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Kayak with the ice floes in Patagonia.
Photo: Craig Lenske |
Deemed one of the most challenging NOLS courses, the Semester in Patagonia has strong leadership outcomes on account of adapting to and operating in harsh weather. Teamwork, communication, and problem solving are critical to the success of this expedition.
You begin your semester in Coyhaique, Chile, for 3 days of wilderness first aid training before stepping into the backcountry for 75 days. Once on this unique continuous expedition, your transition between sections includes swapping gear in the field with another Patagonia semester group on an opposite route.
You’ll hike and camp in Patagonia’s valleys and mountains and sea kayak in breathtaking Patagonian archipelagos, stopping to visit with locals along the way.
The grand finale of this remote adventure is the extended student expedition, when you and a small group of your peers earn the privilege of planning and traveling a route independent of your instructors.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Before embarking into the field, you and your coursemates will receive a 20-hour WFA training taught by staff of the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS. Fast paced and hands-on, this three-day course covers a wide range of wilderness medicine topics for people who travel and work in the outdoors.
Mountain Travel
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Crossing Patagonia's wild rivers takes patient decision-making and good judgement.
Photo: Rich Brame |
You’ll move up remote mountain valleys, plan daily routes, and choose campsites. Early in the course, your instructors will lead you, helping you to read maps, find routes, and judge and evaluate hazards. They will then step back incrementally until you find yourself in charge. Some days you’ll be named “leader of the day” and be responsible for a small group of your fellow students. Depending on the weather and how your entire group is progressing, you may have a chance to cross glaciers and work on such skills as tying knots, handling ropes, and ice climbing.
Sea Kayaking
Most of Chile is off the beaten path for world travelers, and the island chains of the southern part of the country are no exception. You’ll learn about the dynamic environment of the region, strong currents, tidal fluctuations and fickle weather. Instruction will include paddling techniques, rescue skills, route planning, and coastal weather. You’ll also study the natural history of the area while you continue to hone your leadership and communication skills.
Extended Student Expedition
After you’ve successfully completed the previous three sections, you’ll move into the student expedition. Typically, groups of four to six students travel without immediate instructor supervision for a 7- to 10-day hike through the wilds of Patagonia. Before setting out, and under the supervision of your instructors, your group will craft a travel plan, work out a proposed route, and get ready to use and refine what you’ve learned over the past months.
Semester in Patagonia
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| Duration: |
80 days |
| Age: |
18 and Older (Average age: 21) |
| Tuition: |
2009 January start: $14,100
2009 September start: $14,225 |
| Dates: |
Spring (January start)
January 13-April 2, 2009
January 25-April 14, 2009
WFA, Mountain Travel, Sea Kayaking, Backpacking
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Fall (September start)
September 11-November 29, 2009
September 23-December 11, 2009
WFA, Mountain Travel, Sea Kayaking, Backpacking |
College Credit:
(Optional) |
16
Semester Credit Hours
2 hours Environmental Ethics
4 hours Leadership Techniques
4 hours Skills Practicum
4 hours Risk Assessment
2 hours Expedition Planning
3 hours WFR credit |
| Course start/end: |
Please contact the NOLS admission office for details |
| Equipment Deposit: |
$500 |
| Fly in/out: |
Please contact the NOLS admission office for details |
| Downloads: |
Course Description (pdf)
Equipment List
(pdf) |
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Next Steps
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Related Courses
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