The Student Planned Module (SPM) is a component of every ARCC Semester. This 3-5 day block is intentionally unplanned by the ARCC office, so as to provide an opportunity for each student to work within the group to plan activities, accommodations, transportation, meals, etc. Students are given basic parameters around safety and a budget with which to work, but are otherwise free to research and explore what they would most like to do as a group. Working together they must put together a proposal for their instructors, who check for any potential issues. Once approved by the instructors, the whole group departs on their adventure!
Hello all,
This week of the trip was possibly our most daunting challenge yet; the Student Planned Module. We had spent the past couple of weeks creating a detailed itinerary and put ourselves to the test. Each of us worked together and learned valuable skills as we took our journey into our own hands. Here is how each of us contributed and learned during SPM:
Clarissa:
As one of the Leaders of the Week during SPM, I was able to play more of a leadership role throughout the week. I was able to help with the planning of SPM, from the activities to the transport, and made sure that these plans happened. I worked with both the group and our local resources that we met the weeks before and during SPM to finalize daily schedules that outlined each day’s activities, transport, meals, and the timing of everything. I was also involved in keeping track of the budget, keeping account of costs in the categories of lodging, transport, activities, flare, food, and reserve. This week pushed me to trust the process even if the entire plan wasn’t set to the detail. I also learned so much about budgeting and planning and am so excited to use these new skills in my future travels!
Ben:
My main role was the communicator. There were a lot of instances when I had to speak Spanish with our contacts in the hostels or with our transportation to sort out problems. I learned that I love to challenge myself with in-the-moment problems and also conversing with people.
Tess:
For SPM week, I was co-leading with Clarissa. We told everyone where to be at what time, and organized our activities and transport. I specialized in finding accommodations for the group and I learned to have more trust and optimism. It was one of the best weeks yet!!!
Thomas:
I was the budget tracker for SPM. I helped work with the leaders to determine what we could afford and kept track of our funds throughout the trip. Over the course of the week, I learned how coordination can open the door to awesome new possibilities, such as our trip to Cotopaxi!
Tommy:
As I was the only student who didn’t have an assigned role this week like leader, professor, or journal master, my position in the group was less structured. Therefore I felt it was my place to just be an extra handyman. I tried to help out a little here a little there, talk with the group about budgeting and ideas, but mainly just being an extra helping hand.
We began SPM in Baños, having the night of our lives in hilarious outfits handpicked by each other. The next day, we caught a bus to Lake Quilotoa. Once in Quilotoa, we settled in, and prepared for a difficult hike the next day at 12,000 feet of elevation. The loop provided an almost constant view of the lake from the top of the crater, as we dipped in and out of the clouds.
The day after, we went on a shorter hike down to the water and packed our bags for Latacunga, our gateway to Cotopaxi Volcano. We got pizza, met up with Ivan our guide, and even got onesies which had eluded us in Baños.
Venturing to heights we had never achieved before, we hiked part of Cotopaxi to an altitude of roughly 16,286 feet. Crossing the ashen terrain, we found ourselves at the feet of a glacier. During our descent, we mounted bikes, taking the rugged road back to our rides. Back in Latacunga, we were exhausted. The next morning, we packed up and left for Quito, ending SPM.
Sending love to you all,
SAM (written by Thomas)
