Just a note to say that 1/2 of our Nkula group is together… the extraordinary Overseas Educators, Megan and David, left Portland along with Cat and Cassandra early this morning (so early, in fact, that they were able to catch an epic sunrise over Mt. Hood). Now in Seattle, the crew met up with Marley, Monica, and Madeline. They'll depart for Amsterdam shortly, and we'll let you know when the… Read More
Hello family and frinds of the MAYA group, I just heard from group leaders Ben and Jess, and they let me know that the group landed safely in Guatemala earlier this morning. The flight went smoothly and they are currently en route to their accommodation in Quetzaltenango, where they will settle in for the next few days of orientation. Check the blog again in the next few days, as they will start posting updates here… Read More
We have received word that the mighty Shanti group has successfully gathered together at SFO (minus Winston from Germany who will meet the group in New Delhi). What's more, they've checked in for their flight and gone through security in fine style. We send our best wishes as they travel across the world. Stay tuned for the next posting from India! … Read More
Good evening family and friends, The MAYA group has all arrived safely to LAX and they are about to proceed through security and begin their adventure together. We wish them all the best as they traverse new internal and external landscapes over the next 3 months. Buen viaje MAYA! -Heather Vaught, Program Director And the first group pictures! Here they are, making silly faces at LAX. Everyone arrvied… Read More
Nothing makes us feel simultaneously ooey, gooey, inspired, at peace, excited, calm, creamy like a good ol' sunrise or sunset. Be it the passing of the time, the incredible colors, or the oneness that touches us, one thing is certain: these moments are special, especially when shared with your friends from abroad. Whether you stand in the blue corner or the red corner, (er, whether you are pro-sunrise or pro-sunset), we don't need… Read More
Hello Hongi Adventurers! Kevin and Angie here signing in from Portland! We've been preparing all kinds of awesomeness for our upcoming adventure in the South Pacific. We hope you're all stoked because we certainly are! We spent today adventuring around Portland, exploring the massive Powell's bookstore, riding the MAX and sampling some local deliciousness. While it's been excellent spending time getting to know each other, we can't wait to be… Read More
! Official Countdown: 7 days! Nina & Brian here, writing from Carpe's home – Portland Oregon. We are in the midst of preparing the last details of our journey together & took some time to appreciate what Portlandia has to offer. We also want to take some time to send a few tips to prepare you for our upcoming adventure! Spend Quality Time: take the time to have one last… Read More
Dearest teammates and parents of teammates: We are sitting here in our leadership abode in Portland… talking about you, thinking about you, planning our semester with you in mind! We can't wait to meet you! Today we explored Portland, and we encountered a great many things, which we'd like to share with you. Some were unexpected, some could have been predicted, and some were downright silly. As we both rode… Read More
Welcome everyone to latest installment of the Carpe Diem South America semester! Excitement is growing as our departure day quickly approaches for the upcoming adventure. We are here in Portland at spring training, busy getting jacked and tan. Not really. After all, we are in Portland and it is overcast and rainy. Instead, we are embarking on our scavenger hunt throughout this wonderful city. In our typical penchant for goofiness… Read More
Good day and Namaste to all of our Shanti lovelies, We're here in Portland excitedly preparing for our India semester together. As each day passes, we're filled with more giddiness at the thought of meeting all 8 of you in just 6 short days! Amongst other activities, we've been brainstorming Carpe Diem lessons (and pranks we can play on you all throughout the course of the semester…just kidding, or are… Read More
Sawasdee Krap from Portlandia! We here at our stateside Headquarters are filling our pre-SEASIA days with copious amounts of coffee, daily yoga routines, lots of delicious pie and more workshops on how to make this an overwhelming success for all of us than there are noodle shops in Vietnam. WE ARE SO EXCITED!! As we become increasingly familiar with our upcoming itinerary and begin reaching out to our first week… Read More
Greetings, Nkulars! We are getting (stupid) excited to meet each and every one of you fine ladies next week. Amidst all of our pre-trip-prep hullaballoo, we have still made time to laugh together, sip on delicious coffee, and relish in the uncertainties of the adventures ahead. Just to help you get yo' head in the game / help you prepare for study abroad in East Africa, here's a few pieces… Read More
Finding balance is no easy task, especially amidst the craziness that ensues from international travel. Crowded streets, horns honking, people shouting, another bus/train/airplane to catch. Phoning home, figuring out your life, missing your friends, running low on cash. Traveling can be stressful! But despite all of the hullaballoo, it is clear that our students value taking time to sit down, process, and reflect on the experience unfolding before them. The… Read More
To learn about a culture while working alongside people from that culture is a gift not many are afforded. The friendships, relationships, skills, and memories you each created while volunteering on your semester abroad are special. During week 4 of the Carpe Diem photo contest, we were given a glimpse into your service learning experiences. We were so touched by the number of people who appeared in your photos – it is clear to… Read More
At the risk of sounding like a reject cheer squad…. "We've got spirit, yeah yeah we've got SPIRIT!!!" No, we're not trying to bring it on, but yes, we are trying to celebrate our awesome community of alumni. The Carpe Diem Education photo contest, week 3 was steeped with pride. Between your photos in the field and even your photos back home, we are so glad to see you getting some use out… Read More
Not that we needed any convincing that our planet is absolutely beautiful, but DAAAANG, your #NATURE photo submissions were INCREDIBLE! Seems like everyday is earth day on semester (not that we're complaining!). The Carpe Diem Education photo contest, week 2 was a huge success. Whether the photos were (extreme) close-ups of animal noses, luscious greenery in various rainforests, or the gorgeous aqua blue waters of the sea, choosing a winner… Read More
Sometimes you can forget where you went, how you got there, or what you did, but it is rare to forget the people you share such a powerful experience with. One of our core principles is community building, and it is a value we hope to instill in each and every one of our students. The Carpe Diem Education photo contest started strong with your PEOPLE photo submissions, which were a… Read More
This week: Free for all! Calling all alumni! Ready to make every day a #TBT? Post your favorite photos from your Carpe Diem Education semester, and enter to win $50 gift card(s) to your store of choice! ELIGIBILITY We love our alums! The 2014 Carpe Diem Education photo contest is open to ALL past Carpe Diem Education alumni. CONTEST ENTRY PERIOD The contest will run on a rolling basis from… Read More
To all of our fuh-reeeeends:
Hard to believe it was only a week ago that we were crowding around the Cairns airport, musing over Ben & Gabe’s freakish similarities and passing around the vinegar-soiled-tote-bag for a whiff. The journey home was a long one, but only reiterated how tight knit our community had really become. Through thick and thin, highs and lows, bad airplane food and 4 repeat viewings… Read More
One last Bula,
Although we are no longer traveling as a pack of 13, the journey is hardly over. Many of us are still discovering the treasures of Australia, soaking up a few last rays and catching one more wave. Some have made the long journey home together, shared hugs and tears, and are relishing in the comforts of home. Fairly soon we will all be on our separate paths… Read More
