Values:

Equity: Get your Access to Success 

• We believe that operating equitably and inclusively is fundamental to honoring an individual’s dignity, individuals pursuing their potential and in turn, societies achieving the fullest potential. 

• We work to bridge gaps of access to high-impact-practices in higher education namely international immersive experiences by identifying disparities and taking responsibility to address these with tangible resources that honor the whole person.

• We succeed when we purposefully contribute to advancing equity in higher-education and in our communities, and our students get what they need and deserve to be successful. 

• What this looks like: Racism, sexism, colonialism, economic exploitation, cisheterosexism, ableism, and ecological degradation harm our students, staff, and local community, as well as the people and communities we visit abroad. As an organization it is important Carpe Mundi strives to advance equity, social justice, and sustainability on a personal, organizational, and systemic level. Education and intercultural exchange can be opportunities to build understanding about systems of oppression, learn from the people and movements working to advance social justice and sustainability, share skills and strategies to combat oppression, and stand in solidarity with those most impacted. We believe this is collective work, and ask our staff, board members, community partners, and students join us in learning about these issues, confronting systems of oppression, and building a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Opportunity: Think Bigger/Growth Mindset

• We believe it’s important to challenge what you think is possible to create the reality of a full, intentional life.

• We work to make opportunities become realities by cultivating emotional intelligence and a growth mindset. 

• We succeed when an opportunity is desired, pursued, and begets further opportunity.

• What this looks like: Having a growth mindset is what allows us to recognize the opportunities available and build our capacity to make the most of them. Every person is capable of learning, growing, and developing our socio-emotional skills. Learning and personal growth happen when we seek out these opportunities and challenge ourselves. This often means stepping outside of our comfort zones —whether mentally, physically, and/or emotionally—and being willing to make mistakes, experience discomfort, and be vulnerable. Carpe Mundi strives to provide opportunities for students to challenge themselves in realistic and safe ways, while providing appropriate support, mentorship, and opportunities for reflection. This experience is meant to take us outside of our comfort zones, and we ask that students embrace these challenges and opportunities and put in the effort to learn and grow. This is how we become more resilient and capable of achieving our goals.

Community: We get there together

• We believe in cultivating an environment of interdependency where gratitude and joy can flourish (because we don’t exist in a vacuum, and it’s usually more fun).

• We work to build strong relationships from person to person, organization to organization, community to community on the local and global level by seeing each other holistically, as fully realized authentic humans. 

• We succeed when we complement one another, sharing and receiving from our abundant resources.

• What this looks like: Community is foundational for both the year-long Carpe Mundi cohort, and the small group travel experiences with Carpe Diem and Where There Be Dragons. Building strong relationships based on care, mutual support, and emotional vulnerability are critical to making sure we get to our destination together. It is everyone’s responsibility to look out for and support one another. Working, living, and traveling together for long periods of time often requires learning and building new skills. We ask that students and staff commit to growing their skills for resolving conflict, asking for help, having empathy for other perspectives, and giving and receiving constructive feedback. Building our emotional intelligence and communication skills also brings a deeper sense of joy, belonging, and gratitude we can apply throughout our lives.

Experience: be present for the journey 

• We believe experiences paired with reflection are powerful contexts for making meaning and contribute to a high quality education.

• We work to propel students out in the world, preparing them to embrace the wonder and possibilities in the unknown by learning with their own hands and hearts.

• We succeed when we can continually extrapolate meaning from our experiences, personally connect to our common humanity and have some fun along the way.

• What this looks like: Learning through in-person experiences such as international travel, hands-on activities, and authentic conversations allow us to engage our whole selves in the learning process. When paired with thoughtful reflection and collective discussion we build a deeper understanding of the world around us. To make the most of this process we ask students to be present for the journey. At times this can mean unplugging from technology or other distractions to be more fully present with the people and environment around us. But most of all it means exploring new activities and ways of life with curiosity and an open mind, and actively sharing, discussing, and reflecting on what we are experiencing and learning.

Impacts:

Impact #1 – Students will deepen their socio-emotional intelligence

What we mean: Students gain abilities and skills that are often not taught in traditional academic spaces, but are crucial for success in the workplace and in interpersonal relationships, such as: asking for help and seeking mentorship, conflict resolution, communication methods, and giving and receiving constructive feedback. 

Impact #2 – Students will increase their self-confidence and their practice of self-reflection and self-advocacy

What we mean: Through pushing their comfort-zones, taking-on group leadership roles, and practicing self-reflection, students discover that they can do hard things in life and won’t shy away from challenge or opportunity. They believe in their individual self-worth, and they can advocate for themselves and their needs.

Impact #3 – Students will develop greater global awareness 

What we mean: Students will experience education beyond the four walls of a classroom. They recognize that they are part of a global collective, understanding that the things they do in the US have an impact on the greater world, and the greater world has an impact on them. Students will develop a curiosity to continue learning about themselves and the world - recognizing that you don’t know what you don’t know. 

Impact #4 – Students will expand their understanding of possibility and pursue their future with intention

What we mean: By expanding their worldview, students will recognize that there are far more possibilities and opportunities in the world for them than they might have imagined. With this increased understanding, students can choose their own path and reach their full potential, be that educational, vocational, career, personal, or any combination thereof. Through mentorship, students also have an increased awareness of and access to resources that help them pursue their interests and navigate potential barriers. 

Impact #5 – Students have a strong sense of ownership, tools, and the motivation to succeed in their post-secondary education. 

What we mean: Through earning college credit from the University of Montana, receiving academic coaching, one-on-one writing support, and assistance in navigating higher-ed systems, Carpe Mundi students are more motivated to continue with their studies, better equipped to succeed academically, and are more prepared navigate potential barriers and/or ask for help. Through participating in an experiential education program, students understand that their education can be meaningful and personal, and are inspired to shape their college experience for themselves as an individual. 

To learn more about how our programming impacts our students, please visit our Impact Page.