SEMESTER IN THE Southwest A SEMESTER IN THE SOUTHWEST WILL GIVE you a unique glimpse in<strong>to</strong> the American Southwest’s living desert. You will discover the desert <strong>to</strong> be alive with plants and animals like coyote, javelina, mountain lions, peregrine falcons, mesquite, and cactus. The different sections on this semester will take you from the rushing waters of the Rio Grande <strong>to</strong> the ponderosa pine forests of the Gila Range. You will find y<strong>our</strong>self jamming y<strong>our</strong> fingers and feet in<strong>to</strong> granite cracks and exploring with all y<strong>our</strong> senses through decorated limes<strong>to</strong>ne caves. Along with natural his<strong>to</strong>ry, you’ll also discover the desert’s rich human his<strong>to</strong>ry and have plenty of time <strong>to</strong> travel through the areas once inhabited by ancient cultures, discovering drawings and other traces left behind by <strong>our</strong> ances<strong>to</strong>rs. In this land of constant sun, backpacking, caving, climbing, and canoeing will prepare you for the independent student expedition that is the grand finale of y<strong>our</strong> semester. Explore the ruins of the Southwest and see how local ances<strong>to</strong>rs once lived. Gila Cliff Dwellings, Gila Wilderness, New Mexico WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) Hosted by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of <strong>NOLS</strong>, this 16-h<strong>our</strong> section covers first aid specific <strong>to</strong> wilderness emergencies and is essential for anyone spending extended time in the outdoors. BACKPACKING The Gila Range in New Mexico, the first designated wilderness area in the U.S., or the rugged Galiuro Mountains in southeastern Arizona will be y<strong>our</strong> classroom for the backpacking section. Both destinations offer varied terrain and beautiful surroundings in which <strong>to</strong> hone y<strong>our</strong> backcountry living skills. CAVING (if available) On this section you’ll explore the miraculous underground <strong>world</strong> visiting many caves either near the famous Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico or in the varied terrain of southeastern Arizona. You’ll have a unique chance <strong>to</strong> marvel at a subterranean wilderness few people ever see or even know exists. ROCK CLIMBING Cochise Stronghold, a land of <strong>to</strong>wering granite domes, is one of the best climbing locations in Arizona. As you hone y<strong>our</strong> climbing risk management and judgment skills, you’ll move at y<strong>our</strong> own pace from the fundamentals of <strong>to</strong>p-roping and anchor building <strong>to</strong> more complex techniques like multi-pitch climbing. Madhu Rainbow Chikkaraju Weins<strong>to</strong>ck CANOEING You’ll paddle down the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park, Texas, where water has carved out spectacular canyons in the Chihuahuan Desert. You’ll learn how <strong>to</strong> read whitewater, practice river rescue techniques, and identifying hazards while scouting rapids. Nick Cross Discover a new <strong>world</strong> underground. Lake Cave, New Mexico Facing page: Helmets off, sun hats on: a calm moment on the Rio Grande. Upstream of Lower Canyons, Texas STUDENT EXPEDITION Upon successful completion of the previous sections, you’ll have the opportunity <strong>to</strong> apply all of y<strong>our</strong> accumulated knowledge by planning and executing an au<strong>to</strong>nomous student expedition. Heading out in either the Galiuro or Gila mountains, this is the highlight of the Southwest semester. DETAILS SPRING FALL Age and Length: 17 & Over • Average age: 20 • Duration: 88 days Tuition: $11,725 (spring); $11,990 (fall) Optional College Credit: 4 h<strong>our</strong>s Biology, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Environmental Ethics, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Leadership Techniques, 6 h<strong>our</strong>s Skills Practicum, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Risk Management Dates: page 106 48 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-<strong>NOLS</strong> • admissions@nols.edu
SOUTHWEST Brian Murphy 49