Written by Abby McGullam, 2022-23 Latitudes Student  My semester in South Africa has been a seedbed for personal, cultural, and experiential growth. My program with the nonprofit organization Dreamcatcher South Africa has been well-tailored to my interests, as well as my personal skills, ensuring that my impact in the township of Melkhoutfontein is a passionate and maximized one. Before truly immersing myself, I learned about the heartbreaking apartheid history of… Read More

Written by Gabrielle D. Bennett, 2022-23 Latitudes Student  My experiences in the small town of Comalapa have been nothing but incredible. Arriving in Comalapa, I stayed with a local family known for their art. One of my favorite things was walking through the pueblo and spotting different murals done by different family members. My favorite day to go into town is Sunday because of the markets. At the market, you… Read More

Written by Sam Stiles 2022-23 Latitudes Student  Sawasdee everyone! My experience in Koh Tao has been enriching in many ways. It is a privilege to be a part of the vital work that New Heaven’s Reef Conservation Program does here. I am so glad to get the experience of protecting the ocean while using my passion for diving! I have also gotten the incredible opportunity to do my training to… Read More

Written by Danica Wolf, 2022-23 Latitudes Student  Would you believe me if I told you my biggest fear was the ocean? When I signed up for the fall 2022 semester in Southeast Asia, I was not excited about getting my open water certification because I had been terrified of the ocean for years. However, after completing the certification, I found myself utterly calm diving. In fact, I felt more fear… Read More

Written by Mateo Lombard, 2022-23 Latitudes Student  My semester started in South India a few hours away from Chennai, at a place called Sadhana Forest. This place is a vegan community that focuses on reforestation and water conservation. At the time I arrived, Sadhana Forest was hosting a huge Vegan Festival that took place over three days. Guests were able to camp out and enjoy many workshops and free meals… Read More

Written by Talia, 2022-23 Latitudes Student  My typical weekday begins with two snoozed alarms, followed by a hasty rush out the door to catch the 59 bus. I arrive at school at 9:35, late as always, with a sheepish grin. During our first break, I walk to the Tienda de Cafe with my friend Anna, for a café con leche and two medialunas. After school I catch the 67 to… Read More

Written by Kate Sandoval, 2022-23 Latitudes Student  Arriving on a beautiful Sunday afternoon (beautiful by the Seattle Washington definition), I settled in the small apartments in Las Rosas to meet my first roommate, Vanessa. Daniela and Misael of Biosean allowed me a couple days of downtime until Nathalie, our third roommate arrived. Vanessa showed me a little intro of the beautiful beaches and led me around to memorize the necessities… Read More

Written by Kelli Parker, 2022-23 Latitudes Student  This semester was overwhelmingly empowering. I flew halfway across the country by myself and somehow managed to get myself to all the places I needed to be. Just for some context, I’m extremely directionally challenged. Like, extremely. So, just that was an accomplishment for me, but the other great thing was how out of my comfort zone it pushed me. I was forced… Read More

Written by Peyton Molacek, 2022-23 Latitudes Student  My first 6 weeks in Koh Tao, Thailand have been full of many, many, many unexpected adventures. I came into this experience thinking I was going to dive everyday and maybe input some data. I never imagined experiencing everything I have so far. Last week, the other interns and I spent over 6 hours snorkeling in an attempt to find a reported injured… Read More

Written by Gavin Parker, 2022-23 Latitudes Student  Kia Ora! My time in New Zealand has been very much an eye opener in many aspects, either that be culturally, environmentally, and learning more about myself as well. While working with Whenua Iti Outdoors, they have helped me see these learning opportunities and have allowed me to see the beauties of this country, taking me on many of their programs and seeing… Read More

Written by Gabriel Cohen, 2022-23 Latitudes Student  I didn’t know what to expect when I landed in Buenos Aires on January 26th – it was not only my first time in the city, but also my first time in South America. It was a great first impression; I was greeted with stunning weather, green trees and parks, many football shirts and delicious food. The first few days here I walked… Read More

Written By Gracie, Latitudes Year ’22 Peru I started my semester on February 21 in Cusco Peru, at Pachananda retreat center. I started my first few days acclimatizing to over 11,000 feet. I am from New York, so the first culture shock was most definitely the difficulties breathing. For my first week I drank chlorophyll in my water to help oxygenate myself and increase my red blood cell count. Such… Read More

Written By Flannery, Latitudes Year ’22 Peru I started my time in Lobitos with three goals: 1. Become conversational in Spanish 2. Learn to surf a short board 3. Make one good friend Not only were all three of those accomplished with surprising success, but the community of Lobitos (or as I like to call it, Loveitos) revealed to me hundreds of unexpected gifts. Working with Waves for Development has… Read More

Written By Kaeley, Latitudes Year ’22 Dominican Republic Hello all! The last 2 months I’ve spent in the Dominican Republic have been a blast. Can’t wait to share with you! I am staying in the quaint ocean town of Bayahibe, and through Carpe Diem have been diving with Coral Point Dive Shop. On a typical day I go on 2-3 dives starting early in the morning, then go home to… Read More