SEMESTER IN India TOUCH DOWN IN THE ANCIENT WORLD OF the Himalayas and prepare for a semester packed with unparalleled language and cultural opportunities in one of the most breathtaking backcountry classrooms in the <strong>world</strong>. The Himalayas, or “Abode of Snow,” swing in a wide arc across f<strong>our</strong> countries and are home <strong>to</strong> both Everest and K2. Y<strong>our</strong> Semester in India begins at <strong>NOLS</strong> Pacific Northwest in Conway, Washing<strong>to</strong>n, <strong>to</strong> prepare rations and gear before flying <strong>to</strong> New Delhi. A bus ride through the plains of northern India <strong>to</strong> the mountain <strong>to</strong>wn of Ranikhet in Uttarakhand will deliver you <strong>to</strong> the <strong>NOLS</strong> base, located in an idyllic setting at 6,500 feet in the foothills of the Himalaya. From here, you will travel through the valleys of the Kumaon and Garhwal regions where the thick conifer and broad-leaf trees of the lower altitudes turn <strong>to</strong> evergreens, rhododendron, and juniper forests in the high ridges and shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers in the alpine zone. TC Rammelkamp Whitewater rafting and Hindu religion mesh on the holy river Ganges. Rishikesh Facing page: Find time <strong>to</strong> reflect on y<strong>our</strong> <strong>NOLS</strong> experience and how it will impact the rest of y<strong>our</strong> life. Milam Valley Discover India’s wilderness on foot, including remote villages and farms amidst the hills and high peaks. Kathi Village, Pindari Valley WILDERNESS ADVANCED FIRST AID (WAFA) While in Ranikhet, you’ll experience rural mountain life while you receive y<strong>our</strong> WAFA certification through the Wilderness Medicine Institute of <strong>NOLS</strong>. This 40-h<strong>our</strong> c<strong>our</strong>se focuses on injury stabilization, treatment, and evacuation guidelines of patients in backcountry environments. WHITEWATER RAFTING This 12-day section is based in the area around Rishikesh, one of the holiest places for Hindus and home <strong>to</strong> many of their rituals and mythology. You will begin rafting on the holy Ganges River as you hone paddling fundamentals. Once y<strong>our</strong> skills advance and you begin <strong>to</strong> “read” the water, you’ll be ready for a few multiday expeditions where you will learn <strong>to</strong> be paddle captain and row an oar raft. CULTURE The village of Kalika, a tiny hamlet at 6,000 feet near the <strong>to</strong>wn of Ranikhet, will be the hub for these ten days. Pairing up with a fellow c<strong>our</strong>semate, you will participate in a homestay <strong>to</strong> experience firsthand what it takes <strong>to</strong> live in remote, rural India. You will be engaged in domestic chores and eat meals with y<strong>our</strong> host family. Group classes will include subjects such as landscapes, forest use and farming as a means of livelihood, and yoga. You will travel <strong>to</strong> learn about local food products, economy, and alpine ecology, as well as <strong>to</strong> visit Gandhi Ashram, a national monument <strong>to</strong> the Indian independence movement. MILAM VALLEY BACKPACKING The Milam (Johar) Valley was once the trade route between India and Tibet. You’ll travel in those traders’ footsteps over high altitude passes, through remote villages, and across lush river valleys and flower-strewn meadows, all with alpine glaciers in the distance. STUDENT EXPEDITION Y<strong>our</strong> semester will culminate in India’s Pindari Valley with an opportunity for a student expedition, a chance <strong>to</strong> apply with a small group of y<strong>our</strong> c<strong>our</strong>semates all the skills you have learned over the past months. Although groups will travel without the immediate supervision of y<strong>our</strong> instruc<strong>to</strong>rs, you will work closely with them <strong>to</strong> craft a travel plan, work out a proposed route, and plan for contingencies. Independent student group travel is typically 7 <strong>to</strong> 10 days in length and is a reward for working hard throughout y<strong>our</strong> entire semester. DETAILS SPRING FALL Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 80 days Tuition: $14,950 (spring); $15,250 (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 Madhu Chikkaraju 84 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-<strong>NOLS</strong> • admissions@nols.edu
INDIA Madhu Chikkaraju 85