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Instructors and students set up top rope anchors and rappel sites for various climbing routes.
Photo
Alex Yannakos |
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 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. And the course offers certifications for students interested in outdoor careers around the world, including Leave No Trace Master certification and Wilderness First Responder (WFR).
Backpacking
You’ll practice your Spanish as you backpack up scenic mountain valleys and visit remote ranches called campos. Learning how to leave a minimal impact on this environment leads to Leave No Trace Master certification, and you will also participate in a 2- to 3-day service project with Conservacion Patagonica to help with the creation of a new national park in Chile known as Valchac.
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 alpine environment are parts of the curriculum.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
As part of your comprehensive wilderness education, the Year in Patagonia includes an 80-hour Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course taught by staff of the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS (WMI).
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The Patagonia Year brings NOLS students into the lives and homes of Chilean pobladores.
Photo: Ignacio Grez |
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 unique Patagonian culture.
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.
Rock Climbing
You’ll be in Argentina for this section, at the foot of the Argentine Andes. Near the mountain town of Bariloche, you’ll set up a base camp for your rock climbing adventures.
Sea Kayaking
The fjords of southern Chile offer breathtaking scenery and fickle weather. Your expedition into this region will include lessons in paddling techniques, rescue skills, planning routes and Patagonia’s natural history.
Year in Patagonia
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| Duration
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135 Days |
| Age
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18 and Over |
| Tuition
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2008/2009
$23,000 |
| Dates
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Oct. 14, 2008-March 19, 2009 (Holiday Break: Dec. 20, 2008-Jan. 10, 2009)
WFR, Backpacking, Sea Kayaking, Cultural, Climbing, Mountain Travel, Backpacking
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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
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| 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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