Our exclusive access to people and places, developed over decades, gives us a window on aspects of China

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1 CHINA VIETNAM CAMBODIA THAILAND PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Teach English in a Chinese High School While Living in a Homestay Watch the Sunset and Sunrise from your Tent on the Great Wall of China Discover Shangri-La, a Town Nestled in the Foothills of the Himalayas Examine the Effects of Agent Orange by Working with Youth in Hanoi Install Clean Water Filters in Homes in Rural Cambodia Learn about Cambodia s History with Human Trafficking at a Khmer NGO Study Health Issues by Shadowing Nurses while Living in a Homestay in a Small Thai Village Rehabilitate Elephants in Thailand Alongside Local Biologists Become SCUBA Certified on the Thai Island of Koh Tao and Help Restore the Reef Gap Asiais a unique blend of education, service and exploration of the intriguing and ancient cultures of China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Our exclusive access to people and places, developed over decades, gives us a window on aspects of China and Southeast Asia rarely experienced by outsiders. Stand knee-deep in the rice paddies of China s Yunnan Province and discover a way of life that has remained virtually unchanged throughout the centuries. Meet with village leaders to learn how their community thrives in an increasingly globalized world. Settle into village life in Cambodia and learn about efforts to combat human trafficking, starting with education and income generating opportunities. Be a part of the change and get your hands dirty building bio-sand filters for rural villages and facilitating computer classes for students. Partner with mahouts and biologists at a Thai Elephant Rehabilitation Center deep in the jungle and share a laugh with Thai students in our own language camp. Together with our fellow travelers we discover the many lessons this fascinating corner of the world can teach us.

2 Days 1 3: Gap Orientation in California We begin our semester with a Gap orientation in San Francisco, California. After a welcoming BBQ with all ARCC Gap programs, we settle into our Asia group, getting to know one another and our instructors. Together we map out our itinerary and set both individual and group goals for the duration of the program. We introduce our curriculum and brainstorm ideas for our individual Capstone Projects, all while coming together as a traveling community. ITINERARY CHINA Days 4 8: Beijing & the Great Wall of China We fly together to Beijing, China where we jump into our orientation to Chinese culture, customs and language. While in Beijing we find ourselves in an entirely different world. With 1.3 billion people, China is the most populous country in the world and Beijing is the perfect place to get oriented. This ancient city offers an intriguing view of old and new as skyscrapers blend with classic architecture. We explore the city and journey back in time hundreds of years to the magnificent Forbidden City where dynasties once reigned. We visit Tiananmen Square, which was constructed in 1949 as a symbol of the People s Republic of China, and witness the achievements of modern day China as we take in the Olympic Stadium, home of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Throughout this exploration we take note of both the obvious and subtle signs of growth and development. No visit to China would be complete without visiting the iconic Great Wall. Dating back to the 5th century, the wall was built of stone and other earthen materials as a form of protection from various nomadic groups. We spend a night sleeping on the wall, taking time to learn its rich history and marvel at its construction. Days 9 15: Shangri-La Minorities High School & Liming School We have the opportunity to spend the next few days at the Shangri- La Minorities High School where we facilitate English lessons and exchange Q&As with students our age, forming connections and learning about the Chinese education system in comparison to our own. When not teaching, we join them in their sports and dancing classes, getting a glimpse of how non-academic subjects are taught in China. After a few days assisting in the school, we begin our first homestay experience. Having already formed relationships with our friends at the

3 high school, we split into pairs and head off to our homestay families for a night of cultural immersion. While with our hosts we enjoy a hike through the meadows speckled with yak and past Tibetan villages to the Dabao Temple, one of the earliest Tibetan Buddhist temples in Shangri-La. Our next project takes us into the mountainous countryside to Liming where we revisit the Literacy & Education theme. Coming face-to-face with this very impoverished community where the average income is less than $600/year/person, we work at the local primary school where we assist in painting the school dormitories. When not working and playing with the children, we engage in discussions about education, the problem of left behind children, and mass migration from villages to the modernized cities. Days 16-18: Tiger Leaping Gorge Saying goodbye to our new friends in Liming, we drive to Qiaotou, the gateway to the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge. Leaving our big bags behind, we spend the next two days hiking this world renowned location. We brave the 28 bends, a series of switchbacks taking you to the highest point of the Tiger Leaping Gorge Trail and providing spectacular views of the imposing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. With comfortable guesthouses awaiting us every night, our hike in China is one we will never forget. Days 19-24: Kunming Microenterprise Project & Migrant Community Transferring three hours to Lijiang, we enjoy some downtime, participate in group activities, and explore our new surroundings. We spend the morning taking a Chinese cooking class, which begins in a local market where we buy supplies. We then try our hand at making three distinct Chinese dishes. In the afternoon we hike to Black Dragon Pond and explore the old town of Lijiang. This evening we catch an overnight train to Kunming, the site of our last project in China. In Kunming we visit a small microenterprise project that is teaching migrant women from rural villages to make handicrafts, which they can promote and sell overseas. We have the opportunity to learn about the lives of these women and to interview the directors of this amazing project. On our second day we visit a community center for migrant children. Accompanied by university students who are majoring in English, we are able to communicate with the children and conduct home visits to learn about the transition from rural villages to the cities. On our last night we share a special dinner as we conclude our time in China, reflecting on all that we have already experienced and learned. VIETNAM Days 25-30: Hanoi & Sailing in Halong Bay After a short journey to Vietnam, we find ourselves stepping into the bustling city of Hanoi. Wandering the back streets of the Old Quarter, we sample Pho and other delightful cuisine, while visiting must-see sights, such as Ho Chi Minh s tomb and the One Pillar Pagoda. We then make our way to Halong Bay where we experience the breathtaking views from aboard a traditional junk. Basking in the warm ocean breezes and sleeping on deck for a two-night excursion, we kayak, swim and relax, surrounded by the mystifying limestone cliffs of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Days 31 41: Agent Orange Study For the next week we live in a community outside of Hanoi working with locals that have been impacted by the effects of Agent Orange. The aim of the village is to provide children, veterans and youth with medical treatment, special education and vocational training, with the goal of reintegration into their communities. We teach English lessons, help around the grounds and learn about student projects (such as embroidery, beadwork, etc), all the while forming close friendships with the eager Vietnamese students who have long-anticipated our visit.

4 Days 42 & 43: Travel & Ho Chi Minh City After a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City, we take a guided tour of this bustling metropolis filled with ancient pagodas, teeming markets, streetside vendors and endless motorbikes. We have a day and a half to explore the city and relax as a group as we prepare for our upcoming section in Cambodia. CAMBODIA Days 44 50: Travel to Cambodia and Clean Water Filters Catching an early bus to Phnom Penh, we cross the border into Cambodia and are welcomed by the gentle smiles of the Khmer people. We spend a couple days in Phnom Penh, participating in classes such as boxing and pottery, taking a river cruise down the Mekong River and increasing our knowledge of Cambodia s history by visiting the local Killing Fields. We then leave Phnom Penh behind as we head to Kampong Speu. In Kampong Speu we partner with an inspiring NGO to build and install bio-sand water filters into rural homes. These filters provide clean water for up to 40 years; a gift that greatly impacts the livelihood and health of each family. Working, eating and sleeping in the village, days in Kampong Speu are rich in culture and community, and allow us to settle into the slower pace of the Cambodian lifestyle. Our final evening in Kampong Speu is spent celebrating with our new friends and reflecting on all that we ve experienced. Days 51 55: Chambok Ecotourism & Homestay Making our way to Chambok, we spend the next four days experiencing village life by living in a homestay. Our partners, the Chambok community, have protected 1,260 hectares of forestland from logging and hunting. Their ecotourism project is managed by the villagers themselves, and all revenues stay in the community. These revenues provide an alternative source of income to help villagers protect the forest and manage it in a sustainable way for future generations. While in Chambok we study the Environment and Conservation theme, while also having the opportunity to trek to waterfalls, make traditional crafts and volunteer in the women-run restaurant. Through our homestays we experience a day in the life of rural farmers by growing rice and vegetables, and assisting with the farm animals such as cows, chickens and pigs. Days 56 59: Student Planned Module Saying a sad goodbye to our dear friends in Chambok, we head off on our Student Planned Module. This module is totally planned by the students, with basic parameters put in place and a budget with which to work. We can t wait to hear what the group will do!

5 Days 60 64: Siem Reap & Angkor Wat Travelling to Siem Reap, Cambodia, we find ourselves busy working at the nearby school and visiting the sights of this charming city. We take in the majesty of Angkor Wat at sunrise, wander down tree-lined streets and improve our bartering skills at Siem Reap s famous night market, all the while observing the differences in this new country. THAILAND Days 65 68: Bangkok Orientation, Exploration and Buddhist Meditation Center After a seven-hour bus trip, with viewpoint stops and a lunch break along the way, we arrive in Bangkok! Excited for the Land of Smiles and the last country in our journey, we are eager to embrace the friendly people and culture awaiting us. For our day in Bangkok, we sample incredible Thai delicacies and visit the famous Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha. We also receive a thorough orientation to Thai culture, language, and customs. Leaving the city behind we travel to a meditation house to learn about Thai Buddhism and have the opportunity to study and practice meditation. We enjoy a relaxing couple days before we begin our service with the exotic Thai elephants. Days 69 74: Public Health & Rice Fields Homestay Heading north to the Pathumthani Province, we experience the warmth of the Thai people with a four-night homestay in a rural rice farming village where we live, work, and immerse ourselves in the lives of local families. Our gracious hosts invite us into their lives and show us the hospitality for which Thailand is famous. During our time here, we get a first-hand glimpse of the Public Health theme by conducting visits in the local hospital where we observe and learn about a health awareness program for the disabled and elderly, and also help with physical therapy. We feel honored to witness this worthwhile endeavor and gain practical knowledge and experience as we shadow health care professionals, conduct site visits and learn about the health care system in Thailand. Days 75 82: Kanchanaburi Elephant Rehabilitation Center Exploring the Environment and Conservation theme of our curriculum, we make our home at a Thai elephant rehabilitation center. For four days we learn the basics of elephant biology and how to care for these incredible animals. From our dedicated partners at the rehabilitation center, we learn first-hand of the plight of Thailand s indigenous elephants and what is being done to help this species. For our final two nights with the elephants, we head off into the nearby national park where we are able to witness elephants in the wild. During our time here, we take trips to the historic River Kwai, the nearby floating markets and Erewan Falls; a spectacular National Park renowned for its aquamarine pools linked by cascading waterfalls. Days 83 90: Koh Tao SCUBA Diving and Reef Clean-Up Out time in Thailand comes to an end relaxing on the serene beaches of the island of Koh Tao where we explore the incredible multi-colored fish and corals of Thailand s vibrant reefs. During the day we complete our PADI dive certification while at night we enjoy the quiet beauty of Koh Tao. Those new to diving will have the chance to earn their Open Water Diver certification, while experienced divers can earn their Advanced Diver certificate. During the evenings, we present our Capstone Projects and debrief what we have learned, the friends we have made and the passions we have stirred over the past ninety days. There is no question our learning and living during these three months have prepared us for the rest of our lives. As we savor our last week together, we are excited to head home to share our newly gained knowledge and insights from our firsthand look at the global issues facing China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

6 ASIA GAP SEMESTER: CURRICULUM The ARCC Asia Semester provides unparalleled access to some of the most incredible people, places and experiences the world has to offer. Our contacts and relationships abroad allow us to immerse ourselves in the cultures we visit through homestays, service work, teaching and exchange. Going beyond the weekend visit, we take the time to plant our feet in each location, becoming part of the community at large. Eating, sleeping and living amongst the local people, we are welcomed as friends. Working in partnership with area leaders, we pinpoint worthwhile service projects and collaborate with community members to achieve a common goal. Refurbishing a school, building a community center or working with local organizations, our hard work supplements our education, organized around five major themes: ARCC S FIVE THEMES Investigates the growing problem of habitat degradation and loss of resources, especially the way in which this affects local human and animal populations. Compares the philosophy of education in different countries, how this translates into reallife settings, and what steps are being taken to improve education and literacy for local communities. Explores the often wide gulf between health care in different countries, as well as between cities and rural areas. Examines the issue of displacement, both in terms of urbanization and movement motivated by political or environmental concerns. Researches how communities make ends meet in an increasingly globalized economy, while working to maintain their unique cultures.

7 GAP SEMESTER: ASIA SERVICE LEARNING SUMMARY Location Theme(s) Field Experience Your Once In A Lifetime China Shangri-La Minorities High School & Homestay Literacy & Education Environment & Conservation - Meet with teachers to develop individual lesson plans, then present materials to students - Educate youth about conservation efforts Be a Teacher to some of China s most needy as you design and facilitate English lessons, while forming unique and unforgettable bonds China Kunming Migrant Center Microfinance & Economic Growth Urbanization & the Movement of Peoples - Lead lessons, games and activities in an education center for the children of migrant workers who are not permitted to enroll in the public schools - Visit the homes of migrant families to learn about their quality of life and to hear their stories Interview Migrant Workers who have moved to the cities in hopes of finding a better life and learn about their lives living on the outskirts of Chinese society Vietnam Hanoi Agent Orange Education Center Literacy & Education Public Health Environment & Conservation - Learn about the ongoing effects of Agent Orange on Vietnam's youth - Teach English language classes and interview Vietnam War Veterans Retrace History as you explore the after-effects of the Vietnam War on local Vietnamese, both old and young alike Vietnam Environment & Conservation - Visit the floating villages of Lan Ha and Halong Bay and learn about the communities living there Conduct a Survey Lan Ha Bay Environmental Study Microfinance & Economic Growth - Learn about the effects, both positive and negative, of tourism on the environment of Halong Bay and on Vietnam's economy on the effects of tourism on Vietnam's world-renowned Halong Bay Cambodia Water Filtration Project Environment & Conservation Microfinance & Economic Growth Public Health - Construct bio-sand water filters in Cambodia's most poverty-stricken province - Install the bio-sand water filters in rural homes, working alongside appreciative families Make your Impact by introducing clean water filters into shantytown communities, ensuring clean water will reach each family for up to 40 years Cambodia Siem Reap School & Human Trafficking Study Literacy & Education Urbanization & the Movement of Peoples Public Health - Plan lessons and facilitate activity-based learning in a special community-run school in Siem Reap - Study the impact of human trafficking on Cambodian youth by visiting centers that provide a home to victims Join a Movement to educate and spread information about the devastating effects of human trafficking in countries such as Cambodia Thailand Kanchanaburi Elephant Rehabilitation Center Environment & Conservation - Learn about the indigenous Asian elephant and join local experts in the rehabilitation efforts - Volunteer with all aspects of the elephants' care, including planting food, and feeding, bathing, and general maintenance of the elephants Shoot a Documentary Short featuring the stories of select elephants as you form bonds with the gentle animals and learn about their struggle for survival ARCC Gap Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley, CA, 94941

8 ASIA GAP SEMESTER REVIEWS ARCC combines the perfect mix of adventure, service, academics, and opportunities to enhance individual and group leadership skills. You go to places you would never dream of, embark on intense and humbling service trips, and interact with people who teach you so much about the communities and cultures around you. I know that I will come back a better person who has more drive to make a positive impact on the world. So, thank you ARCC Gap Asia! Allegra B., Washington, D.C., Skidmore 19 I chose to take a Gap Semester so I could travel to new places while learning the rich history, unique culture, and eye-opening global issues of each place hands-on. ARCC had given me this opportunity and I have learned so many life lessons & skills through training to locals, working on service projects, and witnessing the impacts of government s decisions on the common people. Rachel S., Henrico, VA, Christopher Newport University 19 She seems to have a wisdom and patience about her that is deeper upon returning. Most of all, the friendships she made on the trip are lifetime treasures that will continue to enrich her experience. Parent of Grace L., Pacific Palisades, CA, Middleebury 19 This semester has been amazing and I can t complement ARCC enough for the excellent planning, program, leadership opportunities, instructors and creative service projects! Plus you kept the parents so well informed. Parent of Amir S., Washington, D.C., Denison 19 Learning about global issues in a classroom is nothing in comparison to actually experiencing them. Being here has added emotion and purpose to learning, and I cannot imagine starting my college life any other way. Teddy F., Hermosa Beach, CA, Northeastern 19 Going on this semester with ARCC has made me appreciate the opportunities I ve been given far more than I d considered. Because of this I m more driven to succeed in college as not a lot of people get the chance to receive a college level education. Peter H., Lancaster, PA, University of Colorado 19 Want to Learn More? Contact the Gap Programs Director: Sophia Weeks ARCC Gap Programs Director Sophia@arccprograms.com Ext