Description:
In Guatemala and Nicaragua, study Spanish, live with home stay families, and teach at local community schools with your new language skills. Then volunteer at a sustainable arts center and live in an eco-lodge as you learn about permaculture and alternative building techniques, enriching your experience as you embrace local cuisine, folklore, and indigenous culture. As you learn first-hand about these storied cultures and their place in our collective history, dive into individual placements that take you deeper into the Central American way of life and your own personal interests.
Next, complement your personal journey with trekking through the Guatemalan Highlands, sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, and a mindfulness retreat to explore your inner self. Bringing closure to your Central American adventure, get your SCUBA certification off the coast of Roatan and celebrate your own dynamic culture and community, the one you form with your Carpe Diem group. This program is for those seeking a profound cultural immersion in the community-centered Mayan cultures of Central America and powerful service learning opportunities that challenge as well as inspire. College credit and financial aid (FAFSA) is available through PSU.
Highlights:
* Trek in the remote Guatemalan highlands
* Learn Spanish and work side-by-side with local communities
* Work with save endangered sea turtles
* Live with indigenous and remote communities
* Get SCUBA certified on the second largest barrier reef in the world
* Study sustainable building
* Be introduced to spiritual practices based on the earth's harmony
* Learn how to travel independently and safely
* Develop your leadership skills
* Group sizes no larger than 12 students and 2 leaders* University credit available through Portland State University
* FAFSA and Federal Financial Aid availability
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
Most students come with some background in Spanish, and while helpful, this is not necessary. Please, however, do come ready to push your boundaries and grow with your traveling community.
Type of Programs:
Adventure Travel,
Community Service / Volunteerism,
Cultural Exploration,
High School Study Abroad
and Language Immersion
Language:
Spanish
Language Used As A Medium of Teaching:
English
and Spanish
Cost in US$: 8,900
Cost Includes:
Excursions,
Food,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
Language instruction,
Living stipend,
Pre-departure orientation/Training,
Registration fees,
Travel while in host country,
Written materials abroad
and Written materials pre-departure
Portland State University College Credit is an additional USD 900.
Credit Available: yes
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
agriculture,
animal welfare,
appropriate technology,
arts,
building maintenance,
building schools,
childcare/children,
community centers,
community development,
community health,
community organizing,
conflict resolution,
consciousness-raising,
conservation,
cooking,
culture,
eco-tourism,
education,
English teaching,
environment,
festivals,
global warming,
grassroots organization,
health,
health education,
housing,
human rights,
indigenous issues,
infrastructure planning,
labor issues,
natural resources,
organic farming,
organizational development,
parks,
peace,
planting,
playgrounds,
population issues,
primary education,
public education,
recreation,
reforestation,
sea turtle protection,
self help,
social services, social work,
solar & hydro projects,
tourism,
trail building,
tree planting,
volunteer management,
volunteering,
water,
wildlife surveying,
women,
writing,
youth
and youth development
Typical Volunteer: Most of our students are 19 years old and taking part in a traditional GAP Year. We do, however, regularly have students that are 17 and up to 24.
Age Range: 17 - 27
This Program is open to
American,
Asian,
Australian,
Canadian,
European,
Kiwi,
South African
and Worldwide
Participants.
.
Typical Living Arrangements:
Dormitory,
Group living,
Home-stays,
Independent living
and Other
Participants Travel to Costa Rica
in Groups
Typically Participants Work
in Groups of Maximum of 12
Scholarships Are Available. - please inquire for more information
Application Process Involves:
- Essay
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
- Other
- Phone Interview
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time Is 2 business days
Post Services Include:
- Alumni Network
- Exit Debriefing Abroad
Carpe Diem Education's Mission Statement: Inspiring growth and transformation through experiential education, community, and intercultural exchange.
Year Founded: 1997