Description

This we know; the earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. - Chief Seattle, 1854

In heeding the call of the Indigenous America semester, you will delve into the critical questions of our time through the lens of the native cultures of our land. As a small group, we will travel through the southwestern US to embark on a series of journeys through Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, Laguna and other Pueblo Indian cultures.

With the Hopi, we will work with local youth and learn about natural building and seed saving techniques. The Navajo will present us with opportunities to explore traditional medicine and crafts, language, environmental issues, and how indigenous cultures have survived through the years. We will volunteer with the elderly, take part in a sweat lodge ceremony, and investigate what it means to be "native", "American", and "indigenous". Diving into Pueblo culture, we will work with local artists and the Spoken Word and contemplate US-Mexico border issues and novel ways to view this contentious cultural challenge. Above all, we will engage with ourselves and the Natural World, who we are, and our role in the greater cycle of life.

Highlights

* Learn about permaculture with the Hopi
* Live with a Navajo elder and healer learning about arrowhead-making, and natural medicine
* Assist the elderly in a Navajo nation
* Participate in a sweat lodge ceremony
* Tend sheep and learn about environmental issues
* Spend time with a Zuni artist and activist
* Learn about border issues
* Travel to the San Francisco Peals, Canyon de Chelly, Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Bandelier National Monument, and Havasu Falls
* Learn how to travel independently
* Group sizes no larger than 12 students and always 2 staff
* University credit available through Portland State University
* FAFSA and Federal Financial Aid availability

Type of Programs

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

Languages

• English

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• English

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

USD 10,900

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:

Airfare is not included. An additional USD900 fee applies to receive a full semesters worth 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
• Guest House
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 business days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• 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