Our Approach

We believe that inspiration is essential to real learning and education. When students are inspired, they approach challenges with a sense of curiosity, purpose, and optimism. Increasingly, our organization is shifting towards a Climate Forward stance, meaning climate change is an increasingly central part of the work and dialogue on any Carpe Diem program: indeed, it is the 'elephant' in every room.  Since 2001 we have been consciously experimenting with low- and high-level curricular approaches on climate change and work to put it into the core of conversations. Learn more on our Sustainability webpage.

In the field, however, our core ethos remains: that by engaging in experiential education, community engagement, and intercultural exchange, our students earn enhanced perspectives, deeper cultural understanding, and a profound sense of self-discovery and personal growth.

Experiential education at its core is learning through action and reflection. Whether on a Carpe Diem semester, custom program, or on our Latitudes Year program, you will be immersed in experiences and activities vastly different than those found in the normal classroom setting. 

Through experience and action, you'll rediscover the fun and excitement of learning. Through thoughtful reflection, you'll discover how these experiences relate to personal growth, your relationship with self and others, and your intentions for future endeavors. Through real projects and community, you'll see solutions to climate change and find others who are looking to solve the same problems you are.

We strive to create a positive, supportive, and compassionate community in which to live, learn, and grow while you’re abroad.

We cultivate and strengthen community through:

• Small group size
  We travel together in a small, close-knit group throughout the entire program. Each program has two Overseas Educators (OEs) and up to 13 student participants.
• In-country Orientation
  Our OEs facilitate community building exercises that focus on team-building, positive group dynamics, and the value of shared experience.
• Group Meetings
  Our Overseas Educators conduct regular group meetings throughout the semester to create space for students to reflect, process, share, and connect with each other. In time, students are encouraged to co-facilitate meetings and lead reflective activities.
• Cultural Immersion
  Students experience homestays, engage in community service projects, and work alongside inspiring local partners and community members.
• Community Engagement and Conflict Resolution
  We utilize Collaborative Problem Solving, Non-Violent Communication, and other effective models for community building and promoting positive group outcomes.
• Diversity & Inclusion
  We see diversity and inclusion as foundational elements of a thriving community. Learn more about our efforts here. 

We consider everyone we work and interact with part of our Carpe Diem community. We are proud and grateful to call our students, alumni, overseas educators, office staff, and in-country partners our friends and co-facilitators of positive change.

We emphasize cultural immersion to bridge cultures and help you expand your global perspective. Whether interacting with local artists, students, workers, or a friendly passerby, we aim to share and learn with one another.

We incorporate intercultural exchange into our programs through:

• Volunteering
  Working side by side with locals towards a common goal, you’ll become a member of a community striving to be of benefit to others.
• Staying with Host Families
  You’ll live with families eager to share their homes and lives with you.
• Discover Local Customs
  Whether witnessing the Festival of Lights (Diwali) in Kolkata, or a Dia de Los Muertos procession in Antigua, you’ll discover the beauty and depth of local cultures.
• Traveling on Public Transportation
  You’ll travel as the locals do. You’ll learn how to navigate public transportation, bargain for rickshaws and taxis, and navigate whatever environment you are in.
• Language Study
  You’ll learn the basics (or more) of the local language to promote mutual understanding and demonstrate respect to your host culture.
• Trying Local Foods
  You’ll eat what the locals do. You’ll learn about food safety, try new foods, expand your sense of taste, and even learn to cook with your host families.