Italy & Greece Semester: Resilience and Regeneration | Carpe Diem Education
- Italy
- Greece
About Program
Spend a gap semester exploring rich traditions and modern cultural identity in Italy and Greece. These two nations have significant influence on 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 environmental and economic consequences of climate change.
On this semester, trek an ancient pilgrimage route through Tuscany, gaze at transformational artwork in the birthplace of the Renaissance, island hop in Greece, and work on a local farm where you'll explore sustainable farming and issues related to climate change. It's the ultimate Mediterranean semester with all the personal growth and self development that are the hallmarks the Carpe Diem experience.
Video and Photos
Diversity & Inclusion
BIPOC Support
LGBTQIA+ Support
Neurodivergent Support
Accessibility Support
Impact
Sustainability
Ethical Impact
Program Highlights
- From country to city: Explore Tuscan and Grecian countrysides AND colossal cities like Rome and Athens
- Grab a seat at the table: Participate in the harvest and join friends in Matera, where you'll assist an NGO with their sustainable farming initiatives
- Explore the past: From art to food to language, both Italy and Greece offer opportunities to learn from artists, philosophers, and linguists
- Tuscan pilgrimage: Trek the Via Francigena for 5 days, culminating with the opportunity to meet with educators at an urban garden in Florence
- Resilience in Crete: Island hop to Crete, meet with local farmers, archaeologists, and teachers - and also take some time to explore the island's many opportunities for hiking and beaches
Scholarships
Carpe Diem Education Scholarships
Carpe Diem Education awards $30,000 annually to support diversity and inclusion in its programs. The Access Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for a gap year semester or full-year experience. The Inclusion Scholarship offers up to $2,000 for a gap year semester. The Carpe Mundi Scholarship is for Portland-based students. Grants are mostly need-based, and applications open in January.