SEMESTER IN Baja FLANKED BY THE PACIFIC OCEAN ON THE west and the Sea of Cortez on the east, the Baja California Peninsula is a land of extremes and contrasts. Granite and volcanic mountain ranges extend over 1,000 miles down the peninsula’s central spine, and Picacho del Diablo, a 10,126-foot peak in the northern mountains, is snow-covered in winter months. The rest of Baja California, while still very rugged and mountainous, is Sonoran Desert country, receiving less than 10 inches of rainfall each year. Here exists an amazing variety of desert life, including more than 110 species of cacti. For three months, you’ll explore these contrasting environments on foot, in a sea kayak, and under sail while having ample opportunities for cultural and Spanish language interactions with local students, educa<strong>to</strong>rs, ranchers, and fishermen. You will learn the skills you need <strong>to</strong> visit these ecosystems and communities comfortably and responsibly in the future. Group dynamics are an integral part of any expedition. Y<strong>our</strong> <strong>NOLS</strong> c<strong>our</strong>se will concentrate on team building and communication that will help you achieve group goals. Baja California Sur BACKPACKING Starting with Leave No Trace camping, route selection, map reading, risk management, and hazard evaluation, y<strong>our</strong> backpacking section takes you deep in<strong>to</strong> the desert and mountains of beautiful Mexico. Classes include discussions on group dynamics, leadership, geology, wildlife identification, and maybe some informal Spanish instruction. SAILING Y<strong>our</strong> mode of travel for this section will be a 22-foot Drascombe Longboat, which lets you explore remote coves that larger sailing vessels can’t reach. You’ll move along the coastline, camping on shore at night and hoisting sail during the day. Expect <strong>to</strong> learn coastal navigation, teamwork, seamanship, anchoring, sail trim, line handling, and steering, as well as snorkeling and diving <strong>to</strong> check out fish and y<strong>our</strong> anchors! Leia Berg SEA KAYAKING Along with learning coastal kayaking skills like navigation, rolling, surfing, and paddle strokes, you’ll focus on free diving skills and water risk management. Desert natural his<strong>to</strong>ry classes happen when the sea is <strong>to</strong>o rough for travel. Some semesters make an open water crossing <strong>to</strong> explore the uninhabited islands of the Gulf of California. Benjamin Lester Smile and soak in the warm brine air of Mexico's northern coasts. Baja California Sur Facing page: ¡Ay carambaaaa! Cultural interactions abound on international <strong>NOLS</strong> semesters. Estuche CULTURE Throughout y<strong>our</strong> semester you’ll learn about Baja’s culture and his<strong>to</strong>ry, gaining insight in<strong>to</strong> the diversity of lifestyles of Baja residents—sometimes en español! Opportunities include visits with local staff during c<strong>our</strong>se preparation, travel <strong>to</strong> remote fishing villages like San Nicolás, <strong>to</strong>rtilla-making classes with ranchero families high in the Sierra, and exchanges with the local university community. DETAILS SPRING FALL Age and Length: 17 & Over • Average age: 20 • Duration: 78 days Tuition: $11,830 (spring); $11,975 (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 107 70 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-<strong>NOLS</strong> • admissions@nols.edu
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