Written By Cece & Hannah

Welcome back family and friends to the adventures of CARPE DIEM. This week we started our Spanish classes in San Juan La Laguna! Along with regular Spanish class for three hours per day, we also got the opportunity to take art classes! Some of us chose embroidery, while others chose painting which has been a great way to learn a skill while embracing the art and culture of this beautiful lake-side town.

The school is known for their coffee production, and we got an amazing coffee tour from the one and only – Benedicto, the painting teacher and head of the school. We also got a cacao tour at a nearby chocolate factory earlier in the week, where we got to sample cacao beans, different types of chocolate and learn how cacao production works from start to finish. It was also a very special week here in Guatemala, as this Saturday was Día de Los Santos. We spent one afternoon making kites and flying them at the school. This is a tradition in Guatemala because it creates a connection between the world of the living and the souls of the dead. Another day, we made our dinner at school. It was traditional food for Día de Los Santos, which included steamed plantains, sweet potato, elote (corn), as well as a sweet squash soup with cinnamon called ayote.

Also, this Friday was Halloween! We all dressed up to go to school, passed out candy to our teachers, and carved pumpkins! That night, while our original plans changed because of the rain, some of us braved the cold night and went out on the town to a fiesta that had a Halloween event! We danced the night away for a couple hours, then slept the night away. On Día de Los Santos, we spent the day out on Lake Atitlan renting kayaks, a pretty deflated paddleboard, and a water bike! It was a super beautiful day, and we got to catch golden hour on the lake as we were paddling back to San Juan. While it was so much fun, with the wind, some interesting currents and the clouds that threatened to rain on us on the way to San Marcos, it was a bit of a struggle, but the difficult journey is what makes the destination worth it! It was a great time to talk, bond and distract ourselves until we finally got back. That night, we walked through the bustling streets of vendors up to the cemetery to see the decorated graves, and hear the music. This celebration was so beautiful and amazing, we are so grateful to have been a part of such a special celebration in Guatemala.

And that concludes this weeks summary of the crazy events these girls are taking part in for now!

PEACE OUT!

Carpe Diem Central America Fall 2025

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Written By Jackie and Lauren

We’ve officially been here for a month — CRAZY! We spent the past week in Tzununa, a tiny but beautiful town right on Lake Atitlan. We stayed at a guest house called Bambu, which honestly felt more like a resort. The food and amenities were next level, with a sauna and cold plunge, and of course delicious meals. All our food was fresh and straight from the earth, grown within walking distance at Atitlan Organics. The early morning farm work felt manageable due to the food, hospitable culture, and amazing conversations with our group and local partners. We all stayed together in one big room which made the whole week feel like a non-stop sleepover with the best views imaginable.

Our days were packed. Our mornings started with optional yoga (some of us made it, some of us… didn’t), then we went to the permaculture farm, and after, we listened to lectures about design and sustainability. We learned how humans can live harmoniously with the land and with each other by valuing community and respecting natural resources. We even got to plant tuul, which are water plants, in Lake Atitlan, trees in rocky terrain, and radishes in toiled garden beds! Throughout the week we got to explore the neighboring towns, and the most hidden waterfall pools with our Guatemalan guide, Jose! We rode in the back of a truck from Santiago to a Mayan pueblo that provides farm fresh food for their community, opposing mass-exports of coffee and avocado to the United States. At Atitlan Organics, we got to see right where our food came from and could even pick fruit right off the tree and eat it. Among some of our favorites were figs, passionfruit, avocado, and coffee beans (surprisingly tasty!).

We thanked all the amazing people that helped us in Tzununa by performing a rap…twice. We performed to the owner and cooks of Bambu and separately at an open-mic night. It was to the beat of “Still D.R.E.,” and it was incredible. I think we all have a real future traveling across Central America performing permaculture raps. We sadly said goodbye to Tzununa, took a boat ride to San Juan, and started our two-day trek up Rostro Maya. The trek was full of bugs, sweat, and way too many laughs, which was all worth it thanks to the ice cream breaks and stunning views. We got to end the night with a campfire in the clouds and wake up to see the sun rise from the mountain top. We ended the week in San Juan, ready for two weeks of Spanish classes and homestays. Covered in bug bites and full of gratitude, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

The post Connection and Permaculture at Lake Atitlan appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Hello friends and family! Here is a little update on what the group has been up to this past week!

To kick off this amazing week, we met our host families. We were divided into two groups. The first group included: Hannah, Lauren, and Lucina, who stayed with Araceli. The second group included Jackie and Cece, who stayed with Claudia. Later that night, after dinner, we all went on a sunset walk. Unfortunately we were caught in a storm and had to shift plans. But no fear, we found a very cozy cafe at the top of the mountain. We played group games while drinking a fun fizzy drink until the rain slowed.

On Monday, we had our first day of language school with our new teachers. While it was hard work, we all loved our teachers and enjoyed meeting new peers at school. After school we were given the opportunity to explore the city how we wanted before all meeting at Casa Seibel (our previous hostel the O.E’s were still staying at) for a surprise activity. Upon arriving at the hostel were discovered we’d be doing a blindfolded scavenger hunt with the reward of yummy treats at the finish line.

The next day was filled with more adventure around the city which was wrapped up with a student directed travel meeting. Wednesday afternoon we had the option to attend a salsa class and fútbol afterwards. Not only that, our night was spent all together practicing self care. We yet again gathered at the hostel for smoothies, friendship bracelets, and some deep conversations.

Unfortunately, Thursday was Mara’s last full day with us. Sad to see her go, we needed our time with her to go out with a bang, Karaoke night! Ending the night with our theme song “Man, I feel like a woman” was the perfect goodbye and a memory that will not be forgotten. Don’t fret because the festivities are far from over, we now have new character to unlock!

Friday was our last day of language classes which meant graduation! Graduation included speeches and songs perform by the graduating students followed by a feast for everyone. After graduation we sadly gave our final goodbyes to Mara, while emotional we knew it had to happen and are very excited for her new adventures to come. Shortly after we all met up to finally meet MARY! We promptly induced her as the new spice girl to our lively group, we took Mary to a dance party!! Well actually salsa class, but same thing. We closed off our first night all together with questions and fun, cool hot chocolate flavors.

Saturday was spent on the road – Off to Tzununa we went! We traveled through various forms of transportation such as a chicken bus and Tuk-tuks. That afternoon we gave up our phones to completely disconnect. Upon arriving in this beautiful rural town upon Lake Atitlan, we decided it was time to explore. We went around the small town checking out cute little shops and appreciating the beautiful nature. Our very first dinner there was nothing short of delicious, followed by a wondrous passion class filled with more friendship bracelets and hot seat! Not only did we laugh and cackle, but we got deep and learned a lot about each other.

It’s currently Sunday and the adventure of the Lake has just begun. The day started with a 50 minute walk to San Marcos with the task of questioning the locals and observing the town. We were able to learn so much about the town and the Lake in general, especially after talking to the manager of our hostel and getting a locals perceptive on how tourism has affected the community.

Reflecting on the last week, being separated at different homestays was hard, the independence was liberating. The trips to Xelapan will never be forgotten. With our fun conversations and our unique humor, we’ve grown not only as friends but as people. We are so excited to see what this next week has in store for us and all the adventures to come!

Peace OUT!

– Carpe Diem Guatemala 2025!!!!!!

The post Language Classes & Homestays appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written By Cece & Jackie

This week was the first of 2 weeks in Xela, aka Quetzaltenango! Our first morning here was a Sunday. We spent most of it trying unsuccessfully to find an open lavanderia to wash our clothes that had been covered in mud from Comalapa. Turns out most of them are closed on Sundays!

After we took a tour of the city, and later we explored the bustling Parque Central. This week a festival has been going on there in honor of the patron saint of the city, Rosario.

Monday was the start of our first session of Spanish classes! Along with one-on-one classes matched to our Spanish speaking levels, there were also activities after school everyday that we all had the opportunity to participate in with other students at the school, the Quetzalteco Linguistic Project (PLQ). Some of these included a documentary, a super fun soccer game, and a trip to Aguas Amargas, a hot spring about an hour outside of Xela.

Some activities within our little Carpe Diem group involved a full moon ceremony, focused on self reflection and transformation as the moon enters a new cycle. We also, of course, had some major dance parties this week! This Wednesday’s self care night ended up being an insane dance party at our hostel. On Friday, we had a salsa class with some locals and other students from PLQ, which was a little less crazy than our typical dance parties within our group, but just as fun!

While this week was amazing, we also faced some challenges along the way. Learning and practicing Spanish for 5 hours a day can be mentally exhausting and many days this week we came back to our hostel tired and needing a power nap before the next activity. On Saturday, we also faced a more physical challenge. We set out to climb Mt. Chicabal, a dormant volcano located near Xela that’s crater is now a lake. We woke up at 6 AM in an attempt to reach the top before the clouds rolled in, but after just walking through town to reach the trailhead, we realized we had met our match and got a ride to the top from a Torito. After some amazing views, the fog began to roll in. For a while, it was so thick that we could barely see five feet in front of us. Tomorrow we will meet our homestay families who we will be living with for the next week! We are so excited to see what this week holds and what adventures are coming up next!

What were three of the top highlights this week?:

• Salsa Class – It was super fun and we learned a ton of new moves!
• Self Care Night Dance Party – We love to dance and it was a great way to hype each other up and hang out together.
• The Impromptu Scary Carnival Swing Ride – After salsa we went on a swinging carnival ride in Parque Central that was so fun and memorable, but also mildly terrifying

What are you most grateful for this week?:

This week we are so grateful for all the new people we have met, from teachers and students at PLQ, to the very kind locals that we have interacted with! We are so excited for what is to come in the next week as we move onto the next adventure: homestays!

The post Exploring Xela & Learning Spanish appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

This past week has been nothing short of transformative. As we arrived in Comalapa, we were greeted by the city’s beautiful mountains, art, and an array of friendly locals. “Long Way Home” , the NGO we worked with, housed us all in one room which made the week feel like one big sleepover. While the icy cold showers and up-hill walks both to and from their eco-friendly school were definitely a challenge, those late night conversations will never be forgotten.

We kicked off our Comalapa trip with a walking tour to take a look at the Ancient city’s most beautiful artwork. One of the top pieces being an over 600 feet long mural diving into the depths of the country’s rich history. Through the walking tour we were able to discover more about the indigenous Mayan cultures that still surround the town. We spent our days working at the school learning various ways of sustainable construction. Some of which included mixing plaster and concrete, compressing trash into bricks that were then put into walls, and making eco bricks out of plastic bottles stuffed with trash. Although our time in Comalapa was physically demanding, group bonding was at an all time high. We learned a lot about each other as we worked together towards a common goal. We utilized our individual strengths and skills where they were best applied to maximize the efficiency of the work done. Nevertheless, building doesn’t have to be boring. That’s right- dance party on the worksite!! Aside from our amazing dance party, we also spent time at the school playing with the kids. Don’t worry though, we made sure to take care of ourselves after work with a spa night!! I know you might be surprised, but our night of face masks and lip scrubs did eventually devolve into yet another dance party!! We also got the opportunity to attend a cooking class after work one day. Together we made Turasco- a traditional dish with the most unforgettable guacamole. Our last night at the school, the kids gave out an amazing musical performance with traditional Guatemalan goodies for sale. As our time in Comalapa sadly came to an end, we said our goodbyes to the school and everyone who helped us with a handmade mosaic the group put together. On the way to Xela, we stopped at gorgeous Mayan ruins called Iximche before finally arriving for some much needed decompression and hot showers. Whoever thought one could miss flushable toilets this much? We can’t wait to see what the next week brings.

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Written By OEs Abby & Mara

Woweeee! What an incredible welcome to Guatemala it has been! We dove straight into getting to know each other, the program, and the incredible country that will be our home for the next 8 weeks!

Our orientation activities have allowed the group to reflect on their intentions for being here, their comfort zones, stereotypes and assumptions about different cultures, best practices for health and safety moving forward, and what leadership will look like within the group! Rarely a silent moment, we have had fun conversations about everything from origin stories of our names to favorite types of dogs. We enjoyed the comforts of our colonial style Airbnb, where we also shared delicious homemade meals and meaningful conversations with Isabel! The group has quickly been bonding and enjoying learning more about the diverse backgrounds we all come from!

Some highlights of our week have included joining the locals at a night market outside the cathedral, our first salsa class, views from the Cerro overlooking the town, and exploring the city together on a scavenger hunt! We have found that capybaras (typically of the stuffed and plastic variety) are everywhere. We have quickly adopted a couple to be our group mascots.

We closed out the orientation period with an opening ceremony where we wrote letters to ourselves and wove our gratitudes, gifts, fears, and manifestations for the program together, continuing to deepen our irreversible bond as we embark on this experience together. We have made it to our next stop: Comalapa, where we have already been immersed in the town’s rich artistic culture and are embracing life outside of the touristy heart of Antigua.

We are so excited for all that is to come and to support each other through the newness!

What were three of the top highlights this week?:

Some highlights of our week have included joining the locals at a night market outside the cathedral, our first salsa class, views from the Cerro overlooking the town, and exploring the city together on a scavenger hunt! We have found that capybaras (typically of the stuffed and plastic variety) are everywhere. We have quickly adopted a couple to be our group mascots.

What is something you or the group is challenged by this week?:

We’ve been challenged by navigating a new country and culture, using Spanish to order and navigate, and by adjusting to the program as a whole.

What are you most grateful for this week?:

We are so grateful for how well we have embraced each other, our differences, and our boundaries!

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Written by Central America Overseas Educators, JB and Andy

What’s New?

And just like that, three months of adventure, growth, and connection have come to an end. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown since our journey began. As we wrapped up our Central American program, our final days were filled with moments that felt both bittersweet and deeply meaningful. From sunset swims to heartfelt conversations, we made the most of every second we had left together.

Our last few days in Parrita, Costa Rica felt like a dream. The rhythm of the waves became our soundtrack as we spent time unwinding at the beach. One evening, we decided to take a walk during sunset, and what started as a casual stroll quickly turned into something magical. The sky transformed into a canvas of fiery oranges and soft purples, and the water called to us. Without hesitation, we jumped in, letting the ocean hold us in a way that felt freeing and grounding all at once.

Of course, paradise came with a price—mosquitoes. We became an all-you-can-eat buffet for them, but as we watched the sun dip below the horizon, it felt like the bites didn’t matter. That moment was about us, together, soaking in the beauty of nature and the joy of shared experiences.

From Parrita, we made our way to Alajuela, where the final pieces of our program came together. We organized a farewell activity, giving us a chance to reflect on our journey as a group. It was a space to celebrate how far we’d come, to laugh over inside jokes, and to share the ways we’ve been inspired by one another.

But because life has a way of surprising us, our last days weren’t just about planned activities—they were about spontaneity, too. Take the soccer game, for example. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it turned into one of the highlights of our time together. The Costa Rican team dominated, winning 4-0, and the energy in the stadium was electric. And then there was Cleo, who not only got interviewed by a local reporter but somehow went viral on TikTok afterward. Seeing her excitement and our group’s reaction reminded us how even unexpected moments can feel like the most unforgettable ones.

Throughout it all, we talked about what it means to be a global citizen and how we’ll carry the lessons of this program into our lives back home. We shared our thoughts on growth, resilience, and what it looks like to live intentionally in a way that builds bridges across cultures. Those conversations weren’t easy, but they were so important—just like everything else we’ve experienced these past three months.

Top Highlights of the Week

It’s impossible to sum up three months of memories in a few lines, but here are three moments from this week that left an impression:

Sunset Walk in Parrita

The mosquitoes were relentless, but the sunset was worth every bite. Walking along the shore, laughing, and eventually plunging into the ocean felt like a moment of pure freedom. It was the kind of memory you hold onto when you’re back home, longing for the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun.

Ray’s Trivia Extravaganza

Leave it to Ray to put together a 40-question trivia game that somehow captured the essence of our journey. From recalling the funny mishaps to reliving the big milestones, it was a chance to celebrate all we’d been through together. Trivia reminded us of the depth of our shared experiences—and how much we’ve grown as a group.

The Soccer Game

The last-minute soccer game wasn’t just a win for Costa Rica—it was a win for us, too. The energy in the stadium was contagious, and being part of the crowd felt like a celebration of connection and joy. And then there was Cleo, whose impromptu fame added an unexpected twist to the evening.

Challenges We’ve Faced (and Conquered!)

As much as we savored our final days, they weren’t without their challenges. Saying goodbye to the people and places that have been our world for the past three months wasn’t easy. How do you let go of a group that has become your family, or a place that has felt like home?

There were tears, hugs, and a shared sense of disbelief as we watched the video that recapped our time together. Seeing all the moments—big and small—that shaped our journey was overwhelming in the best way. It was a reminder of everything we’d been through, from the challenges that pushed us to grow to the moments of pure joy that reminded us why we were here.

It wasn’t just the goodbyes that were tough; it was the recognition that we were stepping back into lives that might not fully understand what this experience meant to us. But we reminded ourselves that the lessons we’ve learned and the connections we’ve built will always be a part of who we are.

Gratitude and Growth

If there’s one thing that stands out from this week—and this entire program—it’s the power of connection. Every moment we’ve shared, and every relationship we’ve built, has been a reminder of how much we need each other.

The students in this program brought so much to the table. Their openness, curiosity, and resilience transformed every experience into something meaningful. And it wasn’t just the group—we were shaped by the kindness of strangers, the warmth of our homestay families, and the incredible people we met along the way.

Looking back, it’s clear that this journey was about more than the places we visited or the activities we did. It was about the people we became along the way.

As we close this chapter, we hope the students see the beauty they’ve experienced here as a reflection of their own strength, curiosity, and light. The laughter, the challenges, the magic—it all happened because of who they are and the way they showed up for this journey.

To the students: This program may be over, but the lessons and connections you’ve gained are yours to carry forward. Remember the beauty of this experience is simply a reflection of the beauty within you.

Here’s to the memories, the growth, and the unshakable bonds we’ve created. Until next time, Central America!

The post Quetzal ’24: A Bittersweet Farewell to Meaningful Connection and Transformation appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Students, Bridger and Ronan

What’s New?

Since the last blog post in Xela, our group has been in Tzununa, Guatemala staying in a sustainably built hotel called the “Bambu House.”

This week’s focus has been centered around permaculture, man’s relationship with nature, and engineering. We’ve also been getting to know each other better because we are not using our phones and we’re sharing living spaces. Our main teacher has been Shad, a successful entrepreneur, permaculturalist, family man, and philosopher.

Top Highlights of the Week

• Touring various permaculture farms and seeing how to correctly and incorrectly live sustainably. This meant learning about food forests and how a garden can be self-sustaining whilst also benefitting the pre-existing ecosystem. We have toured 3 different ones, ranging in size from the spinning spaceship carnival ride to the size of a large stadium.
• Hiking up the mountain of Rósto Maya. This entailed embarking on a 4-hour hike one way to the peak overlooking Lake Atitlan. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and the visibility was low, giving the illusion of being one with the clouds.
• Transferring between a sauna to a cold plunge. This was my personal favorite part of the week, as the feeling this created was one of unity with the earth, as well as acceptance of my body and mind. Just pure bliss.

A Challenge We Faced

As we have been getting to know each other better, we have learned about the parts of each other that we have not been comfortable showing. This means that there have been some disagreements in perspective and personality, however, we quickly learned how to meet in the middle. Although we may not be the most likely of friends, we are still very appreciative of each other’s presence, insight, and humor.

Group Dynamics

The group is thriving. Although inner groups of like-minded individuals are for sure forming, there is still a resounding sense of comradery between each individual.

The post Living Sustainably in Tzununa: Lessons in Permaculture, Unity, and Thriving as a Community appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Students, Maia and Ripley

What’s New?

This past week, we had the pleasure of continuing to explore Xela, but through a different lens—homestays! We were paired off with another person in the group and got to build one-on-one relationships while also building community and connection with the host families. Seeing Guatemalan life through the perspective of a local family was an enriching experience. Eating delicious meals and spending time with the families was a great exposure to the culture and a wonderful way to continue practicing our Spanish. We worked hard in Spanish classes in the mornings and explored the city in the afternoons. One-on-one Spanish classes allowed us to build unique connections with our teachers. The school was tailored to our needs and interests, and we had the opportunity to explore Xela with our teachers as guides.

Top Highlights of the Week

Equestrian Adventures: This week was filled with fun activities offered by the school, and most of the group elected to go horseback riding one of the days! Many of us have limited experience with horses, which made it all the more exhilarating when our guides started having us trot, and eventually gallop on the horses. The freeing feeling of galloping on the back of a horse is unmatched.

Kayaking on Lake Atitlan: Another activity organized by the school ended up with many of us in kayaks, boating the beautiful Lake Atitlan. We were surprised when our guides put us on the boats, told us to be safe, and then sent us off by ourselves, but that led to amazing group bonding time and an opportunity for us to explore all together. We ended up on one of the public beaches and went in for a quick soak before heading back to shore.

Relaxing Days by the Lake: Another favorite day this week was on Saturday. We woke gently and had peaceful mornings spent with our separate host families. Then host families packed us sack lunches full of food, which we took through San Juan, on a boat, and along the shore of San Marcos, where we sat as a group and ate and kicked our legs off the edge of the dock while we watched the lake. A couple of us went swimming, or shell hunting at the water’s edge. But mostly we talked, laughed, and soaked up the sun.

A Challenge We Faced

This week we began planning our Student Directed Travel Week and were definitely challenged by connecting our ambitious ideas with our limited planning time and budget. We met almost every day as a group to research hostels and activities, and brainstorm cheap meals so we could jigsaw everything we wanted to do within our budget.

Gratitude Reflections

Surprising Warmth: We were very pleasantly surprised by just how warmly we were welcomed into the homes of our host families. We ate our meals with the whole family, helped with chores, and spent evenings playing with our host siblings or talking with host parents.

Language Growth: We have noticed a lot of growth in our Spanish communication skills, as many of us have appreciated deeper conversations with our host families or teachers.

So grateful to have been able to be immersed in the culture this way and to have a safe and comfortable home to return to at the end of each day.

The post Language and Laughter in San Juan: Homestays, Horseback Riding, and Spanish Conversations appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Students, Laurie and Ray

What’s New?

This past week, we had the pleasure of continuing to explore Xela, but through a different lens—homestays! We were paired off with another person in the group and got to build one-on-one relationships while also building community and connection with the host families. Seeing Guatemalan life through the perspective of a local family was an enriching experience. Eating delicious meals and spending time with the families was a great exposure to the culture and a wonderful way to continue practicing our Spanish. We worked hard in Spanish classes in the mornings and explored the city in the afternoons. One-on-one Spanish classes allowed us to build unique connections with our teachers. The school was tailored to our needs and interests, and we had the opportunity to explore Xela with our teachers as guides.

Top Highlights of the Week

Fuentes Georginas:
The group took a van to Fuentes Georginas, a well-known attraction outside of Xela. The volcano-heated natural spring water trickled down the mountainside into a pool. The group had a relaxing time in the steamy lagoon. The nature was beautiful—cliff walls covered in lush, hanging vegetation surrounded the pool. A thick fog filled the atmosphere during our time there, adding an extra feeling of magic.

Mayan Cooking Class:
For the first time since the pandemic, our Carpe group was the first Americans to have the honor of participating in a cooking class at the home of a local Mayan chef. Working as a team, we split off into groups and were each assigned a part of the meal to prepare. We made a delicious pepián de pollo and shared a lot of laughter in the kitchen.

Dancing:
While talking with locals, we heard about a popular spot for young people to go dancing and decided to check it out. We made many friends with the local teenagers and had a lot of fun dancing our hearts out to popular Guatemalan music.

A Challenge We Faced

After being together for almost three weeks, being separated was a big change. It became harder to plan group activities and debrief our days. It was an adjustment to each be living different experiences and feeling the weight of individuality. In a way, it made the group stronger because we missed being together, making each time we saw each other more special. Being randomly paired off allowed us to branch out and connect on a deeper level with a group member we didn’t know as well.

Growth and Gratitude

With a new sense of individuality, there was a lot of time and space for personal growth. Stepping out of our comfort zones and speaking Spanish with the families all the time allowed us to improve our Spanish skills and make meaningful connections with locals. One thing the group has been working on since the beginning of the program and carried into our homestays was leaving time and space for reflection and mindfulness through journaling. We are looking forward to continuing to adapt how we reflect and internalize the fast-paced routine we are living in. As we look to the weeks ahead, we are excited to cherish every moment and new experience together.

The post Homestays, Hot Springs, and Heartfelt Connections: Our Immersive Week in Xela, Guatemala appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Students, Summer and Nico

What’s New?

Hello families! Sorry for the late blog post, the last 3 weeks have been packed with many adventures and laughs! We’re now writing from Lake Atitlan where we’ve been relaxing at the bamboo house and learning about Permaculture! We started off our first week in Xela at a local hostel taking 1:1 Spanish lessons at PLQ. We explored the city and built relationships with our teachers. The city of Xela was vibrant and filled with lots to do. Outside of classes, we would fill our free time with journal sessions, card games, spontaneous hikes, karaoke, and other various group activities.

Top Highlights of the Week

On Wednesday we played soccer after our long day of school. We played with locals and had a blast running around and being competitive.

On Saturday we had a packed day! We woke up at 5:00 am to hike to a volcano lookout. We were all in awe of the beauty of the volcano and it gave us an opportunity to pause and appreciate the amazing place we’re living in.

Also on Saturday, we had the chance to go see a local soccer game. The spirit of the game was energetic and exciting and we appreciated being able to experience a part of Guatemala’s culture and a game that brings people together.

A Challenge We Faced

One of the challenges we faced this week was jumping back into school and maintaining focus for a five-hour period. After a long summer off and being in a new and exciting place with friends, it was challenging to be back in school mode. Since we were all excited and eager to improve our Spanish skills we were able to push through this challenge.

Gratitude and Growth

Our first week in Xela we were really grateful to all have a great group and support system. Our group has been feeling very connected to our surroundings and each other. We’ve enjoyed sharing spaces and great conversations together and now we feel like we’ve known each other for months. Our curiosity to learn more about each other continues to grow and we can’t wait to see our bonds together grow through the next couple of months.

The post Embracing New Rhythms: Education and Adventure in Xela appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Overseas Educators, Andy & JB

What’s New?

The program started in Antigua, Guatemala for orientation. The group quickly found its footing as we explored the town and created a culture amongst everyone. As the first couple of days went by, we explored markets, reviewed the itinerary for the next 10 weeks, and got to know each other more before heading to Comalapa, Guatemala for our first service project of the program.

As we conclude an inspiring week at Long Way Home in Comalapa, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our experiences together. Here are three standout highlights, a challenge we faced, and some insights into our personal growth since the start of this transformative program.

Top Highlights of the Week

Sustainable Building Progress: This week, we made significant strides on our sustainable building projects. Students worked tirelessly on the construction of our eco-friendly classroom, incorporating local materials and techniques. It’s incredible to see our vision materialize and to witness the community’s enthusiasm as they join us in creating a space for future generations. Each day consisted of building, playing with the school children during recess, and activities once the workday was over.

Cultural Exchange Workshops: We hosted a series of cultural exchange workshops where local artisans shared their skills with participants. From traditional weaving to tortilla making, these sessions not only celebrated Guatemalan heritage but also strengthened our bonds with the community. The joy and pride in learning and sharing these crafts were palpable.

Becoming Better Travelers: This week, many students took significant steps toward becoming more adaptable travelers. As we immerse ourselves in the local culture and navigate the language barrier, we’ve learned to appreciate the nuances of daily life in Comalapa. From practicing our Spanish to understanding local customs, each interaction helps us grow more comfortable and connected to our surroundings. This journey is not just about building; it’s about building bridges with the community and enhancing our cultural awareness.

A Challenge We Faced

While this week was filled with positivity, we faced a challenge regarding new living styles. We focused on being in our stretch zone for the week, inviting new conversations about compostable toilets, cold showers, and washing our clothes in a pila. Though some of us were out of our comfort zone, it has also prompted important discussions about sustainable practices and the value of maximizing what we have. This challenge encourages us to think innovatively and work collaboratively to find solutions and learn more about ourselves and the group’s needs.

Growth and Gratitude

Since joining Long Way Home, each of us has experienced significant personal growth. Many participants have developed a deeper understanding of sustainability and its importance in our lives and communities. We’ve learned to appreciate the power of collaboration and the impact we can have when we come together with a common purpose.

Moreover, the experiences here have fostered a sense of responsibility and pride in our work. We’ve become more engaged citizens, ready to advocate for our community and environment. As we reflect on our journey, it’s clear that we are not just building structures; we are building a resilient community.

Looking Ahead

We’re looking forward to our time in Xela, Guatemala. Students will begin their Spanish intensive classes and then transition into their week-long homestays. The weeks will be filled with classes during the day, and evening activities where they will have a chance to explore the city and continue their self-growth journey.

The post A Week of Cultural Immersion and Sustainable Building in Guatemala appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Overseas Educators, Andy & Jubitza

Hola! 

Andy and Jubitza here, writing to you from Portland, Oregon. We’ve been in training for the last couple of days, with a few more to go before setting off on this awesome adventure ahead of us. Here’s a quick rundown of who we are and what excites us about the next three months:

Andy is from Wyoming and recently completed a program on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, where he guided students through service projects in the community and engaged with unique cultural experiences. He’s traveled extensively throughout Central and South America and loves sharing stories of his time in Guatemala and Ecuador. In his free time, Andy is an avid climber and enjoys jujitsu and motorcycles. He’s most excited about returning to the country that made him fall in love with Latin America and seeing where and how the students choose to travel during their time there.

Jubitza is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, but has spent time in Denver hiking and exploring the nonprofit world. She has traveled throughout Central and South America, visiting family and guiding experiential education programs. When she’s not in the field, Jubitza enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, or dancing with her friends. She’s looking forward to surfing with the students and staying curious throughout the various locations the group will experience together.

As our travels are coming up, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite travel tips!

• Live in your stretch zone! Pushing ourselves in new environments while also respecting our boundaries is key to making the most of these new experiences.
• Problems that arise are opportunities for solutions! Whatever situation we find ourselves in, we can address the challenges and move forward as long as we don’t allow ourselves to get caught up in the complications.
• Embrace the magic! Let’s make the most of our time together and savor every new experience we encounter.

Guatemala and Costa Rica are beautiful countries with rich cultures and wonderful people. We can’t wait to meet you soon and begin this journey together.

The post Meet Your Quetzal Overseas Educators & Get Ready for an Exciting Journey Ahead! appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Overseas Educators, Malcolm and Jasmin

It’s hard to believe our ten weeks together in Central America have come to an end. How is it that we won’t all be sharing a meal later today or waking up groggy-eyed tomorrow before another adventure? We formed such close bonds and integrated into each other’s lives throughout our wonderful semester together, filled with exploration, new challenges, and lots of learning. We became a part of each other’s routines, support systems, and everyday connections. The absence of each group member and our unique idiosyncrasies will be felt by all of us as we transition back home.

Through it all, we’ll have our memories of the good times we had together, of which there are many!

Antigua, Guatemala: Orientation and Scavenger Hunt

We began our journey in Antigua, Guatemala with orientation, and had our first adventures and stressful moments during the scavenger hunt around the city. Some students got a little turned around, but they figured out how to make their way back to the meeting point and gained some navigational confidence while practicing their Spanish.

Comalapa: Long Way Home and La Escuela de Heroes

From there we went to Comalapa to work with Long Way Home and La Escuela de Heroes, living in rugged conditions and throwing ourselves into physical labor. We learned a lot about sustainable construction as we devoted blood, sweat, and maybe some tears to building a tire retention wall. We learned how to make cob, eco-bricks, and plastic building blocks, and we came out better for it (although not unscathed!). We also had a chance to explore the Mayan ruins of Iximche and learn about the indigenous history of Guatemala and the wider region, setting an important context for the rest of the program.

Xela: Spanish School and Home Stay

After an exhausting and fulfilling week, we made our way to Xela for two weeks of Spanish school and our first homestay of the trip! Along with our one-on-one Spanish classes, we explored the city and took advantage of the cultural and educational opportunities offered by PLQ Spanish School. We went on an excursion to natural hot springs, played soccer with locals and other travelers, heard lectures on international adoption and women’s health care in Guatemala, and even learned how to salsa dance!

Lake Atitlan: Rostro Maya Trek and Tzununa Home Stay

By the end of our two weeks in Xela, we were physically recovered from the manual labor in Comalapa, but mentally exhausted from the many hours of Spanish class. What better way to regain some perspective and explore our new base at Lake Atitlan than to trek up Rostro Maya? We hiked straight up the steep mountain, enjoying increasingly beautiful views of the lake as we ascended, and our spaghetti dinner at the top was one of our best meals of the trip! We slept in cozy tents and woke up early to watch the gorgeous sunrise over the lake before hiking back down and taking a boat across the lake to Tzununa, our home for the next week.

Tzununa: Granja Tzikin Permaculture Farm

We stayed at a permaculture farm and education center, Granja Tzikin, and learned about permaculture and plant propagation. We also had an exciting afternoon learning about beekeeping with a hands-on workshop at the beehives, and then got to sample the products made from the honey of those very same bees! Despite all of us getting a stomach bug at some point that week, we made the most of our time there with some work in the garden, music nights, and learning from our gracious hosts Neal and Jeremy.

San Juan: Semana Santa and Home Stays

Once our time in Tzununa was over, we made the quick trip across the lake to San Juan for two more weeks of homestays and Spanish classes and were lucky enough to be there for Semana Santa (Holy Week). We got to witness and participate in the local traditions and celebrations, highlighted by the massive fruit procession throughout the town and making alfombras (carpets) along the streets out of flowers and dyed sawdust. For graduation, we even got to wear traditional Guatemalan clothing and learn how to make some traditional dishes.

Student Directed Travel: El Paredón and Acatenango Volcano

Finally, we were done with Spanish classes and it was time for Student Directed Travel, a week where the students chose and coordinated everything we did! They made a great plan, including a few days on the black sand beaches of El Paredón, and then an incredible trek up Acatenango Volcano to watch the sunset, and sunrise, and to witness nearby Volcán Fuego erupting. We rounded it out with a few days in Antigua to recover from the hike, explore the city, and check out the quirky attraction of Hobbitenango!

Costa Rica: Mastatal and Drake Bay

After student-directed travel, our trip transitioned to Costa Rica and the humid rainforest of Mastatal. We stayed at a permaculture farm and worked alongside Javier, a Costa Rican farmer and conservationist with lots of energy, a wonderful family, and tons of knowledge to share. We visited other local businesses like an herbalism center, chocolate farm, and permaculture learning center, and found our way to a waterfall nearly every day to cool off and splash around!

Scuba Diving Training: Drake Bay

Then came the week we were all anticipating the most – for better or worse – scuba diving training! We traveled to Drake Bay and learned everything needed to become open-water divers, and some opted to explore the sea by snorkeling. Being out on the ocean at Caño Island allowed us to witness the unbelievable majesty of the underwater world. We swam with a multitude of colorful fish, sting rays, eels, sea horses, sharks, and most impressively of all, giant manta rays!

Final Days: Dominical and Nauyaca Falls

We closed our trip with some beach days in Dominical, a trip to the magical Nauyaca Falls, and a final dinner back in the San José region.

After early-morning hugs at the airport and bittersweet goodbyes, the trip officially came to an end, and it’s hard to believe we did all that in a matter of 10 weeks. It’s been an action-packed trip filled with hilarious and challenging moments, but also time for skill-building, reflection, and personal growth. We’ll always be connected by the experiences we share, and although we won’t be living and traveling together anymore, we are still an important part of each others’ lives, as are the lessons we learned along the way.

Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible and so successful, and thank you to the families who supported their students in undertaking this incredible, impactful journey!

Keep exploring, learning, and challenging yourselves – we feel grateful to have met and bonded with you all, and we know you’ll continue to do wonderful things in this world!

Hasta luego y pura vida,

Malcolm and Jasmin

The post Reflecting on Our Central America Adventure: 10 Weeks of Exploration, Learning, and Growth appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Student, Danny Evans

We arrived in Drake Bay for the last week of the trip! Here we explored the biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean as through the week we completed our Padi Open Water Dive Scuba certification. We were also fortunate to visit Corcovado National Reserve seeing many different animals native to Costa Rica. We saw different types of monkeys, a sloth, an anteater, a boa, and a bunch of other different animals!

Our Top Highlights of the Week

Completing our scuba certification allowed us to swim down and explore different coral reefs and see different marine life!

Spending time at the beach soaking up some sun and swimming in the Ocean.

Exploring Corcovado National Reserve with the help of our amazing guide, Erik, allowed us to see amazing animals in the wild.

Challenges Faced

As our trip was coming to an end, people started to struggle with the concept of coming back home. Living in Central America is such an immense change from living in the United States it’s sometimes hard to make that transition back. There are different norms, different behaviors, and different cultures, so it can sometimes be hard to make such a big change so quickly.

Personal Growth

I have grown so much as a person since the start of this program. This program has helped me learn how to advocate for myself more in certain situations. Also, I feel like my overall maturity as a person has skyrocketed. I often find myself less anxious in situations that I used to not be able to handle and feel more prepared for things.

The post Diving into Adventure: A Week in Drake Bay appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Student, Cleo Miller

New Adventures in Mastatal

Landed in Costa Rica! This week we traveled to a small and remote, but extremely beautiful, town called Mastatal in biodiverse Costa Rica! We stayed with Javier and his family in Villas Mastatal, and remained unplugged for the week, which was amazing to connect more with nature and I also finished a great book. Throughout the week we worked on Javier’s refuge learning more about permaculture by planting plantain trees using propagation, making compost tea, and more! We also took a quick but very fun ride on Javier’s horse .

Next, we visited Rancho Mastatal and learned about the different plants that grow in Costa Rica, including Starfruit, Cocoa trees, and Vanilla. Did you know that vanilla is hand-pollinated?

Also, we visited Iguana Chocolate and walked around the farm with Jorge, a third-generation farmer of cocoa, who taught us all about the process of making chocolate and got to make some chocolate ourselves too. We also got to make hot chocolate using traditional methods from cocoa farmers, which was absolutely amazing!

Finally, we took a short night hike with Javier and saw lots of cool spiders, insects, frogs, toads, and even a snake.

We had a great time at Villas Mastatal!!

Our Top Highlights of the Week

Seeing a bunch of new animals/birds including colorful Macaws, Toucans, and a green and black spotted poison frog!

Visiting lots of different, big, and beautiful waterfalls. They were extraordinary, even in the dry season!

Connecting with Javier and his family, he had 2 kids, ages 13 and 8! We loved to play games with them and practice our Spanish skills. We even played a couple of rounds of soccer.

Challenges Faced

The heat and extreme sun challenged my group and me during our time in Mastatal. I didn’t realize how strong the sun is in Costa Rica, especially when working in the sun. Although it was tough we stayed hydrated and cooled off with all the epic waterfalls!

Gratitude

During my program with Carpe Diem, I have grown A LOT, especially with the help of my lovely Overseas Educators, Malcolm and Jasmin, and my group! I’ve noticed how much more patient I have become when it comes to dealing with tough situations, I’m much more able to open up about my feelings with my group, and how to deal with my anxiety in tough circumstances!

Thank you, Javier and your lovely family for hosting us at Villas Mastatal. We loved every minute and all the meals we were served!

The post Exploring the Wonders of Mastatal, Costa Rica appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Students, Jess Solit and Danny Evans

This week was student-directed travel (SDT)! Our group embarked on the intimidating yet exciting task of planning and budgeting all of our housing, activities, transportation, and food for the week, while also leading our expeditions. We started our week on the west coast of Guatemala in El Paredon, splashed around in the ocean, played some frisbee, surfed some waves, and ate lots of yummy food. Then the group headed back to Antigua and had a relaxing time walking around the city, scaling Acatenango, and celebrating a very important birthday with scrumptious sushi.

Our Top Highlights of the Week

Hiking up Acatenango to watch volcano Fuego erupting with smoke and lava.

Splashing and playing frisbee in the ocean on our last day in El Paredon.

A fun trip to the Antigua Museum!

Challenges Faced

SDT definitely posed challenges in terms of budgeting and balancing multiple plans at once. While it was important to try to organize and budget each section simultaneously, it was also difficult not to be exactly sure how much we could spend each day while still allowing for some leeway in between.

Gratitude

Since this was our last week in Guatemala, we just want to share how much we appreciate all the people we’ve encountered on our journeys here. Everyone at Long Way Home, our teachers at PLQ and Eco School, our host families from both San Juan and Xela, and the lovely people at Granja Tzikin, thank you so much for such a gratifying and incredible experience. We will all take our newfound wisdom and experiences you’ve imparted upon us into the world.

Off to Costa Rica!

The post A Week of Student-Directed Travel in Guatemala appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Student, Arianna Cochrane

What’s new?

We were in San Juan staying in homestays for our second and final week! Which also means our final week of Spanish school! We are all glad we got to improve our Spanish so much, but definitely happy we made it through it all. Our group also had painting classes and weaving classes, and we got to learn the history behind them in San Juan! We also got to attend a coffee tour, thanks to the co-owner of the Eco Spanish School, Benedicto!

Our Top Highlights of the Week

We graduated from our second school! We had a giant feast and got to taste lots of the traditional food made by our host families, and we also got to help make a food called dobladas. So yummy and so much fun!

We got to learn the history and the process of coffee making in San Juan, and we got to taste the deliciousness of it afterward!

 We all finished the projects we had been working on for the past couple of days. Two students painted beautiful paintings, and three of us wove beautiful articles of clothing/bags.

Challenges Faced

San Juan is in a drought since we are in the dry season. Lots of the water in the houses was shut off, so we had to learn to be conservative with our water and not be wasteful. It was definitely a challenge for all of us but it also taught us to be more aware of our water consumption!

What’s Next? 

Next week we have student-directed travel. We are all so excited to experience all the activities we chose to do and see how well we budgeted. We cant wait for the adventures ahead!

The post Our Final Week in San Juan: Spanish School Graduation, Coffee Tours, and Cultural Immersion appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Student, Henry Probolus

What’s new?

We arrived in San Juan and started our week of Spanish classes. We started on cultural art projects like painting and weaving. We enjoyed the cultural events of Semana Santa like the procession and creating alfombras out of flowers and colored sawdust. We visited nearby towns like San Pedro and went to Panajachel to see butterflies and other animals at the nature preserve.

Our Top Highlights of the Week

It was a lot of fun working on our weaving and painting projects throughout the week; we created some very detailed art and designs. We wove scarves, clothes, and fabrics together.

We visited the nature preserve on Saturday and saw some endangered species of animals. We walked over hanging bridges and saw a large waterfall. We also went into a butterfly sanctuary.

On Friday, we helped create carpets made of colored sawdust and flowers on the streets. Later, we attended the procession to celebrate Good Friday.

Challenges Faced

One of our main challenges was returning to Spanish school after a week-long break. It can be hard to pick up skills and retain knowledge from several days prior. Additionally, the houses we are staying in don’t always have running water for showers (though we did get to learn how to take a bucket shower!), which can make it difficult to take care of ourselves.

What’s Next? 

Next week, we will continue with our Spanish lessons and begin planning our student-directed travel for the second week of April. We’re excited to see what adventures await us!

The post A Week of Art, Culture, and Exploration in San Juan appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Students, Jess Solit and Cleo Miller

What’s new?

⦿ Our group headed over to Tzununa to learn about permaculture from Neil and Jeremy at the Granja Tz’ikin – The Farm.

⦿ Swam and walked around San Marcos, learned about the 12 values of permaculture, harvested veggies, and turned over garden beds.

⦿ We also met some incredible people like Ava and the families at Quixaya to learn about the different ways everyday people and communities implement permaculture.

Our Top Highlights of the Week

⦿ Learning about families and practices of Quixaya.

⦿ Being inspired by Ava’s empowering and eye-opening experiences in developing her own permaculture community.

⦿ Enjoying a refreshing swim in Lake Atitlan and at the pools in natural pools

Challenges Faced

⦿ Rallying due to our “tzununa”-mi of illness

⦿ Testing our limits of living in insect-infested land

Surprising Discoveries

⦿ We were all so surprised by the international presence at Granja Tz’ikin – The Farm, with the Guatemalan local and indigenous communities still centered. Seeing so many different cultures come together in an incredible way made living in a permaculture community feel well within our reach.

The post Exploring Permaculture: Highlights from Our Week in Tzununa appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Students, Henry Probolus and Arianna Cochrane

This was our last week in Xela! At the start of the week, we left our hostel and moved in with our host families! It has been such an amazing time experiencing the culture and tasting the amazing food inside our families’ houses! We met and became friends with so many people through the school PLQ, and we have improved our Spanish-speaking conversational skills immensely! Through one-on-one Spanish classes with our teachers, to school group activities such as taking a salsa dance class, attending a lecture about women’s health/rights in Guatemala, and playing a game of fútbol, our Spanish has never been better!

Our Top Highlights of the Week:

We all had the opportunity to take a Salsa class through PLQ, sadly we did not make chips and salsa, but we learned the basic steps of the dance and all the different and cool motions! Although it was pretty difficult in the beginning, once we got the hang of it, it was so much fun!

We hiked up Cerro Baúl on Thursday and got to see the amazing view from above Xela. We took pictures on a ledge near a lookout point and slid down big concrete slides on pieces of cardboard.

After a long week of intense Spanish immersion classes, we all graduated from PLQ!

What’s been challenging this week?

The intensive Spanish immersion with our teachers one-on-one has been such a big challenge, as our teachers speak little to no English, but it has definitely helped us learn a lot of Spanish muy rápido!

What are you looking forward to?

We are looking forward to our trek up Lake Atitlán! We get to stay the night camping on the mountain, and we will wake up to watch the sunrise over the lake! After that, we will be doing permaculture farming in Tzununa! We are so excited about the adventures that await us, and we can’t wait to continue to improve our Spanish.

The post Salsa, Hikes, and Spanish: Our Journey in Xela Comes to an End! appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Students, Danny Evans & Cleo Miller

This week we’re located in Xela! We are starting one-on-one Spanish classes with the beautiful teachers at PLQ. We attended the many events put on by PLQ including a student soccer game and a trip to the hot springs. We stayed in Casa Siebel and made many trips to the Central Park. We also had a blast at the local water park and nearby thrift store Megapaca.

Our Top Highlights of the Week:

Shopping for new clothes at Megapaca was one of the highlights of our week. There were so many clothes and options to         look through.

Another highlight was visiting the “Aquas Amargas” which were some hot springs that we visited as a part of attending PLQ.

Our final highlight was visiting the local waterpark. Our group had so much fun going on different rides and exploring the             park!

What’s been challenging this week?

• The one-on-one Spanish classes challenged our group. Speaking to a local who mostly spoke Spanish was challenging, but we gradually improved our Spanish skills and could get by.

What are you most grateful for this week?

• We have been able to grow more independent throughout this program. The “experiential learning” aspect has really pushed me to try new things and grow as a person.

We’re excited to see where the coming weeks take us and to embrace every opportunity for growth and discovery!

The post Exploring Xela: Spanish Classes, Hot Springs, and Thrift Store Finds! appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Students, Ari Cochrane & Jess Solit

Greetings from our team’s latest adventure! We ventured to Comalapa to collaborate with Long Way Home (LWH), an organization dedicated to sustainable living and community development. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve been up to:

• Learned about sustainable living practices
• Worked on a retaining wall made out of tires
• Helped build houses out of cob (dirt, sand, water, pine needles)
• Explored Mayan ruins, attended a ceremony, and experienced the lasting indigenous culture
• Walked around the city, learning about Comalapa’s history through its 600-foot mural and during culture night led by the community and wonderful students of Escuela de Heroes.

Our Top Highlights of the Week:

  Nico’s incredible, unique food and expert teaching skills. We loved every meal, and we were so surprised by the variety he        provided each day.

  Culture night, the students teaching us dances to go with their amazing marimba playing and the tasty homemade                      tostadas.

   Observing all the incredible art in this town built on artistry and creativity.

   Befriending the wonderful staff and volunteers at Long Way Home.

What’s been challenging this week?

• Building the tire wall definitely pushed us to our limits of strength and endurance, but the real challenge here was taking cold showers every night.

What are you most grateful for this week?

• The Community
• New skills and growth we experienced
• The beautiful environment that we learned to appreciate

The post From Cob House Builds to Ancient Mayan Ruins: A Sustainable Adventure in Comalapa! appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Overseas Educators, Jasmin & Malcolm

Hola a nuestras familias y amigos!

We’ve had a great few days in Antigua, one of the larger cities here in Guatemala. Our groups flew into Guatemala City and we made our way to Hostel Hopa, our home for the next few days. Our group was finally together when the LAX crew pulled up and joined us for breakfast after a long night of travel.

We ate pancakes and desayunos típicos as we caught up and heard the plan for our first Orientation Day. We played some games to get to know each other and discussed expectations, policies, and health and safety for the semester. We went out to lunch at a local café, ran a few errands near the main plaza, and then headed back to the hostel to rest and relax. We went out and got tacos for dinner, continuing to get to know one another and enjoying the beautiful views of the volcanos from town.

The next day we continued orientation and team-building activities, and embarked on our first real adventure of the program! The students split into teams and had a scavenger hunt around the historical center of Antigua- they asked around for answers to trivia questions about Guatemala, took photos at local landmarks, found a local restaurant to eat lunch, and practiced budgeting with their per diems. Bonus points were given for the funniest pictures and funniest items bought for less than 10 quetzales (essentially $1). After successfully scavenger hunting around town we enjoyed some rest time and a delicious Greek dinner, and ended the day with a “speed dating” team-building activity!

Our next stop is Long Way Home, and we’re looking forward to eight days to learn about sustainability, art, and local culture while we contribute to projects on-site. Next time, you’ll hear from our student leaders as they summarize our next week’s activities in the upcoming blog post. We’re looking forward to having them take the lead on group activities and accountability, and supporting them along the way!

Hasta la próxima,

Jasmin y Malcolm

The post Hola from Antigua: Adventures, Team Building, and Scavenger Hunts! appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Overseas Educators, Jasmin & Malcolm

Hola chiques!

We hope everyone is getting as excited for the semester as we are! We’re here in Portland, Oregon at Carpe Diem Headquarters reviewing our program itinerary, policies, curriculum, and more to fully prepare for our time together. This being the first time we’ll lead a trip together, we’ve also been getting to know each other and learned some fun and interesting things! Here are a few that may interest you:

Fun facts about Malcolm:

He was a coxswain for his high school crew team.

Malcolm is a big fan of reading and enjoys sci-fi, fantasy, and all types of fiction.

His favorite food is sushi.

Fun facts about Jasmin:

Jasmin is a nomad and has been leading trips and solo traveling for years, for a wide variety of programs and groups.

She is fluent in Spanish and is working on her French.

She had never been camping before college but now does it professionally!

As we discussed our lives and shared our stories with each other, we also talked about our upcoming trip and how we’ve prepared for the coming weeks in Central America. We’ve been brainstorming a few things that we think might be helpful to consider as you prepare:

Malcolm’s Tips:

Lay everything out that you plan on packing and double check that you actually need/want everything, and that you have enough of each item like socks and underwear.

Leave space in your bags for souvenirs and clothes that you might get along the way.

Eat your favorite foods that might not be as common in Central America.

Jasmin’s tips:

Don’t forget that you can buy things you need when you arrive or as you need them, like shampoo, toothpaste, an extra T-shirt, etc. Don’t overpack things that are easily purchased later on!

Bring clothes that you don’t care so much about- things can get lost, dirty, stained, or mixed up when we send out our laundry to be cleaned. It helps to bring things that are easily replaced and that you aren’t emotionally attached to.

Take some time to reflect on what you want to get out of the semester and to relax before leaving. There’s a lot going on in terms of preparations, paperwork to fill out, and things to wrap up prior to leaving but don’t forget to take some time for yourself!

We’re looking forward to meeting you via Zoom on the 16th, and to chat with each of you one on one before we take off! As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns!

Saludos, y nos vemos pronto,

Jasmin & Malcolm

The post Hola from the Quetzal Overseas Educators! appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Overseas Educators Malcolm and Jane

Happy end of program to our wonderful students, and to all of their parents and family and friends waiting to greet them at home! This semester simultaneously feels like it flew by, and it feels like we’ve been together and known each other for so much longer than just 10 weeks. We have just enjoyed our last couple days in Costa Rica reflecting on the semester, celebrating each other, and expressing gratitude towards each member of our group as well as all of our partners and hosts along the way. We spent most of our final day expressing all of those end-of-semester feelings and preparing for the transition home, and especially reflecting on our growth and the lessons we learned that we can carry with us as we move forward in life. We ended the day with a celebratory sushi dinner and chocolate cake, and then we each gave a bracelet to the person next to us and expressed how important they are to us, so now we all have matching bracelets with memories and warm feelings attached! After the bracelet ceremony we had a long gratitude session, which we eventually had to cut off because we needed to get at least a few hours of sleep before the early morning drive to the airport, but the students could have kept thanking each other and sharing fun memories all through the night!

We have come so far and learned so much, but the stories we’ve shared over the last couple days reminded us of some of the highlight moments and places from our journey together. We began with our orientation at Earth Lodge just outside of Antigua, Guatemala, where we learned about each other and began forming as a group, as well as had our first experiences in a city and prepared ourselves for the semester to come. We made our way to Long Way Home in Comalapa, and pushed through the cold showers and rustic accommodations to have a blast learning about sustainable building while throwing ourselves into manual labor building a retaining wall out of tires and trash! Our next stop was the city of Xela, where students had their first two weeks of Spanish school and their first homestays, and we all became adept at navigating the city and dodging the dog poop that littered the sidewalks. While there we also were lucky enough to witness and be immersed in a massive political protest and uprising of the people fighting for their rights and democracy, and against the rampant corruption of the current government. We were also unlucky enough to almost get stuck in the city because of the blockades set up all around the city and country by the protesters, but we made it out only a day late!

We finally made it to the gorgeous Lake Atitlan, and the first morning waking up in the Bambu Guesthouse and seeing the spectacular view of the lake and volcanoes in the background, after arriving in the pouring rain late at night, was one of the most magical moments of the trip. We learned about permaculture, planted tul underwater in the lake, and hiked to the first of many waterfalls, and then we had an incredible day exploring the Atitlan Nature Reserve and spotting monkeys and coatis while hiking across suspension bridges and swimming in another waterfall. We then lived with gracious and generous homestay families for two weeks in San Juan while taking Spanish classes, and continued to enjoy the lake life. We left the lake for Student Directed Travel and headed straight for the Pacific coast and the black sand beaches of El Paredon. It was hot and humid but also gorgeous, and we had a blast splashing in the waves and relaxing in the pool at our hostel before heading to Antigua for our final days in Guatemala. We hiked a volcano and explored museums, and ate as much of the delicious cuisine as possible.

Our first stop in Costa Rica was Villas Mastatal, a beautiful farm in the jungle, where we were hosted by a wonderful family. They showed us their farm and taught us more about permaculture and how to harvest bananas, plantains, yuca, limes, and coconuts, and then how to cook all that up to make delicious meals! It was hot and humid again, but almost every day ended with a hike to waterfall for a refreshing swim. We also learned about and sampled medicinal herbs, teas, and locally made chocolate, and spent a day at Rancho Mastatal learning about green building and fermenting. Finally, it was time for the week that many of us had been eagerly anticipating and extremely nervous about: scuba week. We made our way down the coast to Drake Bay and spent two days training and then two days diving in the open ocean! We saw sting rays, eels, sharks, sea turtles, and more, and then spent a day at Corcovado National Park spotting monkeys, tapirs, toucans, coatis, and so much more. After all of that wildlife it was time to pack into the van again and drive to Grecia, where we spent our last days together and from where we’re writing this blog! Clearly we had incredible adventures and learned so much along the way, and we cannot thank our students, partners, Carpe Diem hq, host families, and families back home enough for making all of this possible and supporting us through the entire journey. We are incredibly grateful, thank you!

Pura vida,

Malcolm and Jane

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Written by Central America Student, Sophie N. 

This was our last full week as a group, we spent it in Drake Bay mostly scuba diving. We met great directors that guided us along the way and met our needs while diving. On Thursday, since we wouldn’t be spending Thanksgiving with our families, we decided to plan a Friendsgiving in which everyone was split into pairs and asked to make a dish, whether it was an appetizer, main plate, or dessert. Everything was so delicious and we all agreed it was one of our most memorable Thanksgivings we’ve had. After a week of scuba diving we spent a day at Corcovado National Park seeing toucans, monkeys, sloths, and many more cool animals.

Our Top 3 Highlights of the Week:

Scuba Diving – Being able to explore the tropical ocean floor without having to come up for breathe was incredible. We saw a plethora of animals and many types of coral. Although obtaining our certification required focus and diligence, it felt like one of the most fun activities we’ve done yet!

Friendsgiving – This was a good time to be able to spend good quality time with our group. Sharing the hostel kitchen to all cook different dishes together, all eating together having nice conversations, and then all cleaning up together. Thanksgiving with our second family!

Corcovado National Park – Although we had to wake up early in the morning, it was cool to see different animals that we wouldn’t see at home. Our guide’s special connection with the environment was shown when we made monkey noises and then a troop of 30-40 howler monkeys would appear out of the blue.

What were our challenges this week?

Stepping out of our comfort zones was definitely one of the most common themes of the week, as scuba diving brings a lot of rational fear and anxiety to all, even those who feel extremely comfortable in the water. Fortunately, everyone passed their exams and our group came out not only more confident in open water, but overall intense situations where you may have to rely on instincts and focus.

What we’re grateful for this week:

Given it being the last week, we were very grateful for peoples enthusiasm for our activities as it would be easy to dwell on the end of such a grand adventure. Our group also took advantage of the free time after diving, which gave us an opportunity to cherish our last moments together.

One last thing ..

These were some of the most impactful and joyful weeks of our lives, and we’re immensely grateful for being able to participate on this trip. Can’t wait to see you guys at home!

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Written by Central America Students, Lily & Matilda

This last week we rode, climbed and scrambled up the steep Permacultures farm sides of Maztatal Ranch!

From herbal tours to chocolate adventures, night walks, and even cooking with our host family, it really feels like we did it all!

But that’s so broad, so what did we get yo to? In more specific terms:

We started off fighting the brutal sun in the mountainous micro ecosystems of the Maztatal Farm, cutting fresh bananas and lemons off of steep inclines to learn more about the gathering of foods from a permaculture system. Afterwards we were shown home composting which was incredible (-ly stinky) and very informative. We worked to help create a garden out of cinder blocks and composting wood that we chopped ourselves with machetes. After this hard work, in the afternoons, we partook in informative activities like herbalism and chocolate tours! We learned about the process from bean to plate and even got to make treats of our own! Yum! And speaking of delicious, we were treated with the honor of gathering coconuts to make a fresh homemade dessert consisting of fresh Sugarcane and freshly shredded coconuts.

After which we made fresh chicken and bean empanadas. One word for all of it is DELICIOUS! Four empanadas down and we were still craving more. On our home stretch, we were challenged with feeling homesick, especially in the hot and humid climate of Matsatal leaving mold over many belongings which hadn’t even left our rooms, yuck! Along with this we continued to face sicknesses, clinic visits for mysterious illness along with one Covid case.

But with the resiliency we’ve gained, and sage practices such as masking, we were able to prevent the spread and contain it to only one individual who healed up quick!

We ended off our trip with the painting of a group mural to really leave our mark, and the family celebrating our time together with a piñata! Overall, through the ups and downs of this hilly, sustainable farm, we continues to learn about resilience, hard work, community, and sustainability and so many other skills we’ll be able to continue with as we keep growing together, and growing up; as well skills we can take with us as we continue into Costa Rica and the last stretch of our trip.

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Written by Central America Students, Lily & Anantya

We continued our second week in San Juan, a small town on Lake Atitlán. We continued our Spanish classes at Eco Spanish school, and also enjoyed several new events and cultural activities. We ended the month of October with a very personal archaeology tour. On the tour, we were able to meet a very honorable woman from the community. She graciously welcomed us and shared with us precious artifacts.

When the event came to an end, we went on a hike and were able to view an ancient stone head and learn of Guatamalan, and specifically Mayan, culture. That night for our own personal celebration of October 31st, our group got together and huddled up with snacks to watch a scary movie. On November 1st, in Eco school after classes finished, we celebrated Día de Todos Los Santos by way of handcrafting personal kites, joining around an alter and having a small feast around it, with traditional foods on our plates.

Once we finished,  we headed over to the open land on the shore of the Lake to fly our kites. After we joined in to celebrate Dia de Todos Los Santos with our host families. With our respective families we were able to experience the event to its fullest, joining in attending the cemeteries and commemorating the loved ones who have passed. We watched as graves were adorned with flowers, candles, pine needles and more.

Students also partook in local activities such as the nightly basketball games in the neighborhood court, a trip to the beach on the lake, and trying the local food. We were also able to attend a coffee tour based within Eco School. We learned and gained hands-on insight to the differences in coffee processing as well as learned about the extensive history of the plant/drink. November 3rd, we held our surprise party for Matilda’s Birthday. Our planning had paid off, Matilda was indeed surprised and we spent the evening laughing and enjoying ourselves. Another highlight was our graduation from the Eco Spanish School, where our host families provided us with traditional dress and a dish to share with everyone. We all ate a lunch together with our families. Then we set off for our first day of student directed travel in El Paradon!

Our Top Highlights of the Week:

Dia de Todos Los Santos: local holiday we celebrated with our families to honor the dead. Also lots of street food and celebrations out this night.

Matilda’s Birthday: After much planning, November 3rd finally came. Our mandatory “group meeting” was her suprise birthday party. There was a cake commission by our OE’s host family and Matilda successfully blew out the candles! The quality time we all shared was so heartwarming.

Group graduation lunch: dressed in traditional outfits and attended a lunch with our families where each made a traditional dish.

Seeing the beach in El Paredon for the first time at sunset and running in to the water together. The sunset was so pretty and the waves were amazing, it was the perfect way to end a day after traveling in a small van!

Growth comes with challenge, what’s something you’ve been challenged by this week?

One challenge we had was many of us had a stomach bug, which effected us at different times. We never had everyone together because one of us was always sick. It was hard to meet as a group, and the people sick were having a hard time dealing with not feeling well. Also, our van ride to El Paredon was very hot and cramped, and being in the van for that long challenged us.

What’s been surprising about your semester thus far? 

What surprised us was that Dia de Los Muertos on November 2nd was not really celebrated. We found out it’s not as big as it is in Mexico in Guatemala, especially not in San Juan. However, the beautiful holiday of Dia de Todos Los Santos was very special and exciting to celebrate.

We also have noticed some of us getting more homesick as we reach our second month of the program, and we have really appreciated the little novelties of home. Many of us have lists of things we took for granted in America, and are feeling the challenge of missing home and the safe space it provides for us. However, this has made us grown stronger as a group, and we all rely on each-other like a family. Our little group has grown to be a close family, and each person contributes something special.

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Written by Central America Students, Matilda & Leila 

This week we pushed off the shores of San Marcos and landed ourselves on the opposite side of the lake in a small welcoming town with the name of San Juan.

Here, we began our Spanish lessons at a local Eco School where we grow our skills in one on one classes in the mornings followed by alternating days of art classes, and other group activities.

Some sharpen their embroidery skills while others are taking broad strokes learning how to paint with new color and skill!

On days where we don’t have art classes we find ourselves taking tours of local cultural sites, including a coffee tour in the very backyard of our school. Today’s visit was to a local healer and woman of great respect, Nana Maria.

In our little downtime many take opportunities to independently explore this beautiful artists’ town, go to basketball games, admire the many beautiful murals that line the streets, and even trying many local restaurants in between delicious home cooked meals from our host families. But that doesn’t mean this stretch of our adventures has been without adversity,

After days of students feeling ill, we took a visit to the clinic only to find that roughly half of our group had fallen victims to a parasite! Since this can’t be transferred from person to person the verdict is still out on where it came from. But with medication and much needed rest, many are feeling on the mend and we’re hopeful that we’ll be back to full health before we know it.

Despite this, we have maintained high spirits and the support of one another within our tight group has never been stronger, and has led to increased bonding! Now that more group members are on the mend, we look forward to being together in good health and continuing our adventure. There’s so many exciting things to see and we can’t wait to see them!

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Written by Central America Students, Ashlyn & Jonah

We made it out of Xela! This week, we got to spend at Lake Atitlan learning about permaculture, hiking through the forest and farming.

Our Top 3 Highlights of the Week:

Great fresh food straight from the farm!

A beautiful hike to the a waterfall that we were able to go in.

Lovely accommodations in the bamboo house.

What’s been challenging this week?

Lots of big scary spiders!

What’re you looking forward to next week?

We’ve been able to be more connected with the local community after our Spanish classes in Xela, which has meant a lot. we are looking forward to staying with more host family’s and more Spanish classes!

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Written by Central America Students, Sophie & Anna 

This week we got to stay with local families in home stays, while still going to school at PLQ (Proyecto Lingüístico Quetzalteco)! We moved into our new homes on Sunday, and have been living with them for the past week! We’ve been able to enjoy tasty meals, practicing our Spanish with our families and exploring the city of Xela (Quetzaltenago) even more!

The school rotates teachers every week, so we all got to experience different learning styles with new teachers. Our Spanish really started to develop and become a little easier because we have been fully immersed in the language for a full week.

The school also has after school activities that we got to go too. This included a presentation about Guatemalan/International Adoption. We learned about how corrupt it used to be, following the end of the Guatemalan Civil War. We also got to go to Salsa class again, which is always a highlight!

On Friday, our last day at the school, we had a graduation ceremony. We were all asked to prepare a story, poem or song in Spanish about how this experience at the school has affected us. This was a bit of a challenge, and some of us were a little bit nervous, but we all did it! You are now talking to Proyecto Lingüístico Quetzalteco graduates! YAY!!

Our Top 3 Highlights of the Week:

Getting to now our homestay families! It has been such a blast to get to now them on personal levels and practice our Spanish with them!

Getting to increase our Spanish skills at the school with new teachers.

Having our own independence to explore the city and having some of our own space with our own room in the houses.

What’s been challenging this week?

Our group has been challenged by the blockades in the city/ all around the country. We tried to get to our next location at Atitlián Organics on Lake Atitlán, but were unsuccessful due to a blockade about 15 minutes out of the city. The blockades have also been affected the amount of produce and meat getting into the city. Therefore, some of our meals have been vegetarian!

How’s the group doing?

Being in home stays has definitely been a little bit challenging for group dynamic because we have all been split up. We have been able to see each other at school, but during that time we are in one -on -one classes with our teachers. It’s been great to have the independence, but it is also a big change when you go from sharing a room with 4 other people and seeing them everyday for most hours of the day for the past 3 weeks to only seeing them once a day for a shorter period of time. Nevertheless, we were able to have a group meeting and learned a lot from this week of more independence.

One final thing …

This week has been a lot of fun, and we are so excited to (hopefully) get to Lake Atitlán soon!

To our home stay families – THANK YOU SO MUCH! Thank you for letting us stay with you, cooking us meals, and helping us with our Spanish! You have given us an experience we will all always remember.

To our families – we are safe! I know it can sound a little scary to not be able to get through to our next destination, but we are in a safe place and the blockades/protests we’ve encountered have been peaceful. It is quite powerful to be able to experience and watch people fight for what they believe in / democracy!

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Written by Central America Students, Shloimy G. & Leila B.

Since our last update, we’ve traversed the Guatemalan Highlands, and have made it to Xela/Quetzaltenango (in separate transports of course due to our unfortunate little itty bitty Covid outbreak).

We’re staying in a hostel right near Parque Central, both the center of town and the center of the recent protests. We learned about the reasons behind these demonstrations during our orientation for Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco (PLQ), our language school where we’ve been spending 5 hours every day learning Español.

After our new friend Chris, the student coordinator at PLQ, gave us an orientation on Guatemalan history, the history of PLQ and most relevantly, the current political situation in Guatemala, we got our first taste of our highly intensive daily Spanish immersion. We spent 5 hours every day, Monday through Thursday, conjugating, learning vocabulary, and eating delicious snacks (yum! ). When we weren’t taking classes, we got to do many different activities, such as salsa classes (we’re all experts now), lectures, and excursions outside of town.

On Thursday, we got to the town of Salcajá, where we visited the oldest church in Central America and learned about local traditional dress and alcohol making. That night, we got to spend time with Chris and the other students and PLQ at a local karaoke night, where we preformed such classics as Payphone by Maroon 5, multiple Taylor Swift songs, and Tik Tok by Kesha. When we weren’t doing planned activities, we were roaming the streets of Xela, sampling local restaurants, and of course making many pit stops to the local Micky D’s. It was wonderful to have hot showers, laundromats and most importantly, Wifi to reconnect with family and friends (which is all we did on our phones ). Saturday we got to hike to the top of Cerro El Baúl, and enjoy hurting our behinds on an overly long concrete slide.

Our Top 3 Highlights of the Week:

Our top highlight would definitely be spending time getting to know our Spanish teachers. Even though we may not speak the same language, or come from the same culture, we got to connect with them on an individual level, while still improving our Spanish.

Karaoke night also definitely deserves a mention here, as both a means to get out of our comfort zones, but also as a way to have fun and connect with our fellow students.

And although we couldn’t participate in them, getting to witness history in the form of people demonstrating for their right to democracy was a very impactful and educational experience. Although it impacted our stay and we haven’t gotten to do everything we would’ve liked to, we see it as a worthy tradeoff (And half of us couldn’t do much this week anyways, see Covid).

What’s been challenging this week?

Speaking of our favorite little infectious virus, that would most definitely have to be our biggest challenge of the week. Losing half of the group for the vast majority of every day, as well as needing to mask up at nearly every moment, made things very difficult. We felt very distant from our peers, and are so excited that they will be joining us and we can be Covid (and mask) free, all together again.

What’s been surprising so far?

Something that continuously surprises us, even more so in a large city with many strangers, is the kindness that nearly everyone has shown us. Of course there are still those who are unfriendly, it is a place with people in it after all, basically everyone who we pass on the street will offer at minimum a ¡Buenos días! and a smile, or will even stop and converse. Anytime we’ve needed any assistance with directions or local knowledge, we’ve been shocked at how many people are willing to offer it.

One final thing …

Quick shoutout Irma and Teressa, the two women who have been making us delicious and accommodating breakfasts and dinners every single day. As much as we miss the food at home, we’re so grateful that they’ve kept as fueled and ready for the day. Also a shoutout to the hostel workers, who have helped us with planning around the blockades and generally keeping us happy and safe. We miss you all back home but we don’t mind staying another two months, with the warm welcome we’ve received.

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Written by Central America Students, Nate K. and Kora B.

Hey everyone, this is Nate and Kora talking and we can’t wait to share our recap from this past week!

Upon our arrival in Comalapa on the 24th, we started our adventures with a welcoming introduction from our amazing host, Omar. Having given us a tour of the unique sustainable practices used throughout the community, we gained a greater appreciation for how small efforts go a long way in conservation. To start off our week, Omar shared the rich artistic history that makes Comalapa such a unique town, including talented local artists, one being Roberto who lived with us and shared his passion by showing us his art gallery. Afterwords, we ventured down muddy paths, corn fields, and windy roads to experience the culture by learning about the longest mural in Central America which entailed the deep history. The majority of the week included vigorous volunteer work, such as building a wall to prevent destructive erosion, creating a drinkable water tank, and building a kitchen. Throughout this week we have had delicious meals, one being a cooking class in which we made guacamole, salad, meat, and juice. On our off day, we took advantage of the weather and saw a waterfall at a park where we also played intense soccer. Without the availability of washing machines, we used our resources to clean our clothes.

Some of the highlights of the week were helping the community with our different service projects, going to a cooking class, and giving everyone their own “alliteration” nicknames. While we were in the trench getting down and dirty, we learned a lot about sustainability and how to work with a group in a new environment. Our 5th night, we had an amazing cooking class during a storm where we learned about culture while cooking delicious traditional food. With spirits down from sickness throughout the group, some of us decided to create “alliteration” nicknames for everyone, such “linguistic luffa”. At dinner we shared the names and enjoyed each others laughter.

Something that not only challenged our group but also the community was the result of people getting Covid. This had an impact on the group dynamic because we missed some of the most impactful members that contribute to discussions and the environment. Also, keeping in mind that the community we’re in is at a higher risk due to lack of access to healthcare, we had to navigate around the issue by wearing masks when passing local residents / staying positive.

In what ways have you grown since the start of the program?

Since the start of this program, we have all grown as a whole by getting closer with bonding activities, sharing living space, and being with each other 24/7. On an individual scale, we witnessed what is considered extreme poverty which opened our eyes to how we see the world.

What are you most grateful for this week?

We are grateful to help out the community with amazing leaders such as Matt, the founder of Long Way Home, and Adam, the contractor who designed the project. We have learned a lot by immersing ourselves in a new environment, which has opened our eyes to new ideals, such as valuing family, and the process of work rather than focusing only on the product.

Anything else?

WE ARE HAVING A BLAST!

We love and miss you all, and can’t wait to tell you about our experiences!

Make sure to save an extra dog bed for Luna when we get home

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Written by Central America Overseas Educators, Jane & Malcolm

Hola desde Guatemala!

We have had a fun whirlwind of a few days since arriving in Guatemala City early the morning of the 22nd.

We drove from the airport in Guatemala City to Earthlodge, an eco hotel and wellness center just outside of Antigua. We were immediately struck by the stunning vista of the valley below and the volcanoes dominating the horizon. Our cabins and the main dining area were charming and designed for leisure, with hammocks, adirondack chairs, and a communal fire pit for evening fires. However, we spent most of our time there engaged in team building, exploring, and Carpe Diem Lessons focused on health and safety, policy and expectations, cultural dos and don’ts, diversity and inclusion, and creating our group agreements.

In between those lessons and activities we took advantage of the beautiful property and many hanmocks to relax and continue to get to know each other, and we enjoyed delicious meals prepared by the hotel restaurant. On the afternoon of our second day at Earthlodge, we set off into the town of Antigua and the students were split into groups to complete a scavenger hunt around town. Some items on their list were pictures at local landmarks, cultural and historical questions to ask a local, and the funniest item they could buy for less than 10 quetzales (just over $1 USD). They were also each given a per diem of 50 quetzales for their lunch, so they needed to choose their own restaurant and practice budgeting. Every group completed their scavenger hunt and made it back to the meeting point succesfully, before heading back to Earthlodge for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

The next morning we continued with team building and lessons to prepare ourselves for the semester to come, and after a final tasty lunch at Earthlodge we loaded into a van and embarked on the next leg of our journey, a week at Long Way Home in Comalapa!

Con amor ,

Jane and Malcolm

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Written by Central America Overseas Educator, Abby

Our semester has officially come to a close! You all are either back home or continuing your travels in Costa Rica. We said goodbye on Wednesday morning with tears in our eyes. Matt and I tried to set you free at the security gates but you clearly didn’t want to leave us. We have turned into family these past 10 weeks. We had our closing ceremony on our last day in Grecia and we laughed and cried thinking back on all that we’ve experienced together.

Allow me to give a glimpse of what that looked like:

At gate 34A in LAX we all met for the first time. We flew 4.5 hours over Mexico into Guatemala City. We took a bus through colorful streets to the top of a very steep hill. The driver passed us our backpacks from the top of the van and we proceeded to waddle down the very steep hill. Most of us realized in that moment that we had overpacked. Once we arrived we were greeted with a stunning view of three volcanos; Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. We then shared our first breakfast together. We spent the next two days exploring our comfort zones, asking ourselves why we were here and getting to know each other better. We established group agreements and had our first true bond in the temascal (sauna). You began to feel safe in this group.

We wandered through a school made of tires and unique structures only to arrive at our new home for the week. Long Way Home was our first introduction to compost toilets and cold showers. We were challenged this week physically and mentally. We got our hands and feet very dirty making cod balls and tacos. We spent our hard-earned breaks divulging in chocofrutas. We made friends with the talented Peren family and learned so much from Edwin and Romeo about green construction. Edson led us in meditations and helped us to experience being in the now. The cultural market night was when we had our first dance circle and where Matt showed off his marimba skills.

Game nights and jam sessions in the living room at Casa Seibel made us feel right at home in the city of Xela. We discovered each others love languages and affirmed one another. That brought us even closer. You fell in love with your teachers as they supported your growth during long days of Spanish classes at PLQ. You entered a new family that you learned Guatemalan traditions from. You grew in your independence as you discovered the corners of Xela. We cheered on the Super Goats, drank soda from a bag, slipped and slid at the best waterpark in Guatemala and sang karaoke at the top of our lungs.

We embarked on our most physically demanding challenge yet, the 3-day hike. Eduardo yelled “vamos conejos” from the front as we all started to get blisters realizing yet again, we’d overpacked. Our diet was “beans beans beans.” We shared a big room and slept on the worlds thinnest mattress pads and discovered the snorers of the group. Needless to say, we didn’t get much sleep but we still managed to wake up at 4AM for the sunrise we had all been striving towards. We marveled at the pink dot coming up over the horizon, glistening over Lake Atitlán. We sat feeling proud of ourselves and one another.

To arrive to our next destination we had a series of new and exciting transportation forms. We took a boat across the lake to Tzununa where, upon arrival, squeezed our packs and ourselves into tuk-tuks which reluctantly got us up the hill to Granja T’zikin. Here we met Neal and Shad who inspired us to look at the world differently: in a way that promotes humankind and nature to live in harmony, also known as permaculture. We ate fresh food and drank good coffee with a view of the lake. We played lots of cabo and Matt yet again surprised us with a hidden musical talent on the drum set. Dylan, Iris and Léa formed a band. We left Tzununa feeling more connected and motivated.

We took a boat back across the lake to San Juan La Laguna where we dove even deeper into Spanish skills and Guatemalan culture. You met your new families and settled in at the community of Eco Spanish School. You learned new skills such as painting, weaving, dyeing, and designing fabric and playing the marimba. We paddle boarded and learned to make chuchitos. We swam in the natural pools of Quixaya. We supported the Mechanical Oranges where Justin and Dylan became fútbol celebs. We experienced a very colorful Semana Santa and helped to create the alfombras, a blanket of colored sawdust intricately placed in an array of designs on the city streets. We left San Juan with it feeling more like home than we’d realized and shed some tears saying goodbye.

The student directed travel week was introduced by Antigua and followed by Monterrico. We kept quite busy in Antigua with visiting Hobbitenango, hiking Pacaya Volcano, making our own chocolate and cooking meals for one another. Monterrico provided us a retreat alongside the Pacific Ocean and the pool. We enjoyed the big waves, good food and later mornings. Thanks again Ozzy for the amazing ceviche (which was really tied together by the well-chopped mango. Shout out Matt.) We had another 4AM wake up to watch the sunrise over the mangroves. Our bus driver did not disappoint with his song selection. We were all very awake by the end of the early morning ride. We said our goodbyes to Guatemala with a fancy dinner and beach photoshoot.

Javier and Raquel welcomed us into their home and were our first introduction to the abundance of Costa Rica. We helped plant banana trees and made activated charcoal at Refugio Juco, Javier’s Farm. Shoutout to Raquel for the amazing fresh food all week. A few of you slept in hammocks while the rest of you were kept awake by the laughter of Ozzy, Justin and Dylan. We all contributed to a mural that lives on the bottom floor of Villas Mastatal, which we spent hours on and are very proud of. This week we had no wifi connection but deepened our connection with each other.

Costa Rica revealed even more nature and beauty as we made our way to Drake Bay. We became scuba certified and experienced breathing in an underwater world with Pacific turtles and multiple white tip reef sharks and each other. A truly unforgettable experience. Corcovado National Park gave us a show as well. Our guide Erick pointed out so many new animals to us including tapirs, anteaters, squirrel monkeys, spider moneys, sloths, coatis and a stick bird just to name a few. We enjoyed evening sunset swims and volleyball matches with the Costa Rican Coast Guard.

We loaded up the van and headed for our final destination, Grecia, where we celebrated April’s birthday and closed out our time together with a fancy dinner and a Honey Monster ceremony.

Thank you all for this experience. It has been just as impactful and eye-opening for me as it has been for you. We are all better because of it.

Spring 2023 Central America Semester Overseas Educators

The post From Strangers at Gate 34A to Family: The Quetzal Adventure appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Semester Students, Izzy & April

For our final week, we got to spend our time on the beautiful peninsula of Osa, in a small area called Drake Bay. We got to experience the once in a lifetime opportunity to get scuba certified. After one day of training in the pool, we went straight to the real thing.

We went deep under the sea, getting to swim with endless kinds of fish, sea turtles, and even sharks. Our week was filled with a lot of chill time, getting to enjoy the warm and beautiful beaches. We also got to explore the jaw dropping Corcovado national park, where we saw countless animals along with their babies. We saw sloths, tapires and ant eaters, which our tour guide Eric made sure we knew how rare it was to see so many in one day.

Overall, this was an unforgettable week where we got to truly connect as a group and enjoy our time together.

What were the top three highlights of the week?

With how amazing this week was, it’s hard to pick just three highlights, but if we have to choose…

Hanging out with the little squirrel monkeys of Corcovado. We watched them jump from branch to branch, only inches from our faces.

Playing beach volleyball with the Drake Bay coast guard and locals. We won a few games and push ups were the punishment for the losers. Overall it was super fun!

Our daily sunset swims in the ocean. We played in the warm waves while watching the gorgeous sunset fill the sky with colors.

What was something the group was challenged by this week?

We were challenged by the heat and viscous bugs!

A little gratitude for this week:

There is so much to be grateful for! The abundance of Costa Rica’s nature and beauty, this amazing group of people and all of our amazing guides.

See you soon, families! Spring 2023 Central America Semester Students

Photos highlighted this week were uploaded by Abby & Iris! 

The post The “Abundance of Beauty” in Costa Rica appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Written by Central America Students, Addie and Dylan 

Our first week in Costa Rica!!

After leaving our beloved Guatemala behind and heading to the airport, unexpected delays forced us to change flights and pass through El Salvador on our way to Costa Rica! A fun little surprise in more ways than one. We ended up arriving in Costa Rica before our original flight was supposed to take off.

The next day we headed to Mastatal for a week packed full of activities! We arrived at Villas Mastatal and were greeted by Javier’s amazing family hosting us for the week, along with pristine jungle views and lots and lots of buggies. We had a blast during the week even while working. We helped Javier, the owner of Villas, on his farm, Vida Silvestre Juco, chopping wood to make a natural fertilizer, planting banana trees, and digging some garden beds.

In addition to that, we also spent a day at the beautiful national park of La Cangreja helping to clear and tidy the trail. While the work was challenging at times and the sun was blazing, we ended our days feeling truly fulfilled. In addition to some farm work, we often had activities in the afternoon like a medicinal plant tour where we made our own natural bug repellant and a chocolate tour with Iguana Chocolate. We helped make, and eat, lots of chocolate! Throughout the entire week, we had frequent visits to various waterfalls and truly felt as if we were in paradise! To commemorate our stay we all helped paint a beautiful mural of a hummingbird with Costa Rican flowers surrounding it.

Our Top Three Highlights of the Week: 

All the cool creatures we saw on our late night hike to the river

Swimming in all of the amazing waterfalls

The Iguana Chocolate tour where we ate SO MUCH chocolate

But transformation always comes with opportunities for growth: What were our main challenges this week? 

This week we were challenged by the heat while working on the farm, as well as the many bugs that love our blood. Thankfully, we were provided with bug nets while we slept and the Citronella bug repellent from KIS organics really came in handy!

What are you excited about in the coming week?

We’re looking forward to scuba diving in the beautiful Drake Bay! After spending hours on our online courses the anticipation is killing us! As we head into the last week of the trip we hope that this experience will be incredibly rewarding and a fun way to close off this journey.

Hasta luego! Spring 2023 Central America Semester

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Written by Central America Students, Justin and Léa

Student directed travel week, WOO WOO! Justin and Lea reporting to you live!

We started off in Antigua, visited the magical Hobbitenango, a Hobbit themed attraction park. We got to practice our archery, axe-throwing, and mini golf skills while embracing the beautiful scenery of Guatemala. After Hobbitenango, we hiked up the Pacaya Volcano with the wonderful company of horses, and got to roast marshmallows conducted by the heat of the volcanic rocks. The next day, we took a chocolate making class and learnt about the process ‘bean to bar’, and made our own chocolate bars with our favorite toppings at Chocomuseo.

After Antigua, we headed to the scorching hot city of Monterrico, surrounded by the beautiful black sand beaches created from the volcanic eruptions in Guatemala. In Monterrico we enjoyed boogie-boarding in the strong waves of the beach, soaked up the sun, and explored the artistic city.

Later in the week, we woke up at 4:00 am to go on a mangrove boat tour and watched the sunrise embracing the surrounding nature and authentic birds. Our last and final day, we all came together on the beach to take pictures and embraced our last few moments in Guatemala. We celebrated with a fancy dinner to toast our final night. Here’s to a new adventure in Costa Rica.

Our Top Three Highlights of the Week: 

Singing the best tunes out loud in the truck at 4:00am on the way to a sunrise boat tour in the mangroves

A fun movie night with popcorn on our first night in the Airbnb in Monterico

Spending time on the beach and riding the waves

But transformation always comes with opportunities for growth: What were our main challenges this week? 

A good question. Filled with so many activities, beautiful places to stay, and delicious food, this week has been enjoyed by us all. However, one irritable aspect of the trip had been on the back of everyones’s mind. The heat. The incredibly humid, and sweat inducing heat of Monterrico. Reaching temperatures of over 100, everyone was quick to take refuge in the few air conditioned rooms that our lodging had. But just like all the other challenges we have faced, we got through it, and eventually we were able to endure and adapt to the climate. Faced with this undeniable challenge, we were still able to enjoy one of the most fun and memorable weeks we have ever had on the trip.

What are you most grateful for this week? 

This week we were grateful to have the opportunity to get to choose our activities and what we wanted to visit the most. Getting to spend quality time with each other at the beach was something that we all enjoyed and appreciated since we were separated for the last couple weeks in our homestay families. We were also grateful of each other for cooking delicious meals all week and supporting each other no matter what. Thank you to the Quetzal 23’ group for making Guatemala so great!!!

Signing off Spring 2023 Central America Semester

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Written by Central America Students, Iris and Menna

This week was our second full week in San Juan, with preparations for Semana Santa in full swing! We started our second round of cultural classes, as well. On Thursday, we had a cultural potluck at our school, which meant we spent the entire morning learning to make “chuchitos,” a kind of small tamale. Our host families came in the afternoon to share the foods they had made and we all came together to eat as a family.

During the week, we got to see people setting up for the holiday, from putting up archways with hanging fruit, to collecting materials for alfombras, the decorative “carpets” that flood the streets during Semana Santa. These alfombras are made by either specific neighborhoods, families, or community groups. They can be made from colored sawdust, glitter, sand, pine needles, fruit, vegetables, paint, and more! On Friday, instead of our cultural class, we had the opportunity to help make the alfombra for the neighborhood that was located closest to our school. Then in the evening, all of us went out to view the processions and finished alfombras in their full glory. It was amazing to witness!

Our Top Three Highlights of the Week: 

On Friday, we were given the opportunity to spend the evening with our host families and explore how San Juan celebrates one of the most important days of Semana Santa. After weaving through the delicate alfombras, street food, and plenty of new tourists, we accidentally all met up as a group in front of the town church right as the procession was leaving. It was lit up in purple lights, and there was a lingering incense of tree sap being burned as the procession moved down the street.

Spending another week at Eco Spanish School was also valuable because we were able to form stronger bonds with our teachers. Some students attended chocolate tours, walks to ruins, and were given to opportunity to translate a coffee tour happening on the property. The sense of community was also felt in the engaging games we would play during the break in class. Some memorable ones included a memory game, water balloon tosses, and creating numbers in Spanish as fast as possible. The teachers and the students all playing together created a sense of community.

Finally, some members of the group enjoyed going down to swim and kayak in Lago Atitlán regularly after classes. It was exciting to see the tule plant that we had worked with a few weeks ago playing a role in the environment. It was a convenient and refreshing way to connect with nature and make the most of our location.

But transformation always comes with opportunities for growth: What were our main challenges this week? 

Something that made our last two weeks on the lake both harder and unique was the amount of time that we spent away from the group as a whole. We were having one-on-one Spanish classes, cultural classes in small groups, and staying with different families, therefore our communal time was more rare. This was a challenge because we had gotten used to that support system, but it made the meetings and the time we did have together more focused and special.

What has surprised you about your host community, culture, or destination?

We recently reflected, when our time with the homestay families came to a close, what we learned about the Guatemalan culture by living in and what we want to keep in our minds moving forward. People expressed interest in what they learned about Mayan culture, especially family connection and how active the culture is today. We talked about the politics of both the country today with the upcoming elections and the the historical contexts of the internal conflict.

Hasta luego! Spring 2023 Central America Semester

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Written by Central America Students, April & Ozzy  

This week we were presented with more of a mental challenge than a physical one. We traveled across the lake on a boat to San Juan, then went to our separate home stays and started Spanish classes as well as skill-based classes.

Our top highlights of the week:  

To start off the week, we all had different classes teaching us cultural skills. Those classes were Tejido (weaving), Music, Jaspe (tie dye), and Painting.

Then on Saturday, we had a chill and relaxed swimming day at Lago Atitlán.

On Sunday, we all attended the local San Juan fútbol game and got to bond with the locals.

But transformation always comes with opportunities for growth: What were our main challenges this week? 

Something the group was very challenged with this week is feeling a bit tired and mentally drained instead of physically drained, compared to last week. People persevered through the challenges and continued to keep positive attitudes throughout the week.

What has surprised us this week: 

Something that surprised us this week was being more independent than usual. I think that some of the group has become more independent and learned to grow on their own. The group seems to be maintaining positive attitudes through sickness and classes. The group seems to be doing really well and we are getting closer every week.

What’s coming up next week? 

Next week, we are excited for our student directed travel! We are really grateful for out Spanish teachers and the opportunities we have with our host families.

Hasta luego! Spring 2023 Central America Semester

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Written by Central America Students, Izzy & Dylan 

Since coming back from the very long and tiring hike, we all stayed at a hostel in Tzununa called Granja Tz’kinin, where we met Neal, who gave us his perspective on how permaculture can shape the way you view the world. With help from Shad, the owner of Atitlan Organics, we continued to learn more about permaculture and put it into practice. Permaculture is a type of sustainable agriculture where farming blends naturally into the ecosystem, better supporting the planet and helping humans leave a positive impact on the planet. During this week, we got to visit some neighboring towns, including San Marcos, Santiago, and Quixaya, where we visited a historic farm and swam in some natural pools. Not only did we make many human friends, but some furry ones too! In our down time, we enjoying playing fetch with some dogs at our hostel and nightly card games.

And the top highlights go to … 

Working with Shad on Atitlán Organics, learning about everything under the sun (literally), from raising chickens and ducks to the use of Bitcoin in the communities around the lake. We got a great insight into the life of an expat with such a wide variety of experience.

Spending the morning with Kyle from Wellkind, who taught us all about the organizations efforts to help with reforestation and assisting locals with food security by teaching them how to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and firewood. With Kyle, we were able to instantly see our actions making a difference after some native birds used the Tul we had just planted in the lake as a new spot to perch.

Boat rides around the lake have been amazing, but nothing can compare to standing in the back of a pick up truck, taking in stunning views of the lake as we headed out for a fun field trip. We were fortunate enough to have visited the loving community of Quixaya, where locals work to preserve natives plants and bees through permaculture. We even got to taste some medicinal honey, one of which we all agreed tasted like BBQ sauce!

But transformation always comes with opportunities for growth: What were our main challenges this week? 

Although this week was super fun, it was a challenge to keep our energy up after our exhausting hike the week prior, especially going right into farm work. Spending long hours in the sun and pushing ourselves physically made it difficult to always stay positive. Even so, we were able to power through and make this week amazing, finding stress relief in our fun activities like open mic night and retail therapy in San Marcos. Though we may have shed some blood, sweat, and tears, we all were able to become closer as a group and persevere together.

What we’re grateful for this week: 

Though all of Guatemala is stunning, it’s hard to deny how special Lake Atitlán is. Looking out over the massive crater lake, enjoying the sunshine, and playing with the sweet dogs has made us all extremely grateful for nature and our planet. From our time with Shad at Atitlan Organics, to planting a native reed called Tul with our new friend Kyle from Wellkind, we really got to get our hands dirty and connect with the planet in a new and fun way. We are deeply appreciative of the opportunity to spend so much time in such a gorgeous place, and can’t wait to spend two more weeks on the lake in San Marcos!

A final note: It was a Wifi free week and we all forced to unplug and connect with one another through deeper conversations and card games!

Hasta luego! Spring 2023 Central America Semester

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Written by Central America Students, Justin and Addie 

Second week in Xela! Moved in with our host families this week and got to immerse ourselves in the culture of Guatemala even further while practicing the Spanish skills we’ve been working on. Continuing our Spanish classes, we advanced our language skills even further. Throughout the week we spent time with our families, participated in group bonding activities such as karaoke, visits to the cemetery, and even more exploration of the city. Early Friday morning, we embarked on our biggest challenge yet, a three day trek consisting of twenty miles through the Guatemalan mountains. Starting from Xela, and ending in San Juan, Lake Atitlan. On our first day, we faced many challenges such as rain, thunder, and lightning. The steep downhill path in the mountains really added to the difficulty of the hike. On the second day, we started again. This time facing a sharp uphill climb through many different terrains of Guatemala. Finally, on the third and last day, we woke up extremely early to take a short hike up to a beautiful sunrise viewing platform, and finally ended in our destination, Lake Atitlán. A beautiful culture filled, collection of cities, all based around the Lake.

Our Top Three Highlights of the Week: 

Finally arriving in Lake Atitlan and getting to watch the sunrise over the Lake after our three day trek.

A fun night out to karaoke with the Carpe Diem group!!

Becoming closer with our host families while we practiced our Spanish.

But transformation always comes with opportunities for growth: What were our main challenges this week? 

When asked what was the most challenging aspect of this week, the answer from most is clear; the TREK. Over 20 miles, expanding across multiple cities, terrains, and days full of walking with little sleep and early wake ups. Sleeping all together in the same room on yoga mats also did not aid to a good night’s sleep. We tested our limits to the max. We finally ended the hike suffering from extremely sore bodies, blisters on our feet, and lack of sleep. We finished in the end, content and with a sense of accomplishment. Reflecting on it, we enjoyed the challenge and are extremely proud of ourselves for what we accomplished.

What we’re grateful for this week: 

This week has shown us that we are really grateful for the loving and accepting nature of Guatemalan communities, our host families’ willingness to treat us like their own, and most of all for each other. We faced many challenges this week and really came to appreciate the little things in life we take for granted, especially our beds and pillows. Now in Lake Atitlan, coming up is an educational week filled with information about permaculture, sustainability, and the different effects of tourism. As well as exploring the town of Tzununá and relaxing by the lake!!!

A final note: Almost half way through and time is flying by!!! Excited for what’s to come, it’s been an unforgettable journey. -Justin and Addie

Hasta luego! Spring 2023 Central America Semester

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Written by Central America Students, Caedin and Menna

This week, we arrived in the beautiful city of Quetzaltenango, aka Xela! After a 4 hour car ride, we finally arrived at our hostel Casa Seibel. We started off the week with Spanish classes at PLQ, a school within the city that has been around since the 1980s. We met our teachers and began our individual learning experiences. Some of us chose to explore the city with our teachers, having conversation as they went, and some chose to converse with our teachers within more traditional classroom settings. PLQ is a beautiful site, with tons of native flora and history nestled within its walls. At the school, we were able to watch a documentary detailing the disappearances of Guatemalans during the Internal Conflict, as well as listen to a presentation by La Muchacha, a womens’ rights activist who works within her community to uplift women and fight for their legislative rights.

During our free time, we were also able to explore the city, with its large variety of restaurants and cafés, beautiful Parque Central, and a vibrant market that sells everything from camera cords to pig’s heads.

Our Top Three Highlights of the Week: 

To kick things off with highlights of the week we started our home stays on Saturday afternoon and were welcomed with open arms by our new families.

And then that night we went and supported the local Xela football team at the stadium. We had a blast rooting for the local team (and having soda in a bag)!

Then for our last day of the week on Sunday, we went to a water park called Xocomil and it was a blast!!! After being amazed at the Mayan inspired architecture, we went on lots of speedy waterslides and a more chill lazy river.

But transformation always comes with opportunities for growth: What were our main challenges this week? 

Compared to last week, we feel like there were a lot of mental challenges in comparison to physical. Doing Spanish classes for 4 and a half hours can be a little mentally exhausting, especially because our teachers know little to no English. Despite that, we feel like everyone has handled these challenges super well and have worked very hard while learning a 2nd or 3rd language.

What’s coming up this week? 

We as a group are looking forward to expanding our Spanish knowledge in class over the next week. And with that diving even deeper into the culture and the people we meet on the way!!!!!!!

We have already begun to see processions for Semana Santa, the upcoming Guatemalan holiday that is equivalent to Easter. The processions have been incredible to see and leave us excited for what will come later on in our journey!

Hasta luego! Spring 2023 Central America Semester

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Written by Central America Students, Léa and Iris 

We made our way to the town of Comalapa. Taking a walk around with Omar, our host at ‘Long Way Home’, we learned about the artistic presence of the town along with the strong Mayan connections. The next few days were focused on the mission of ‘Long Way Home.’ It’s a local school constructed out of recycled and natural materials using sustainable and thoughtful practices. We volunteered with a few aspects of construction, such as sticking ‘cob’ (a mud made of earth, sand and pine needles) to an exterior wall, adding layers of tires to a new retaining wall, and gardening with the knowledgeable Edwyn. We also participated in engaging activities beyond construction. We were given the opportunity to meet Oscar Peren, and learn about art in Comalpa. We also spent an evening learning how to cook traditional Guatemalan cuisine, and a few days later got to try and make tortillas during the cultural night. We ended the week visiting the Mayan ruins of Iximche, which was part of the Kaqchikel group. Across the whole country, we learned there are 22 total Mayan languages spoken.

Our Top Three Highlights of the Week: 

During the hot work days, we often take a break and walk about 5 minutes to the “Chocofruta” store. Only two or three quetzales, we enjoyed many different types of fruits covered in chocolate and then dipped in mani (peanuts) or sprinkles. Although it was a simple thing, it brought a lot of joy to most of the group.

Another highlight of the week happened during cultural night where we were exposed to traditional Guatemalan foods, candies, arts, textiles, music and jewelry. The band, “Maya Kaqchikel” played some tunes for us using the marimba and a big drum. We showed off our moves with a dance circle, quote Léa, “It was so slay.”

Finally, during our time offline, we had the chance to play cards and learn new games. This led to an overall sense of closer group connection as we got to know each other better. Matt taught us ‘Cabo.’

But transformation always comes with opportunities for growth: What were our main challenges this week? 

Doing construction at ‘Long Way Home’ was a dynamic experience. However, most of us are new to construction, so the physical, mental, and environmental demands of the process were a definite challenge. At times, we had to persevere through wind and dust blowing in our faces, heavy buckets of sand to carry, and the long process of filling tires. Our spirits remained high because we felt as though we were contributing to something positive, just a little bit, even if our clothes are permanently dusty.

A practice of gratitude is essential for a Carpe experience. What are you grateful for this week?  

This week, we have a lot to be grateful for. Being around the school, we’ve appreciated the joy and welcoming spirit of the students. Along with them, Omar’s kindness and thoughtfulness created an amazing experience for us from helping to organize meals and teaching us construction techniques, to showing us around town. Romeo, Edwyn, Miguel, Freddie and Edgar were valuable teachers this week, and we are grateful that they shared their knowledge with us. Nico, Mateas, Roberto, Alex, Brenda and Doña Antonia, delivered and prepared delicious food for the group this week, mealtimes often being a highlight and an important way of experiencing Guatemalan culture. We’re also feeling grateful for the Carpe group’s ability to stay positive and engaged in every new experience.

Hasta luego! Spring 2023 Central America Semester

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Written by Central America Overseas Educators, Abby & Matt

We’ve spent the last 3 nights at a magical avocado farm outside the city of Antigua setting the tone for the rest of the semester through icebreakers, team building activities, deep journal prompts and a thorough orientation. We’ve explored comfort zones, set intentions and goals, talked about self care practices and how that plays out in our community, explored a new city together, went to yoga and experienced a Temascal. Earthlodge gave us stunning views, delicious meals and great vibes! Having a rooftop lunch in Antigua and meeting locals was the highlight for many.

Our Top Three Highlights of the Week: 

Seeing an erupting volcano in the distance for every meal!

Exploring the streets of Antigua while completing a scavenger hunt!

Getting sweaty, releasing worries and group bonding at the Temascal (Mayan sauna).

But transformation always comes with opportunities for growth: What were our main challenges this week? 

As it is the first few days here in Guatemala, we are all still getting to know each other and form healthy group dynamics. However our crew is so open and willing to learn. There is already great communication and connection among the group. Today the OE’s left the students to build their very own group agreements. They all seem to have the same vision for their unique gap semester.

What’s coming up this week? 

We have just arrived at our new home in Comalapa! This week we will be helping with the construction of a school for children using all natural materials. In addition we will b e participating in new and fun activities such as; machete and tools sharpening class, sports night, cooking class, tortilla making, painting and a visit to an archeological site in Iximche.

Keep in mind: This will be our first week without wifi so it may bring about some new challenges. We’ll be back when we have a connection!

Hasta luego! Spring 2023 Central America Semester

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Written By OEs Mara & Matt

And with our journals full of discoveries, our hearts full of memories, and our clothing full of new smells, we’ve found our ways back home. It’s amazing how quickly time has passed! It feels like we were just meeting each other in the Sonesta hotel and carrying a massive pizza box through security.

Rides in the back of pick-up trucks and volcanic eruptions set the tone for the adventure that awaited during our first few days together as a group at Earthlodge. Comalapa brought us closer as a group as we danced together on the cob, created our own UNO and DOS rules, and experienced our first marimba melodies. Xela introduced us to immersive Spanish and salsa classes, football (soccer) games as spectators and players, and the unforgettable Xocomil water park! There were festivals in the park, many visits to the ice cream shop, and our first round of homestays. Long trekking days were rewarded with stunning views, temescal saunas, and ghost stories. Our time at the Bambu felt like a dream. Really, was it real? Did Shad really wear the same shirt every day? Did Ashley inspire us all to build our own homes using natural materials? Can anyone dance as well as Inky the cat? San Juan quickly won our hearts with its colorful streets, endless coffee shops, and welcoming host families. We left with bufandas, canvases, embroidered pillowcases, and a strong desire to return someday. Our final week in Guatemala was spent on the Caribbean coast! Student directed travel led to days filled with kayaking adventures, cannonball contests, ping pong tournaments, and a paradise beach. We will never forget the thrill of our new, local friend Jonny (Yonny) showing us the way into hidden caves with an outstretched hand.

And off we went to Costa Rica, quickly greeted by toucans, Javier’s family, and the national staple: gallo pinto. Our time in Mastatal was made complete with stunning waterfalls, hanging out in hammocks, and a visit to a chocolate factory. Before leaving Villas Mastatal, we memorialized our dear friend Pato Blanco who passed away during our stay at Long Way Home with a painting on the wall. After a bus ride along the coast and a wild boat ride with nearly 200 eggs in tow, we made it to Drake Bay. The SCUBA course started right away, and by day two we were breathing underwater. We were treated with clear skies for a few sunny hours and incredible views of a baby humpback whale breaching. Eric, the Corcovado guide, could spot wildlife from a mile away and a family of white-faced capuchin monkeys welcomed us to our new favorite beach. Our final day in Grecia was spent reminiscing and reflecting on this wild adventure, putting on our fancy clothes, and dancing to live music at dinner.

It started with stacking tiny pizza tables and ended with discovering that our beloved turtle mascot, Rico, was stuffed with hearts. There are so many unforgettable moments: the first views of Guatemalan volcanoes, the sun rising over Lake Atitlan, spotting sharks underwater, macaws flying above us, Andres’ dance moves, just to name a few. We’ve enjoyed chocofrutas, endless cups of coffee, and more freshly made tortillas than we knew what to do with. Days were filled with dance parties, game nights, and albums worth of photos (many featuring Matt). We moved rocks, threw cob, dug trenches, and fell in love with Kankles the dog. We learned about the Guatemalan armed conflict, brainstormed ways to apply permaculture ethics to our lives back home, and shared meals in Spanish.

All that’s left to say is “WHAT IS THE NEXT?” We cannot wait to see where your paths lead you from here. We feel so grateful to have spent the past two and a half months traveling, learning, and laughing with you. Thank you for all the leaps you took outside your comfort zone, the support you provided for each other, and the discoveries you shared with the group. It was an honor to have joined you on this experience. We hope that our paths cross again. In the meantime, we can’t wait to see where your little pieces of Rico adventure to!

Stay wavy, everyone! Un abrazo, M & M

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Wow. It seems like just yesterday we were all watching the volcano, Fuego, erupt during dinner at the famous EarthLodge above Antigua, Guatemala. Now we are counting the hours we have left here in Costa Rica, making the most of every moment. After our time at Villas Mastatal was up, we braved the stormy ocean by boat to make our way to Drake Bay. We waded off the boat to our hostel before going our separate ways for dinner in town. Sunday morning, we started our scuba diving course with a series of videos where PADI taught us “don’t try”, and how to signal “boat”. Ella and Sam treated the group to a very special dinner of burgers at the hostel, fueling us up for the exciting week ahead. The night closed out with a game, where we all told stories and learned possibly a little too much about them. Monday, we returned to practice our diving skills in the pool, learning to breathe underwater. Tuesday and Wednesday, the crew, wind in hair and salt on skin, boated to Caño Island to dive in the ocean, visiting sea turtles, sharks, eels, rays, and so much more. We took in some sun and a few too many bug bites hanging out on the beach of a national park between dives, and even saw dolphins and whales on the boat rides back to lunch at the dive center hotel. Half of the group got to sleep in Thursday, while the rest made an early morning trip to a whale watching tour. The excursion group returned and met the others at the beach, where they had spent the day suntanning, swimming, and playing Jackpot with a frisbee. Trekking through the jungle, we spotted a family of white-faced capuchin monkeys on our way to a reflective activity on the beach. Sofia and Mats cooked up so delicious spaghetti and meatballs for a very successful group dinner. Friday morning the groups swapped, and the previous beach-goers explored the Corcovado National Park, meeting tapirs, coatis, a sloth, a boa constrictor, wild pigs, and the other three types of monkeys here in Costa Rica. The boat ride back was in itself an adventure, a storm of rain, waves, wind, and laughter. Friday’s dinner was a group event out at a restaurant in town before a night of packing and preparation for Saturday’s travel day. Saturday was spent first on a boat, surprised by views of monkeys and crocodiles on the way to the port. Off the boat, we were lucky to catch the placement of the mysterious stone spheres, a phenomenon of which no one knows the source. The van took the group the rest of the way, a smooth ride to Grecia, our last stop before returning to the States. See you soon!

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Written By Gabriel, Abby & Lindsey

First full week in Costa Rica! We spent the week in the town of Mastatal with a local family on their farm with many interesting characters: their hilarious son Andres, several bats flying overhead every night, and a stinky dog we named Kevin, even though she was a girl.

The days consisted of farm work, painting murals, and visiting local businesses. Every morning the breakfast bell elicited a barefoot run, as the group hurried to be first in the breakfast line. Every meal at our stay in Villas Mastatal was delicious thanks to Raquel and Co, the mom of the family and her wonderful kitchen staff.

We were greeted in Costa Rica by tropical storms, putting a rain check on the introductory tour. Sunday and Monday, our first days here were spent by taking part in wet tours of the farm, lessons in composting, digging trenches, riding in the back of muddy pickup trucks and taking cold showers (to which we are still not accustomed). Covered head to toe with mud at the end of long work days, we were thrilled to wash off in astonishing waterfalls.

On Sunday everyone showed off their skills in a talent show, ranging from acrobatics to trilingual poems and bottle flipping to a group “Cha cha slide.” The next day we visited a natural medicine farm where we tried different types of teas and made our own immunity tinctures. Monday night, Matt led the group in an interactive activity where we learned and reflected about tourism and how we have impacted the places we have visited.

On Tuesday we visited a permaculture farm run by an American entrepreneur named Tim. He told us his story, and further taught us about permaculture farming practices and natural building. That night the three group leaders led a group activity beginning with Lindsey who shared knowledge about the full moon and how to write a letter to it, followed by Gabriel who led a group discussion where everyone shared the moments where they laughed the most throughout our time together. Last was Abby, who closed out the meeting with an opportunity to write and freeingly follow all silly and surprising tangents.

Wednesday we went back to work, digging more trenches, planting yucca and riding family horse Max. In the afternoon we took part in a cooking class, beginning with a limbo under a barbed wire fence to harvest coconuts and ending with a delicious meal of empanadas, green papaya tacos and chocolate cake with a coconut topping. That night, we were led in a night walk through the jungled woods where we saw bioilluminescent mushrooms, massive spiders and absolutely nothing when we turned our lights off.

The following morning, we practiced some “lawn-scaping” at Cangreja National Park, with a train of machetes wielders, rakers, and the people whom there weren’t enough tools. Thursday afternoon, we visited a chocolate factory and were given a tour/lesson/tasting of the chocolate making process. Some of us (Abby) saw how many cacao beans we could fit in our mouths. That night Mara led us in a reflective activity about what we value most in life and compared our lists.

Friday was a chill day, which we spent painting a mural of “pato blanco” (the deceased duck from the start of our trip) to commemorate our group. We also made thank you gifts for our hosts and designed/painted their ping-pong table. The afternoon was spent packing, cleaning, and resting. We had a post-supper peanut-filled piñata and the night ended with marshmallow roasting over a bonfire.

The final morning we gave our gifts after the final breakfast bell and packed into the big bus on our way to Drake bay where we will spend our next and final full week together.

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Written By Helen, Ella, & Chance

¡Hola from the jungles of Rio Dulce! Boy, do we need to fill you in. Sit down, grab a snack, and listen to the adventure of a lifetime. Bang! We started off with a bang on Monday morning by competing in a series of group competitions. The group participated in two heated tournaments; ping pong and cannonballs. Mats roared as he devoured his competitors in the last battle for the ping ping crown. Kate made a big splash with her world famous can-opener but Mats once again swept all who dared to compete. The team took a well-deserved siesta before they had to get ready for a Carpe Halloween special. Everybody switched outfits with one another and took on their persona while playing a fun game of Mystery Box. Later that night, the squad took a spooky walk into the jungle and told scary stories under a threatening tree.

The following day, the team had an action packed day that included drinking coconuts on the white sand beaches of Playa Blanca, swimming in the pools of the Seven Altars, and getting ice cream in the ocean village of Livingston. Later that night, the group kicked back underneath the stars and watched a meteor shower unfold in front of their eyes.

Wednesday started off with a boat ride to a secluded waterfall where the gang swam and explored all it had to offer including getting bitten by little fish. The real adventure when we boarded kayaks and took an hour and half paddle back to Finca Tatin. The voyage was tiring and left everyone hungry and exhausted. The group was revived after some good grub and played a delirious game of hide and seek at the end of the night.

On Thursday, the gang slept in and had a nice relaxing morning. After breakfast, the squad took a jaunt to a local NGO where they learned about sustainable eco tourism and supporting indigenous communities. The rest of the day was spent tanning and swimming in the warm water of the Rio Dulce and the group finished with a steaming hot temaschal.

Whoosh! That week went by in a flash. Today was the day the group had to pack their bags and head back to Guatemala City for their flight on Saturday to Costa Rica. After stopping for tacos and being held up in traffic, the gang was rewarded with cold pancakes and hot showers at the hotel near the airport. After a short and seamless flight, the group landed in Costa Rica and they are now and sound at their next residence, Villas Mastatal.

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