to our world. - NOLS

YEAR IN
Patagonia
THIS IS IT—THE LONGEST COURSE TYPE
at NOLS. This extended expedition packs in
outdoor skills, wilderness certifications, and
international culture to create an unparalleled
adventure. From mountain travel on remote
peaks to sea kayaking along Patagonia’s archipelagos
and rock climbing at the foot of the
Andes, the components of this course form a
When in Chile....have a traditional feast! Students enjoy an asado with a local rancher. Valley of Rio Canal
Betsy Winston
comprehensive backcountry immersion.
With a strong focus on Spanish language
and cultural interaction, the Patagonia Year
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 region’s remote
and breathtaking scenery than most visitors.
Also, the course offers certifications for
students interested in outdoor careers around
the world, including Leave No Trace Master
certification and Wilderness First Responder.
BACKPACKING In order to have a successful year, it is essential to build a foundation of both
technical and interpersonal skills. This first section of the year gives you a chance to focus on
getting the basics down so you can expand to more advanced skills in the following months.
SERVICE PROJECT You will participate in a backcountry service project that will positively
contribute to the care of the land. This project will focus on land stewardship and
will range from two to four days in length.
WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER (WFR) As part of your comprehensive wilderness
education, the Year in Patagonia includes an 80-hour WFR course taught by staff of the
Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS.
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 Andean environment are parts of the curriculum.
SEA KAYAKING The fjords of southern Chile offer breathtaking scenery and changing
weather. Your expedition into this region will include lessons in navigation, paddling techniques,
rescue skills, planning routes, and Patagonia’s natural history.
CULTURE 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 further
develop your language skills while fully experiencing the extraordinary Patagonian culture.
ROCK CLIMBING You’ll set up a base camp for your rock climbing experience at the foot
of the Andes. It begins with a foundation of skills such as climbing techniques, knot craft,
belaying, rappelling, and bouldering. As you progress we will focus on more advanced
topics such as anchor construction, belay escapes, and gear selection. If you are ready, and
weather permits, there will be opportunities for multi-pitch and lead climbing.
Betsy Winston
Hazard assessment is an important skill on technical terrain
and back in town. Cerro Largo
Facing page: Explore stunning Chilean peaks and pristine
mountain lakes. Lago General Carrera
STUDENT EXPEDITION Typically, groups of four to six students travel without immediate
instructor supervision for an 8- to 10-day hike through the wilds of Patagonia. Your
group will craft a travel plan and work out a proposed route in order to practice what
you’ve learned over the past months.
DETAILS
ACADEMIC YEAR
Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 135 days; 67 days (fall), 68 days (spring)
Tuition: $26,250
Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 4 hours Leadership Techniques, 6 hours
Skills Practicum, 4 hours Risk Management, 2 hours Expedition Planning, 2 hours Outdoor Educator, 3 hours WFR
Dates: page 107
76
www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu