NOLS - Year in Patagonia

  Chile

• All Other Areas in Chile: 
Coyhaique

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Winter 

Description: This is the longest course type at NOLS. This extended expedition packs in outdoor skills, wilderness certifications and international culture to create one of our most unique adventures. From mountain travel on remote peaks to sea kayaking along Patagonia's archipelagos and rock climbing at the foot of the Andes, the components form a comprehensive backcountry immersion.

With a strong focus on Spanish language and cultural interaction, the Year in Patagonia course allows you to spend one section living and working with local poblador families. Along with developing an appreciation of Patagonian culture, you'll also see more of this regions remote and breathtaking scenery than most visitors. And the course offers certifications for students interested in outdoor careers around the world, including Leave No Trace Master certification and Wilderness First Responder (WFR).

* Backpacking
You'll practice your Spanish as you backpack up scenic mountain valleys and visit remote ranches called campos. Learning how to leave a minimal impact on this environment leads to Leave No Trace Master certification, and you will also participate in a 2- to 3-day service project with Conservacion Patagonica to help with the creation of a new national park in Chile known as Valchac.

* Mountaineering
The large glaciers and rarely-climbed peaks of the Patagonian Andes will be your classroom for this section. Alpine mountaineering techniques and how to live and camp in a harsh-weather alpine environment are parts of the curriculum.

* Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
As part of your comprehensive wilderness education, the Year in Patagonia includes an 80-hour Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course taught by staff of the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS (WMI).

* Cultural
During this section you'll live on mountain campos with poblador families, helping them with the daily chores of subsistence living. This is your chance to put your language skills to use while fully experiencing the unique Patagonian culture.

* Extended Student Expedition
Typically, groups of four to six students travel without immediate instructor supervision for a 7- to 10-day hike through the wilds of Patagonia. Your group will craft a travel plan, work out a proposed route, and get ready to use and refine what you've learned over the past months.

* Rock Climbing
You'll be in Argentina for this section, at the foot of the Argentine Andes. Near the mountain town of Bariloche, you'll set up a base camp for your rock climbing adventures.

* Sea Kayaking
The fjords of southern Chile offer breathtaking scenery and fickle weather. Your expedition into this region will include lessons in paddling techniques, rescue skills, planning routes and Patagonia's natural history.

Highlights: College Credit
(Optional)         

27 Semester Credit Hours
4 hours Biology
2 hours Environmental Ethics
4 hours Leadership Techniques
6 hours Skills Practicum
4 hours Risk Assessment
2 hours Expedition Planning
2 hours Outdoor Educator
3 hours WFR credit

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: USD 23,000

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Chile Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Scholarships are Available. Each year NOLS offers over USD 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-Program 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