NOLS Semester in East Africa

If you're looking to be challenged, both physically and mentally, then this program is for you. I came into this trip without any prior hiking or backpacking experience and the instructors were very helpful in showing me the ropes and supporting me when I was struggling. I also really enjoyed the education part of the course. We had classes almost everyday on kiswalhili, the environment, or leadership, which were interesting and informative. We also had members of the Massai tribe hiking with us for most of the trip, so we really got an understanding about that culture. Making it to the summit of Kilimanjaro gave me such a feeling of accomplishment and was definitely worth all of the blood, sweat, and tears. If you're wanting to learn more about yourself, as well as be immersed in another culture, then I would highly recommend this program. I've made friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

There are not really many "study Abroad" prgrams where you get to experaince the country in it's rawest form . Be aware this is no beach vacation. If you are willing to have physically demanding days to see and experaince some of the coolest cultures of your life, this program is for you.

A typical day (as I remember it)
- Wake up early, 6-7am, cook/ clean-up breakfast
- Pack-up camp
- morning lesson on either culture/ language or outdoor education
- Hike for 5-6 hours (see amazing wildlife, interact with local tribes, connect with your fellow NOLSies
- set-up camp in your new location
- maybe have an hour or 2 of down time
- Cook dinner/ clean-up
- relax with your companions
- go to sleep in your tent with your tent group