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South America Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year
Spend a gap semester in Peru and Ecuador—nations characterized by awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse cultures, and a deep sense of shared history. From your vantage point, you’ll get a fascinating view into the complexities of indigenous communities, colonialism, and the increasing pressures of globalization. From the arid beaches to the soaring Andes Mountains, from the Amazon jungle to the capita...
Spend a gap semester in Peru and Ecuador—nations characterized by awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse cultures, and a deep sense of shared history. From your vantage point, you’ll get a fascinating view into the complexities of indigenous communities, colonialism, and the increasing pressures of globalization. From the arid beaches to the soaring Andes Mountains, from the Amazon jungle to the capital cities; this is the adventure of a lifetime. Study, practice, and expand your Spanish as you live alongside host communities and immerse yourself in unique cultures and traditions. Lend a hand in agricultural and conservation efforts, establish a connection to people and places, and explore questions related to globalization and social justice. From your perch in the cloud forests of Ecuador, p...
Program Highlights
Improve your Spanish while making an impact: Practice the native language as you work side by side with hosts on reforestation projects, in collaboration with indigenous advocacy organizations.
Trek from the Andes to the Cloud Forest: Encounter fascinating biodiversity and experience a side of Ecuador that most tourists never visit.
Lend a hand: Learn from your host community and lend a hand in reforestation, sustainable farming, and environmental protection efforts.
Seek out wildlife and adventure: Explore the Amazon basin, traverse the biodiverse rainforest, visit indigenous villages, and celebrate rural family life.
Experience traditional life: Learn about the impacts of large-scale resource extraction on communities while staying with families in the cloud forest of Ecuador.
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Quick Details
- Rural Areas, Ecuador
- Cusco, Peru
- 3-6 Months
- Agriculture
- Building & Construction Projects
- Community Development
- Conservation
- Environment
- See more
- All Nationalities
Recognitions
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
I'll never be the same!
by: Clarissa Sayre - United StatesProgram: South America Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap YearThis trip was life-changing. I will forever have the memories of the activities I did, the people I served, and the amazing group I travelled with. Not only did I see and do incredible things, but I learned so much. I learned so much about culture, people, traditions, and myself. What an amazing experience that I will never forget!
I wish it never ended
by: Audrey Sullivan - United StatesProgram: South America Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap YearI went on the fall of 2018 Carpe semester to Ecuador and Peru and it was absolutely incredible. Being able to learn Spanish in countries where they speak it, was amazing. I loved my group and the leaders; everyone I met was incredible. The itinerary was amazing and we were never somewhere for too long. I truly feel like I have seen all of Ecuador and Peru but would still go back in a heartbeat. Some of my favorite moments were tubing down a river in the Amazon, the Salkantay trek, Machu Picchu, ...
Take a gap year with Carpe Diem
by: RyanProgram: South America Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap YearIf you want to travel, challenge yourself, learn more about yourself, and improve yourself, take a gap year with Carpe Diem. It succeeds where others have failed. Just do it.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Rural Areas, Ecuador
- Cusco, Peru
Types & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Building & Construction Projects
- Community Development
- Community Service & Volunteering
Availability
Years Offered: 2025, 2026
- 3-6 Months
- 3-6 Months
- During College
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
- All Nationalities
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
- Required Equipment
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Guest House
- Home-stays
- Other
Qualifications & Experience
- Some high school, no diploma
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Some college credit, no degree
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
- Physical Exam/Health Records
Frequently Asked Questions
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