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South America Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year logo

South America Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year

by: Carpe Diem Education

9.9 (10)Verified

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...

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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.

Quick Details

Locations
  • Rural Areas, Ecuador
  • Cusco, Peru
Availability
Year(s) Offered2025, 2026Duration:
  • 3-6 Months
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • Agriculture
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Environment
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Recognitions

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Innovation in Alumni EngagementGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist -	Volunteer Abroad ProgramInnovative Study Abroad Program 2023 FinalistTop Rated Gap Year Provider 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.22

Total Reviews

10

I'll never be the same!

by: Clarissa Sayre - United StatesProgram: South America Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year
9

This 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 Year
10

I 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, ...

If 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

Gap Year Timing:
  • 3-6 Months
  • 3-6 Months
  • During College

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

  • All Nationalities

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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