ARCC Gap: East Africa - Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania

The East Africa semester was incredible. I was so grateful for the opportunity to experience a culture so vastly different from my own. I was especially excited and passionate about the service work we did, mainly the solar project and the rhino sanctuary. I wish we could have spent more time doing both. I would recommend this ARCC semester to any high school or college student. East Africa was a place I knew little about prior to this semester, and I feel much more well informed on the three countries (Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania) that we spent time in.

This experience was fantastic. You get to experience a much different culture and perspectives than that of western culture. Got to do many fun activities such as rafting down the Nile, swimming at the base of kilimanjaro, going to live dance and music shows. You also feel rewarded when doing community work as it feels like you are actually making an impact. The best example of this was installing solar panels for the Maasai who previously had no access to power. Overall I would recommend this program to anyone looking to grow and get out of there comfort zone.

This semester was one of the most culturally immersive and life changing experience. The experiences with our homestays in each country really put the us, the students, in the real lives of locals. Staying with them for a couple of days was such an enriching time in the trip and we learned so much. Living as a group was a challenge at times but it allowed me to grow and find confidence and independence as well. The most influential part was staying at Daraja Academy, an all girls school in Kenya.

This is the greatest thing I have ever done in my life. Going into it I was hella scared taking a different path but I have absolutely no regrets. I loved all the people even though we had to work through some disputes. I had never traveled with a group like this before and I think this was such an awesome way to kick it off. Everything I saw and did, (scenery and service projects) will stick with me forever. I gained a whole new perspective on life/myself. My leader Hailey had the biggest impact.

My instructor was amazing. The perfect balance of supportive, wise, and mentor like while also being so fun. the program was amazing I learned so much both about myself and the world. The group was made up of some really cool and down to earth individuals. There was very little alone time everything was done together which had its pros and cons. All of the activities and projects were super impactful especially the solar project and spending time at Daraja the all girls secondary school. Overall and amazing experience

I went on the East Africa fall semester in 2018, and it was the best three months! I chose to go to East Africa because I wanted to experience a new culture. I remember feeling so scared before leaving my home in Denver, Colorado to embark on this adventure. But after meeting my group during orientation, and getting to know them a little bit, I felt a new sense of comfort. Once I was on the plane that took us to Uganda, I already felt comfortable around my group and my two leaders. Every single one of us came from a different state (and two students from other countries), yet we became so connected on the trip. We traveled together, shared every meal together, and shared so many experiences. I kept a journal everyday and still fondly read it when I miss my group and time in East Africa. I have now been in college for one complete semester, and I still keep in touch with my group! Between our busy schedules we try and connect when possible, often exchanging memories about how we miss chapati (a delicious bread), our host families, and the beloved truck we drove around in. In college, I can positively say that ARCC provided me with a fresh prospective in my classes, and made me more comfortable with making a place that is not my house my home. I cannot recommend this experience enough!

I can't even begin to describe how much I loved my ARCC Semester in East Africa. It honestly changed my life, and whenever people ask how it was, my immediate response is "if I could get on a plane right now and go back, I would. No question about it", even after I tell them about bucket showers, pit toilets, wet tents, and the malaria concern. If I could spend the rest of my life working for ARCC and being able to travel and share these amazing experiences with students, and change their lives and perspectives like Chris and Adri did for me, I would be the happiest girl in the world. I met a best friend who brought out new sides of me, a boy I want to spend the rest of my life with, and an unbreakable bond with 11 amazing people. I never felt homesick, which in itself says a lot about the group, even when I was super sick. In fact, I feel more homesick being back home, away from everyone. I'm getting emotional writing this, there is simply no way to possibly describe this experience in words, besides amazing.

Absolutely incredible and life-long enriching experience. The nature and landscapes are stunning - and I am so glad I got the privilege and opportuntity to widen my horizon by travelling to a world so different to ours (Europe). My two leaders were so supportive, them and my group turned some challenges into wonderful experiences. I also went through alot of personal growth in these 3 months and had many insights through being so far away from home, which is also why I would recommend this trip so much!