to our world. - NOLS

SEMESTER IN
Australia
AUSTRALIAN SEMESTERS ARE EXPEDITIONS
of discovery in a land of great contrasts. The
spring semester consists of canoeing, backpacking
and cultural sections. For 75 days, you’ll travel
as a group through northwestern Australia’s Kimberley
region, a place so remote you’ll get there
by four-wheel drive vehicle or light plane, and
you won’t return to civilization until the semester
ends. The 68-day summer semester includes
first-aid, backpacking, sea kayaking, and cultural
sections, where you’ll explore the Kimberley and
the Pilbara regions, learning how to be comfortable
in both bush and marine environments.
You’ll see crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies,
and kookaburras, as well as huge termite mounds.
Both semesters spend time on the coast, spotting
sea turtles, reef fish, coral and other marine animals.
The uniqueness of Australia’s natural surroundings
makes this an ideal place for you to
challenge yourself, learn, and have fun.
Jen Klewitz
Learning Bardi crafts and culture is a highlight for NOLS
Australia students. Sunday Island
Facing page: Quiet stretches of river will give you time
to appreciate the unique scenery of the region. Drysdale
River, The Kimberley
Spending a semester in Australia’s sun-soaked land is the perfect time to learn outdoor skills, environmental ethics,
and leadership. King Leopold Range, The Kimberley
BACKPACKING Your backpacking section will be in the Kimberley, in areas that offer
everything from gorges and grasslands to billabongs (watering holes) and waterfalls. You’ll
learn about the local cattle stations and how to backpack effectively in this hot, dry environment.
You may also get the opportunity for a student expedition, hiking close by, yet
independent of, your instructors.
CULTURE For a week of your semester you’ll have an opportunity to explore the Bardi
Aboriginal homelands, studying marine ecology and learning Bardi crafts and traditions
like boomerang and spear making, or visit another local Aboriginal community, like Jarlmadangah,
learning about their traditional and contemporary lifestyles.
CANOEING (spring only) During this five-week section, you’ll travel through the heart
of the Kimberley, both by canoe and on foot. You’ll paddle and portage your boat and gear
down the Drysdale River, one of the most remote rivers in the world, while you learn the
intricacies of canoe travel and develop your leadership style. You’ll also take exploratory
day hikes into the wilderness.
SEA KAYAKING (summer only) You’ll begin your sea kayaking adventure in the waters
surrounding the Dampier Archipelago, a group of 42 rocky islands offering scrubby eucalyptus
valleys and isolated coral reefs. Here you’ll have the opportunity to learn sea kayaking
skills, explore the colorful marine ecosystem, and visit the most prolific Aboriginal
petroglyph site in the world.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) (summer only) Hosted by the Wilderness Medicine
Institute of NOLS, this 16-hour section covers first aid specific to wilderness emergencies
and is essential for anyone spending extended time in the outdoors.
DETAILS SPRING SUMMER
Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 20 • Duration: 75 days (spring); 68 days (summer)
Tuition: $13,870 (spring); $11,500 (summer)
Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 4 hours
Skills Practicum, 4 hours Risk Management
Dates and Sections: page 107
Jen Klewitz
88
www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu