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Patagonia's vast and sometimes austere landscape is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Photo: Jacqui Holmes |
This is it—the longest course type at NOLS. This extended expedition packs in outdoor skills, wilderness certifications, and international culture to create one of our most unique adventures. From mountain travel on remote peaks to sea kayaking along Patagonia’s archipelagos and rock climbing at the foot of the Andes, the components of this course form a comprehensive backcountry immersion.
With a strong focus on Spanish language and cultural interaction, the Year in Patagonia course allows you to spend one section living and working with local poblador families.
Along with developing an appreciation of Patagonian culture, you’ll also see more of this region’s remote and breathtaking scenery than most visitors. Also, the course offers certifications for students interested in outdoor careers around the world, including Leave No Trace Master certification and Wilderness First Responder (WFR).
Mountaineering
The large glaciers and rarely-climbed peaks of the Patagonian Andes will be your classroom for this section. Alpine mountaineering techniques and how to live and camp in a harsh-weather Andean environment are parts of the curriculum.
Sea Kayaking
The fjords of southern Chile offer breathtaking scenery and changing weather. Your expedition into this region will include lessons in navigation, paddling techniques, rescue skills, planning routes, and Patagonia’s natural history.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
As part of your comprehensive wilderness education, the Year in Patagonia includes an 80-hour WFR course taught by staff of the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS.
Service Projects
During the second semester of your academic year, you will participate in at least one backcountry service project. These projects will focus on land stewardship and will range from 2-4 days in length.
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On the Patagonia Year, NOLS students live and work on mountain campos.
Photo: Jacqui Holmes |
Cultural
During this section you’ll live on mountain campos with poblador families, helping them with the daily chores of subsistence living. This is your chance to put your language skills to use while fully experiencing the vigorous Patagonian culture.
Rock Climbing
You’ll set up a base camp for your rock climbing experience at the foot of the Andes. It begins with a foundation of skills such as climbing techniques, knot craft, belaying, rappelling, and bouldering. As you progress we will focus on more advanced topics such as anchor construction, belay escapes, and gear selection. If you are ready, and weather permits, there will be opportunities for multi-pitch and lead climbing.
Extended 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. 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.
Year in Patagonia
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| Duration
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135 Days |
| Age
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18 and Older (Average age: 21) |
| Tuition
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$24,750 |
| Dates
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Oct. 11, 2009-March 17, 2010 (Holiday Break: Dec. 17, 2009-Jan. 8, 2010)
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College Credit
(Optional) |
27
Semester Credit Hours
4 hours Biology
2 hours Environmental Ethics
4 hours Leadership Techniques
6 hours Skills Practicum
4 hours Risk Assessment
2 hours Expedition Planning
2 hours Outdoor Educator
3 hours WFR credit |
| Course start/end
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Coyhaique, Chile |
| Equipment Deposit
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$750 |
| Fly in/out
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Balmaceda, Chile |
| Downloads
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Course
Description (pdf)
Equipment List
(pdf) |
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Next Steps
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Related Courses
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