Program Reviews

I had the best experience of my life going on this trip. I was able to volunteer with a multitude of Non-Governmental Organizations and from it learned what I want to do with my future, while receiving college credit. We taught classes to children, painted a school building, played with children infected with HIV/AIDS, and volunteered at a health clinic. Besides volunteering we went on a Safari, rafted down the Nile River, and became SCUBA certified. My group also had a few educational opportunities. We went to the Rwanda Genocide Memorial, and lived with a Exiled Black Panther in Tanzania. I always felt supported by my leaders. They helped me become a more independent person through the leadership roles students receive while abroad.

I spent a semester after I graduated high school with Carpe Diem Education. During my time on this trip I learned a lot about myself and about the world. I was immersed in many different communities and cultures which allowed me to learn in the most hands on experience possible.

Prior to this trip the only time I have been out of the country was to Canada and I have not traveled very much and never alone. However on this trip I learned how to be independent. As students we took on a lot of responsibility and learned all aspects of travel. I now feel confident making any type of travel arrangement, thanks to my time with Carpe Diem. Carpe Diem also made me a more independent and confident person in general.

While we were traveling we were able to do many once in a lifetime experiences which I constantly tell stories about. From staying in a Fijian village, to climbing Mt. Doom from Lord of the Rings, to sleeping under the stars in the Australian
Outback. Carpe Diem has given me the best memories that I could ever ask for.

I decided to do this program before attending college because I did not quiet know what university I wanted to attend and wasn't sure what I wanted to major in. This was only my second time out of the country, and prior to my trip, I had only been away from home for two weeks. I did not get homesick once on this trip and made life-long friends and memories. What drew my into the program was the volunteering and working with the children, and the cultural aspects. I wasn't really a fan of the outdoors or hiking prior to the trip. However, I challenged myself every day and now I truly appreciate and love the outdoors- I cannot wait for it to get warmer, so I can find some kicking trails near by. I would highly recommend this trip- not just to recent high school graduates, but also underclassmen in college as well. After returning home and speaking with friends who attended college- I feel much more prepared for the real world than they do. This trip pushed my comfort zone, taught me things about myself I never knew, and really did change my life. The experiences have made me that much more prepared for college.

It is difficult for me to summarize how amazing Carpe Diem is in one short paragraph. The organization's committed staff and leaders strive to care for each and every student by providing them with the support they need before departure and abroad while simultaneously pushing students' comfort zones so that they can challenge themselves and grow into who they want to be as adults. As a student who traveled to Central America on a group-semester trip and then to Ecuador to do an independent internship with the Carpe Latitudes Program, I learned how to feel confident traveling as a woman--and even my family never once questioned my well-being when in the care of Carpe Diem. The Program has a structured itinerary coupled with each group's own will to pursue creative routes.

If it weren't for Carpe Diem providing me with not only friendships that will last a lifetime, but also leadership, communication, and ultimately confidence to always stay true to myself, I would never be where I am in university today doing the research, course of study, and projects which I am currently undertaking.

If you are ready to challenge yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically through travel, going with Carpe Diem will provide you with the security, coursework (if you choose to earn credit through Portland State University which is an AMAZING opportunity), and fundamental skills to prepare young adults to enter college and the real world. I cannot vouch enough for how much you will thank yourself for making the decision to pick up the phone, give Carpe Diem a call, and change your life.

The staff are incredibly supportive. Great opportunities for growth and learning. You can get college credit through Portland State University as well! If you enjoy backpacking, outdoors, water activities, social responsibility, and traveling, this is the program for you.

Speaking as a parent, just elated my son made it home safe. This program had leaders that were leaderless. Safety was compromised routinely, basic travel protocols ignored. Medical care avoided when necessary. It is clear that the leaders were thrown together last minute. Carpe Diem as an entity is fully responsible, yet made no efforts to make effective changes. Carpe Diem has made no effort to communicate with parents even as the trips final days ended in a complete meltdown of the entire group.