NOLS

This course was so much fun and absolutely the best thing I could have chosen to start my gap year. I made so many friends and the course really built my self-confidence for the rest of the year.

Everyone I met, both students and instructors, were so supportive and inspiring. I learned a huge number of both technical and interpersonal skills. I would recommend this course to absolutely anyone. I had never slept in a tent before or really done anything like it, but everyone was so supportive and encouraging, and as long as you are determined to work hard you can absolutely do it!

I have 1 million good things to say about NOLS - if you're wondering about what to do on your gap year this is my no1 suggestion!

NOLS Patagonia semester is an 80-84-day course where we started with sea kayaking and went on to the hiking and rock climbing sections. I was initially nervous as I am an Indian and did not know Spanish, but the warm welcome and support I received from the NOLS staff helped me overcome this obstacle. The NOLS base in Coyhaique was beautiful as was Chile's country and culture. Before starting this 84-day journey, we learned much about Chilean culture and maté. We packed rations, took care of the equipment that would be needed on this trip, and went over the route that we would take. After all this Patagonia still managed to take my breath away as the terrain was stunningly beautiful from the oceans to the mountains the serenity of Patagonia was clear. We learned different skills in sea kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing and worked on individual and team goals with the support of our amazing instructors. Safety, Risk management, and LNT were the three main topics we focused on in our everyday routine, whether it was sea kayaking, hiking, or rock climbing. The highlight of my trip was the Independent Student Group Expedition (ISGE)
at the end of the three sections or ration period, students choose a route to hike on for 10 days without the instructors in a group of 4 to 5 people where we students plan our rations
for 10 days. We as a group decided to hike through two high passes on our 10-day route and 2 peak ascends. I had fun getting challenged differently navigating through the forests and oceans of Patagonia and learning the skills needed to do it safely. I would recommend this course to anyone who is looking for a new perspective, challenges, and a lot of fun while doing it.

I had an incredible experience with NOLS. I learned so much about outdoor living, leadership, and myself. From meditative moments, to very practical skills I’ve used backpacking since, NOLS gave me so much! I had fantastic instructors - they were smart, capable, interesting, and kind - true professionals. I also made some great friends - you really get to know people out in the wilderness. Ultimately, it was one of the greatest months of my life. Such a unique and cool experience that I’ll never forget.

I think this program is an excellent mix of being far out in the wilderness combined with a significant and meaningful cultural interaction. It was refreshing to be truly off the grid in a sense where you were isolated to the point of not even seeing other backpackers on the trail for good portions of the trip but at the same time learning about the cultures of India and getting to pass through villages on the trek and interact with them. I think within the NOLS environment this blend was a unique mix and one I didn't appreciate going into things.

I participated in the Pacific Coastal Expedition from NOLS Patagonia branch during a gap year between high school and college. I had always heard about NOLS courses and how they were "life-changing." I didn't buy it. It seemed like more responsibility and commitment than I wanted on my gap year. Looking back on it, I can't imagine a better way to spend a month in a year where my priorities were to grow and develop into a better human being. NOLS taught me the value of mental toughness and grit. While those seem like things that could be learned in a less extreme environment, I have yet to find an opportunity that has given me the same perspective and compassion that my NOLS trip did. Every day on a NOLS trip is a life lesson and you leave your trip with a wealth of knowledge about yourself and the world around you. It has been over a year since my trip and I think about it every single day in one way or another. For anyone who is hesitant about taking part in a NOLS trip, I would say it will always seem more difficult to handle until you're in it and to take the plunge. You will not regret it!!