Latitudes Year Program
An immersive gap year experience combining a group travel semester and an individual volunteer placement.
As a Latitudes Year student, you'll spend your first group semester enjoying a wide range of experiences and educational opportunities while engaging with multiple partner organizations in several locations.
Your second semester gives you the opportunity to deepen your educational experience in a more self-directed, independent manner.
During your second gap semester, you'll work with a specific organization and community that reflects your interests. Rather than travel to multiple placements, you'll commit to a multi-month individual placement in one community, what we call a Focused Volunteer Placement (FVP).
By engaging in a FVP that reflects your unique interests and passions, you'll take a deeper dive into the world of service learning, community engagement, and cultural immersion. You'll develop meaningful relationships with your host community, enrich your world view, expand your cultural awareness, and develop a greater sense of independence.
Where We Travel
For your second semester as a Focused Volunteer Placement, you can work with one of our partners in over 20 countries! While some students choose to return to the region they traveled in during their group semester, that is not a requirement.
Latitudes Year FAQ
What countries can I travel to for my Focused Volunteer Placement?
Carpe Diem partners with organizations in over 20 countries, offering a diverse range of possible placements.
What are the benefits of choosing a placement through Carpe Diem Education?
Carpe Diem has done extensive relationship building with our FVP partners. The Latitudes Year Coordinator has consistent communication with you and the partner organization, helping to promote a positive experience for both parties. The Latitudes Year Coordinator supports you in a variety of ways, acting as a touch point for student questions or concerns, and doing regular check-ins as to your overall well-being.
Additionally, you have the opportunity to continue your path in experiential education, deepening your knowledge and understanding through:
- Next-level cultural immersion
- Language acquisition
- Further developing travel skills
- Increased cultural awareness/understanding
- Enhanced self-awareness, maturity, and independence
You may also earn a full year of college credits during the Latitudes Year.
What type of work experience can I participate in during my FVP?
Our partners and students engage in a wide variety of social and environmental activism.
A few examples of FVP placements include:
- Dive Master Certification and Reef Conservation in the Dominican Republic
- Live off-the-grid at a New Zealand conservation sanctuary
- Study permaculture and practice intentional living in Northeast Thailand
- Primate and Manatee rehabilitation along the coast of Belize
- Work with an outdoor education center in New Zealand
- Learn the principles of green building with a Guatemalan NGO
- Coral reef conservation in Southern Thailand
- And there are MANY more amazing opportunities!
What will my living arrangements be like?
Each placement provides different types of accommodation. You may find yourself in a homestay situation, a dorm-style living arrangement on the premises of the partner organization, or in a local hostel. Your Latitudes Year Coordinator will be able to provide more details specific to your chosen FVP.
What's the general Latitudes Year timeline?
- FALL CYCLE
- Mid-September to early December: Carpe Diem group semester
- Early December to mid-January: Break
- Mid-January: Pre-FVP Orientation
- Late January-early February: Students depart to their FVPs
- Early to mid-May: Students finish their FVPs
- SPRING CYCLE
- Mid-February to early May: Carpe Diem group semester
- Early May to June: Break
- June: Pre-FVP Orientation
- June to early August*: Students depart to their FVPs
- Early August: Students finish their FVPs
Program Details
Full Year Length
1 group semester + 1 independent semester. Available for all Carpe Diem students.
One Semester Length
1 independent semester. For exceptional students we are able to make single-semester FVP placements.
Spring/Summer Yearlong Program Dates
Group Semester:
Mid-February – Early-May
Short Break + Pre-FVP Orientation
Virtual Orientation with your Latitudes Director
Focused Volunteer Placement:
May – June 2024
Fall/Spring Yearlong Program Dates
Group Semester:
Late-September – Late-November
Short Break + Pre-FVP Orientation
Virtual Orientation with your Latitudes Director
Focused Volunteer Placement:
January – April
First Semester Group Size
First semester: 2 Overseas Educators and up to 13 students
Second semester: individual placement
Eligibility
Our typical student is between 17-22, though we sometimes work with students slightly outside that range depending on circumstances.
College Credit & Scholarships
Learn more about: College Credit & Scholarships. Note, 529 College Savings Plans are eligible for Latitudes.
Language Requirements
None
Cost:
LATITUDES YEAR 2025 - 2026
| Central America Latitudes Year | $25,775 |
| Hawai'i Latitudes Year | $24,875 |
| India & Nepal Latitudes Year | $24,775 |
| Italy & Greece Latitudes Year | $29,275 |
| South America Latitudes Year | $25,775 |
| Southeast Asia Latitudes Year | $24,575 |
Program tuition includes a virtual orientation prior to departure, 1-on-1 mentorship from the Latitudes Year Coordinator, a customized Focused Volunteer Placement, a $3100 FVP stipend towards your second semester meals, accommodations, scheduled program activities, access to a full year of college credits, and international travel insurance for the duration of the program. International airfare, and spending money are extra. International airfare estimated at $3,400 - $5,600 for the year.
LATITUDES SEMESTER 2025 - 2026
Stand alone semester: $9,900
Program tuition includes a virtual orientation prior to departure, 1-on-1 mentorship from the Latitudes Year Coordinator, a customized Focused Volunteer Placement, a $3100 FVP stipend towards your meals, accommodations, and scheduled program activities. Tuition includes a full semester of college credit and international travel insurance for the duration of the program. International airfare, and spending money are extra.
Testimonials
"The change I saw in myself was great, and I have Carpe Diem to thank for that!"
-Jack,
Latitudes Year Student
"I am always inspired by the meaningful and intentional connections CDE students make with local community members and cultures."
-Kate,
Overseas Educator
"Carpe wants you to experience everything that you possibly can in each country."
-Melinda,
Latitudes Year Student
