Hawai'i Semester | Carpe Diem Education

My semester is Hawaii was both everything I’d hoped for and nothing like what I expected.

We did everything I’d expected we’d do— we participated in community service, worked with local contacts, and learned about Hawaiian history and culture. I learned so much about those beautiful islands and the people who live there.

What I didn’t expect was the personal transformation I experienced. I came into this program knowing myself in one way, and left knowing myself in a completely new light. I realized what my values truly were and the kind of person I did and didn’t want to be. I pushed myself past what I thought my limits were, whether that was related to physical exhaustion or my emotional endurance.

I feel the greatest lesson I learned from my semester in Hawaii is that, by clearing my mind from the chatter of social media and the ‘outside’ world on my phone, I can step back and recognize that I am not my emotions or my thoughts. In any given situation, the way I feel is not necessarily the way things are. This clarity brought me a perspective (in tough situations especially) that helped shed light on the most productive solutions, instead of stewing in anger or guilt or sadness.

I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to get to know the real Hawaii (not the touristy Hawaii!) better, while also getting to know themselves in a new way.

Going into my Hawai'i semester with Carpe Diem I wasn't sure what to expect- it was a new program and many of my past plans this year had already been cancelled. What came of the semester was the most transformative and beautiful two months I ever could have asked for.
Learning from Hawaiian natives about Hawaiian sovereignty, practicing earth stewardship alongside my group, and getting to know the beautiful island of Maui are pieces of my experience I never want to forget along with so so many more. I am incredibly thankful to my OE's for being the warmest, most supportive, and caring people ever. My group truly became an 'Ohana throughout our semester and I feel so lucky to have learned from each one of them and call them all friends now.
The Carpe Diem Hawai'i semester was very intentionally planed and thought out. If you are passionate about the environment, social justice, or the outdoors it would be a mistake not to consider this program! :)

Wow! Where do I start. This trip was fantastic. Learning the importance of being a visitor instead of a tourist was a life lesson I would have never learned if I hadn’t travelled with Carpe Diem. You can tell how much effort the company puts into their programs. The leaders with this program make you feel safe and are people you can go to. They ended up being my favorite people on the trip too! 10/10 all around in my experience. Would recommend to anyone considering going on a gap semester trip.

My experience on Carpe’s Hawaii program during my gap year was nothing short of incredible. I can’t speak positively enough about my time on program. We had the opportunity to speak with many thoughtful and informative Maui natives and transplants to the island. Each of our work or learning experiences changed my perspective in a distinct way—from permaculture to land clearing to whales all of our programming was unique and engaging. My overseas educators were two of the most passionate, warm, and resourceful people I have been lucky enough to have as mentors. I miss the trip so much already!!

I left this trip completely changed. I was surrounded by people who were excited to learn and experience Hawaii with me. The trip was planned perfectly and we were constantly engaged with the land and people while having fun. Our leaders pushed us to adventure and try new things that have become some of my favorite memories. We farmed with an amazing community, surfed, swam in waterfalls, worked on conservation, and explored the island in meaningful ways. Being surrounded by love, I learned to see the positive in everything. There was never a moment that I wasn’t excited for our next task because I knew it was perfectly planned by Carpe for us to enjoy and learn. I completely shifted my mindset in Hawaii and am excited to take everything I learned about the environment, sustainability, and myself.