Testimonials
(Student)
Emma Parker
“I would recommend Carpe Diem to everyone. There are a few lessons that can only really be learned through traveling, and Carpe Diem does an amazing job of providing a safe but challenging platform for self-expansion and discovery. I really believe that I am a stronger person than I was three months ago, and I honestly owe all of that to this program.”
(Partner)
Dr. Dave Houglum
“I really appreciated Carpe Diem’s willingness and ability to collaborate with us in creating customized educational programs to India and New Zealand based on our specific learning outcomes and educational goals. They have excellent risk management protocols in place, which were critical for us in the proposal, approval, and implementation of our global initiatives. I can’t recommend Carpe Diem enough for partnership in the creation of transformative student learning experiences!”
(Parent)
Dianne Wentworth
“Time away from family, friends and comfortable surroundings make for quantum leaps in maturity and compassion. Each of these experiences has helped my daughter mature and see the world through a different view. She is a confident traveler. She is willing to try all foods, and best of all, she now has moms and dads in Fiji, Mexico, and Tanzania, not to mention brothers and sisters and cousins and friends in all those countries and many more. She is off to teach English for a year, then considering the Peace Corps before starting a masters in global studies. The Carpe Diem programs and the wonderful staff have helped to make her a child of the world.”
(Parent)
Anne Hathaway
“Carpe Diem is an excellent alternative to a freshman semester in college. It is a safe, environmentally conscious program that promotes lifelong learning. My daughter’s experience was enriching and the parental support was available whenever I needed it. The program promotes a culturally diverse experience where teamwork and reflection are promoted.”
(Student)
Abigail Wald
“Wow. 10 out of 10. The leaders are so skilled in both travel AND teenagers. I can’t imagine a better experience for my kid. And neither can he. He came back stronger, smarter, kinder, more confident, and more capable. His anxiety is way down. His joy is up. He discovered he loves travel, friends, adventure, and service more than he loves screens. Hallelujah!! It’s not a cushy trip; they had some hard experiences, but I have never seen my child more alive and present. 👏👏”
(Student)
Olivia Michel
“I really enjoyed getting to just live. After coming home and dealing with all of the stress of returning to my city environment, I’ve realized just how lucky I was to be able to just exist day to day without stressing over future events.”
(Student)
Anika Utke
“I am at a loss for words sometimes as I stare out at the sunset or hear the crashing of waves or the crowing of roosters at 4 am that this is my life. I have had experiences that I will look back to and build from for the rest of my life and met people that have inspired me and lifted me up every day. I honestly don’t know who I would even be anymore if I had not chosen Carpe Diem. If you are unsure, promise me when I say this: Go. Just go. Leave behind the Western world you know full of toilet paper and cozy beds, cell phones and internet, actual breakfast food, all of it and prepare to enter an inimitable world full of unconditional kindness, culture, and allow yourself to remember what it is to truly live.”
(Student)
Harvey Ghastin
“My advice to anyone considering a gap year would be: do Carpe Diem. I hadn’t even seriously considered a gap year. I was so stressed about where I was going to go to college. I was about to spend more money than I had ever seen on something I wasn’t sure I was ready for. When I considered all the cool things I could do the next year — from hiking to Machu Picchu to scuba diving in Australia, while earning college credit, it became a pretty clear choice. I feel more prepared to go to college now that I’ve completed my year abroad.”
(Parent)
Sharon
“[Our daughter] regards Carpe Diem as the ‘best decision I’ve ever made in my whole life.’ We feel exactly the same about it! If we had other children we would send them ALL to Carpe Diem!”
(Student)
Dominque
“Traveling with a cohort of students was the best thing I have ever done. I learned how to live and travel independently.”
(Student)
2024 – Central America
“This was a wonderful program and I would highly recommend it to anyone.”
(Student)
2024 – India & Nepal
“For me, the most important aspect of the Nepal program was the connection to local
culture and the personal growth it sparked.”
(Student)
2024 – Central America
“Heather was very responsive over email and Jeremy was very helpful during the
application process.”
(Student)
2023 – Central America
“We did not have direct contact with the overseas educators, but the growth and
independence our child came back with were extraordinary.”
(Student)
2023 – Central America
“What a fabulous experience RJ had!!! We are so thankful to Carpe Diem for creating
such a powerful program.”
(Student)
2023 – Central America
“Carpe Diem provided an opportunity for our daughter to grow in ways that were
beyond our expectations.”
(Student)
2023 – Central America
“There are quite a few things I feel very proud of: learning Spanish, building resilience,
and growing personally.”
(Student)
2023 – Central America
“The experience is one in a million. Our son has grown into a more confident and
thoughtful individual.”
(Student)
2023 – Central America
“Paladini was a new way of living that I have never experienced before. It was
transformative.”
(Student)
2019 – India & Nepal
“I could go on for paragraphs about the quality of the program, the leaders, and the
lifelong friendships formed.”
(Student)
2017 – CDE
“I’ve seen Gap Year programs all about seeing the world, but Carpe is about seeing
yourself in the world.”
(Student)
2016 – CDE
“I am at a loss for words sometimes as I stare at the incredible relationships and growth
I’ve experienced.”
(Student)
2008 – India & Nepal
“Thank you, each and both, for the experience you gave us. I returned home with more
clarity and purpose than ever before.”
(Student)
2008 – India & Nepal
“Namaste to everyone at Carpe Diem… it’s been one of the most transformative
experiences of my life.”
(Student)
2008 – India & Nepal
“It has been almost a month since I landed back… Nepal and the Nepali way of life,
simple and so beautiful, continue to inspire me every day.”
2022 (Student) Costa Rica Program
Kimberly Binette
Orientation- it was amazing, everything from the team bonding activities to the hiking, to the tree climbing and simply the bonding that was made in those first few days were amazing!!! We all got so close so fast which made the experience that much better! Home stay- the best experience of my life. The communication aspect was difficult but we all knew that coming into the program and it was a blast to figure out ways to communicate and to make it work! Those two weeks were amazing and all the connections and activities we played with the community were the highlight of the trip! Closure- the end of the trip was soooooo much fun. The surfing and white water rafting were definitely everyone’s highlights of the trip! We had so much fun bonding and spending our last moments together!!
2022(Student) Costa Rica Program
Eliza Taub
I loved all the adventure things we got to do the first week. Tree climbing, hiking, making brown sugar, waterfall repelling, and more all really helped me connect to the group. After orientation week I was already so close to everyone in the group I was ready to go into the homestay feeling amazing. Time in the homestay was incredible. It was a phenomenal experience to live with these families, I loved working on the project, and I loved that we still had time as a group. The last week was an amazing way to reflect on the experience. I loved the last hurrah as a group together, but nothing could truly prepare me for reentry. I really enjoyed the surfing and white water rafting though and enjoying every second together as a group.
2022 (Student) Costa Rica Program
Brynn Buckley
Orientation: At first I was confused as to why we needed a week-long orientation before hoping into the homestays, I thought it would be too long — I was wrong! The orientation created group cohesion and allowed me to make friends and get close enough with people so that I knew I would feel comfortable staying with them during the homestays
2022 (Student) Costa Rica Program
Kellyn Guzman
The end of the trip was amazing but also very bittersweet. We had all grown so close, but at the same time we knew that we would have to leave each other soon. It made for a lot of crying and connecting over all the stuff we had left back at home.
2021 (Student) Costa Rica Program
Abigail Hayes
“I was so excited to come on this trip to Costa Rica with Global Routes, but nothing could have quite prepared me for all of the wonderful experiences and amazing people that I met along the way. I am very glad that I went with Global Routes because of how much they emphasized the culture and gave us opportunities to connect with the people and really see what life is like there. I got to improve my Spanish, make connections with so many people, many of whom I hope to stay in touch with, and already am. One of the things that I really loved was how we had a great balance of fun things and hard work. In a way that made all of the fun activities like whitewater rafting, waterfall repelling, zip lining and even a swim in the river all the more meaningful and special. One day we all were working especially hard and it was hot outside, I remember Pablo taking us for a quick jump in the river and out of all of the times we went swimming there, the water never felt as cold and refreshing as it did that time. Doing something like this is a big decision, and sometimes scary but I am so glad to have gone, and this is something I will always remember for the rest of my life. The wonderful people I met, places I saw and things I got to do. I would definitely encourage any one who is considering going on this trip to embark on this wonderful journey. Pura Vida!”
2022 (Student) Hawaii Program
Maia Musallam
It taught me more in-depth about the priceless mess of those little moments off the screen. So even though I jumped back in fairly quickly I’m taking more screen time breaks than I was before.
2022 (Student) Hawaii Program
Georgia Turner
oh my god GO! it’s lifechanging and you grow so much after the month. you learn about other cultures, what it means to be a guest in another country, and how grateful we should be with our resources.
2022 (Student) Hawaii Program
Erin Rudenske
What an incredible and meaningful experience! Our son seems to have thrived on this trip! He learned so much about Hawaii (the culture and the people), about farming, food, and conservation/sustainability. He grew and matured immensely! He returned to us a very, very happy guy!
2022 (Student) Hawaii Program
Maya Deshpande
I really enjoyed being without my phone. The first few days I was trying to get used to it still but afterwards I kind of forgot about my phone. The main thing I liked about no phones is that there was no distractions. I feel like having a conversation with another person is worse when they’re staring at their phone the whole time because you feel like they don’t care about what you’re saying. When no one had their phones I felt like we made more of an effort to have genuine conversations with each other.
2022 (Student) Hawaii Program
Olivia Michel
I really enjoyed getting to just live. After coming home and dealing with all of the stress of returning to my city environment, I’ve realized just how lucky I was to be able to just exist day to day without stressing over future events. I hope to travel so much more in the future, and this trip has taught me the importance of making connections, and truly learning about the people on the land in which you are existing on. I know that when I return to Hawaii in the future, I will hope to avoid staying at a hotel or touristy area mainly because I do not want to. I want to be able to pay my respects to both the land and it’s people. I want to be able to see the rewards of my hard work. I also one day hope to participate in WWOOFING, and I hope to embrace new cultures and lands in a way similar to how we embraced life in Hawaii. I learned to work with others and that “many hands make light work” and to truly get to know those around me beyond the surface. I also learned that I am both analytical and observant, and the importance of being kind to yourself and rewarding your accomplishments. I learned just how much I care about social and environmental justice, and our roles as human beings in combating social and environmental issues. The beauty of Hawaiian land, and culture has stuck with me after returning home. I am grateful to have this be my first ever experience on the island, and I was able to learn so much. I’m also grateful to have been witness to a form of Hawaiian revolution against white colonialism and supremacy, and the reclamation of Hawaiian culture through knowledge, compassion, and aloha. I learned to be more patient with myself and others, and to live in the moment, and appreciate the beauty of the land and people around me, flaws and all.
2022 (Student) Hawaii Program
Ella Bishop
I would tell them that as scary and intimidating as it may seem the other people who are signing up for the same program fall under the same interests groups as you do and you will be able to meet people that you will never forget. You will also never be able to experience a destination in the same way you are able to on these programs.
2021 (Student) Hawaii Program
Ryan McEnroe
“The 2021 Hawaii Program has changed my perspective on life, humanity’s relationship with the earth, and the individual’s true potential for impact in issues that may seem absent of it, among others. We dove headfirst into Hawaiian culture and history and learned things from points of view we had not experienced or even considered beforehand. The work we did on various farms and other locations gave us a truly hands-on lesson in Hawaii’s past and the values that Hawaiians have espoused for thousands of years. We explored places of deep historical and geological significance and basked in the sheer beauty of the place. The Hawaii Program was a month of learning, new beginnings, rewarding service, breathtaking surroundings, and cultural immersion; it was a month I’ll never forget.”
2021 (Student) Hawaii Program
Ainslie Leitao
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to travel amidst the covid-19 pandemic to Hawaii with Global Routes. The program challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone which allowed room for so much growth and knowledge. I feel as though I am a better person because of this experience. I would recommend Global Routes to everyone looking for an experience they will cherish for the rest of their life. I know I will!”
2021 (Student) Hawaii Program
Delaney Jones
“Global routes gives you or your students an experience where they will learn to be independent while having a community to support them. It is also an experience where I felt like the actions I took made a difference”
2017 (Student) Nepal Program
Elizabeth Strickler
“Adam was able to appeal to the unique desires we had for our son: extreme travel, mixed with excellent guidance on growth in so many areas, not just academic or fun.”
2017 (Student) Nepal Program
Nina
“Going to Nepal with GR was the best decision I’ve made for so many reasons. It pushed me past my comfort zone to realize that my comfort zone was holding me back.”
2017 (Student) St. Vincent Program
Colette
“The bonds I made while on my trip gave new meaning to what it means to connect with people and really appreciate what it means to be a friend. Global Routes allowed me to realize the importance of human connections and cultural immersion, and I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world.”
2011 (Student) St. Vincent Program
Kyla
“This program really pushed me to become a better leader and a better person. Not only did I make lifelong connections with the people in my group, but I got to experience a way of life I never could have imagined. Being put in a position of responsibility really pushed me to grow into a more confident and adventurous individual. I would recommend this program to everyone, it is an experience I will hold very dear to me for the rest of my life.”
2019 (Student) Tanzania Program
Olivia Ridge
“This trip planted a seed in my heart that has made me realize how fortunate I am and how much I want to help others. It was a remarkable opportunity and one that I would do all over again in a heartbeat!!”
2019 (Student) Tanzania Program
Avery McNiff
“Although challenging at times, every moment was truly life changing. I created a new family with my fellow travelers, and the Tanzanians! The trip was amazing and I would do it again in a heartbeat. None of it would have been possible without Global Routes. I truly recommend a Global Routes trip to anyone who wishes to touch others lives while becoming closer with the ones they travel with.”
2019 (Student) Tanzania Program
Caroline Coates
“I left a changed person who had a new appreciation and love for the world and all people. Global Routes gave me an amazing perspective on life, a chance to serve a community in need and gave me a new family that I have formed bonds with that will last a lifetime.”
2019 (Student) Tanzania Program
Charlie Donahue
“Global routes created a trip and experience I will never forget. I made lifelong friends that I will always have connections with. Our leaders made sure they personally knew everyone to ensure a fantastic experience. 15/10 would recommend.”
2013 (Student) Ecuador Program
Amelia
“It was life-changing and I will never forget the experience. I wish I could go back every day.”
2014 (Student) Ecuador Program
Noah
“Global Routes gave me an amazing experience that put me far out of my comfort zone in the best way. I learned about new cultures and how to better interact and connect with a variety of people. I look forward to continue using what I learned on my trip anywhere I go for the rest of life.”
2016 (Student) Ecuador Program
Hilary
“I went on the program the summer before I went to college, and the confidence I gained on my Global Routes trip helped me a lot during that transition. I still think back to my trip with fond memories– it was a very positive and formative experience.”
2022 (Student) Costa Rica Program
Kimberly Binette
Orientation- it was amazing, everything from the team bonding activities to the hiking, to the tree climbing and simply the bonding that was made in those first few days were amazing!!! We all got so close so fast which made the experience that much better! Home stay- the best experience of my life. The communication aspect was difficult but we all knew that coming into the program and it was a blast to figure out ways to communicate and to make it work! Those two weeks were amazing and all the connections and activities we played with the community were the highlight of the trip! Closure- the end of the trip was soooooo much fun. The surfing and white water rafting were definitely everyone’s highlights of the trip! We had so much fun bonding and spending our last moments together!! 2022(Student) Costa Rica Program
Eliza Taub
I loved all the adventure things we got to do the first week. Tree climbing, hiking, making brown sugar, waterfall repelling, and more all really helped me connect to the group. After orientation week I was already so close to everyone in the group I was ready to go into the homestay feeling amazing. Time in the homestay was incredible. It was a phenomenal experience to live with these families, I loved working on the project, and I loved that we still had time as a group. The last week was an amazing way to reflect on the experience. I loved the last hurrah as a group together, but nothing could truly prepare me for reentry. I really enjoyed the surfing and white water rafting though and enjoying every second together as a group. 2022 (Student) Costa Rica Program
Brynn Buckley
Orientation: At first I was confused as to why we needed a week-long orientation before hoping into the homestays, I thought it would be too long — I was wrong! The orientation created group cohesion and allowed me to make friends and get close enough with people so that I knew I would feel comfortable staying with them during the homestays
2022 (Student) Costa Rica Program
Kellyn Guzman
The end of the trip was amazing but also very bittersweet. We had all grown so close, but at the same time we knew that we would have to leave each other soon. It made for a lot of crying and connecting over all the stuff we had left back at home.
2021 (Student) Costa Rica Program
Abigail Hayes
“I was so excited to come on this trip to Costa Rica with Global Routes, but nothing could have quite prepared me for all of the wonderful experiences and amazing people that I met along the way. I am very glad that I went with Global Routes because of how much they emphasized the culture and gave us opportunities to connect with the people and really see what life is like there. I got to improve my Spanish, make connections with so many people, many of whom I hope to stay in touch with, and already am. One of the things that I really loved was how we had a great balance of fun things and hard work. In a way that made all of the fun activities like whitewater rafting, waterfall repelling, zip lining and even a swim in the river all the more meaningful and special. One day we all were working especially hard and it was hot outside, I remember Pablo taking us for a quick jump in the river and out of all of the times we went swimming there, the water never felt as cold and refreshing as it did that time. Doing something like this is a big decision, and sometimes scary but I am so glad to have gone, and this is something I will always remember for the rest of my life. The wonderful people I met, places I saw and things I got to do. I would definitely encourage any one who is considering going on this trip to embark on this wonderful journey. Pura Vida!”
2022 (Student) Hawaii Program
Maia Musallam
It taught me more in-depth about the priceless mess of those little moments off the screen. So even though I jumped back in fairly quickly I’m taking more screen time breaks than I was before.
2022 (Student) Hawaii Program
Georgia Turner
oh my god GO! it’s lifechanging and you grow so much after the month. you learn about other cultures, what it means to be a guest in another country, and how grateful we should be with our resources.
2022 (Student) Hawaii Program
Erin Rudenske
What an incredible and meaningful experience! Our son seems to have thrived on this trip! He learned so much about Hawaii (the culture and the people), about farming, food, and conservation/sustainability. He grew and matured immensely! He returned to us a very, very happy guy!
2022 (Student) Hawaii Program
Maya Deshpande
I really enjoyed being without my phone. The first few days I was trying to get used to it still but afterwards I kind of forgot about my phone. The main thing I liked about no phones is that there was no distractions. I feel like having a conversation with another person is worse when they’re staring at their phone the whole time because you feel like they don’t care about what you’re saying. When no one had their phones I felt like we made more of an effort to have genuine conversations with each other.
2022 (Student) Hawaii Program
Olivia Michel
I really enjoyed getting to just live. After coming home and dealing with all of the stress of returning to my city environment, I’ve realized just how lucky I was to be able to just exist day to day without stressing over future events. I hope to travel so much more in the future, and this trip has taught me the importance of making connections, and truly learning about the people on the land in which you are existing on. I know that when I return to Hawaii in the future, I will hope to avoid staying at a hotel or touristy area mainly because I do not want to. I want to be able to pay my respects to both the land and it’s people. I want to be able to see the rewards of my hard work. I also one day hope to participate in WWOOFING, and I hope to embrace new cultures and lands in a way similar to how we embraced life in Hawaii. I learned to work with others and that “many hands make light work” and to truly get to know those around me beyond the surface. I also learned that I am both analytical and observant, and the importance of being kind to yourself and rewarding your accomplishments. I learned just how much I care about social and environmental justice, and our roles as human beings in combating social and environmental issues. The beauty of Hawaiian land, and culture has stuck with me after returning home. I am grateful to have this be my first ever experience on the island, and I was able to learn so much. I’m also grateful to have been witness to a form of Hawaiian revolution against white colonialism and supremacy, and the reclamation of Hawaiian culture through knowledge, compassion, and aloha. I learned to be more patient with myself and others, and to live in the moment, and appreciate the beauty of the land and people around me, flaws and all.
2022 (Student) Hawaii Program
Ella Bishop
I would tell them that as scary and intimidating as it may seem the other people who are signing up for the same program fall under the same interests groups as you do and you will be able to meet people that you will never forget. You will also never be able to experience a destination in the same way you are able to on these programs.
2021 (Student) Hawaii Program
Ryan McEnroe
“The 2021 Hawaii Program has changed my perspective on life, humanity’s relationship with the earth, and the individual’s true potential for impact in issues that may seem absent of it, among others. We dove headfirst into Hawaiian culture and history and learned things from points of view we had not experienced or even considered beforehand. The work we did on various farms and other locations gave us a truly hands-on lesson in Hawaii’s past and the values that Hawaiians have espoused for thousands of years. We explored places of deep historical and geological significance and basked in the sheer beauty of the place. The Hawaii Program was a month of learning, new beginnings, rewarding service, breathtaking surroundings, and cultural immersion; it was a month I’ll never forget.”
2021 (Student) Hawaii Program
Ainslie Leitao
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to travel amidst the covid-19 pandemic to Hawaii with Global Routes. The program challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone which allowed room for so much growth and knowledge. I feel as though I am a better person because of this experience. I would recommend Global Routes to everyone looking for an experience they will cherish for the rest of their life. I know I will!”
2021 (Student) Hawaii Program
Delaney Jones
“Global routes gives you or your students an experience where they will learn to be independent while having a community to support them. It is also an experience where I felt like the actions I took made a difference”
2017 (Student) Nepal Program
Elizabeth Strickler
“Adam was able to appeal to the unique desires we had for our son: extreme travel, mixed with excellent guidance on growth in so many areas, not just academic or fun.”
2017 (Student) Nepal Program
Nina
“Going to Nepal with GR was the best decision I’ve made for so many reasons. It pushed me past my comfort zone to realize that my comfort zone was holding me back.”
2017 (Student) St. Vincent Program
Colette
“The bonds I made while on my trip gave new meaning to what it means to connect with people and really appreciate what it means to be a friend. Global Routes allowed me to realize the importance of human connections and cultural immersion, and I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world.”
2011 (Student) St. Vincent Program
Kyla
“This program really pushed me to become a better leader and a better person. Not only did I make lifelong connections with the people in my group, but I got to experience a way of life I never could have imagined. Being put in a position of responsibility really pushed me to grow into a more confident and adventurous individual. I would recommend this program to everyone, it is an experience I will hold very dear to me for the rest of my life.”
2019 (Student) Tanzania Program
Olivia Ridge
“This trip planted a seed in my heart that has made me realize how fortunate I am and how much I want to help others. It was a remarkable opportunity and one that I would do all over again in a heartbeat!!”
2019 (Student) Tanzania Program
Avery McNiff
“Although challenging at times, every moment was truly life changing. I created a new family with my fellow travelers, and the Tanzanians! The trip was amazing and I would do it again in a heartbeat. None of it would have been possible without Global Routes. I truly recommend a Global Routes trip to anyone who wishes to touch others lives while becoming closer with the ones they travel with.”
2019 (Student) Tanzania Program
Caroline Coates
“I left a changed person who had a new appreciation and love for the world and all people. Global Routes gave me an amazing perspective on life, a chance to serve a community in need and gave me a new family that I have formed bonds with that will last a lifetime.”
2019 (Student) Tanzania Program
Charlie Donahue
“Global routes created a trip and experience I will never forget. I made lifelong friends that I will always have connections with. Our leaders made sure they personally knew everyone to ensure a fantastic experience. 15/10 would recommend.”
2013 (Student) Ecuador Program
Amelia
“It was life-changing and I will never forget the experience. I wish I could go back every day.”
2014 (Student) Ecuador Program
Noah
“Global Routes gave me an amazing experience that put me far out of my comfort zone in the best way. I learned about new cultures and how to better interact and connect with a variety of people. I look forward to continue using what I learned on my trip anywhere I go for the rest of life.”
2016 (Student) Ecuador Program
Hilary
“I went on the program the summer before I went to college, and the confidence I gained on my Global Routes trip helped me a lot during that transition. I still think back to my trip with fond memories– it was a very positive and formative experience.”