Finding one’ s place in the world and exploring one’s passions are vital before choosing a college major and defining a life path.  With today's pressure to gain acceptance to top universities, it is often difficult to reflect and gain self-awareness necessary for critical life decisions.  Taking time away from the classroom and obtaining a broader perspective can clarify one's goals and enhance the college experience.   Read Time Out or Burn Out for the Next Generation by Harvard University's Dean of Admissions, Wiliam Fitzsimmons et. al. for their observations on the benefit of taking time out.  back to top

Magic Carpet Rides recommends a gap year for all high-school graduates.  The skills you gain by immersing in another culture, becoming fluent in another language,  and engaging in community service will serve you throughout your life.  Many top colleges are now encouraging all students to take time abroad and employers are looking to hire applicants with international experience in order to compete in today's global economy.  The lesson of the world's interconnection can only be learned through direct experience; there is no substitute for rubbing against the skin of our human mosaic.

Naima, who deferred matriculation from Duke University to volunteer in  a MCR partner organization in Guatemala, shares her perspective:

Many college admissions officers and high school guidance counselors recommend taking a gap year, feeling that students benefit from the additional year of maturation.  Many report that students who took a gap year matriculate with an increased focus and self-awareness due to their real world experience. 

Jon Reider, Director of Admissions at San Francisco University High School and former Admissions Officer at Stanford University shares his perspective:

Magic Carpet Rides seeks individuals with a sense of adventure and desire to contribute to our global community.  While we request transcripts, test scores and letters of recommendation to gain a broader understanding our students, previous academic success is not a sole determinant of admissions.  Magic Carpet Rides strives to achieve a mature, diverse class eager to explore the world and discover themselves.  back to top

Yes, taking time out is a great idea at any age.  So if you are in between high school and college, or university semesters or perhaps transferring to another college, we welcome your application.  Magic Carpet Rides is geared toward 17-to-21 year-old participants.  back to top

Although we encourage students to participate in the entire academic year, it is possible to enroll in one semester only.  Our curriculum is designed so that the spring semester builds upon skills gained during the fall semester, therefore successful completion of the fall semester (or demonstration of language and travel skills) is mandatory for participation in the spring semester.  back to top

Magic Carpet Rides strives to provide a gap year to all eligible participants, regardless of ability to pay.  Please contact us to inquire about the possibility of financial aid. 

With college graduation taking an average of 5.75 years, experiencing a gap year and clarifying your goals first may result in a more focused undergraduate experience that would decrease your total expense.  back to top

Yes, and Magic Carpet Rides can help you through the process.  You may retake the SATs in Guatemala and we offer college advisory services.   back to top

Guatemala offers a world of difference just a short plane flight away.  With a large indigenous population dressing in traditional costumes and speaking 26 dialects, Guatemala offers an unrivaled opportunity for cultural immersion.  In addition, Antigua, named as the world's top destination in 2009 by UK's Wanderlust travel magazine, is renowned for excellent Spanish schools, attracting students from all over the world.

The endemic poverty in Guatemala provides an opportunity for meaningful service projects, and in a country where many indigenous Maya do not progress past a fifth-grade education, our participants truly make a difference.

Guatemala's stunning natural landscape offers many opportunities for natural exploration including volcano and jungle trekking, white water rafting and lake relaxation.  The ancient traces of the Maya heritage can be discovered in important archeology sites in Northern Guatemala.  Guatemala's location provides a convenient base to explore the treasures of Central America, such as the world's second largest barrier reef off the coast of Honduras and Belize.  back to top

Magic Carpet Rides' curriculum is tailored to our students' individual abilities and interests.  For bilingual participants, we offer an opportunity to explore Latin American literature, to learn a Mayan language or to delve straight into a service project.  By keeping our class small, we are able to work with each student to ensure he/she is fully challenged and engaged in the experience.  back to top

No, however, Magic Carpet Rides intends to provide additional destinations in the future.  back to top

No, Magic Carpet Rides currently offers an academic-year curriculum from September through May.  Students may wish to remain in Central America on their own for the summer at the conclusion of the program.  back to top

Travel in developing countries has inherent risks that can be minimized through appropriate precautions.  During our orientation and training, we share ways to ensure a safe and successful gap year.  Magic Carpet Rides liaises with the U.S. Embassy and Guatemala Institute of Tourism to ensure the well-being of all participants.  Lastly, our staff is trained in Emergency Medical Services and First Aid/CPR.   Appropriate vaccinations and travel documents are mandatory. back to top

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all travelers to Guatemala consult a health-care provider who specializes in travel medicine at least 4-6 weeks before travel.  All routine vaccines such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) should be current.  In addition, the CDC recommends vaccines for Hepatits A and B, and Typhoid as well as chloroquine pills to prevent malaria.  Please note that malaria is not a risk in Antigua or Lake Atitlan where we spend the majority of our time.  back to top

You will need a US passport that is valid for the entire duration of your time in Central America.  Entry visas will be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Guatemala City.  back to top

All participants are required to have health insurance.  Students under the age of 21 are likely covered under their parents health care insurance.  Optional travel insurance provides travel, baggage, accident and medical protection.  We will send you further details upon acceptance. back to top

We will send you a detailed packing list.  Recommendations include packing light, bringing a versatile and culturally-sensitive wardrobe and leaving valuables at home. back to top

Guatemala offers an ideal climate, with much of the country enjoying warm sunny days in the 70's or 80's, cooling down to the 60's at night.  Guatemala's diverse topography results in differing climates depending on the altitude and terrain. The lowlands in the northern Peten area are hot and humid.  In the high plains, winter nights can be chilly, although the sun brings daytime temperatures up to the mid 70's. 

Guatemala experiences two seasons: the wet (May - September) and the dry (October - April).  In Antigua, expect about an hour of rain per day during the wet season.  In the jungle, the rainy season can extend through December.  back to top