Location
Multiple Locations +12
- Peru
- Nepal
- India
- Thailand
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Bolivia
- Ecuador
- Haiti
- Guatemala
- United States of America
- Costa Rica
Length
52+ weeks
Need-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans
Health & Safety
May 16, 2022
8 travelers are looking at this program
About Program
Ready for an independent adventure? Our Gap Year approach – The Global Routes Independent Track (GRIT) – is tailored to the individual goals and interests of each participant. Alongside a Global Routes GAP Guide, you'll plan a unique and immersive adventure. Our 50 years of experience ensure you have the support and mentorship to become a confident world traveler!
"If you are unsure about your post-secondary plans, take a gap year! It was the best decision I ever made. Even though I felt anxious straying from the plans my friends were making, Global Routes made it easy to customize my GRIT experience just for me, my goals, my budget, and my time restraints. I’d love to see more people do gap years and travel independently because I feel like I’ve grown so much in so little time. As scary as it seemed to leave by myself, it’s really prepared me for living on my own at college and being a real adult. If you are looking for what’s next, travel!" - Katie, GRIT alum
This program is currently not being promoted on Go Overseas by its provider. Check with Global Routes for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of this program.
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.
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
Global Routes - and our sister organization, Carpe Diem Education - is 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
Global Routes - and our sister organization, Carpe Diem Education - is 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
- 👉 CONNECTED: With 50+ years experience in the field, Global Routes can connect you to the organizations, volunteering opportunities, and in-country communities who make your Gap unique and impactful.
- 👉 TAILORED TO YOU: Our Gap approach means that no two experiences are the same - you'll have an adventure that meets YOUR goals and interests, with none of the irrelevant "fluff."
- 👉 LEARNING GOALS: Get more from your Gap. Self-sufficiency, global competency, leadership, self-confidence, language, service, environmentalism - the opportunities are endless!
- 👉DESTINATIONS: Plan a multi-country Gap or select a single destination.
- ⭐️ IDEAL STUDENT: You're seeking a more independent experience, but also want expert support to make the most of your Gap.
