Follow the Journey

Written by Julia Kate Thompson, a Carpe Diem gap year Thailand Koh Tao diving Latitudes student interning in reef conservation Diving Into Conservation on Koh Tao This semester abroad, I’ve been interning with a dive shop on the island of Koh Tao, working on their Reef Conservation Team. I’ve been a part of several projects such as environmental monitoring, shark snorkels, measuring key species, water testing, turtle rescues, artificial reef… Read More

Written by Summer Sorensen, a Carpe Diem gap year Spain marine biology Latitudes student diving in Tenerife and living in Bilbao Diving into a New World: My Internship in Tenerife There’s so much I could say about my experience so far! I was nervous about traveling to an unknown place on my own for the first time—especially to islands I hadn’t even heard of four months ago. At the start… Read More

Gap year Senegal volunteering student Ava teaches English and French at Maison de la Gare, supporting Talibe children on her Latitudes Year. Living and Volunteering in Saint-Louis I can’t help but think back to my first day here—stepping out of the DSS airport after 20 minutes of sleep, carrying an (expensively) overweight suitcase, a backpack, and my guitar. I spotted a man holding a sign: “AVA MENDLER – Maison de… Read More

Written by Nina Rafaela Shear Quitiguiña, a Carpe Diem gap year Guatemala IMAP volunteer Latitudes student at San Lucas Toliman on Lake Atitlan Hello, my name is Nina I’ve been volunteering at a project called IMAP (Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute) in Guatemala for more than a month, and I’ve loved it. One of my first impressions of Guatemala was how kind and welcoming people are. I arrived in Guatemala City on… Read More

Written by Alexandra “Ally” R. Olejniczak, a Carpe Diem gap year South Africa Latitudes student volunteering in Melkhoutfontein Before coming to Melkhoutfontein, I experienced a three-day orientation in Johannesburg where I visited multiple historical sites like Soweto, Nelson Mandela’s house, Prison Four, and Maropeng. I also visited the Apartheid Museum. When I first got off the plane at George Airport, I was taken to the beach in Stillbaai where we… Read More

Written by Nora Thomas, a Carpe Diem gap year Namibia wildlife volunteering Latitudes student traveling across five projects in Namibia So far this semester, I’ve spent my time traveling about the whole of Namibia!! I started my time by flying into Windhoek to be transferred to the main volunteer site at Na/ankuse. I spent two weeks are the main camp and got to participate in Anti Poaching Unit sleep out,… Read More

Written by Malcolm Reid, a Carpe Diem gap year Australia wildlife Latitudes student learning independence and working with animals in Australia From beachside strolls to working hands-on with wildlife, my semester in Australia has been full of new experiences, challenges, and personal growth. Here’s a look at what this journey has meant to me so far. Challenges Along the Journey Adjusting to life in a new country comes with its… Read More

Written by Macey Tayler, a Carpe Diem gap year Peru surf therapy Latitudes student volunteering with Waves in Lobitos When I committed to going to a quaint little town, on the northern coast of Peru, I had no idea what to expect. Google Maps showed me pictures that could only be described as extraterrestrial; but for some reason, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Lobitos, Peru was where I needed… Read More

Written by Asa Poole, a Carpe Diem gap year Belize wildlife sanctuary Latitudes student volunteering at Wildtracks with monkeys and manatees Settling into Jungle Life When I first stepped off the bus I was greeted by a friendly old man named Donnie. I loaded my bags into the back of his truck and jumped in. He started driving down a beautiful path through the jungle lined with giant ferns, and… Read More

Written by William McCall Symms, a 2023-24 Latitudes Year Sri Lanka student, this reflection covers elephant field research, human-wildlife conflict work, and life in rural Sri Lanka. This semester has been an immensely enriching learning experience for me. Following a consistent schedule has been both demanding and enjoyable. Every day involves going out to collect data and conduct field research, not only on elephants but also on other species negatively… Read More

Written by Andres Huenneke, a 2023-24 Latitudes Year Namibia conservation student, this reflection covers animal rehabilitation, desert wildlife tracking, and community life at Naankuse. Over this semester I have been in Namibia in Southern Africa working with animal conservation for an organization called Naankuse. I have transitioned between some different projects around the country. Every project deals with a different aspect of animal conservation and rehabilitation. I have been to… Read More

Written by Anantya Mazi, a 2023-24 Latitudes Year Ecuador volunteer, this reflection covers community life, conservation work, and weekend adventures at La Hesperia forest reserve. Settling In and Finding Community La Hesperia is a forest reserve that rests above the small rural town of La Esperie. At the reserve, I was able to settle in quickly, especially with the help of the other volunteers working here, whom I now consider… Read More

Latitudes Year wildlife conservation student Stella Kuramoto shares six weeks of animal care, reptile work, and independent living abroad. Experiencing Independence and Wildlife Conservation This semester I experienced true independence and one of the most beautiful places in the whole world with one of my best friends whom I’ve met through Carpe. I’m six weeks in volunteering at the wildlife habitat and life could not be cooler. I spend my… Read More

Written by Shloimy Goldberger, a Carpe Diem gap year Hungary zoo volunteering Latitudes student working at Repzootic near Pecs My Experience at Repzootic I have spent this semester working at Repzootic, a small zoo in a town of about 300 in the rural southwest of Hungary, about an hour-long bus ride from the historical city of Pécs. I have spent much of my time in this town, as although there… Read More

Written by Kyla Wendel, a Carpe Diem gap year Australia wildlife habitat Latitudes student volunteering in Port Douglas Experiencing the Beauty of Port Douglas Having been in Queensland my last semester, I thought I was prepared for the sheer beauty that is Port Douglas but I was mistaken. Already a month into my stay and I’m still in awe of my surroundings. The beautiful beaches and the tropical trees that… Read More

Written by Kora Battleson, a 2023-24 Latitudes Year Ecuador student, this reflection covers monkey monitoring, water quality research, English teaching, and community life along the coast of Camarones. Experience in Camarones, Ecuador: My experience this semester in a small town called Camarones (shrimp) along the coast of Ecuador has been incredible. One thing I love about the work I do is every day is different with some sort of surprise.… Read More

Written by Kate Willoughby, a 2022-23 Latitudes Year Costa Rica wildlife student, this reflection covers three months of animal care, rainforest conservation, and independent travel at Kids Saving the Rainforest. This semester I volunteered and worked at Kids Saving the Rainforest for 3 months in Costa Rica. Here, I worked in the animal sanctuary with their lovely animals and people that work here. I got the privilege to learn so… Read More

Written by Leora Wasserman, a 2022-23 Latitudes Year South Africa student, this reflection covers community development work with Dreamcatcher, wildlife care at Wild Rescue, and life with two homestay families in Melkhoutfontein. My experience this semester in South Africa gave me the opportunity to gain knowledge, go on adventures, experience challenge, and create connections and memories to last a lifetime! I began my journey in Johannesburg, with Tefo and Lucas,… Read More

Written by Chance Sands, 2022-23 Latitudes Student Chance is volunteering at Give and Surf in Bocas Del Toro, Panama  It has been such an amazing experience. I have created long lasting friendships with my fellow volunteers and all of the teachers and students. I’ve also made so many memories, whether that be surfing, exploring, or my work at school. What has been challenging this semester? Definitely the language barrier. Although… Read More

Written by Abby McGullam, 2022-23 Latitudes Student  My semester in South Africa has been a seedbed for personal, cultural, and experiential growth. My program with the nonprofit organization Dreamcatcher South Africa has been well-tailored to my interests, as well as my personal skills, ensuring that my impact in the township of Melkhoutfontein is a passionate and maximized one. Before truly immersing myself, I learned about the heartbreaking apartheid history of… Read More