country and bond through this experience. I felt very safe knowing he was in good hands. The organization did a great job being very clear on expectations and communication throughout the whole process. I found this organization on the internet while searching last year and am so glad that I just signed my son up for this. I highly recommend this program and organization. I will be sending my other son on a trip through them as well and would recommend this organization to anyone who has a kid that is interested in travelling and seeing the world.

My daughter had the most amazing time on the ARCC Colorado & Utah trip. She didn't know anything about either state before going and was therefore very pleasantly surprised by how much she loved both. It's inspired her to apply for a job that has her working outside, working with animals and/or a job that includes some manual labor. She's a phone addict like most high school kids and has never been camping in a tent for more than 2 nights. This showed her how much she was able to do beyond the normal camp site activities she's been exposed to. She now knows she can go white water rafting, take care of wolves, go without a shower for a night, step up when a friend needs her help on the trail, hike up to 14,000 feet (even though it was really hard), and much more. Her leaders were great -- let the kids be kids while also helping them grow into capable young adults. My daughter made some great new friends too from all over the US (and one from England). Can't say enough good things about this program.

My daughter just returned from her trip to Australia and Fiji. She said the group became very close and that, miraculously, all 15 of them got along and appreciated each other. She loved her leaders, she said they were fun but also good about letting them know the boundaries. In fact, my daughter mentioned that the Fiji guide told the group that they always love to have ARCC on the island bc the group is the most respectful of the teen groups. ARCC seems to attract a service-minded, community-minded teen. This is our third trip with ARCC and we couldn't be more pleased with the resulting mindset, memories and friends that our daughter has when she returns home. We love the no cell phone policy, and our daughter has said that it has been so nice to unplug. She said it forces the group to bond, sing songs, do skits, and be goofy bc they don't have any other choice but to be social with each other. My daughter didn't end up getting her diving certification as she panicked in the water training at the last minute, but they accommodated the change by letting her snorkel and stay on the boat with the group so she didn't miss out. Fantastic trip. I did ask my daughter to tell me which trip with ARCC has been her favorite so far, and she said, they are all so different that she can't compare. She attended the Costa Rica La Pura Vida, Ecuador and Galapogos and now Australia and Fiji. She is already ready to select her next trip.

We are so glad she got to experience this once in a lifetime trip. It was well organized, the program kept you informed, and helped you every step of the way. She has made some really great friends from all over. Thank you for this memorable experience for her.

I traveled with ARCC Programs on their Pacific Islands trip after graduating high school. Along with 8 other peers and two wonderful guides, I explored Bali, Fiji, and Sumatra through epic adventures, ranging from scuba diving to jungle trekking, as well as meaningful community service projects, such as teaching English in local schools, volunteering in rural hospitals, and helping with environmental conservation projects. ARCC’s primary focus is on five global themes: literacy and education, public health, urbanization and the movement of peoples, environment and conservation, and microfinance and economic growth. By engaging with these themes in country, I was able to learn and connect with locals and truly appreciate the diverse cultures I was so warmly welcomed into.

Out of the organizations I’ve worked with, I don’t feel any have done as thorough a job with travel safety, reliability, cultural immersion, and incorporating education and FUN as ARCC has. I can’t recommend ARCC highly enough!

The ARCC gap trip grew my intro a stronger leader, a more well-rounded person, and a more conscious traveler. I am now applying for summer jobs in this incredible field and will be chasing a career of international travel once I graduate college. This semester has given me the deepest connections and my most cherished memories. It truly was the best semester of my life.

These two weeks in Belize were amazing. There were just the right amount of activities and they were all well spread out during the program. We got to see a lot of belize as we started ib the jungle and then move to the Caribbean sea. Beginning the trip at trek stop was very convenient as it was the perfect way to get to know the group better ad there weren’t that many activities. By the time we went to Placencia, we were already all friends which helped live this experience to its fullest. The snorkels and the dives were just amazing as we got to discover the beautiful coral reef. We also got to learn a lot about it during our stay on the island. The last two days of the trip we went back to placencia and got to relax and really enjoy our last moments with the group that by then became our family.

This was my first time with ARCC and my experience was amazing, I loved getting to know everyone and experiencing the culture. All the accommodations we're wonderful I really loved doing the homestays and getting to experience their life for a little bit. The service was amazing and it was so fun getting to help others for a change. We all really bonded and I would definitely do a program like this again!

From the first inquiry email to her good-bye hug in the LAX airport, ARCC is a world-class provider of a wonderful experience for a student travel program. Our high-school daughter traveled to Australia and Fiji this past summer (2018) and had the time of her life. She experienced different cultures, taught English to Fijian children, built a kindergarten classroom, became scuba certified in the Great Barrier Reef while forming relationships with 14 other students her age from the USA. She had the time of her young life. This experience will always be in her heart.

This was our first experience with ARCC and our son loved it. The program is well organized from the initial contact to the end when we received a letter verifying our son's community service hours. The trip leaders were outstanding. They were fun, outgoing, and fostered a strong group community from the very beginning of the trip. We would highly recommend this teen tour program and our son is excited to do another one next summer.

I loved every second of this trip! The leaders were incredible and it was an eye opening and unforgettable experience. I met the most extraordinary people who made me so incredibly happy, and I can’t wait to see them all again someday. I fell in love with Peru and I can’t wait to go back!

This was our daughter's first experience with ARCC. She is a shy girl, and not very adventurous. Needless to say she was very much looking forward to the service part of the trip, but kind of worried about the more adventurous parts. Well she came back as happy as can be. She made lots of friends and loved every minute of it. She is looking forward to going on another ARCC program next year.

Our sons age 15 and 17 went this past July to travel in Cambodia and Vietnam. They build and install water filter and taught at a school and made facility improvement there (build a wall to keep out livestock and animal out of playground). They were expose to culture, history, local food and lodging. The leader was amazing and the project was impactful and meaningful. Our boys really enjoyed their experiences and in the process really grew as a person. Pre , during and post trip organization, correspondent, updates were very well done and all our questions and needs was promptly accomadated. This is our boys first trip of this type abroad and ARCC made it very easy to do and meaningful. The price point was reasonable for all the support, organization and arrangement that was done. I would highly recommend ARCC and our boys would definitely return again.

The trip was awesome, our trip leaders were great and I loved hanging out with every single person in my group. The homestay was probably my favorite parts, all of the families in Mollejones were so welcoming and getting to meet the kids was an experience i will never forget. Overall, this trip was amazing and i plan to go on another one next summer.

One of the best trips my daughter has ever been it. I would recommend ARCC to anyone looking to send their kids on a positive, well organized adventure. From starting the process to the end, the staff was well informed and was able to guide me throughout the process. The kids were not allowed their phones which is a great thing in these times. The office was in constant communication with us and the blog updated us every couple of days.

My 17-year-old daughter attended this trip this summer. This was her 3rd trip with ARCC and we could not be more pleased. This trip was so impactful for our daughter. First, she bonded so closely with the entire group due to the amazing team building activities they facilitate. Second, she came back with such a perspective of how others live and can be happy with so little including the importance of service work and thinking about something other than themselves (amazing for a teenager)! Finally, the history lessons they included were one of the most important/unexpected takeaways she had. ARCC does an incredible job of allowing independence while maintaining a complete safe and responsible environment. Her young leaders were exceptional and so well trained/prepared. We would recommend this to anyone whose child is open minded, interested in learning and making new friends. Our daughter still talks to friends from her trip to years ago across the country.

My son wanted to travel to China for a summer program but as a rising freshman it was difficult to find a program. Most programs wanted students to have finished their freshman year. AARC was fabulous and accommodated him. It was a trip that hit all the major points I could think of for China - Beijing, Great Wall, Pandas, tea fields, Shangri La, Shanghai and fit in volunteering and cultural awareness throughout. My son really enjoyed it and is looking forward do going on another AARC adventure next summer.

I had such an amazing time on my ARCC trip! I was able to explore new places (Australia and Fiji), make new friends, and do service work. I felt very safe while with ARCC. My leaders were fun and responsible. The group size was just right. One of the highlights of the trip was becoming scuba certified as well as living with a Fijian family. I would highly recommend ARCC trips.

This trip was life changing, it was absolutely amazing the people and staff were great! the activities were always fun and their was never a dull moment the culture was so eye opening I’m so glad I got to experience a taste of how others live there wasn’t anything I’d change

Our son thoroughly enjoyed traveling to Costa Rica with ARCC. The program leaders were excellent, as was the program itself. He enjoyed the service and surfing. He grew as a person and became more confident in his ability to speak Spanish. Our daughter previously went on this program and enjoyed it just as much.

Volunteering with ARCC this summer in Cambodia & Vietnam was one of the best decisions I've made thus far in my life. The volunteer project was beyond impactful- I especially loved teaching English at the primary school! Besides this, being able to experience a new country & culture with complete strangers was an awesome change from daily life. I truly made best friends on this trip that I will never be able to forget, & highly suggest you go on an ARCC trip of your own & do the same thing.

This trip really changed my life and my perspective of the world. I learn so much about myself and made friends that will last a lifetime. I absolutely loved everyone on my trip, the leaders were amazing, and ARCC itself is an amazing company. This will definitely not be my last ARCC trip and I couldn't have had a better experience. I've missed it every day since I've been gone

Most amazing trip of my life. I met the most amazing people that I will stay in touch with the rest of my life. The work that we did really made a difference and it was so much fun doing it. I would totally do it again. ARCC has everything planned out and they take care of everything. We meet really cool locals and the in country guides are amazing. Most amazing trip and people.

My 14 year old son had an amazing time on this trip. This is his 2nd year with the AARC program and I recommend it highly. It was not the easiest thing for me to send him off to a foreign country but the AARC staff and counselors did a wonderful job maintaining communication throughout. He was enriched by the experience. He will be back next year for sure!

This trip was so great and I'm so happy I challenged my comfort zone and signed up. ARCC was very organized and sent me emails with all the information I needed and were very helpful when responding to my emails with questions. My flight was delayed and I was so worried that the leaders wouldn't be able to find me at the airport but they had been keeping up to date with flight times, and called my cell phone to help me find them. Things on the trip went very smoothly and the leaders had been keeping in touch with the head of ARCC the whole time. I had chipped my tooth while surfing and ARCC handled it very well. They made sure I was okay and offered to take me to a dentist and notified my parents. Even though we couldn't have our phones, we posted blog posts on the website daily so our family could hear from us about what we are doing. Not having our phones made me nervous at first but turned out to be so great because all of us got to know each other a lot quicker without the distraction. My group was 13 total- seniors and juniors from all over the country and a few people from out of the country. We all got along extremely well and now I consider some of them my best friends. We had lots of silly moments and serious circle time conversations to reflect on our day and tell our stories (if comfortable of course). It felt like I knew everyone for my whole life. My leaders were absolutely amazing and made everyone feel comfortable from day 1. The service projects in San Francisco area with homeless outreach were really touching and such a cool experience. I didn't like the service in Tahoe and Yosemite as much because we were picking up trash but the people I was with made it fun. I had never camped before so I was extremely nervous that this would not be the trip for me, but it was not difficult and it is not required for the trip. We made our own meals and all had assigned jobs each day which was pretty cool and well organized. The activities we did in our free time such as hikes and swimming in waterfalls were so fun and had beautiful views. I couldn't stop taking pictures! I have not stopped talking about this trip and I recommend it to everyone! I made a video with some clips of my friends on the trip and our views if you want to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXPql2xYnbU Email me with questions you have at [email protected] :)

This was one of the most life-changing and inspiring trips or experiences I have ever had. I met incredible people who were so enlightening. We did the most insane things that you would not be able unless you are on one of these specific programs. Also, everything that I learned, not only about myself, but about the world as a whole, was so valuable and amazing.

GREAT, GREAT experience. My senior daughter came away with new insights about cultural issues and the realities of life outside of the US, the tour planning was well-organized, and the owners were very responsive to my questions/concerns. My daughter says she felt safe, and definitely well-fed! The Cuba trip was the perfect way for her to be introduced to the greater world, and what she can do to improve it. She was with a good group of kids, and had wonderful opportunities for fun, too. I mean, a spontaneous opportunity to snorkel in the Bay of Pigs?! Wow. Thank you Scott, Kristen, and counselors Tori and Conor, for giving my teenager an unforgettable experience. IMHO the experience was priceless. Highly recommended.

My daughter loved this trip - she has done Overland several times but this was her first experience with ARCC and she thought they were great. She was excited to see Cuba before it becomes commercialized and appreciated the opportunity to help the people of Cuba. The service ranged from teaching English to painting an orphanage to delivering meals - she even got to play guitar with the local band of volunteers! She thought the counselors were great - very energetic and enthusiastic! Her favorite parts of the trip were the (surprise) snorkeling adventure in the Bay of Pigs and touring around Havana in the old cars!! Highly recommend the trip and ARCC!!!

I got back from this trip around two weeks ago and I am still talking about it and crying over the fact that it is over. I met some of the greatest people during this trip, even though we all started off as strangers by the end of it we were so close that we were all crying at the airport when it was time to go. The leaders of the trip were so kind and funny and dedicated to what they do, it was inspiring, and I can definitely tell you first hand that they care about safety! One of the reasons I loved this trip so much is because there is a great balance between the service and adventure. We did lots of service and my favorite was working in the soup kitchen at Glide, I loved it. Lake Tahoe and Yosemite were just incredible, they are both just so beautiful, I would kill to go back to either places right now. Anyways, if you are thinking about going on this trip, do it, I guarantee you will have a good time and see amazing things.

I just got home from a two week long service trip in Northern California with ARCC. It was an amazing experience, that will will make me smile for a while thinking of all the wonderful memories. I felt safe and comfortable at all times, and felt both of my counselors were experienced, and aware of everything happening. We completed service in the morning, where I felt I made a difference in the community, or park, but it was mixed with the perfect balance of exploring, playing games, hiking, swimming, and having fun! Overall, it was one of the most memorable trips I've been on, and I'd love to return for another ARCC trip this upcoming summer!

Amazing is an understatement when talking about the trip. The wonderful leaders made it just that much more fun and and enjoyable. It is a great chance to meet people from around the U.S and touch people's hearts in Cuba. The food varied quality-wise but hey food is food. I don't think there was one meal where I walked away hungry. Talking to locals and seeing how Cuba really was extremely insightful since we could look at it from their perspective. I took over 1000 photos and videos because I couldn't get enough of the culture. I think we all walked away from the trip feeling the same way. Amazed

Our freshman daughter attended the Cuba trip for 2 weeks this summer. We can't say enough about the wonderful experience she had there! The leaders were well trained, attentive and offered wonderful spur of the moment opportunities. They surprised everyone with snorkeling in the Bay of Pigs. The accommodations were wonderful and meals were exceptional (according to our daughter). She made some amazing friends as a result of the leaders facilitating so many group activities. They offered a historical perspective and education along with fun experiences and cultures. We are looking for her next trip to book next summer through ARCC!

Love this company. They do a great job ensuring that you will have a great time and meet amazing people. The activities and service experience are excellent-favorite was handing going to people's homes to drop off food to needy families. It was a unique opportunity to see how people in Cuba really live and to touch their lives. The counsellors also were wonderful. They make sure everyone is having a great time and that everyone is getting along well. I will defiantly use again next year.

I went on this trip in the summer of 2016, and it was an amazing experience. My grandparents actually happen to have immigrated to the U.S after growing up in Cuba, so this was a great opportunity for me to see what their lives were like before living here, and to experience a culture that has not been open to americans for quite some time. ARCC was a fantastic program to do this trip through. Our two leaders, Connor and Tori, kept us safe and also helped us have fun. Our house where we stayed in Matanzas for our service work was the most legendary experience of my life. Everyone there was so nice and helpful, and Bobi, the owner of the house, was the greatest man I've ever met. Not only did I enjoy the company of our leaders and translator Yala, but the people I met on this trip were amazing and I hope to stay in touch with them for a long time. Cuba is as the locals call it, the biggest museum in the world, and I can also say that is true, because not only in the streets of Havana, but anywhere you go, you are diving into Cuba's culture, a culture that I have fallen in love with. Not only am I even more proud of my Cuban heritage, but I have friends and stories that will last a lifetime. If you plan on going to Cuba, you can not go wrong going with ARCC. Garrett Rivas [email protected] for further questions p.s I gave health and safety an 8 only because you really have to be careful with the water, not because of ARCC

I went on the trip to Northern California and have not stopped talking about it since I got home over a week ago. From the before day prior to the trip when I got a call from one of my leaders who checked in about flight information, dietary needs, and any final questions, I was ecstatic to be going to California to explore foreign lands. The leaders were easy to find in the airport and once everyone had arrived we began our journey. Our cell phones were taken and we were fully immersed in the moment as thirteen strangers and two leaders pulled into a fifteen passenger van. I was very nervous about the camping aspect because I had never been before and we were camping for the entire two weeks, but I soon realized almost all the students were in the same boat. Our leaders were so passionate and dedicated to their work and they were so willing to help us adjust to the wilderness, taking all my nerves away. My group got along so well, there were nine girls and four boys, ranging from 15-18. Despite the gender and age differences, by the end of the trip we had all gotten so close and were crying when it was time to leave for our flights. I especially loved serving the food insecure at the St. Anthony's foundation. Another highlight of mine was eating burritos on the cliff of Glacier Point in Yosemite under the Milky Way. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who is interested. If you have any questions or would like more information from a student's perspective please don't hesitate to contact me! My email is [email protected] and I would love to talk to you!!

I wanted to do something different the summer before my junior year. I was looking at teen service trips all around the world, but I was sold the moment I found ARCC's Australia/Fiji trip. It was specifically for teens, so it allowed me to make an impact while staying safe and protected. The ARCC office staff was communicative and had an answer to my many questions. They knew just what to bring, told us up front exactly how much it would cost, and had recommendations on health and medical concerns to ensure my safety. The trip leaders I had the honor of working with were AMAZING. They connected with us instantly and handled every challenge with ease and grace. They were organized, loving, adventurous, open, and qualified. I honestly cannot imagine more perfect people to lead a trip like this. My group had the opportunity to do our service work in Nawaisomo on the island of Beqa in Fiji before our adventure time in Australia and on the Great Barrier Reef (which is gorgeous, by the way), and so we grew close to each other as we learned more about ourselves. The service work, building a footpath and working with the kids, was so much fun, and it was nice to see our hard work visibly progress. We really felt like we were making a difference. When we stayed in the village, we got to stay (in pairs) with host families, and I got really close to my host siblings. I learned so much about Fijian culture by getting to fry fish, shave coconuts, and help unload fishing boats with them in my free time. Overall, The Australia/Fiji trip was a life changing experience that taught me so much about myself, the world, and the importance of loving and take care of your community and everyone in it. There is no better way that I could've spent my summer.

Good mix of service, fun and bonding. Great opportunity to teach English Costa Rican school as well as exchange dances and food at night. There are quite a few bugs and mosquitoes so put Mosquito spray on twice a day.

The trip was one of the best times of my life, I'll never forget it. I met really great people and had so much fun every day. Also, the service was so meaningful and made me feel great about helping people. The adventure parts were so fun, including white water kayaking, hiking at yosemite and exploring San Francisco. 100% worth it!

My trip to Thailand with Adventures Cross Country was nothing short of amazing. Some of the highlights of my trip included: bathing elephants in a river, riding them through rustic, beautiful farmland and forest, scuba diving on an incredibly special little island called Koh Nang Yuan in Southern Thailand, whitewater rafting, meditating in a Buddhist temple, working in an orphanage teaching English, and assisting a hill tribe village just north of Chiang Mai by building a cafeteria. This was my 2nd trip with ARCC, and my trip leaders both on this trip and my last one (in africa) were such incredible role models that made this trip even more special. They had extensive travel experience, were extremely knowledgeable, and not only kept us safe, but made sure that each and every one of us was having the best time possible. ARCC does a fantastic job hiring their leaders. My trip leaders are some of the best people that I know. The in country contacts ARCC has in Thailand are phenomenal and we really did get to see the best parts of the country and do activities that you wouldn't and couldn't do on a vacation to Thailand. ARCC trips attract students from all over the country (and the world), which means that this is not just an opportunity to travel but also to meet a diverse group of people from all over. My group became so very close by the last day of the trip, and many tears were shed on the day our trip ended as well. I made life long friends on the trip that I still talk to on a daily basis. The staff at the ARCC office is incredible and they do an awesome job with their communication with parents. Everything about it was fantastic. The activities, the food, the culture, the people, and the service projects were more than worthwhile. I couldn't recommend it more, truly.

Ive made some lasting relationships, going to the Galapagos was a dream, snorkeling with the wildlife there was a bucket list activity. This trip has some of the best cultural immersion experiences combined with nature. Highly recommended!!