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Two beautiful countries. One incredible opportunity to find yourself.

Academy is a cross-cultural, immersive-learning, gap-semester experience unlike anything else. You’ll spend a cumulative 13 weeks between beautiful Baja, Mexico and the north shore of the Dominican Republic learning about others and yourself. You’ll experience local cultures, practice some new language skills, and become more aware of how people around the world live.

The Experience

Join us in September 2025 for a three-month, cross-cultural experience in Mexico and the Dominican Republic!

Save your spot!

Surrounded by like-minded people, you’ll be challenged and supported as you grow and take part in new experiences while caring for others. During this time, you will explore the world and just how big of a difference you can make within it.

What Academy Alumni say:

I loved the dorm-style living and the opportunity for meaningful discussions in and out of the classroom [at the Academy]. I was a...

Academy Alum 2019

Living in Mexico and studying social justice topics opened my eyes to the day-to-day challenges that people face, not only globall...

Academy Alum 2013

My perspective on life and myself entirely changed due to Academy. I truly didn’t understand poverty or my impact on the world u...

Academy Alum 2014

The Academy impacted me in such a big way. I am now more open to learning about the important issues happening around us and what ...

Academy Alum 2019

I identify the Academy as the turning point in my adult life. It had vast impacts on me and my perception of many things. Upon my ...

Academy Alum 2014

I consider the Academy to be one of the most life-changing things I have done. It greatly impacted the way in which I interact wit...

Academy Alum 2017

LDA greatly influenced my life in all aspects. The two biggest changes I correlate to my experiences at LDA are my overall self-co...

Academy Alum 2013

The Academy changed my whole perspective on my future. I changed what I wanted to go to college for; I’m now a nurse as I discov...

Academy Alum 2012

In general, my knowledge and attitude towards various issues in the world, and some that translated into my life, were greatly imp...

Academy Alum 2013

Academy impacted me on so many beautiful levels. Our classes brought to light many important issues... [which] shaped who I am now...

Academy Alum 2019

Academy impacted me in many ways: it allowed me to grow into the person I am today, I developed lifelong friendships, and Academy ...

Academy Alum 2014

[The Academy] really helped me to understand what I want to do in the future and helped me to evolve to the person I am now. Getti...

Maryssa, Academy Alum 2014

My time with LiveDifferent [Academy] was one of the most impactful times in my life. It showed me what it is like to live with a s...

Carina, Academy Alum 2012

[The Academy] helped me see where I wanted to go in life and how grateful I am for everything I have back home. Spending time with...

Alyea, Academy Alum 2017

[The Academy] was honestly the biggest turning point in my life. It helped me realize what I wanted to do with my life and where m...

Jadyn, Academy Alum 2016

[The Academy was my] first time spending time around people interested in helping others, [who have a] similar mindset and drive t...

Carrington, Academy Alum 2014

The Academy forced me out of my comfort zone, which allowed for a lot of growth. It gave me a new perspective on Mexican culture a...

Chelsey, Academy Alum 2017

The Academy exposed me to many different social justice issues... It helped me learn how to connect with others and reflect on my ...

Brandi, Academy Alum 2013

My time in Academy was pivotal to allowing me to open up, so that I am controlling my life instead of my life controlling me. Sinc...

Melissa, Academy Alum 2015

My Build trip in 2014... led to LDA. And then the Build and LDA led me [to] realize a passion for global development... The entire...

Ariel, Academy Alum 2016

[I would recommend the Academy] because it's perfect! It helps you realize your potential and find out the things that you're real...

Brigitte, Academy Alum 2012

I would highly recommend this program because it is such a unique growing experience that helps you see how you can make a differe...

Jenna, Academy Alum 2012

Being in a place like this really teaches you about yourself and shows you what you are capable of! You have so many opportunities...

Cheyenne, Academy Alum 2012

What to expect

Join us in September 2025 for a three-month, cross-cultural experience in Mexico and the Dominican Republic!

Volunteer on local projects

You’ll spend time volunteering on various local projects and learn about the work of other organizations serving local communities.

Study Spanish

Being fully immersed in the culture, you’ll not only study Spanish but live it as you spend time with a local host family once a week.

Explore your surroundings

As you travel through two beautiful countries, you’ll explore dormant volcanoes, beaches, local cultural attractions, historical sites and more.

Build projects

You’ll complete a building project alongside community members—but don’t worry! No previous building experience is necessary.

Week In The Life

Spend the week alongside community members and experience what a work week is like for many in the area: basic shelter, working in the area and providing for yourself with the typical wages a local labourer would earn.

Classroom learning

You’ll learn about social justice issues and work on developing yourself through a mixture of class time, experiences and mentoring.

Academy tuition includes in-country accommodations, food, visas and flights (thanks to WestJet)

Tuition costs

This portion covers everything that benefits you directly, like the curriculum, food and accommodations.
We presently have 3 x $2000 bursaries available, please contact us ASAP to reserve yours!

$3,600 $1,600

Charitable fundraising goal

This part is used to help others and goes towards project costs. As a result, we’re able to issue tax receipts for funds raised. Donations are not refundable.

$5,500

Total tuition

$9,100 $7,100

Reach out

Have any questions? We are here to answer them.
We presently have 3 x $2000 bursaries available, please contact us ASAP to reserve yours!

Check out our FAQ
I am beyond thankful for my experience down in Mexico, and I can honestly say it has made me a better person.

Lauren, former Academy student

Itinerary

Week 1/13

Week 2/13

Weeks 3-4/13

Week 5/13

Weeks 6-8/13

Weeks 9-11/13

Week 12-13/13

Welcome to Baja

You’ll begin your Academy experience by flying to San Diego, CA, where you’ll be picked up by staff, meet other Academy students, and stay overnight. You’ll then drive to Vicente Guerrero, Baja California, Mexico, where you’ll participate in orientation.

Become part of the community

During the second week, you’ll start taking Spanish classes and will meet the host families who will become an important part of your Academy experience.

Volunteering and coursework

Now that you've settled in, it’s time to get at it! Over the next few weeks, you’ll volunteer with local organizations, learn about sustainable development, continue working on your Spanish, take part in cooking classes, and spend evenings with your host family.

‘Week in the life’ experience

It is time for your ‘Week in the Life’ experience, where you’ll get to experience the day-to-day life of a local who works in the fields to support their family.

Volunteering and coursework

You'll continue volunteering, visiting with your host families, and taking part in your coursework before leaving Mexico to head to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Volunteering and coursework

In the Dominican Republic, you'll be introduced to the communities we partner with while continuing to learn and grow.

Volunteering, Debrief and Travel Home

Spending your final week in the Dominican Republic where you will wrap up your courses, have the chance to reflect and celebrate the experiences you’ve had during the Academy, and prepare to transition home.

Have questions about Academy? Fill out the form and we'll get in touch!