The Beginnings

carpediem East Africa- NKULA
Dear friends and family, Nkula group met on September 16th at PDX airport. It felt a little strange seeing all the new faces and beginning to get to know each other. We arrived in Uganda on Thursday night at 11:15pm. Friday saw us transferring from Entebbe to the eastern town of Jinja. The drive was beautiful, and we passed many cozy and colorful homes. We spent three nights in Jinja… Read More

Jinja Town!

carpediem East Africa- NKULA
Greetings, WE’RE IN JINJA UGANDA AND LOVING IT! We’ve been so busy for the past three days in Uganda. Last night, after some fun orientation activities, we went into town in Jinja and experienced our first African rainstorm. First, the thunder and lightning came. Then, once we got there, the wind picked up and kicked dust everywhere. Our eyes and faces were very glad when the rain finally came and… Read More

Nkula is safely in Uganda!

carpediem East Africa- NKULA
Our Nkula crew has safely landed in Entebbe, Uganda. Jonathan and Brooke report that everyone is happy though tired and that “our students are awesome!” They are looking forward to a good night’s sleep before transferring to the town of Jinja tomorrow for their in-country orientation. We can’t wait to hear from them over the coming days and months as they explore East Africa. Follow along to share their journeys!… Read More

Safely in Tanzania!

carpediem East Africa- KIFARU
Our Kifaru crew is safely settled into their hostel for the night in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Simon and Alison report that everyone is happy if a bit road weary, and looking forward to a good night’s sleep before transferring to the town of Morogoro tomorrow for their in-country orientation. We can’t wait to hear from them over the coming days and months as they explore East Africa. Follow along… Read More

Nkula Crew Headed to Uganda

carpediem East Africa- NKULA
Good evening family and friends of the valiant Nkula group, We’ve just heard from Jonathan and Brooke, and our entire team has successfully united in Amsterdam. They are ready to board their plane onward to Uganda – stay tuned for more updates and photos of their journeys in the coming days. With Gratitude, Avy and the HQ team… Read More

Kifaru Crew United in Amsterdam

carpediem East Africa- KIFARU
Good evening friends and family of the intrepid Kifaru crew! We’ve just received word from Simon and Alison that our group has safely united in Amsterdam – thanks to all for helping to make this such a smooth process! We wish them “safari njema” (good journeys) as they board their final flight onward to Tanzania. With gratitude, Avy and the HQ team… Read More

Latitudes Orientation and the 2015-2016 Cohort!

carpediem Latitudes Year
All of our Latitudes Students have gathered outside of Portland, Oregon in a beautiful retreat setting to kick off the Latitudes Year! So far we’ve had a lot of laughter, shared stories about why each of us was called to this journey, heard from our Executive Director Drew Edwards, explored the logistics of the Latitudes year, and begun to set intentions for the upcoming year. Although Orientation started less than… Read More

Digital Detox Abroad: Why It Makes Sense and How to Survive

carpediem Portland Headquarters
By Sarah Pike You’ve probably dreamt of taking a gap year for many years and now that it’s about to be your reality, it’s important that you focus on getting the most out of the experience. The first thought that might cross your mind is how awesome your Facebook page or Instagram account will be with all the updates and photos from your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. But before you consider uploading… Read More

Worth The Wait: Make the Most of Your Travel Anticipation

carpediem Portland Headquarters
By Sarah Pike The more you’re looking forward to your long-awaited gap year experience, the less you want to wait, especially if you’re stuck in the middle of seemingly endless classes, dreaded exams, or just the drudgery of everyday work. But if you can change your thinking and take a few steps in the right direction, you can make the time spent waiting more productive and enjoyable. Here’s how to… Read More

Snapshot vs. Story: 5 Tips for Ethical Travel Photography

carpediem Portland Headquarters
Storytelling Through Travel Photography I felt like a caged zoo animal. Traveling through India, I tried to blend into the environment by wearing traditional Indian clothing, a scarf to cover my curly hair, and a bindi between my eyebrows. I still stood out. I was stared at, pointed at and my photo was taken by countless strangers. All this left me feeling exploited. As a long-time photographer who has shot… Read More

#CDEphotos2015 Photo Contest

carpediem #CDEphotos2015
Calling all alumni! Ready to make every day a #TBT? Post your favorite photos from your Carpe Diem Education semester, and enter to win $50 gift card(s) to your store of choice! ELIGIBILITY We love our alums! The 2015 Carpe Diem Education photo contest is open to ALL past Carpe Diem Education alumni. CONTEST ENTRY PERIOD The contest will run on a rolling basis from May 18 – June 19, totaling… Read More

Caramel Endings

carpediem South Pacific- HONGI
As we've said throughout the semester…   Life is like a carton of caramels, you just have to guess which ones you will find inside.   We want to thank everyone for such an unforgettable journey through the mountains of New Zealand, across the beaches of Fiji, and from desert to rainforest in Australia. Thank you to all the people that opened up their homes to us, fed us, and… Read More