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 f<strong>our</strong>-wheel drive vehicle or light plane, and you won’t return <strong>to</strong> 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 <strong>to</strong> 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 <strong>to</strong> challenge y<strong>our</strong>self, learn, and have fun. Jen Klewitz Learning Bardi crafts and culture is a highlight for <strong>NOLS</strong> Australia students. Sunday Island Facing page: Quiet stretches of river will give you time <strong>to</strong> appreciate the unique scenery of the region. Drysdale River, The Kimberley Spending a semester in Australia’s sun-soaked land is the perfect time <strong>to</strong> learn outdoor skills, environmental ethics, and leadership. King Leopold Range, The Kimberley BACKPACKING Y<strong>our</strong> backpacking section will be in the Kimberley, in areas that offer everything from gorges and grasslands <strong>to</strong> billabongs (watering holes) and waterfalls. You’ll learn about the local cattle stations and how <strong>to</strong> backpack effectively in this hot, dry environment. You may also get the opportunity for a student expedition, hiking close by, yet independent of, y<strong>our</strong> instruc<strong>to</strong>rs. CULTURE For a week of y<strong>our</strong> semester you’ll have an opportunity <strong>to</strong> 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 y<strong>our</strong> boat and gear down the Drysdale River, one of the most remote rivers in the <strong>world</strong>, while you learn the intricacies of canoe travel and develop y<strong>our</strong> leadership style. You’ll also take explora<strong>to</strong>ry day hikes in<strong>to</strong> the wilderness. SEA KAYAKING (summer only) You’ll begin y<strong>our</strong> 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 <strong>to</strong> learn sea kayaking skills, explore the colorful marine ecosystem, and visit the most prolific Aboriginal petroglyph site in the <strong>world</strong>. WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) (summer only) Hosted by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of <strong>NOLS</strong>, this 16-h<strong>our</strong> section covers first aid specific <strong>to</strong> 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 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 and Sections: page 107 Jen Klewitz 88 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-<strong>NOLS</strong> • admissions@nols.edu
AUSTRALIA Jen Klewitz 89