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

10 Best Photos of Carpe SPIRIT from #CDEphotos2014

carpediem #CDEphotos2014, Uncategorized
At the risk of sounding like a reject cheer squad….  "We've got spirit, yeah yeah we've got SPIRIT!!!"  No, we're not trying to bring it on, but yes, we are trying to celebrate our awesome community of alumni. The Carpe Diem Education photo contest, week 3 was steeped with pride. Between your photos in the field and even your photos back home, we are so glad to see you getting some use out… Read More

10 Best Photos of NATURE from #CDEphotos2014

carpediem #CDEphotos2014, Uncategorized
Not that we needed any convincing that our planet is absolutely beautiful, but DAAAANG, your #NATURE photo submissions were INCREDIBLE! Seems like everyday is earth day on semester (not that we're complaining!). The Carpe Diem Education photo contest, week 2 was a huge success. Whether the photos were (extreme) close-ups of animal noses, luscious greenery in various rainforests, or the gorgeous aqua blue waters of the sea, choosing a winner… Read More

10 Best Photos of PEOPLE from #CDEphotos2014

carpediem #CDEphotos2014, Uncategorized
Sometimes you can forget where you went, how you got there, or what you did, but it is rare to forget the people you share such a powerful experience with. One of our core principles is community building, and it is a value we hope to instill in each and every one of our students. The Carpe Diem Education photo contest started strong with your PEOPLE photo submissions, which were a… Read More

#CDEphotos2014 Photo Contest

carpediem #CDEphotos2014, Uncategorized
This week: Free for all! 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 2014 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… Read More

Nkula is Homeward Bound

carpediem East Africa- NKULA
We received word that all of the Nkula students said their farewells to Colin and Mandy and made it safely on the plane. They are all now bound for home or on to new adventures. We wish them safari njema (safe journeys) – thank you Nkula crew for all of your hard and heart-felt work throughout this semester. We can’t wait to see what adventures you embark on next. Avy… Read More

Kifaru is Homeward Bound

carpediem East Africa- KIFARU
We received word that all of the Kifaru students said their farewells to Matt and Gwen and made it safely on the plane. They are all now bound for home or on to new adventures. We wish them safari njema (safe journeys) – thank you Kifaru crew for all of your hard and heart-felt work throughout this semester. We can’t wait to see what adventures you embark on next. Avy… Read More

The Outback!

carpediem South Pacific- WALKABOUT
Our journey into the outback began when we got picked up in this massive off-road looking bus. We set off into the outback riding on normal asphalt roads as well as driving on rocky dirt roads. It was pretty hard to take a nap because we were being bounced around inside the truck. The very first place we stopped, we were at a watering hole so we could go for… Read More

Canoe Trek in Uganda

carpediem East Africa- KIFARU
Blog from Sarah P. Hello friends and family! We are now in Rwanda after an amazing few days on a canoe trek around Lake Bunyonyi. On the canoe trek we spent the first day canoeing and exploring the islands around the lake. It was really beautiful, and nice to be back on the water. We were in dugout canoes that are made by hand by various people around the lake.… Read More

Reflections on Mufindi

carpediem East Africa- NKULA
Blog from Lily B. Walking to the bus station, we learned what the benefits are to backpacking light. We headed off southbound to Mafinga for a brief wait at the bus station for the connection to Mufindi- a site of peculiar people watching and interesting cultural interactions. Bumping along the roads to Mufindi Chilren’s Village, we saw brilliant green tea fields in all directions. We met with Amari, new college… Read More

Hey Everybody! African Safari!

carpediem East Africa- NKULA
Blog courtesy of Maddy K. from their safari a couple of weeks ago! Thanks for your patience with the delay on posting this blog as internet can be challenging in Tanzania. Hello Hello Hello! I am Maddy Karsten from Grand Rapids, Michigan and this week’s blogger! Since our five days learning Swahili at River Valley Campsite, we have had an unforgettable 5 days. We spent three full days walking around… Read More

Special Needs Education Center, Kabale Uganda

carpediem East Africa- KIFARU
Blog courtesy of Dayle W. Photos from Natalie B. Hello there! We are now back in the city of Kabale after an enriching week working with the Edirisa UK Special Needs Education Centre (SNEC)! Edirisa UK is a charity in the UK with a community based organization in Uganda. The four main areas they focus development in are education, clean water, health and sanitation, and sustainable development. They have many… Read More

G’day Mates!!

carpediem South Pacific- WALKABOUT
We’ve arrived in Sydney, Australia safe ‘n sound! This city is absolutely incredible as we got to explore it all day on our scavengar hunt. We visited the Memorial museum in Hyde Park and the Opera House, learning about the history each one and roamed around the Royal Botanical Gardens where the trees and plants are so strange and beautiful it’s as if they came straight out of a Dr.… Read More

Addressing Concerns of Ebola in West Africa

carpediem East Africa- KIFARU, East Africa- NKULA
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is on all of our minds as it continues to permeate the media and tragically affect several West African countries. Our hearts and deepest sympathy are with those communities struggling with the outbreak. At this point in time, we will be continuing to run our East Africa program this spring. Due to the geographic location of our program, the limited air traffic between East… Read More