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Italy & Greece Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year logo

Italy & Greece Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year

by: Carpe Diem Education

4.5 (6)VerifiedSince 2007

Join Carpe Diem for an unforgettable gap semester, exploring rich history and modern cultural identity in Italy & Greece. These two nations significantly influence how the Western world thinks about philosophy, art, religion, economics, and politics. Throughout their histories, they have shown resilience in adapting to social, political, and environmental change, and today, they continue to maintain a connection with traditional ways of living while also proactively addressing modern challenges associated with climate change's environmental and economic consequences. Italy and Greece provide rich historical context as to how societies have evolved to meet the demands of the modern era while remaining deeply rooted in cultural identity, tradition, and heritage. Carpe Diem Education takes you to Italy and Greece to engage with communities proactively addressing climate change through the lens of resilience and regeneration.

Program Highlights

Live and learn from local experts while connecting with Italians living sustainably and becoming part of a beloved intentional living community outside of Rome.

Plant, harvest, and learn alongside sustainability experts from all over the world.

Trek through Tuscany for 5 days—culminating with a deep dive into Firenze (Florence), working with an urban garden project, visiting local NGOs, and exploring the “birthplace of the Renaissance.

Travel to the southern province of Matera where you engage with a local NGO focusing on social issues related to climate change and access to resources.

Island hop to the island of Crete in Greece where you explore Greek language and culture and archaeological sites, and stop at small farms along the way.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Athens, Greece
  • Florence, Italy
Starts At: $1500-2000
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027Terms Available:
  • Fall
  • Spring
Age Requirement: 18-25
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • International Relations
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Experiential Learning
  • History
  • Language Immersion
  • Self-Discovery
  • Study Abroad
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jul 07, 2026

Awards

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Innovation in Alumni EngagementGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist -	Volunteer Abroad ProgramInnovative Study Abroad Program 2023 FinalistTop Rated Gap Year Provider 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.5

Total Reviews

6

Changed my life!

November 30, 2025by: Chloe Graham - United States
5

Without a doubt, Carpe Diem changed my life. I recommend this experience to anyone who has the opportunity. Not only did Carpe help me discover my love for traveling and learning new cultures, They also helped me find myself. I am so happy I made the decision to do a gap year and ever more happy I picked Carpe Diem.

The Best Two Months of my Life!!!

May 21, 2024by: Ryan Chun - United States
5

The eight weeks I spent with Carpe Diem in Italy and Greece was the best experience of my life and the best decision I have ever made. Our program leaders (shoutout Megan and Ariana) were the absolute greatest people ever and made our trip as easy and enjoyable as it could have been. All the places we went, from Rome and Athens to rural Tuscany and the Peloponnese, were so amazing and fun. However, my favorite part of traveling with Carpe Diem was the people we met. Carpe Diem has partners located across both countries in every place we stayed. They are such incredible, interesting people with different backgrounds and inspiring stories. Overall, in every aspect, my semester with Carpe Diem was everything I could've hoped for and more. I would strongly recommend this program, as it will teach you many valuable lessons, have you coming out as a better version of yourself, and give you experiences you would never have otherwise.

Amazing time with Carpe Diem

May 01, 2023by: Tai Anderson Garbow - United States
4

Was a great experience. I travelled across Italy and Greece which was such an amazing experience. We met so many lovely people from so many different countries and learned all about their cultures. We had some farm stays which were very engaging and some city stays which were fun because we had lots of free time. It was a great mix of working and exploring. I think if you are looking for a trip where you can explore and also learn about other cultures. Overall I highly recommend carpe diem gap year and the Italy and Greece semester especially.

An adventure to remember!

May 01, 2023by: Catherine Spadt - United States
5

The Italy and Greece carpe program was one of the best decisions of my life! I had an amazing group of other students- i learned so much about myself and the countries i’ve travelled to- we had so much fun together- exploring different cities- working on workaway farms with volunteers from all over the world. It was a fantastic 2 1/2 months and I recommend it to anyone.

Life changing experience

September 27, 2022by: Natalie Morhenn - United States
4

I had the best time on this trip! The program was a great mix between cities and rural. We got to stay with some great hosts I wouldn’t have otherwise had the chance to stay with. The experiential learning aspect is great, there is a large focus on sustainable farming. I loved my OE’s and my group. Carpe also organizes the trip so you get the chance to learn how to travel on your own. There were a couple problems with the trip like the Italian classes, some of the itinerary, and travel, but they are great at taking feedback and updating the trip accordingly. Overall a fantastic experience and I would definitely go if you get the chance.

A hike at ReGreen in GreeceView from the Acropolis

So fun and I learned so much!

May 06, 2022by: Sam K - United States
4

This trip was amazing! The programming could barely have been better. All the parters we worked with were so interesting and showed different perspectives on issues in one way or another. Xeno was so fun the first two weeks. Living in a half abandoned village, being cooked for by a greek woman for every meal. The trek we did in tuscany was so rewarding and beautiful. We loved our guides Lauren and Luca and all the parters we met along the way! (bread making, learning about medieval living and more!) There a very good balance between cities and country (although i would have liked a couple more days in rome) and it was staggered city, country, city, etc. I got so lucky with my group and OEs and have made friends for life!

Pizza in SienaFarm outside of MateraSheep herding

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Athens, Greece
  • Florence, Italy

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • International Relations
  • Types
  • Adventure Travel
  • Experiential Learning
  • History
  • Language Immersion
  • Self-Discovery
  • Study Abroad
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Terms Available:
  • Fall
  • Spring
Gap Year Timing:
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • During High School

Age Requirement

18-25

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Starts At

$1500-2000

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • Required Equipment
  • Guide / Chaperone
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Language Lessons
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
  • Alumni / Networking Membership
  • Academic Credit
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Emergency Support
  • Training

Accommodation Options

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

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Some high school, no diploma
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
  • Some college credit, no degree

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Online Application
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Written Application
  • Other

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive college credit for the Italy & Greece program?

Yes! You can explore the world and receive college credit during your gap year through our university partnership.

What’s the admissions process?

Our online application consists of two parts and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. After your application is received, you’ll take part in a phone interview with our staff.

Who is this program for?

This program is ideal for students ages 17-22, looking to take a semester or year to learn more about themselves and the world around them.

Where do we stay?

Throughout this program, you’ll be traveling. You may stay in various homes, camps, hotels, hostels, lodges, and even farms.

Carpe Diem Education

Carpe Diem Education

4.5Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Join Carpe Diem for an unforgettable gap semester, exploring rich history and modern cultural identity in Italy & Greece. These two nations significantly influence how the Western world thinks about philosophy, art, religion, economics, and politics. Throughout their histories, they have shown resilience in adapting to social, political, and environmental change, and today, they continue to maintain a connection with traditional ways of living while also proactively addressing modern challenges associated with climate change's environmental and economic consequences. Italy and Greece provide rich historical context as to how societies have evolved to meet the demands of the modern era while remaining deeply rooted in cultural identity, tradition, and heritage. Carpe Diem Education takes y...

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