Testimonials from Parents

It's one thing to hear us talk about ourselves, quite another to hear from your peers!

Past Parent Testimonials

Thank You Nannette! I had a wonderful one hour conversation with him on Sunday and he talked 75% of the time! He is so engaged and excited about everything he is doing. I am so grateful that he is doing this program. I am also very impressed at the level to which the kids are asked to rise to. I am happy to hear he has been involved in the meditations. I'm curious? Has he been late a lot to activities? Not unusual for him, but the learning to focus will be amazing for him.

Any time you hear a bit about Dylan- I'd love to hear too. Again, thank you for the update. Happy thanksgiving to you too!

Best,

Liz

 

 

Hello Nannette - thank you so much for this!! What a great idea... it only enhances my original estimation of what an amazing organization you are... you have thought of everything! Danielle is not the first to fly our nest so we are probably a little more seasoned than some parents however your thoughtfulness in the preparation of this trip has made everything run very smoothly for her and has given us confidence that she will be OK.

Judging by Danielle's blogs she is having the time of her life and seemingly taking on the challenges as they are presented to her... I know they are still in the honeymoon part of their journey but we feel confident that she will only grow from her experiences in CAM, and we feel good in knowing that she will be encouraged to endure in times of challenges as well as embrace the amazingness of it all. What a great opportunity...

I have, and will gladly continue to, recommend your organization to other parents with adventurous children!

Thank you!
Christine Gabb, mother of Spring 2008 CAM student

 

 

I am very impressed with your program. Thank you so much for the wonderful information and communication. Natalie has had the "time of her life" this past semester.

With great gratitude,

Rich

Natalie's dad

 

 

Having a child want to do a program like this is a big step. They have to want to do it and should do most of the arrangements themselves. It will definitely help them deal with the eventual upheavals of traveling and solving problems. Their sense of accomplishment at figuring it out is evident. The expansion of their awareness of the world is amazing to watch. No matter what it is that weÕve exposed our children to, this is a whole other dimension in being a person on this earth. It is humbling and exhilarating all at once.

 

 

Dear Ethan, Nannette, Amy and Adam,

As Paul's parents, we really want to let you know how pleased, thrilled and sincerely thankful we are, to all of you. We can see that he had an amazing experience. The first evening home, he kept us on the edge of our seats, til 4:00 am, running through all of his adventures and stories!

As one who was fortunate to have an opportunity to see some of the world many years ago, I truly understand the benefit that your Carpe Diem programs offer. And today I can 'pat myself on my back' for finding your website through the connection at Leap Now, and being able to provide Paul this opportunity. Your professionalism, package details and information before and during the journey are outstanding! Especially in Marnie's case, we were always put at ease, by your excellent communications. For weeks I searched through many international gap programs. The majority come out of England, where they have a lengthy experience in such travels. But I soon realized that we found a true gem of an organization, in Carpe Diem.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Amy and Adam. I can only imagine the challenges you face when throwing 8 different young adults together in many stressful, small spaces, for three months! Paul will forever benefit from your guidance during the inevitable highs and lows experienced by the FANZ team. I know that my quiet, sensitive, athletic son has gained an inner confidence, a further appreciation of what we have here at home, and a life-long zest for travel......thanks to you two!!

Yes, we expect some Re-entry difficulties, even yours truly, who 'followed' Paul around on various websites, Google Earth maps and his excellent descriptive emails! Again thanks to you, we have some preparation and are ready.

I believe Paul was most touched by his homestay in Fiji, and is most proud of the team's work on painting the village school. He still is in cloud nine when trying to describe the Milford Sound and Great Barrier reef diving adventures, both of which, have been on my 'bucket list' for many years.

For Marnie, Paul and myself, thank you so much to all of you! Ethan, your group is truly the best out there! You can be proud of your Carpe Diem organization. I am so envious of how rewarding your careers can be!

Sincerely
Grant and Marnie Hoflinger, parents of Spring 2008 FANZ student

 

 

Ethan -

Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know what a wonderful 3-months Lexi had with Carpe Diem. Clearly you have put together some talented staff and a fabulous program.

Please feel free to use me as a recommend to any parents whose kids are considering your program. Between my 2 girls I have experienced (as a parent) 4 different semester programs, and this was hands down the best.

I would also add this thought, which is probably something you are already aware of - it was a little surprising to me most people (who do not know Lexi that well) who heard about what she was doing automatically assumed that she was not "a strong student" or there were some kind of issues she was dealing with. They didn't say it in those words, but that is what came across. I usually pointed out that Lexi was in fact not just an honor student, but a girl who truly loved learning. She chose to take a year off in part because her older sister had done the same, but also because she was so tired of studying, and wanted not just to see, but to immerse herself in the culture of another corner of the world.

Maybe it is just in this area of the country/world, but I am sorry that people assume that taking a year off is for kids who are struggling - instead of seeing it as this amazing, refreshing, opportunity to learn not just about the greater world, but also about oneself. And, the deepd truth of the matter is - every young person is struggling in some sense, it is part of the growing-up process.

blessings,
Karen, CENTRAL AMERICA Spring 2010

 

 

Well Ethan, where to begin........I'll give this a try at free thought in no particular order or relevance. You can do with it as you please! Well, I guess to begin with, I too want to be a participant and would even consider being responsible and being a leader if I were 25 or so again, not so likely. Will have to settle for living vicariously through my daughter, which I have enjoyed immensely so far and am sure that upon her return the stories will continue to unfold and satisfy my wanderlust as well as my joy at seeing her growth. We have been fortunate enough to offer our daughter the opportunity to do a fair amount of traveling and to expose her to different cultures and peoples, but I feel that not until this trip did she come to realize and appreciate a more global perspective of the world. This is evidenced by the "new eyes" through which she is now able to see. I'm sure that this experience will enrich her as a person and be one that she cherishes for life. Words of wisdom for parents.....hmm......first of all, get a grip, some of these are developing world countries, don't expect the Ritz-Carlton, actually, don't expect Motel 8... a little dirt and discomfort will not hurt your precious child and will maybe even help them. (and believe me, it will be much tougher on you as a parent than it will be on them as a young adult). On the other hand, if you suspect a problem, be it health, safety, relationship, etc., don't hesitate to contact the program director and staff. They have lived this before with many other parents sharing similar worries and concerns. Expect answers and explanations to valid concerns, reassurance, honesty and prompt responses. Remember, you can always put more money in the ATM if need be, .......Email, phone calls and correspondence will differ for each individual child and parent.

It will always be too much for the child and too little for the parent, a warm home and loving parents will be appreciated more by a slightly homesick child. Illness, no matter how small, will taint one's perspective about everything especially if it is the first time away from home for all involved. You don't have to make sure that your child has absolutely everything and more from the packing list, as this should be their responsibility not yours,........ sharing and resourcefulness are not bad attributes to develop on their own merit. The blogs are very helpful and comforting, wish they weren't so long in getting started in the beginning. Ethan, as a token of appreciation with a personalized note from you, they would be a nice after thought to say publish them in a booklet form, staple and send to each student upon the conclusion of their trip as a keepsake. More marginally worthwhile thoughts from a loving parent survivor upon her return.

Yours,

Deanna