Educator

It was the best three months of my life. I have never learned so much about myself or the world in such a short time. I felt that I overcame some challenges and I see the world from a wider lens now. I am forever grateful for Carpe Diem.

- Kyra, East Africa Fall 2014

The experience in the southwest changed my life forever. It was exactly what I needed and taught me so much about releasing my expectations. I learned an incredible amount from the beautiful people on the journey and can only be in deep gratitude to Carpe Diem for providing such an amazing and blessed experience.

- Abby, Indigenous America Fall 2012

The experience of living on the reservations and getting a firsthand education on traditional Indigenous cultures and modern issues the tribes are being forced to cope with or to resist is not something one can accurately learn about through a textbook or a classroom. Simply listening to a Native voice and hearing the inflections of pain, anger and resilience regarding certain topics is enough to give a student the chance to learn about what really matters to numerous peoples who have been forced to fight to protect their way of life for centuries and who remain strong in the face of all hardships which have been cast against them.

- Thomas, Indigenous America Fall 2013

Possibilities seem more possible to me and my life feels like my own to lead. I never thought I would travel in Latin America and now I want to go to every country within it. This is not a phase in my life, Carpe has truly changed who I am, allowed me to encounter my essence and live more fully and truthfully.

- Katie, Latitudes Central America/Peru

I worked in the Amazon cutting down banana trees, ate Colombian street food, danced on rooftops with new (now lifetime) friends, learned Spanish well enough to be able to develop relationships entirely in another language, adopted the practice of Yoga into my daily life (and have never felt better...), participated in traditional, Amazonian medicine ceremonies and learned to cook incredible vegetarian food... and, in the process, I have gained more confidence and clarity than I could have ever imagined.

- Julia, Latitudes South America/Columbia

I am certain, anyone who does a Carpe Diem gap year will come out more mature, more humble, and with a better understanding of the world and the opportunities we take for granted every day. For the rest of my life I will Carpe Diem, and share it with those around me. -Tom, Latitudes

- Tom, Latitudes

Carpe Diem was the most amazing time I have had in my life. This is where I really came to know myself as a person, I may have learned a lot about other countries and parts of the world, but in the end I learned about myself.

- Christine, South Pacific

I have felt such deep, unconditional love in this family, this awesome community. Every moment and every crazy experience in India felt so meant to be and I am so grateful to have shared this with these friends I love. All of this will be in my heart as I travel on my own and go home.

- Phoebe, India

This is such a beautiful chance to grow and learn with a traveling community while interacting and with the wide world around you. You will change, learn, laugh, and grow while experience some of the most beautiful places and people the world has to offer.

- Tate, South Pacific

My experience brought me closer to the person I truly want to be and instilled in me a desire to travel and learn that could not have been gained through high school or college alone.

- Frances, South Pacific

The Carpe Diem Experience

Real world learning at its best.

On multiple levels, a Gap Year with Carpe Diem Education makes a new world of difference to young adults. Those who leave high school uncertain about the future can recharge—and discover a passion for learning that will enhance their future collegiate studies. Our on-the-ground classroom curriculum develops cross-cultural awareness, self-reliance, travel skills, personal growth, language acquisition, and other life-changing experiences.

Through our partnership with Portland State University, Carpe Diem students are able to earn up to 18 or 36 college credits per semester and have access to Federal Financial Aid. We offer a viable, financially feasible Gap Year option that works in conjunction with a four-year college trajectory. Having been in the field for over 12 years we have experience and a track record that is rare in the emerging Gap Year industry. Our accreditation through the American Gap Association ensures we adhere to the highest standards and best practices within the industry.

Why Invest in a Gap Year

Our top reasons to enroll in a Gap Year.

Give your students time-out to rethink priorities, whether they’re burned-out or to help them avoid burnout.
Let them discover what they love before starting college.
They’ll learn outside the classroom with a real-world, experiential curriculum.
They can pick up the pieces they missed in high school and reconnect with themselves.
Provide additional time and space for students to reevaluate which college or university is the best fit for them—outside of the pressure-loaded application process of high school.
Give them early access to college credit and financial aid without the pressures of college.
They’ll perform better in college and be more focused on their concentrated area of study.
They’ll develop language competency for today’s global marketplace.
They’ll increase their cross-cultural sensitivity in a globalized world.
They’ll strengthen competitive job skills while building their resume in exceptionally creative ways.

Curriculum

Through a dynamic and holistic curriculum, Carpe Diem students are challenged to step outside of their comfort zone and learn about themselves and the world around them through hands-on learning process.  With an emphasis on experiential learning, each program is designed to actively engage students and challenge them to contextualize their experience through reflection.

For students that are looking to expand upon their in-country learning through a more formalize academic curriculum, we are proud to offer a wide range of college courses through our local partnership with Portland State University.  We believe that this integrative approach to learning engages the mind, body, and spirit of our students, while providing opportunities to cultivate their passions and strengths.

EXPLORE CURRICULUM

COSTS

Regional Semesters (3 Months)

Tuition + Room and Board: $9,900-$14,900
Program fee includes all food, accommodations, scheduled program activities, and international health insurance for the duration of the program. Airfare not included

Latitudes Year (8 Months)

Tuition + Room and Board: $19,700-$23,600
Airfare not included

Resources

Some handy Gap Year Guides

BROCHURES

Contact Us and we’d be happy to send you brochures.

HANDOUTS

Bureau of Labor and Statistics Article on Gap Years
How to Build Your Own Gap Year

AMERICAN GAP ASSOCIATION

The American Gap Association has wonderful Gap Year resources for everyone from Educational Counselors to parents and students. Explore their website here!