On What It Means to Be Alive: The Wisdom and Diversity of Humanity

carpediem Portland Headquarters
What does it mean to be alive? All around this vast earth, every human and every culture asks this question. The diversity of languages, religions, traditions, stories, and artwork is an attempt at an answer. Whether traveling across the world or exploring our own backyards, tapping in to the collective wisdom is a vital part of our own journey.     Wade Davis defines the ethnosphere  as “the sum total… Read More

Student Directed Travel!

carpediem South Pacific- WALKABOUT
Bula friends and family,                 This past week has been our free travel! As a group we found a great local hostel in Coral Coast right on the beach.  The hospitality and smiles of the Fijian people has welcomed us into their lives.  The hostel offered many activities to choose when and what we wanted to do.  We took advantage of the day trip to islands where we got to… Read More

Feed Your Wanderlust with These 6 Inspirational Talks

carpediem Portland Headquarters
Daydreaming about adventure? Restless with wanderlust? Wonder what it would be like to sail around the world or curious about indigenous peoples of the Amazon? Us too. Here at Carpe Diem we’re always looking for ways to fuel that desire to explore. That’s why we’d love to introduce you to these TED talks. Fair warning: you might need to clear out your schedule for the rest of the day because… Read More

Surfing through the Waves

carpediem Latitudes Year, Uncategorized
I really hadnt thought to much about what adventures were coming my way, the people I was going to meet, or things I was going to see.  I was pretty open to whatever Peru had to offer and eager to get down there and start my journey.   My backpack is only about half full as I really dont need much, knowing that the majority of my time will be… Read More

On Retreat: Reflecting on Carpe Diem’s Vision

carpediem Portland Headquarters
"Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning." ~Gloria Steinem The Vision I work amongst dreamers. We believe in possibilities, in saying yes, and in all of the infinite potential of this world and of each other. We believe in the extraordinary, and we believe in the power of "what if…" We value growth and transformation, and … Read More

Adventuring in our last week in NZ!

carpediem South Pacific- HONGI
Our group arrived at "Blue Mountain Adventure Center" and the first day we got to canoe across a lake to the island where we camped under a tarp listening to the rain. We learned how not to leave a trace in the outdoors and shared personal stories as the sun went down. The next day we went caving after we canoed back from the island. We all thought it was… Read More

Welcome to our Blog: Reflections from Portland Headquarters

carpediem Portland Headquarters
“I believe everyone should have a broad picture of how the universe operates and our place in it. It is a basic human desire. And it also puts our worries in perspective.” -Stephen Hawking For many years we have proudly hosted student blogs on our website, giving our students a platform to process and share their share their travel experiences with their friends and family back home.  Since our first … Read More

The Family Farm

carpediem South Pacific- HONGI
Howdy Y'all, Hope everyone is doing great back in the States. Here in New Zealand we have been working hard on the Hart Family Farm. So far we have learned all about sustainable farming and how to appreciate where our food comes from. All of the meals that the students have prepared have featured food that came directly from the farm, even the meat! One night we had the opportunity… Read More

Namaste Nepal

carpediem Latitudes Year
Namaste Nepal! I will have successfully completed my third week in Kathmandu as of tomorrow. I have to admit, this isn't quiet what I expected but I can't be more pleased with my placement here with ELI. I am currently living in a volunteer house with five other volunteers with two others just having left this morning. The first couple of days all of us spent our time on tours… Read More

From the Marae

carpediem South Pacific- HONGI
Kia Ora!   We made it from Christchurch to Rapaki, where we've been staying at the Marae! We started our very first day with the Profity ceremony, where we exchanged songs with the Maori people and had a delicious welcome meal. With no time to waste, we got straight to work! We started off working at a local stream conservation where we sickled and weeded out all the dead plants.… Read More

10 Best Photos in FREE FOR ALL from #CDEphotos2014

carpediem #CDEphotos2014
Wrapping up the final week of the 2014 Photo Contest, we celebrate the passion and the expression of the individual with our #FREEFORALL category. This grab bag category has brought forth a range of wonderful photos, memories, and expriences from across the globle. As we conclude this season's photo contest, we want to thank everyone who has shared their photos with our community.  May you continue to capture inspiring moments… Read More

Nkula Has Landed in Uganda

carpediem East Africa- NKULA
I just received word that the Nkula team has landed safe and sound in Entebbe.  The students are all tucked into bed and will hopefully get some good rest before beginning to explore their new "home" tomorrow.   Back here in the Headquarters, I'd like to express gratitude to each of you for all of your support and help in getting your students to this moment, where the transformative adventures… Read More

Together In Amsterdam!

carpediem East Africa- NKULA
We've received word from the wonderful Nkula that everyone has gathered in Amsterdam and now the entire group is complete. Our interpid travelers are currently on leg three of their long travel day and will be landing in Uganda soon – a smooth beginning to the adventures, we can't wait to hear more!         … Read More

Nkula Departs the USA…

carpediem East Africa- NKULA
Just a note to say that 1/2 of our Nkula group is together… the extraordinary Overseas Educators, Megan and David, left Portland along with Cat and Cassandra early this morning (so early, in fact, that they were able to catch an epic sunrise over Mt. Hood).  Now in Seattle, the crew met up with Marley, Monica, and Madeline.  They'll depart for Amsterdam shortly, and we'll let you know when the… Read More

10 Best Photos of SPIRITUALITY from #CDEphotos2014

carpediem #CDEphotos2014, Uncategorized
Finding balance is no easy task, especially amidst the craziness that ensues from international travel. Crowded streets, horns honking, people shouting, another bus/train/airplane to catch. Phoning home, figuring out your life, missing your friends, running low on cash. Traveling can be stressful! But despite all of the hullaballoo, it is clear that our students value taking time to sit down, process, and reflect on the experience unfolding before them. The… Read More

10 Best Photos of SERVICE from #CDEphotos2014

carpediem #CDEphotos2014, Uncategorized
To learn about a culture while working alongside people from that culture is a gift not many are afforded. The friendships, relationships, skills, and memories you each created while volunteering on your semester abroad are special. During week 4 of the Carpe Diem photo contest, we were given a glimpse into your service learning experiences. We were so touched by the number of people who appeared in your photos – it is clear to… Read More