NOLS - Semester in Patagonia

  Chile

• All Other Areas in Chile: 
Coyhaique

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall (September start) Sept. 15-Dec. 3, 2008; Sept. 29-Dec. 17, 2008 / Fall (September start) September 11-November 29, 2009; September 23-December 11, 2009 / Spring (January start) January 13-April 2, 2009; January 25-April 14, 2009

Description: For the majority of this semester youll be in the wilderness. You will begin your continuous expedition in Coyhaique, Chile before stepping away from civilization for 80 days. Your semester group might meet with another NOLS semester group to trade mountaineering gear for sea kayaking gear before continuing on your way.

You'll hike and camp in Patagonia's valleys, travel in the mountains and sea kayak in breathtaking Patagonian fjords, stopping to visit with locals along the way. Some knowledge of Spanish will enhance these cultural opportunities. Leadership outcomes are strong on the Semester in Patagonia due to the remote nature of the travel and the harsh weather encountered. Teamwork, communication and problem solving are critical to the success of this expedition.

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Your semester will begin at the NOLS campo with this 80-hour Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course, taught by staff of the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS (WMI). This is the standard course for outdoor professionals and provides you with the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations.

Mountain Travel
You'll move up remote mountain valleys, planning routes and choosing campsites. Early in the course, your instructors will hike with you, helping you with map reading and route finding, hazard evaluation and judgment. Then they will step back incrementally until you find yourself in charge. Some days, youll be named leader of the day and be responsible for a small group of your fellow students. Depending on how your entire group is progressing, you may have a chance to climb to a higher altitude where youll cross huge glaciers and work on such skills as knot tying, rope-handling and crevasse rescue scenarios.

Sea Kayaking
Most of Chile is off the beaten path for world travelers, and the fjords of the southern part of this country are no exception. You'll learn about the dynamic environment of the region, about the strong tides and fickle weather. Your instruction will include paddling techniques, rescue skills, route planning and coastal weather. You'll also study the natural history of the area while you continue to hone your leadership and communication skills.

Extended Student Expedition
After youve successfully completed the previous three sections, youll move into the student expedition. Typically, you'll be traveling in a group of four to seven students without immediate instructor supervision for a 7- to 10-day hike through the wilds of Patagonia. Before setting out, and under the supervision of your instructors, your group will craft a travel plan, work out a proposed route, and get ready to use and refine what youve been learning for the past months.

Highlights: NOLS explores Patagonia's northern and Southern icefields which extend for hundreds of kilometers along the spine of the Patagonian Andes. They are the largest contiguous icefield outside of Antartica and Greenland. Semester courses are available. Mountaineering, ice climbing, sea kayaking, and student expeditions will cover your semester.

College Credit:
(Optional)         

16 Semester Credit Hours
2 hours Environmental Ethics
4 hours Leadership Techniques
4 hours Skills Practicum
4 hours Risk Assessment
2 hours Expedition Planning
3 hours WFR credit

Cost in US$: $12,800 - $13,500

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Chile in Groups

Scholarships are Available. - Each year NOLS offers over $800,000 dollars in scholarship assistance. Scholarship aid is available to applicants who show great potential to excel as NOLS students and who would be unable to attend without financial aid. These scholarship dollars are made available through the generosity of alumni and friends to the NOLS Fund. Our graduates realize the great impact a NOLS education has and volunteer both time and money to further the school's mission.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

NOLS The National Outdoor Leadership School's Mission Statement: The mission of the National Outdoor Leadership School is to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment.

Year Founded: 1965