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Instructor Galen Dossin fills his water bottle at the foot of the glacier on San Lorenzo.
Photo: Pascal Beauvais |
Deemed one of the most challenging semesters at NOLS, 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 10 days of wilderness first aid training before stepping into the backcountry for 70 days. Once on this unique continuous expedition, your transition between sections includes swapping mountaineering gear for sea kayaking gear as your group rendezvouses with another Patagonia semester 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; some knowledge of Spanish will enhance these cultural opportunities. 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 Responder (WFR)
Before embarking into the field, you and your coursemates will receive an 80-hour WFR training taught by staff of the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS (WMI). This is the standard course for outdoor professionals and provides you with the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations.
Mountain Travel
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Weather and wonder: The two hallmarks of NOLS Patagonia.
Photo: James Kagambi |
You’ll move up remote mountain valleys, plan 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 vast glaciers, work on such skills as tying knots and handling ropes, and stage crevasse rescue scenarios.
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: |
75 days (80 days w/WFR) |
| Age: |
18 and Over |
| Tuition: |
January start: $13,200
September start: $13,500
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| Dates: |
Spring (January start)
Jan. 19-April 7, 2008
Feb. 6-April 25, 2008 WFR, Mountain Travel, Sea Kayaking, Backpacking |
Fall (September start)
Sept. 15-Dec. 3, 2008
Sept. 29-Dec. 17, 2008
WFR, Mountain Travel, Sea Kayaking, Backpacking
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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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