NOLS Year in Patagonia

Spend 135 days in remote Patagonia learning outdoor skills and immersing in local culture. The program is split into two semesters with a short break to travel, study Spanish, or go home. You’ll begin with Wilderness First Aid training, then rotate through sections like glacier mountaineering, sea kayaking, rock climbing, horsepacking, and cultural immersion. Gain technical skills such as rope work, navigation, weather assessment, and risk management while traveling through diverse landscapes. Live with a Patagonian host family, practicing Spanish and rural traditions. The course may end with an independent student expedition. By the end, you’ll build strong leadership, outdoor expertise, and lasting connections.