NOLS - Australia Backpacking

  Australia

• Western Australia: 
Broome

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 10-July 14, 2009, July 1-August 4, 2009

Description: The rich cultural history, semi-tropical habitats and ancient land formations of the Kimberley make this part of Western Australia ideal for an educational expedition. You'll travel in four-wheel drive vehicles, bus or light planes to a remote area of the Kimberley, where you'll backpack through tight canyons, past secluded waterfalls, and over dry plateaus, exploring areas very few people have ever seen.

Diverse bird, plant, mammal and reptile life make this an ideal place to study, interpret and enjoy some of nature's wonders. You'll see crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, geckos and birds, including cockatoos, kookaburras and honeyeaters.

In this land of extremes, where days can be hot and nights cool, you'll be challenged by uneven terrain and rocky hills. You'll explore and navigate through woodlands of gum trees, cane grass and billabongs (water holes) one moment and hike to the top of an escarpment the next.

The Aboriginal people have lived in this area for up to 60,000 years, and you'll learn about the Kimberley culture by spending a couple of days with our Aboriginal guides, discovering their traditional and contemporary lifestyles. Through informative classes and discussions, interaction with our guides, and travel through local cattle stations, you'll leave this course with a new understanding of the rich and diverse natural and cultural history of the Kimberley and Australia.

Highlights:
College Credit:
(Optional)

6 Semester Credit Hours:
2 Hours Environmental Ethics
2 Hours Leadership Techniques
2 Hours Skills Practicum

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: $5,325

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia Independently

Typically Participants Work 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
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• 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