Gap Year FAQ for Educators
What does Carpe Diem offer?
We offer gap year programs for students between the ages of 17 and 22. Many of our students apply for one of our semester or Latitudes Year programs during their senior year of high school and participate between high school graduation and college.
Where can my students go abroad with Carpe Diem?
We offer programs in 18 countries on 5 continents. Click here to check out our programs.
How can students benefit from a gap year?
Taking a gap year with Carpe Diem Education after high school provides students with a variety of real-world, hands-on experiences that are educational, exciting, and challenging.
Our experiential education curriculum and Learning Outcomes promote active engagement and personal inquiry, as well as challenge students to contextualize their experiences through reflection.
Students benefit in many ways by taking a gap year, including:
- Developing cross-cultural awareness
- Enhancing global perspectives
- Language acquisition
- Personal growth and self-reliance
- Identifying goals and paths to achieving those goals
- Becoming more focused, self-directed and mature
- Engaging in education that provides life-changing experiences
Can students earn college credit while taking a gap year?
Yes! Through our partnership with Portland State University, Carpe Diem students are able to earn up to 18 college credits per semester and have access to Federal Financial Aid. Click here to read more about earning college credit and using financial aid with Carpe Diem.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes! Carpe Diem offers 3 scholarships. Click here to read more about them.
Are you an accredited gap year program?
Yes! Our accreditation through the Gap Year Association ensures we adhere to the highest standards and best practices within the industry.
How can I help my students find a gap year program?
Contact us and we'll be happy to send you brochures to give your students (and their parents) and answer any questions you have about taking a gap year and Carpe Diem Education.
Testimonials
"The leaders were incredibly street-smart and savvy, and made me feel completely safe in their care. I appreciated the small group dynamic and the intimate friendships that developed between the members of our India cohort.
We also had an excellent balance of activities - from trekking in the Himalayas, to attending a week-long retreat at a yoga ashram, to taking Hindi classes and volunteering at an orphanage in Calcutta, I felt as though we really experienced such a range of what the country had to offer, doing whatever felt culturally relevant to our location.
I learned so much about being an independent traveler from Carpe Diem, and felt enabled to travel internationally on my own over the next few years."
-CDE Student
"The 2 months I spent in Southeast Asia were the best 2 months of my life. I got to hike with elephants, go zip lining, scuba dive in the warm waters of Cambodia, explore huge cities, and spend time volunteering with local people and communities.
I made deep connections with my host family and the people in my cohort. Not only did I get to experience all of these amazing things and make life long friendships, I was also able to learn more about myself. I discovered more about who I am as a person and the different things I am interested in. I was also able to push myself out of my comfort zone and try things I never thought I would be able to do.
This experience is something that will last with me for the rest of my life."
-CDE Student