United Kingdom & the Netherlands

While relatively small, these nations have had a profound impact on the modern world. Shaped by their relationship to the water, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands are seafaring regions who have exported their ways of life through development around the world. On this Carpe Diem journey, we'll explore how these traditional nations now strive to be inclusive to the multicultural communities who call these regions home.

The UK and the Netherlands provide a rich tapestry and landscape to explore history, the impacts of colonialism, climate change and many other challenges facing our societies today through a solutions based focus.  Engage with communities proactively seeking holistic and sustainable solutions to some of the world's greatest challenges.   

From the renowned and bustling cities of London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Amsterdam to the countryside and small towns littered in between, this program will take you off the beaten path and connect you to people and places outside of the tourist circuit.  This semester is designed for change makers who want to proactively engage in solutions for climate, social justice, and human rights. Throughout the semester, you'll have opportunities to rest and reflect, allowing you to define how you'd like to become an agent of change. 

Your trip will start in the world famous town of Totnes, known for being sustainably-progressive and charming.   After a flight to London, hop on a train and watch as the scenery changes from beautiful rolling hills featuring old stone buildings to a dramatic coastline.  Totnes is a small market town in the Devon countryside where your first few days will be spent at a farmhouse orienting with your group. Gain a strong foundation for your program before diving in to work with locals on sustainability initiatives. Learn how Totnes has transitioned from a down-and-out former industrial town to a community-driven regenerative space with holistic and sustainable solutions at every turn. Bath and Stonehenge, as well as the majestic Mediterranean looking city of Torquay are all easy trips to take during the weekend.

London Calling! Spend a week in this fast-paced multicultural city.  Planned activities will embed you into various neighborhoods to explore challenging topics such as multiculturalism, refugees, sustainability and human rights. Meet with people and organizations who are addressing current challenges with functional and creative solutions.  Eat food from all around the world and meet many of the diverse communities that call London home.

Develop your leadership skills. Identify your leadership style and expand your leadership potential through team building and outdoor challenges (ie, canoeing, high ropes courses, facilitated reflection, etc.).  This time is designed to help you develop leadership skills and communication strategies that transform your ability to make change in your own life and communities.

Trek in Mystical Scotland. Spend an evening in Edinburgh before embarking on a short two-night trek in legendary Scotland. Take in the impressive glens and lakes of this famous landscape.  Trek through the misty and magical backdrop of Scotland, traversing scenery memorialized in poetry and song for millenia. 

Life in the Ecovillage. Take the train to the far North of Scotland to Inverness. Here, head to the famous Ecovillage of Findhorn to experience life in an intentional community and learn how they have successfully integrated water systems, renewable energy, organic farming, and natural building into their daily life. During this week, we'll focus on shaping our own resilience and reflect on how we'll take our learnings from the ecovillage into our everyday lives. 

Ferry to Amsterdam. Enjoy a slow overnight ferry on the North Sea as you journey from Newcastle to Amsterdam. Say goodbye to the UK as we head to the Netherlands. 

The Netherlands and Amsterdam. The Dutch have long been known for their innovative and industrious approach to life.  Living below sea level is no easy feat, especially with rising oceans and climate change … but the Dutch have always found ways to keep the sea at bay.  Your time in Amsterdam will give a comparative approach to see how the Dutch face climate change, population growth, urban planning, politics, sustainability and migration in their own unique and pragmatic way.  Spend your days meeting with change-makers and social enterprise organizations.  In your free time, check out the world famous museums of this charming canal city.