Carpe Diem Education | Semester in the Borderlands
Location
- United States of America
Length
4 - 12 weeks
Financial Support
Need-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans
Health & Safety
Sep 16, 2021
Dec 18, 2020
3 travelers are looking at this program
About Program
The theme of the Semester in the Borderlands is "borderlands studies & climate resilience in desert communities." We have developed this program specifically for students who are eager to learn about and explore the complexities of social and environmental justice in the borderlands of Arizona. Through engaging with communities that are experiencing firsthand the effects of immigration policy and climate change, we hope that students will develop a more informed perspective on issues that are of paramount importance throughout the world.
This program is currently not being promoted on Go Overseas by its provider. Check with Carpe Diem Education 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.
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
- Discover the intricacies of climate resilience by engaging with a non-profit organization committed to protecting and restoring watersheds, propagating endemic plant species, and reconnecting people with their environment.
- Hike through the beautiful desert and mountains of southern Arizona. Fall is an amazing time to visit these wilderness areas, as days are warm (not typically hot) and nights are cool. We’ll spend days hiking on the trails, and take our rest in the evening
- Partner with an organic farm and permaculture site that has been an inspiration to the local community. Work on adobe structures, under the guidance of a masterful builder of earthen structures.
- Discuss immigration-related topics such as the border wall, policy enforcement, human trafficking, and more. We’ll have conversations with local community members with diverse perspectives.
- We'll spend time with a local non-profit based in Tucson where we will learn how to be advocates for social justice and change.
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.
