England, Scotland, and Amsterdam Semester: Sustainability & Social Justice
Location
Multiple Locations +3
- Netherlands
- England
- Scotland
Need-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans
Health & Safety
Dec 02, 2024
1 traveler is looking at this program
About Program
While relatively small, these nations have had a profound impact on the modern world. Shaped by their relationship to the water, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands are seafaring regions that have exported their ways of life through development around the world. On this Carpe Diem journey, we'll explore how these traditional nations now strive to be inclusive to the multicultural communities who call these regions home.
The UK and the Netherlands provide a rich tapestry and landscape to explore history, the impacts of colonialism, climate change, and many other challenges facing our societies today through a solutions-based focus. Engage with communities proactively seeking holistic and sustainable solutions to some of the world's greatest challenges.
2025: CLOSED
Video and Photos
Diversity & Inclusion
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.
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.
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
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.
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
- London Calling: Spend a week in this fast-paced multicultural city, with activities taking you to various neighborhoods to explore challenging topics such as multiculturalism and sustainability.
- Mystical Scotland: Spend an evening in Edinburgh before embarking on a two-night trek in legendary Scotland.
- Findhorn Ecovillage: Stay in an intentional community and learn how they have successfully integrated water systems, renewable energy, organic farming, and natural building into their daily life.
- Student Directed Travel: Leverage the travel experience you’ve gained over the first month (and the advice of your Overseas Educators) during Carpe Diem's signature "student travel week."
- Dutch Countryside: Experience sustainable living in a Dutch Ecovillage in the countryside, famed for its windmills and cows, and discover Dutch community life and holistic solutions.
