SEMESTER IN Patagonia Pod up! Work <strong>to</strong>gether <strong>to</strong> navigate <strong>to</strong> the next take-out. Canal Martinez Kyle Hammons DEEMED ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING <strong>NOLS</strong> c<strong>our</strong>ses, the Semester in Patagonia has strong leadership outcomes on account of adapting <strong>to</strong> and operating in harsh weather. Teamwork, communication, and problem solving are critical <strong>to</strong> the success of this expedition. You begin y<strong>our</strong> semester in Coyhaique, Chile, for five days of wilderness first aid training and expedition preparation before stepping in<strong>to</strong> the backcountry for 75 days. Once on this unique continuous expedition, y<strong>our</strong> transition between sections includes swapping gear in the field with another Patagonia semester group on an opposite route. You’ll hike and camp in Patagonia’s valleys and mountains and sea kayak in breathtaking archipelagos, s<strong>to</strong>pping <strong>to</strong> visit with locals along the way. The grand finale of this remote adventure is the extended student expedition, when you and a small group of y<strong>our</strong> peers earn the privilege of planning and traveling a route on y<strong>our</strong> own. Betsy Wins<strong>to</strong>n A shared cup of maté warms the soul and always brings out smiles. A campo near Rio Baker Facing page: Cramponing on dry glacier is just one of many skills you'll learn on y<strong>our</strong> Patagonia semester. Glacier Soler WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) Before embarking in<strong>to</strong> the field, you and y<strong>our</strong> c<strong>our</strong>semates will receive a 20-h<strong>our</strong> WFA training taught by staff of the Wilderness Medicine Institute of <strong>NOLS</strong>. Fast paced and hands-on, this three-day c<strong>our</strong>se covers a wide range of wilderness medicine <strong>to</strong>pics for people who travel and work in the outdoors. MOUNTAIN TRAVEL You’ll move up remote mountain valleys, plan daily routes, and choose campsites. Early in the c<strong>our</strong>se, y<strong>our</strong> instruc<strong>to</strong>rs will lead you, helping you <strong>to</strong> read maps, find routes, and judge and evaluate hazards. They will then step back incrementally until you find y<strong>our</strong>self in charge. Some days you’ll be named “leader of the day” and be responsible for a small group of y<strong>our</strong> fellow c<strong>our</strong>semates. Depending on the weather and how y<strong>our</strong> entire group is progressing, you may have a chance <strong>to</strong> cross glaciers and work on such skills as tying knots, handling ropes, and ice climbing. SEA KAYAKING Most of Chile is off the beaten path for <strong>world</strong> travelers, and the island chains of the southern part of the country are no exception. You’ll learn about the dynamic environment of the region, strong currents, tidal fluctuations, and fickle weather. Instruction will include paddling techniques, rescue skills, route planning, and coastal weather patterns. You’ll also study the natural his<strong>to</strong>ry of the area while you continue <strong>to</strong> hone y<strong>our</strong> leadership and communication skills. STUDENT EXPEDITION After you’ve successfully completed the previous three sections, you’ll move in<strong>to</strong> the student expedition. Typically, groups of f<strong>our</strong> <strong>to</strong> six students travel without immediate instruc<strong>to</strong>r supervision for a 7- <strong>to</strong> 10-day hike through the wilds of Patagonia. Before setting out, and under the supervision of y<strong>our</strong> instruc<strong>to</strong>rs, y<strong>our</strong> group will craft a travel plan, work out a proposed route, and get ready <strong>to</strong> use and refine what you’ve learned over the past months. DETAILS SPRING FALL Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 80 days Tuition: $14,670 (spring); $14,900 (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, 4 h<strong>our</strong>s Skills Practicum, 4 h<strong>our</strong>s Risk Management Dates: page 107 74 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-<strong>NOLS</strong> • admissions@nols.edu
PATAGONIA Betsy Wins<strong>to</strong>n 75