Written by Nate K. and Kora B., this Guatemala volunteer Long Way Home recap covers a week of community service, sustainable building, and cultural immersion in Comalapa.
Hey everyone, this is Nate and Kora talking and we can’t wait to share our recap from this past week!
Upon our arrival in Comalapa on the 24th, we started our adventures with a welcoming introduction from our amazing host, Omar. Having given… Read More
Written by Forrest, Overseas Educator on the South Pacific semester, this Australia arrival update covers the group’s unexpected Sydney stopover, SheOak Ridge orientation, and first wildlife encounters with Claire and Marcus.
On September 20th, thirteen strangers got on a plane with the intent of making their way to Cairns, Australia. After a 15 hour flight the group decided they liked Sydney so much that they’d stay there a little while.… Read More
Written by Ariana, Overseas Educator on the gap year Crete Greek culture week, this update covers the Meraki group’s immersion in Greek philosophy, traditional dance, and a visit to the palace of Knossos in Heraklion.
This week has been all about getting to know Greece and each other! In addition to Greek lessons, we’ve also learned about Ancient Greek philosophy and the Parthenon, and even mastered a few traditional Greek… Read More
Written by Megan and Mary, Overseas Educators on the Italy gap year Umbria orientation week, this update covers Terra 23’s first days at Panta Rei in the Italian countryside before heading to Florence.
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… Read More
Written by Jane and Malcolm, Overseas Educators leading Guatemala gap year orientation at Earthlodge near Antigua, this update covers the first few days of team building, cultural lessons, and a scavenger hunt before heading to Long Way Home in Comalapa.
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… Read More
Written by Ariana, Overseas Educator on the gap year Greece Crete arrival week, this update introduces the Meraki group to mountain village life in Agios Ioannis.
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… Read More
Written by Kate Willoughby, a 2022-23 Latitudes Year Costa Rica wildlife student, this reflection covers three months of animal care, rainforest conservation, and independent travel at Kids Saving the Rainforest.
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… Read More
Written by Mariana, the Italy Greece semester farewell letter from Overseas Educators Mara and Ariana, celebrating 10 weeks across Italy and Greece with a group who made every location feel like home.
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… Read More
Written by Fiona, Overseas Educator on the Hawaii semester, this aloha spirit farewell reflects on what students sought from the island and what they bring home after 10 weeks of living, learning, and growing in Hawaii.
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… Read More
Written by Leora Wasserman, a 2022-23 Latitudes Year South Africa student, this reflection covers community development work with Dreamcatcher, wildlife care at Wild Rescue, and life with two homestay families in Melkhoutfontein.
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,… Read More
Written by Kayla, Emma, Nick, and Jaidan, this Hawaii semester closing week recap covers their final days together, from Volcano National Park and taro restoration to hammocks, movie nights, and farewell hugs at the airport.
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… Read More
Written by Abby, Overseas Educator on the Central America semester, this farewell post recaps 10 unforgettable weeks across Guatemala and Costa Rica with the Spring 2023 group.
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… Read More
Written by Tai and Henry, this Italy Greece semester Aegina update covers their final week of student directed travel, from the Temple of Apollo and Moni Island to the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium.
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… Read More
Written by Izzy and April, this Costa Rica scuba Drake Bay recap covers their final week on the Osa Peninsula, from open water certification and shark encounters to wildlife in Corcovado National Park.
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.… Read More
Written by Cat and Naomi, this Greece permaculture community semester update covers a week of gardening, composting, drum circles, and mountain hikes at Re-Green in the Peloponnese peninsula.
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.… Read More
Written by Izzy and Olivia, this Hawaii semester Milolii community update covers a week of cultural immersion, local connections, snorkeling, and a memorable farewell dinner with the village.
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… Read More
Written by Addie and Dylan, this Costa Rica Mastatal volunteer update covers their first week at Villas Mastatal, from banana planting and trail clearing to a chocolate tour and waterfall swims.
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… Read More
Written by Justin and Léa, this Guatemala student directed travel recap covers Hobbitenango, a Pacaya Volcano hike, black sand beaches in Monterrico, and a sunrise mangrove tour on their final week in Guatemala.
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… Read More
Written by Chance Sands, a 2022-23 Latitudes Year Panama volunteer, this reflection covers preschool teaching, surfing, and community connection at Give and Surf in Bocas del Toro.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… Read More
Written by Abby McGullam, a 2022-23 Latitudes Year South Africa student, this reflection covers three months of teaching, sustainable farming, and family life with Dreamcatcher South Africa in Melkhoutfontein.
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… Read More
