South America Semester: Spanish Immersion & Conservation | Carpe Diem Education
Location
Multiple Locations +2
- Peru
- Ecuador
Length
4 - 12 weeks
Need-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans
Health & Safety
Mar 27, 2023
Jun 12, 2020
46 travelers are looking at this program
About Program
Spend a gap semester in Peru and Ecuador, nations characterized by awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse cultures, and a deep sense of shared history. From your vantage point, you’ll get a fascinating view into the complexities of indigenous communities, colonialism, and the increasing pressures of globalization. From the arid beaches to the soaring Andes Mountains; from the Amazon jungle to the capital cities, this is the adventure of a lifetime.
Study, practice, and expand your Spanish as you live alongside host communities and immerse yourself in unique cultures and traditions. Lend a hand in agricultural and conservation efforts, establish a connection to people and place, and explore questions related to globalization and social justice. From your perch in the cloud forests of Ecuador, participate in reforestation efforts. As is the Carpe Diem way, you’ll discover just as much about yourself as you do this rich, vibrant, complex region of the world.
Video and Photos
Diversity & Inclusion
BIPOC Support
We recognize that we are a long way from the diversity we aim for within our students, staff, and partners. We want and need more diversity to truly become the organization we would like to be. We recognize that this will not happen overnight or without dedicating time, attention, and resources. To that end, we have created a strategic plan to address our current shortfalls and to make significant improvements, which you can see on our Diversity & Inclusion page.
LGBTQIA+ Support
Neurodivergent Support
At Carpe Diem, each applicant reads through our extensive Essential Eligibility Criteria prior to enrollment. This criteria allows applicants to determine if the organization is an appropriate fit for their gap semester/year goals and their individual needs. During the interview and application process, we have honest and direct conversations with students and families about the support that our staff is able to provide throughout the program experience. We are committed to creating a culture of acceptance and support. To that end, our Overseas Educators and local leaders are selected for their skill in group facilitation and promoting inclusive group dynamics.
Accessibility Support
At Carpe Diem, each applicant reads through our extensive Essential Eligibility Criteria prior to enrollment. This criteria allows applicants to determine if the organization is an appropriate fit for their gap semester/year goals and their individual needs. We have honest and open conversations with applicants about our ability to support individual needs on each program, with the ultimate goal of a healthy and successful experience for all students. In the past, we have worked with students with severe allergies, diabetes, chronic injuries, and mental health diagnoses. We know each student's journey is individual and we work with families to support these individual needs where possible to help determine if the program is a good fit for their gap semester goals.
Impact
Sustainability
We are committed to maximizing the net positive impact while minimizing the carbon footprint of every program. In our office, on our programs, and through our carbon offset match, our programs are geared toward environmental education to empower future leaders to move their communities to take action. During our programs, students learn more about their impact as individuals and a travel community - then take a solution-oriented lens to tackling key issues. We also contribute to and amplify the voices of organizations and partners who focus on permaculture, natural building, and sustainable solutions.
Ethical Impact
Our programs are designed to connect to our local communities and provide reciprocal exchange and engagement. Through engaging in experiential education, community engagement, and intercultural exchange, our students develop enhanced perspectives, deeper cultural understanding, and a profound sense of self-discovery and personal growth. We work with vetted local providers to build their businesses as they provide value to our students and programming. With our homestay families, we ensure we minimize our footprint by regularly rotating the communities we work with and evaluating our social impact alongside their community leaders.
Program Highlights
- Improve your Spanish: Through immersive experiential learning courses and homestays, put your new Spanish skills to the test
- Machu Picchu trek: Grab your hiking boots and prepare for the journey of a lifetime as you hike to this historic and cultural site
- Lend a hand: Learn from your host community and lend a hand in reforestation, sustainable farming, and environmental protection efforts
- Explore the Amazon: From the Amazon basin, you'll participate in forest and river conservation efforts in one of the most biodiverse areas of the world
- Experience traditional life: While staying with families in the cloud forest of Ecuador, learn about the impacts of large scale resource extraction on communities
Questions & Answers
Staff Interviews
These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.
