Meaningful Gap Years: Semesters, Summers, and Other Adventures
Travel the world, connect with communities, and unleash your potential.
Carpe Diem Education students are those who crave adventure and want to walk the path less traveled. Our experiential semesters are for those ready to go inward, travel purposefully, and find their hidden potential.
Our Semester Programs
Travel off the beaten path with a small group of like-minded students. This curated adventure is designed to expand your perspective, promote self-awareness, and inspire a sense of belonging and impact.
Our Latitudes Year Program
For students looking to go even deeper on their immersive journeys, combine a group semester (fall/spring) with a Focused Volunteer Placement (spring/fall) for a full gap year. You'll work directly with our expert coordinator to contribute your unique skills to an organization in need.
96%
approval rating on
Go Overseas
9.7/10
on Go Abroad
Our Program Components
All of our programs include elements of the following, depending on region, length, and local availability:
Community Engagement:
Connect with others through shared goals and common purpose
Cultural Immersion:
Be informed by new and unique perspectives
Service Learning:
Collaborate with community partners to do meaningful hands-on work.
Language Study:
Develop your language skills through instruction from native speakers
Homestay:
Build community and discover new ways of living
Student-Directed Travel:
Practice your skills as you grow into a savvy international traveler
Reflection Retreat:
Take time to integrate and contextualize all that you have experienced
Outdoor Adventure:
Get off the beaten path and discover some of the most beautiful places on earth
Environmental Conservation:
Engage in efforts to address climate change and improve the well-being of the planet's inhabitants.
What Makes Us Unique
Whether on a gap semester or our signature Latitudes Year, Carpe Diem students combine hands-on learning with personal development to inspire transformation. Our approach, curriculum, and focus on safety set us apart. Over 15+ years, Carpe Diem has guided hundreds of students through the process of transforming through travel, with a focus on our key values and commitment to contributing meaningfully to host communities.
Climate Change
Every student on every program learns about ways to understand and mitigate their carbon footprint. At the end of the day, connecting students to the people who are affected most - and yet still solving problems, is how we stay inspired, and inspire our community and politicians.
Our Scholarships
We are committed to making the gap year experience accessible to more students and families by providing Carpe Diem scholarships to those in need, and supporting the work of our nonprofit sister: Carpe Mundi. Learn more about our scholarships here.
Experienced Leadership
Our Directors are experienced, industry-leading educators who love this work for the humanity it inspires. We are backed by award-winning experts in risk management, mental health, insurance, and a larger community of dedicated practitioners who all support each other.
Testimonials
"Hands down the most meaningful and powerful journey I’ve ever been on."
- Cooper,
CDE Student
"I can say with confidence that my gap year has been the best year of my life."
-Adele,
CDE Student
