YEAR IN Patagonia THIS IS IT—THE LONGEST COURSE TYPE at <strong>NOLS</strong>. This extended expedition packs in outdoor skills, wilderness certifications, and international culture <strong>to</strong> create an unparalleled adventure. From mountain travel on remote peaks <strong>to</strong> sea kayaking along Patagonia’s archipelagos and rock climbing at the foot of the Andes, the components of this c<strong>our</strong>se form a When in Chile....have a traditional feast! Students enjoy an asado with a local rancher. Valley of Rio Canal Betsy Wins<strong>to</strong>n comprehensive backcountry immersion. With a strong focus on Spanish language and cultural interaction, the Patagonia Year allows you <strong>to</strong> 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 visi<strong>to</strong>rs. Also, the c<strong>our</strong>se offers certifications for students interested in outdoor careers around the <strong>world</strong>, including Leave No Trace Master certification and Wilderness First Responder. BACKPACKING In order <strong>to</strong> have a successful year, it is essential <strong>to</strong> build a foundation of both technical and interpersonal skills. This first section of the year gives you a chance <strong>to</strong> focus on getting the basics down so you can expand <strong>to</strong> more advanced skills in the following months. SERVICE PROJECT You will participate in a backcountry service project that will positively contribute <strong>to</strong> the care of the land. This project will focus on land stewardship and will range from two <strong>to</strong> f<strong>our</strong> days in length. WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER (WFR) As part of y<strong>our</strong> comprehensive wilderness education, the Year in Patagonia includes an 80-h<strong>our</strong> WFR c<strong>our</strong>se taught by staff of the Wilderness Medicine Institute of <strong>NOLS</strong>. MOUNTAINEERING The large glaciers and rarely climbed peaks of the Patagonian Andes will be y<strong>our</strong> classroom for this section. Alpine mountaineering techniques and how <strong>to</strong> 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. Y<strong>our</strong> expedition in<strong>to</strong> this region will include lessons in navigation, paddling techniques, rescue skills, planning routes, and Patagonia’s natural his<strong>to</strong>ry. CULTURE During this section you’ll live on mountain campos with poblador families, helping them with the daily chores of subsistence living. This is y<strong>our</strong> chance <strong>to</strong> further develop y<strong>our</strong> language skills while fully experiencing the extraordinary Patagonian culture. ROCK CLIMBING You’ll set up a base camp for y<strong>our</strong> 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 <strong>to</strong>pics 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 Wins<strong>to</strong>n Hazard assessment is an important skill on technical terrain and back in <strong>to</strong>wn. Cerro Largo Facing page: Explore stunning Chilean peaks and pristine mountain lakes. Lago General Carrera STUDENT EXPEDITION Typically, groups of f<strong>our</strong> <strong>to</strong> six students travel without immediate instruc<strong>to</strong>r supervision for an 8- <strong>to</strong> 10-day hike through the wilds of Patagonia. Y<strong>our</strong> group will craft a travel plan and work out a proposed route in order <strong>to</strong> 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 h<strong>our</strong>s Biology, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Environmental Ethics, 4 h<strong>our</strong>s Leadership Techniques, 6 h<strong>our</strong>s Skills Practicum, 4 h<strong>our</strong>s Risk Management, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Expedition Planning, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Outdoor Educa<strong>to</strong>r, 3 h<strong>our</strong>s WFR Dates: page 107 76 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-<strong>NOLS</strong> • admissions@nols.edu
PATAGONIA Kika Bradford 77