Educator

Taking a Gap Year was one of the best decisions I could have made. Before coming on this trip I thought I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do in the future, but this trip has introduced newfound interests that I want to pursue. I have also learned so much about myself and it has made me such a stronger person; I would highly recommend a Carpe Diem semester to anyone thinking about doing a Gap Year.

- Kaitlyn, Southeast Asia Fall '16

This was a totally life-changing experience. I got everything that I sought out of this trip and more. I had some of the coolest experiences of my life and made very close friends. I learned so much about myself and about the world and have gained the inspiration that I craved to continue my education. I have learned how I can make an impact in the world and am determined to follow through. I have realized that the most important thing in life is happiness and finding what makes me happiest. I have gained such a great appreciation for my upbringing and being an American that has filled me with the utmost of gratitude. Leaving this trip, I am not the same person that walked in and am so much happier, more confident, and passionate.

- Katherine, Southeast Asia Fall '17

This program allows you to gain independence, a better perspective on life, and first-hand knowledge of the world. We are 18 years old and expected to know what we want to do for the rest of our lives, but what's the rush? My motto is yes, a higher education is very important, but it will always be there. But, being a traveler and not a tourist in a developing country will teach you life skills that school doesn't have the ability to.

- Kyla, Southeast Asia Fall '17

I learned more in the past three months than I have in 18 years of school. It is a new type of learning that most people just aren't accustomed to. We are used to sitting in classrooms and learning by memorizing, but nothing compares to going out into the field and experiencing it for yourself. I would highly recommend a Gap Year to anyone that is unsure of what they want to do, anyone who feels like they need a break from school or anyone who just wants to explore our beautiful world and create as many meaningful connections as possible.

- Anna, South Pacific Fall '16

I've learned more about myself and my personal values in the past three months than I had in my whole life. By being on my own and having to speak my mind, I reassured myself of everything I believed in. I stood up for what I believed in because people were asking. By saying what you want out of life and what you believe in to people who just met you, you are embedding your values. Being in a new country makes you feel invincible and as if all the possibilities you've imagined for yourself are obtainable realities.

- Katherine, South Pacific Fall '16

This is the best decision I could've made. Carpe Diem became part of my life at a time when I wasn't confident in my ability to achieve because I was tied to an outdated timeline for my education. Through Carpe Diem, I was able to grasp the true meaning of lifelong learning; everything is a process, and if the only objective is the end goal, what happens to the focus on the lifetime in between? Life should be lived moment to moment, each day as an individual goal, else we'd lose the little experiences that enhance us as people.

- Miranda, South Pacific Spring '17

My Carpe Diem trip in India was perhaps the most amazing three months of my life. I experienced things that I never thought were possible and learned more about myself and the world than I ever expected. India really blows expectations out of the water and challenged so much of what I thought I was sure of. I'm heading home with more questions than answers but that's a great thing and I feel so inspired by all the different ways I can choose to direct my life. In India anything is possible and I know now in life that's the case too.

- Zoe, India Fall '17

This trip has been such a life-changing and mind-opening experience for me. Definitely three of the most fun and exciting months of my life.

- Isabel, India Fall '17

Before Carpe Diem, I had a career path in mind but I still wasn't really sure who I was or what I loved to do. Taking a year off and experiencing so many things really helped me find myself.

- Emma C., India Fall '17

I would recommend Carpe Diem to everyone. There are a few lessons that can only really be learned through traveling, and Carpe Diem does an amazing job of providing a safe but challenging platform for self-expansion and discovery. I really believe that I am a stronger person than I was three months ago, and I honestly owe all of that to this program.

- Emma P., India Spring '17

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 Gap Year 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: $11,900-$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: $20,900-$23,900
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

GAP YEAR ASSOCIATION

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