Written by Italy & Greece Overseas Educators, Megan & Mary Ciao! The Terra 23 group has been whisked away to the Italian countryside at the beautiful property of Panta Rei in Umbria. We’ve been knee-deep in orientation activities- fun games, learning about tools to build a healthy community, getting to know each other, and immersing ourselves in Italian language and culture. We have been spending time with Tom and Mauro… Read More
Written by Central America Overseas Educators, Jane & Malcolm Hola desde Guatemala!
We have had a fun whirlwind of a few days since arriving in Guatemala City early the morning of the 22nd.
We drove from the airport in Guatemala City to Earthlodge, an eco hotel and wellness center just outside of Antigua. We were immediately struck by the stunning vista of the valley below and the volcanoes dominating the… Read More
Written by Italy & Greece Overseas Educator, Ariana Carpe Diem Meraki group has landed in Greece! Two flights, a car ride, and many snacks later we’ve finally arrived in Crete. We’re staying in the beautiful mountain village of Agios Ioannis, getting to know each other, and eating tons of delicious home cooked Greek cuisine. This week is all about group culture, orientation, and seaside swims. We started Greek lessons with… Read More
Written by Kate Willoughby, 2022-23 Latitudes Student This semester I volunteered and worked at Kids Saving the Rainforest for 3 months in Costa Rica. Here, I worked in the animal sanctuary with their lovely animals and people that work here. I got the privilege to learn so much about wildlife and all of the animals in Costa Rica. I stayed on the property of Kids Saving the Rainforest in their… Read More
Written by Italy & Greece Overseas Educators, Mariana (Mara + Ariana) What a semester! 10 weeks, 2 countries, 13 locations, 7 local partner organizations, 4 puppies, and countless gelatos and cats later – we’ve finally reached the end.
Though the blog is traditionally written for your friends and family following your journey at home, as the journey has come to an end, it feels most appropriate to now write it… Read More
Written by Hawaii Semester Overseas Educator, Fiona What did you ask of the island?
You asked to explore, both “the outdoors” and within.
You asked not just to see the world, but to be folded up with the mountains and oceans and sun and waves.
You asked for a different form of education.
You asked for a break, a pause, a reset.
You asked to receive, attain, be shown something,… Read More
Written by Leora Wasserman, 2022-23 Latitudes Student My experience this semester in South Africa gave me the opportunity to gain knowledge, go on adventures, experience challenge, and create connections and memories to last a lifetime!
I began my journey in Johannesburg, with Tefo and Lucas, who were fantastic guides! Over the next couple days, I would learn about the history of South Africa and the apartheid history, by firstly visiting… Read More
Written by Hawaii Semester Students, Kayla, Emma, Nick, and Jaidan In the past two weeks we got to enjoy our last few moments as a group.
We have gotten the chance to work with a local native Hawaiian named Alohi. She talked about her Kalo restoration efforts. Emma and Kayla lead in the group in mini Olympic games which lasted 2 days. We also go to go to Hawai’i Volcano… Read More
Written by Central America Overseas Educator, Abby Our semester has officially come to a close! You all are either back home or continuing your travels in Costa Rica. We said goodbye on Wednesday morning with tears in our eyes. Matt and I tried to set you free at the security gates but you clearly didn’t want to leave us. We have turned into family these past 10 weeks. We had… Read More
Written by Italy & Greece Semester Students, Tai and Henry After leaving our final permaculture community Re-green, we began our final week of student-directed travel. We arrived by ferry to Aegina an island to the south of Athens. We visited the archaeological museum and site of Kolona (which has the Temple of Apollo), relaxed on the beach, rented bikes, and explored town. While on the island, we experienced stunning sunsets,… Read More
Written by Central America Semester Students, Izzy & April For our final week, we got to spend our time on the beautiful peninsula of Osa, in a small area called Drake Bay. We got to experience the once in a lifetime opportunity to get scuba certified. After one day of training in the pool, we went straight to the real thing.
We went deep under the sea, getting to swim… Read More
Written by Italy & Greece Semester Students, Cat and Naomi This past week, we were at a permaculture community in the mountains of the Peloponnese peninsula. We participated in everyday activities such as morning movement, a morning meeting, and a drum circle. We did a main activity for most of the day. We helped prep and plant their gardens. We made a compost pile as tall as us. Hiked to… Read More
Written by Hawaii Students, Izzy and Olivia This past week we had the opportunity to spend time learning about the culture and community of Miloli’i. We met many different people throughout the community such as Wes and Bobo, Auntie Lynda, Auntie Laila, Uncle Ted, and Uncle Ka’imi. We also met a lot of the kids who live in the community as well. Our Top Three Highlights of the Week: This… Read More
Written by Central America Students, Addie and Dylan Our first week in Costa Rica!!
After leaving our beloved Guatemala behind and heading to the airport, unexpected delays forced us to change flights and pass through El Salvador on our way to Costa Rica! A fun little surprise in more ways than one. We ended up arriving in Costa Rica before our original flight was supposed to take off.
The next… Read More
Written by Central America Students, Justin and Léa Student directed travel week, WOO WOO! Justin and Lea reporting to you live!
We started off in Antigua, visited the magical Hobbitenango, a Hobbit themed attraction park. We got to practice our archery, axe-throwing, and mini golf skills while embracing the beautiful scenery of Guatemala. After Hobbitenango, we hiked up the Pacaya Volcano with the wonderful company of horses, and got to… Read More
Written by Chance Sands, 2022-23 Latitudes Student Chance is volunteering at Give and Surf in Bocas Del Toro, Panama It has been such an amazing experience. I have created long lasting friendships with my fellow volunteers and all of the teachers and students. I’ve also made so many memories, whether that be surfing, exploring, or my work at school.
What has been challenging this semester?
Definitely the language barrier. Although… Read More
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
