Description

In Guatemala and Nicaragua, study Spanish, live with home stay families, and teach at local community schools with your new language skills. Then volunteer at a sustainable arts center and live in an eco-lodge as you learn about permaculture and alternative building techniques, enriching your experience as you embrace local cuisine, folklore, and indigenous culture. As you learn first-hand about these storied cultures and their place in our collective history, dive into individual placements that take you deeper into the Central American way of life and your own personal interests.

Next, complement your personal journey with trekking through the Guatemalan Highlands, sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, and a mindfulness retreat to explore your inner self. Bringing closure to your Central American adventure, get your SCUBA certification off the coast of Roatan and celebrate your own dynamic culture and community, the one you form with your Carpe Diem group. This program is for those seeking a profound cultural immersion in the community-centered Mayan cultures of Central America and powerful service learning opportunities that challenge as well as inspire. College credit and financial aid (FAFSA) is available through PSU.

Highlights

* Trek in the remote Guatemalan highlands
* Learn Spanish and work side-by-side with local communities
* Work with save endangered sea turtles
* Live with indigenous and remote communities
* Get SCUBA certified on the second largest barrier reef in the world
* Study sustainable building
* Be introduced to spiritual practices based on the earth's harmony
* Learn how to travel independently and safely
* Develop your leadership skills
* Group sizes no larger than 12 students and 2 leaders* University credit available through Portland State University
* FAFSA and Federal Financial Aid availability

Qualifications

Most students come with some background in Spanish, and while helpful, this is not necessary.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion
• Student Tours

Languages

• Spanish
• English

Cost in US$:

8,900

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Living stipend
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Portland State University College Credit is an additional USD 900.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

The vast majority of our students are recent high school graduates from all over the USA whom for any variety of reasons foresee the benefit of having a focused, structured, and transformative experience in the "real world" before going off to college. All of our Carpe Diems programs are fully accredited by Portland State University so most students opt to spend their first semester of college earning credits with us, while experiencing life outside of our all to often "cultural bubble" for their first time. Other students come to us who have already spent some time at a university and either found the experience lacking in some way or are desirous of a structured study abroad program. Though the majority of our students are 18 and in their "Gap Year" we often work with sophomores and juniors in college as well.

Age Range

17 - 23

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays
• Independent living
• Other
• Guest House

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of Maximum of 12

Scholarships are Available

Financial Aid, FAFSA, and Scholarships are available.

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 business days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Carpe Diem Education's Mission Statement

Inspiring growth and transformation through experiential education, community, and intercultural exchange.

Year Founded

1997