Description

Experience the contradiction of impoverished groups residing in lush landscapes and the smiles of orphaned children facing the adversity of the AIDS epidemic. Visit the Genocide Memorial in Rwanda and begin to understand the complex nature of colonization, politics, and national identity. Taking your adventure to a deeper level, open yourself to the Maasai culture and live in a boma as you gain an appreciation of community, resilience, and the rhythms of Mother Africa. Safari the Ngorongoro Crater, participate in environmental conservation and free trade coffee efforts in Tanzania, build houses or schools for communities in need, and practice your newly-learned Swahili while volunteering with local non-profit organizations. Challenge yourself by taking a leadership role in the student-directed Free Travel, then reward all of your hard work by rafting the White Nile River and earning your SCUBA certification of the coast of Zanzibar at the end of your semester. This program, rooted in diverse cultural and volunteer opportunities, presents a profound chance to live and work for the empowerment of local Ugandan and Tanzanian communities. College credit and financial aid (FAFSA) available through Portland State University.

Highlights

* Raft the While Nile in Uganda
* Work with an NGO that builds and fortifies schools
* Learn all about the amazing substance we all drink and love so much, coffee! See how it is grown, picked, and what makes it fair trade at a coffee co-op at the foot of Mt. Elgon
* Volunteer with orphans who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS
* 4-Day jeep safari through the Tanagire National Park, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorogoro Crater
* Immerse yourself in the Massai culture living and working side by side in a Massai village
* Study Swahili and work with a medical NGO
* Help build community with an ex-Black Panther
* Teach and work at a school
* Get Scuba certified off the coast of Zanzibar
* Create and plan a week of student-directed travel
* Learn more about global development, human rights and environmental issues
* University credit available at Portland State University
* FAFSA and Scholarships available
* Group sizes no larger than 10 students with 2 experienced leaders

Type of Programs

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

Languages

• Swahili

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• English
• Swahili

Cost in US$:

9,900 USD

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:

* Food
* Accommodations
* Scheduled program activities for the duration of the program
* In country travel

International airfare is not included, estimated at USD 1000; internal flight estimated at USD 350.

An additional USD900 fee applies to receive a full semester of college credit through Portland State University.

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 10

Scholarships are Available

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