Blog

Bug Paradise

Written By Kelli “OH SH*T, COME CHECK OUT THIS BUG!!” This was by far the most commonly used phrase upon arriving at the beautiful seed-saving farm known as Pun Pun. To say this week started out challenging would be an understatement, although to be quite fair the “Ajarns,” as we called the wonderful Pat Nom and Petchara from the eco-lodge, spoiled the heck out of us. Upon arriving at the… Read More

A Week In Xela!

Written By Sofia & Sam Off to Xela! The group piled into the cars and started the 5 hour drive to the big city. After lots of twists and turns, we stopped at a beautiful lookout (where we were able to see Lake Atitlan!) and ate some much needed lunch. We arrived in Xela and got an introductory tour of the hostel and the city. The group later explored the… Read More

Long Way from Home at Long Way Home

Written By Abby and Mike H After a beautiful start to the program at the heavenly EarthLodge above Antigua, the group braved the infamous hill out, and we made our way to Comalapa. A supermarket stop, winding roads, and way too much ice cream eaten with measuring spoons later, we arrived at our next destination: Long Way Home. Our main-man, Omar, showed us around the school and property where we… Read More

Waves, Caves, and Lava Pools

Written By Elise & Issy Come Monday morning, Elise and Issy spend their first day as leaders, waking everybody up for our first day at Kipuka Olowalu. The group spent the morning cleaning up plantain trees and clearing the surrounding area while also exploring the river and getting to know the amazing staff. After lunch, the group took a trip to Target to pick up essentials (candy and sleeping supplies)… Read More

Orientation in Italy!

Written By OEs, Adam & Megan The Carpe Terra program began their journey in the stunning region of Umbria, the green heart of Italy. This could not have been a more perfect beginning to the environmental focus of our semester, staying at the impressive family-run farm of Adolfo and Darcy, who have tenderly loved and cultivated this land for over 20 years. Students were welcomed with a traditional Italian meal… Read More

Khap khun ka, Mae Rim!

Written by Samantha S̄wạs̄dī kha! Or in English, hey! This is Samantha coming at you from a beautiful Eco Lodge in Mai Rim. When we all met in the airport there was a tangible air of excitement and anticipation. We savored our last American meals and chatted about the mix of emotions that were shared for our coming journey. Our flights went quite well (aside from some very off plane… Read More

Saludos de Guatemala!

Written By OEs Mara & Matt We are coming to you from the ever rainy and evermore stunning hills of Guatemala. Our first few days as a group have been spent tucked away above Antigua, Guatemala’s old capital, at the aptly named Earthlodge. The food has been unreal – some have even said it slaps and is gas – as we have been served homemade bread and tortillas and fresh… Read More

Blessings, Lessons, & Sea Pickles

Written By OEs, Stace & Forrest The Aloha Semester started with a bang. All seven students arrived at the Kahului Airport safe, excited, and a little bit groggy. Everyone was blown away by the coastal views on the way to Camp Olowalu. We were surprised to find you can see the other islands from the coast of Maui. We made it back to camp, set up tents, grabbed some pizza,… Read More

On Their Way

Dear South Pacific Families, We are excited to share that the group has all met up at LAX.  I know the past few days and weeks have likely been busy for all of you prepping for this moment.   Now just the journey and the semester of a lifetime remains.  The group is looking forward to getting to know one another and our friends in Australia and New Zealand are ready… Read More

Safe Arrival

We’re happy to report that the Walkabout group has arrived safely in Cairns! They are currently making their way to She Oak Ridge where they will spend the next two weeks with Claire and Marcus-ecologists who will be teaching them about the local flora and fauna and conservation.   When you hear from them next, you can expect to hear about what they have learned about Wallaby rehabilitation and the Daintree-the… Read More

Safe Arrival!

We’re happy to report that the Sabai group has arrived safely in Chiang Mai! They are currently making their way to a guest house in Mai Rim where they will spend their week orienting to Thailand.  When you next hear from them, you can expect to hear about their first week and the Thai cooking classes, language lessons, dance and culture classes and time exploring the happening city of Chiang… Read More

On Their Way

Dear Southeast Asia Families, We are excited to share that the group has all met up at LAX.  I know the past few days and weeks have likely been busy for all of you prepping for this moment.   Now just the journey and the semester of a lifetime remains.  The group is looking forward to getting to know one another and our friends in Thailand and Cambodia are ready to… Read More

Arrival to Rome!

We’re happy to report that the TERRA group has arrived safely in Italy! They are making their way via private shuttle from the Rome airport to Località Il Piano, where they will spend the week learning about each other, the program, and Italy. They’ll also get to explore the countryside, help with harvests and cooking, and start diving into their learning about sustainability and climate change. They will post a… Read More

Safe arrival

Hooray, the QUETZAL group has arrived safely to Guatemala! They are making their way to Earthlodge Eco Hostel, where they will spend the next few days in orientation. They’ll learn more about one another, the program, and Guatemala, as well as strategies for staying safe and healthy while traveling. They will post another blog here early next week to share about their first few days together, and then every 7-10… Read More

On their way!

Hooray, all the members of the Italy & Greece TERRA group have arrived safely to JFK and are gathered together as a group for the first time. They are looking forward to getting to know one another and are ready to start their journey. We wish them safe and easy travels to Rome! We will post another blog when we’ve received word they have arrived safely in Italy.… Read More

Sabai Sabai

Sabai, Sabai Thailand, the Land of Smiles, and temples, rice paddies, forest villages, and tuk-tuks, pad thai and iced tea, farms and families, and soon a Carpe Diem group called Sabai. And on to Cambodia… big rivers and orange sunsets, markets and circuses, creativity and yearning, and in the jungle a lost ancient city found again.   Unbelievable. Less than week from now, if all goes according to plan, Sabai will… Read More