SUMMER TRIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
T R AV E L C ATA L O G
SUMMER 2019
“
IT WAS A REALLY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE TO GET OUT IN NATURE THE WAY WE DID—GOING DEEP INTO THE TUNDRA AND BEING COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY WILDERNESS. I FEEL MORE IN TOUCH WITH THE PLANET, AND I FEEL COMPELLED TO DO MORE TO PROTECT IT. THIS PROGRAM WAS REALLY LIFE-CHANGING FOR ME. —Kelly L., Student Traveler, Canadian Arctic Expedition, 2018
| CANADIAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION
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N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C S T U D E N T E X P E D I T I O N S S UM M E R 2 0 1 9 T R I P S | CHINA EXPEDITION
| BOTSWANA AND VICTORIA FALLS EXPEDITION
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
54 Journalism and Multimedia
14 Canadian Arctic
16 Alaska 18 Baja and the Sea of Cortez
NEW
20 Belize 22 Ecuador and the Galápagos 24 Patagonia 26 Peru and the Amazon 28 Iceland 30 Norway
32 Italy and Greece 34 Swiss and French Alps 36 Ireland 38 Botswana and Victoria Falls 42 Australia 44 New Zealand 46 Bali 48 China 50 Bhutan 52 India
Georgetown University and Nat Geo Headquarters
56 Engineering and Robotics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
57 Technology and Innovation NEW
University of California, Berkeley and Silicon Valley
P H OTOG R AP H Y WO R K S HO P S 58 Tanzania
NEW
40 Namibia
EXPEDITIONS
U N I V E R S I T Y WO R K S H O P S
EXPEDITIONS
73 Ecuador and the Galápagos 74 Iceland 75 Italy and Greece 76 Belize 77 Costa Rica 78 Hawai‘i
NEW
79 Alaska
NEW
59 Tokyo 60 Lisbon
NEW
R E S O U RC E S
NEW
61 Prague 62 Yellowstone 63 Yosemite and San Francisco 64 New York City
NEW
The National Geographic Difference
6
About Our Trips
10 National Geographic Experts 12 Trip Leaders
C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E 65 Puerto Rico
4
80 How to Apply 81 Terms and Conditions 82 Trip Calendar
66 Costa Rica 67 Hawai‘i 68 Nepal 69 Thailand 70 Madagascar 71 Morocco 72 Fiji
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EXPLORE THE WITH
TRAVEL LIKE AN EXPLORER
EXPLORE YOUR PASSION
AUTHENTIC AND SUSTAINABLE EXPERIENCES
There’s a certain spirit that has driven National Geographic adventurers to all corners of the Earth. You feel it when you travel with us. You’ll be out in the field with our experts who are fueled by curiosity and a desire to understand our planet and its inhabitants. Much more than a tourist, you become a thoughtful explorer who is passionate about our world.
Throughout your trip, you’ll delve deeper into your surroundings by exploring through the lens of one or more topics— photography, wildlife conservation, community service, creative writing, marine biology, and more. As you explore, you’ll create a tangible project that you can take back home, such as a photography portfolio or a study on local wildlife.
We’re committed to sustaining the natural and cultural heritage of each place we visit. We support local economies in our choice of accommodations and services, increase students’ appreciation for other cultures through meaningful exchange, and invest in offset projects for the carbon emissions associated with activities and travel in our destinations.
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WORLD N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C
| ALASKA EXPEDITION
BUILD LASTING RELATIONSHIPS
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
One of the highlights of your trip is sure to be your traveling companions— students from across the globe who are also enthusiastic about exploring. And you’ll find role models in your experts and trip leaders who are photographers, writers, scientists, and explorers pursuing fascinating careers that are helping to make the world a better place.
When you travel with us, you support the National Geographic Society’s researchers and explorers who work to preserve, protect, and advance our understanding of the planet and its people. Every year, the Society awards hundreds of grants to scientists, educators, innovators, and storytellers around the world. They are changing how we understand and interact with our planet—and helping to protect it for future generations.
To learn more, visit natgeo.com/info
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OUR TRIPS H I G H S C H O O L | G R A D E S 9–1 2 | EXPEDITIONS | PAGES 14–53 Get out into the field and discover fascinating destinations across the globe through the lens of an On Assignment project. Each expedition offers a choice of two or three areas of focus, such as photography, geology, or wildlife conservation. Pursue your selected project with guidance from your trip leaders and a National Geographic expert, and explore through hands-on activities and excursions; then share what you’ve created with the group.
| UNIVERSITY WORKSHOPS | PAGES 54–57 From your base at a top university, delve into issues impacting the future of our world, and examine solutions offered by engineering, technology, journalism, and more. Participate in stimulating seminars and hands-on workshops, and meet National Geographic experts to hear about their innovative work in our areas of focus. Develop a capstone project to address an issue you’ve encountered, and pitch your idea for a chance to receive funding from National Geographic to launch your initiative.
| PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS | PAGES 58–64 Our photo workshops will inspire you to take your photography to the next level. Each day, learn important photography lessons in the classroom and apply them in some of the world’s most photogenic places, shooting alongside a National Geographic photographer. Together with your fellow travelers, work to organize, curate, and install a pop-up gallery show featuring each student’s original images.
| COMMUNITY SERVICE TRIPS | PAGES 65–72 Settle into a community and get involved with collaborative service projects that focus on infrastructure, education, or sustainability. Work alongside local people, and document your experience through photos, journals, and video. Collaborative community projects provide an opportunity for deeper cultural interactions and insight into daily life in our host communities.
M I D D L E S C H O O L | G R A D E S 7– 8 | EXPEDITIONS | PAGES 73–79 These highly structured trips allow students who are completing grades seven or eight to discover exciting destinations in a fun, engaging, and safe environment. With guidance from trip leaders and a National Geographic expert, students explore a number of themes that enhance their experience and encourage them to deepen the interests they already have, while discovering new ones along their journey.
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F O L LOW YO U R PA S S I O N Experience what it’s like to be on assignment for National Geographic. No matter which trip you choose, you’ll travel with a purpose. Hands-on projects—such as crafting a photography portfolio, creating a short film, teaching local children about conservation, or researching threats to wildlife with scientists—will deepen your understanding of the cultures and environments you visit, and give you a tangible accomplishment to share with friends and family back home. As you flip through this catalog, find the destination and focus area that most captures your imagination. See page 7 for more information about each type of trip, and pages 82–83 for a complete list of trips and their associated themes.
CLIMATE & GEOLOGY Examine Earth processes, witness dramatic geological forces at work, and discuss the science of global climate change with local researchers.
ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY Get a firsthand look at new technologies that are being created to address challenges facing the modern world. Explore recent advances in engineering, robotics, and computing.
PHOTOGRAPHY
MARINE & TROPICAL BIOLOGY Delve into underwater ecosystems and discover how the health of our oceans, seas, and shorelines impacts all life on Earth.
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Set out on photo shoots to improve your photography skills and capture the spirit of the places you encounter. Develop a photo-essay about a topic that sparks your interest.
CREATIVE WRITING Develop your writing skills with the assistance of a published writer. Learn how to incorporate a strong sense of place into your work as you explore your destination.
COMMUNITY SERVICE Roll up your sleeves and pitch in by participating in community service projects that immerse you in the place you’re exploring. Make a useful contribution by tutoring students in English, cleaning up a park, supporting a local conservation effort, or helping to develop community infrastructure.
ANTHROPOLOGY & LOCAL CULTURES Uncover the links between the ancient and modern worlds, encountering traces of past civilizations and experiencing vibrant traditions that live on in present-day cultures.
FILM & VIDEO Work in production teams to document your journey, the people you meet, and the adventures you experience. Create a short video that tells a story about your trip.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Discover local wildlife and their habitats, and learn about biologists’ efforts to protect these natural resources.
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MEET OUR E X P E RT S National Geographic’s researchers, explorers, and storytellers have been inspiring people for 130 years. They’ve pursued their dreams, become leaders in their fields, and are excited to share their stories and knowledge with young explorers on our Student Expeditions. As you explore together, they’ll share their insights and experiences, and inspire you with their passion for the work they do and the places you’ll discover. National Geographic experts join most of our trips.
Adventure photographer and cinematographer Krystle Wright (pictured on this page in Western Australia) hails from Australia and has made a career of capturing unique moments on expeditions and in extreme sports. She strives to tell the stories of impassioned physical feats that might otherwise go undocumented. Krystle’s assignments have taken her to all seven continents, and she continues to find ways to challenge herself—from paragliding in Pakistan to swimming through unexplored caves. Her images have been featured in National Geographic magazine and on the @NatGeoTravel Instagram account, as well as in Outside magazine, GQ, and the Huffington Post. Krystle will join the Australia expedition. p. 42
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National Geographic Emerging Explorer Adjany Costa is a conservationist, ichthyologist, and assistant director for National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project—an initiative to survey and record the extraordinary biodiversity of the Okavango Delta. Adjany has participated in six different expeditions in the Okavango River Basin, studying the system’s freshwater fish. She hopes that her work will support the creation of a marine protected area along the southwest coast of Angola. Adjany will join the Botswana and Victoria Falls expedition. p. 38
Stephen Alvarez is an awardwinning photographer and filmmaker covering stories on archaeology, exploration, culture, and adventure. He has published more than a dozen feature stories for National Geographic magazine, going on assignment in extreme places—from the highest peaks of the Andes to some of the planet’s deepest caves. More recently, he traveled Iceland’s Southern Coast as the National Geographic/Canon digital nomad. Stephen also explores how new photographic technology is changing our world; in 2016, he set out to photograph the seven natural wonders of the world using Microsoft smartphones. Stephen will join our Iceland expedition. p. 28
Conservationist and research biologist Jamal Galves is a 2017 Nat Geo Photo Ark EDGE Fellow and program coordinator for the Sea to Shore Alliance. Jamal grew up in a small village in southern Belize, where he developed a love for animals—particularly manatees. Today, his work centers on conserving the endangered Antillean manatees of his home country. For his efforts, he has been named an Oceana Ocean Hero, Belize National Hero, and World Wildlife Fund Planet Hero. Jamal will join the Belize expedition. p. 20
National Geographic Emerging Explorer and grantee Dr. Tierney Thys is a marine biologist and filmmaker studying some of the ocean’s largest animals, including the giant ocean sunfish, or mola. She has traveled to every continent and visited more than 60 countries, leading and participating in research expeditions across the globe. Tierney works with all ages to promote ocean conservation and global stewardship through numerous creative means. Tierney will join the Hawai‘i middle school expedition (p. 78) and the Technology and Innovation workshop in Silicon Valley (p. 57).
Marine scientist and National Geographic Fellow Dr. Katy Croff Bell has participated in or led more than 25 oceanographic and archaeological projects, using robotics and telepresence technologies to explore what lies at the depths of the ocean. She leads the MIT Media Lab Open Ocean Initiative, dedicated to reimagining the future of ocean exploration and storytelling. Previously, Katy worked with a global team of scientists, engineers, and educators aboard the exploration vessel Nautilus. Katy will join the Engineering and Robotics workshop at MIT. p. 56
South African photographer Brent Stirton is committed to issues related to wildlife and conservation, global health, and sustainability. He has shot 20 stories for National Geographic magazine, including recent stories on human-lion conflict, elephant poaching, and the rhino horn trade. Brent has been recognized by the United Nations for his work on the environment and in the field of HIV/AIDS. His work has received nine World Press Photo awards. Brent will join the Tanzania photo workshop. p. 58
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MEET OUR TRIP LEADERS Heading up each program is a team of talented, dynamic trip leaders who have extensive experience in the field—and love working with students. With no more than nine students to every leader, we’ll have the freedom to break into small teams to explore your interests.
JESSE STANSFIELD
ASHLEY GRIPPER
IAN PAUL MARKHAM
LESLEY UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN, M.F.A.; BROOKS INSTITUTE OF PHOTOGRAPHY, B.A.
HARVARD UNIVERSITY, PH.D. (CANDIDATE); COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, M.P.H.; ARCADIA UNIVERSITY, B.A.
DUKE UNIVERSITY, M.E.M.; STANFORD UNIVERSITY, B.S.
While pursuing his undergraduate degree in photography, Jesse (pictured above) spent his free time traveling the American West, photographing the wonders of the region’s national parks. After earning his M.F.A., Jesse turned his attention to photography education; he has spent more than a decade developing photography and studio art programs for public high schools. Jesse currently teaches photography at a high school south of Boston and is a member of the Society for Photographic Education.
Ashley has focused her career and studies on exploring how cities and housing can be designed to promote food justice, nutrition, and equity. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D., researching the impact of food access and urban agriculture on human health. While at Columbia, she was the winner of the Sustainabuild Design Challenge, for which she offered evidencebased suggestions on how design updates to the city’s bridges could increase public health. She has worked as a nutrition educator and youth crew supervisor in Philadelphia, and traveled to Kenya to support and measure the emotional, physical, and social health of youth.
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Ian’s university studies run the gamut: he’s researched kelp forest snails, Amazonian dung beetles in Peru, Fijian reef fish, and the impacts of logging on the rain forests of Gabon. Over the last 12 years, Ian has worked on a variety of research, conservation, photography, and videography projects in Latin America. Ian currently works as the creative director of Wild Hope Collective, partnering with conservation organizations and scientists to craft multimedia stories. His photos and videos have been used by scientists, conservation groups, and news outlets to connect people with nature and to share stories on the intersections of science, conservation, and communities.
MAYA HIGGINS
KENE NWOSU
CAMERON ZEGERS
SCRIPPS COLLEGE, B.A.
VASSAR COLLEGE, B.A.
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON, B.A.
Maya (pictured above) is a National Geographic grantee working with New Mexican youth to protect the state’s last wild river, the Gila River. During her undergraduate studies, Maya spent a year working and conducting field research in Kenya, England, and Costa Rica. Following graduation, Maya received a Watson Fellowship to study the impacts of ecotourism on island communities, then received a Fulbright Fellowship to teach English in Northern Thailand. Maya is also a dog musher, a PADI Rescue Diver, and a white-water rafting and kayak guide.
At Vassar College, Kene studied biology—with concentrations in ecology and adolescent education—and then went on to study bacterial phages in a research lab at MIT. Kene has volunteered in many capacities: he helped build homes in underserved neighborhoods, worked on an orchid farm in Costa Rica, and taught photography to middle school students. He also served on the board of his local Habitat for Humanity chapter. Kene has worked as a high school science teacher and tutor in New York, California, and London. He is an avid photographer, fluent in Spanish, and enjoys performing live music.
Cameron is a Seattle-based freelance photographer and educator. After completing her undergraduate studies in biology, her curiosity took her around the globe: she has worked on sailing ships in the Bahamas, guided sea kayaking trips in the San Juan Islands, and worked as a travel photographer in New Zealand and Indonesia. Her work has been published in National Geographic Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, the Wall Street Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle, Outside magazine, and Budget Travel magazine. Cameron spent two years living in Sydney, Australia, where she worked as a photography instructor, and she has taught photography to high school students throughout southeast Asia.
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CANADIAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION: P O L A R B E A R C A P I TA L O F T H E WO R L D NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Track polar bears from our base at a research facility, and meet first responders for Churchill’s Polar Bear Holding Facility tasked with relocating curious bears that wander into town. • Seek out the smaller species of the tundra, from red foxes to ptarmigans, and document your discoveries in a photo-essay. • Kayak with playful beluga whales and listen to them “sing” as you learn about scientific efforts to decipher their communications. • Use your camera to capture shooting stars and the spectacular swirl of the northern lights dancing on the horizon.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Create a portfolio showcasing the many facets of the tundra. Learn to photograph wildlife using polar bears, caribou, and other Arcticadapted creatures as your subjects. Experiment with color as you frame your friends in fields of magenta fireweed; and practice night shots far from light pollution, capturing vivid constellations across the night sky and—if we’re lucky—the swirling flares of the northern lights.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Examine the tundra’s complex ecosystems and learn about the diverse life that thrives in these harsh landscapes. Discuss the latest research on resident and migratory species such as polar bears, caribou, and beluga whales; and investigate the health of area waterways on tide pooling excursions. See firsthand how findings are being used to protect area wildlife from the effects of rising temperatures.
I T I N E R A RY
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1 1 DAY S
The Arctic tundra is one of our planet’s most surprising wildlife habitats: an endless snowscape in the winter that bursts with life when summer arrives, drawing migrating species such as caribou, beluga whales, and—most famously—polar bears. Set out from Churchill, tracking the intriguing wildlife that has adapted to extreme Arctic conditions.
DAYS 1–7 I C HURCHILL NORTHERN STUDIES CENTRE, CANADA Our Arctic adventure begins just outside the remote town of Churchill, nicknamed the “polar bear capital of the world.” Take a walk in this former fur-trading outpost—home to fewer than 1,000 people—and learn about everyday life on the icy edge of the Hudson Bay. Chat with locals who live among the resident bears and then head to our home base in the area, the Churchill Northern Studies Center, a research facility at the edge of the tundra that has hosted National Geographic– funded scientists and conservationists. Meet fur trappers to discuss the challenges involved with teaching their livelihood to the next generation, and learn how changing laws
Above: A polar bear looks into the lens of student photographer Emma R.
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Students enjoy a kayaking adventure.
have impacted their work. Photograph the wilderness that surrounds the town during a hike along the rugged shores of the Hudson Bay. Continue to our home base in the area: the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. This research facility at the edge of the tundra has hosted National Geographic–funded scientists and conservationists. Learn about the behavior of polar bears, arctic foxes, and other wildlife from the resident researchers, and get a firsthand look at how rising temperatures have affected the surrounding ecosystems here.
Hudson Bay
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Churchill
53° N
CANADA Winnipeg 0
300
MILES
86° W
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S
Student photographers seek out a different perspective on the Arctic tundra.
2019: July 20–30, Aug. 1–11
Venture out onto the tundra on foot and in our all-terrain vehicle in search of polar bears, which arrive each summer with their cubs to roam the wilds surrounding Churchill, waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze over so they can hunt seals and other marine life on the pack ice. Observe these majestic creatures from a safe range, and photograph their white coats against the magenta fireweed that blankets the tundra each summer. Encounter and photograph other intriguing wildlife of the far north, including caribou, red foxes, and a host of migratory birds. Kayak in waterways that teem with friendly beluga whales, which migrate here in the thousands during the summer months to feed and give birth to their young. These curious mammals are known as the “canaries of the sea” for the singing noises they make. Watch them play at the water’s surface, and listen to their clicks and whistles as we learn how scientists are working to decipher their communications. With the help of our host biologists, investigate the ecological health of an estuary that serves as a temporary habitat for calving belugas. Meet with native elders to hear stories about their relationship with their unique
environment, and learn about local traditions that have been passed down through the generations. Then trace the history of the region’s earliest European fur traders as we hike between the Prince of Wales Fort and the harbor at Sloop Cove. Along the way, look for 18th-century graffiti left by these early trappers.
DAYS 8–11 I C HURCHILL Head into Churchill for the final days of our expedition. Learn about the educational outreach initiatives of Polar Bears International and their studies on bear behavior, biology, and population distribution. Visit the Itsanitaq Museum for a look at life on the tundra through the ages, and check out the exhibits on narwhals, sometimes called the “unicorns of the sea.” Meet first responders for Churchill’s Polar Bear Holding Facility—locally known as “polar bear jail”—who work to prevent human-wildlife conflict by detaining and relocating curious polar bears that wander into town. Present your On Assignment project and celebrate our time together in Canada’s wild north before catching your flight home.
“
THE ARCTIC IS A PLACE OF STARK BEAUTY AND TRUE WILDERNESS. IT IS MESMERIZING AND ALLURING. —Matthias Breiter National Geographic Expert
TUITION
$6,490
We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Winnipeg and Churchill. Students may also join one of our trip leaders on a flight from Minneapolis to Winnipeg, and return. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Churchill we stay in a family-run hotel in the center of town. During our time at the research station, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations.
NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions in the Arctic environment. To get the most out of the program, students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Author, wildlife photographer, and cinematographer Matthias Breiter has spent most of the past 30 years researching the daily lives and habits of black, brown, grizzly, and polar bears. He has authored nearly 20 books, and his articles and photography have appeared in National Geographic magazine and BBC Wildlife. Matthias’s most recent documentary, Polar Bear Summer, was nominated for an Emmy. He has also been involved with Nat Geo WILD productions like Grizzly Empire and The Wild West. Matthias will join both groups at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
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ALASKA EXPEDITION: WILDLIFE, FJ O R D S , A N D G L A C I E R S NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Hone your wildlife and landscape photography skills as you hike across Denali’s taiga and tundra, training your lens on moose, wolves, and caribou. • Learn about glacial morphology while trekking atop the Matanuska Glacier, and try your hand at ice climbing alongside experienced guides. • Go tide pooling in Kachemak Bay with naturalists from the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, and help collect marine data for ongoing research initiatives. • Delve into Alaska’s vibrant cultural heritage, meeting some of its indigenous people.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Take advantage of long summer days to capture different light on glaciers, fjords, and snow fields. Zoom in on Denali’s wildlife, work on portraits with indigenous people, or try for a rare shot of a breaching whale or a bear fishing for salmon.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Observe bears, wolves, beluga whales, and other wildlife in their natural habitat; and learn to identify the plants and birds of the tundra and taiga. Talk to conservationists about challenges and opportunities in Alaska’s national parks.
FILM & VIDEO Hone your filmmaking skills as you venture across Alaska. Develop a story about local conservation efforts, interview park rangers about the effects of climate change in the far north, and capture footage of Alaska’s spectacular landscapes and wildlife.
I T I N E R A RY
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1 3 DAY S
In Alaska’s undeveloped wilderness, towering peaks preside over massive glaciers, wild rivers cut through thick pine forests, and the Arctic tundra seems endless. Head to America’s wild northern frontier to discover these spectacular landscapes and the wildlife that inhabits them—from moose and grizzlies to seals and orcas.
DAYS 1 AND 2 I ANCHORAGE, ALASKA Our adventure begins in the far northern city of Anchorage. We’ll get to know each other during an orientation covering Alaska history, geography, and wilderness skills; and then set out to explore Anchorage in our On Assignment teams. Go for an acclimation hike, and get acquainted with the native peoples of the north at the acclaimed Alaska Native Heritage Center. At the center, try your hand at native Alaskan games, hear stories that have been passed down for generations, or visit with cultural ambassadors at their authentic dwellings. Examine the threats facing Alaska’s native cultures and the steps being taken to preserve their endangered languages.
Above: Students stop for a memorable group photo during an ice-climbing adventure.
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Brown bears at the water’s edge
DAYS 3–6 I DENALI NATIONAL PARK Travel north to Denali National Park and Preserve, a remote and unspoiled wilderness cradling the icy summit of Denali, North America’s highest mountain. The park encompasses six million acres of subarctic taiga and tundra and is populated by an
ALASKA (U.S.) Denali National Park and Preserve 62° N
Kenai Peninsula
Kenai Fjords National Park
Mt. Healy Denali (Mt. McKinley) Talkeetna Anchorage
Homer
Gulf of Alaska 0
150° W
200
MILES
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S
Sophie P. captures her fellow student photographer in action.
2019: June 26–July 8, July 9–21
astounding range of wildlife. From our base at the eastern edge of the park, meet our National Geographic expert and set out to explore one of America’s most pristine natural settings. Venture deep into the wilderness to observe and photograph herds of caribou, a moose wading in a lake, or a grizzly bear feeding on blueberries. Track a wolf pack loping along a glacial riverbed, or catch a glimpse of white Dall sheep perched high on a mountainside. Learn about dogsledding at the historic kennel of the National Park Service, or trek to remote ridges to get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the colossal mountain the Athabascan people call “the great one”: Denali.
DAY 7 I ANCHORAGE Travel south to Anchorage, and stop along the way to spend the day trekking and ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier with expert guides. Hear how the glacier has receded over the last several decades and
how glacial morphology continues to carve the valley and surrounding landscapes.
TUITION
DAYS 8–13 I H OMER AND THE KENAI PENINSULA
We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Seattle and Anchorage. Alternately, students may meet the group in Anchorage. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
Continue south to Homer, our jumping-off point for exploring Kachemak Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Then cruise across the bay and settle into yurts at the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies marine research station. Paddle a sea kayak through the fjords, taking in the incredible scenery and keeping your eye out for seals, otters, puffins, and orcas. Hike the glaciated coastline with naturalists, learning about the region’s rich marine life and the effects of climate change on the Bering Sea ecosystem. Go tide pooling along rocky shorelines to scout for octopus dens, starfish, and sea urchins; and scan the coast for bald eagles perched amid the treetops. Gather around a campfire and conclude your time at the research station by sharing your On Assignment project. Fly home from Anchorage.
“
DENALI IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST DESTINATIONS FOR LARGE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS. YOU CAN PLAY WITH THE COLORS OF THE TUNDRA AND CREATE PHOTOGRAPHS OF WILD ANIMALS ON THEIR OWN TURF. —Kiliii Yüyan National Geographic Expert
”
$6,290
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Anchorage we stay in dorms at the University of Alaska Anchorage. In Denali we stay in private cabins at a small hostel. In Homer we stay at a wilderness education center, and on Kachemak Bay we stay at a marine research station.
NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions such as full-day hikes, as well as kayaking and glacier trekking. To get the most out of the program, participants should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Award-winning photographer Kiliii Yüyan specializes in Arctic photography and has traveled throughout the polar regions to document indigenous cultures and wildlife. On assignment, he has fled collapsing sea ice, chased fin whales in Greenland, and found kinship in some of the most remote corners of the world. Kiliii’s four-year project on the subsistence whaling culture of the Alaskan Iñuit is featured in the December 2018 issue of National Geographic magazine. His work has also been published by National Geographic Traveler (China), TIME, NPR, and The Nature Conservancy; and his images have won awards from Communication Arts and The World Photo Organization. Kiliii will join the July 9 departure in Denali National Park and on the Matanuska Glacier.
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BAJA AND THE SEA OF CORTEZ E X P E D I T I O N : M A R I N E C O N S E R VAT I O N
NEW
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• E xperience close encounters with playful sea lions, gentle whale sharks, and giant schools of tropical fish while snorkeling or diving in the Sea of Cortez. • Travel by traditional panga boat to deserted Isla Cerralvo, and spend a night on the beach camping under the stars. • Join marine biologists and conservationists in their underwater research efforts, helping to identify and examine resident species. • Kayak or paddleboard alongside pods of leaping dolphins, and search for glowing bioluminescence on a snorkeling excursion after dark.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Capture the spectacular landscapes of the Baja California Peninsula on camera, and document the marine life you spot along your journey. During excursions on the water, experiment with shutter speed to capture leaping dolphins and breaching whales, and try your hand at underwater wildlife photography as you experience up-close encounters with gentle whale sharks and sea lions.
MARINE & TROPICAL BIOLOGY Work with scientists and conservationists to help protect the fragile ecosystems of the Sea of Cortez. Under the guidance of marine biologists, collect data on marine species, catch—and later release—specimens for upclose observation, and evaluate the health of a coral reef. Record your wildlife encounters, then join other citizen scientists across the globe in contributing to the iNaturalist observations of biodiversity.
I T I N E R A RY
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1 2 DAY S
Described by legendary underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau as the “world’s aquarium,” the Sea of Cortez teems with marine life, from acrobatic dolphins and sea lions to massive manta rays and whale sharks. Dive into this incredible underwater ecosystem alongside marine biologists and conservationists to lend a hand in preserving at-risk habitats, and witness groundbreaking conservation initiatives in action.
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 | CABO PULMO NATIONAL MARINE PARK, MEXICO Our expedition begins in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, a living laboratory for underwater explorers with National Geographic’s Pristine Seas initiative, which aims to protect the world’s wildest patches of ocean. The park is also a shining model for oceanic conservation and harbors the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez. Get to know your fellow travelers during our trip orientation, and break into your On Assignment teams to begin discovering the Baja California Peninsula. Learn about how conservationists are working with residents
Above: A giant cactus punctuates a stunning view of the Baja Peninsula.
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A green sea turtle glides through the sea.
to reclaim a patch of ocean from commercial fishing, pollution, and other environmental threats; and hear from members of the Los Cabos Whale Conservation Society, which promotes sustainable whale-watching practices in the region. Then get out on the water, on the lookout for whale species such as blue, sperm, and fin; and cruise the coast in a traditional panga boat.
MEXICO
Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) 25° N
Baja California Sur Cerralvo Island
Pacific Ocean
La Ventana
Todos Santos 0
100
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
MILES
110° W
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S
Yellowtail surgeonfish swim above a living reef in the Sea of Cortez.
2019: July 14–25, July 27–Aug. 7
DAYS 4, 5, AND 6 | SEA OF CORTEZ
DAYS 8 AND 9 | SEA OF CORTEZ
Travel to Bahía La Ventana on the Sea of Cortez and settle into our waterfront accommodations, run by a marine biologist and educator. After settling in, dive into the water and snorkel or scuba dive along the bordering coral reef, accessible directly from the beach. Spend your days here exploring the sea by boat, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. Learn to identify the resident aquatic species—including fish, crabs, and sea stars—and assist a marine biologist in examining and recording their behaviors. After sunset, grab a flashlight for nighttime snorkel excursions, in search of nocturnal marine species and glowing bioluminescence.
Return to Bahía La Ventana, and meet representatives from the local branch of Reef Check, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving coral reefs. Help the team check the health of the local reef, and collect data for projects aimed at protecting native species. Invite students from the local primary school to join in your explorations, and together perform a plankton tow, using microscopes to identify the species you collect. Spend your down time practicing your Spanish with the students and playing games on the beach. Enjoy a research presentation from Whale Shark México, then spend a day on the water photographing and identifying whale sharks—the world’s largest fish. Lend a hand with beach clean-ups, and plant native species in a nearby cactus sanctuary.
DAY 7 | ISLA CERRALVO Pack your panga boat for an overnight camping trip on Isla Cerralvo, the southernmost island in the Sea of Cortez. Upon arrival, set out to explore secluded land and seascapes. Hike beneath dramatic sandstone cliffs, snorkel with playful sea lions, cook meals over an open fire, and learn the basics of how to navigate by the stars.
DAYS 10, 11, AND 12 | TODOS SANTOS Say goodbye to the Sea of Cortez and drive to the Pacific coast. In artsy Todos Santos, chase the perfect wave while learning to surf. Spend the last nights of your trip reflecting on your adventures in Baja, and present your On Assignment projects. Depart Cabo San Lucas for Los Angeles on our final day.
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CABO PULMO—AND THE BAJA PENINSULA IN GENERAL—IS A MAGICAL PLACE WHERE THE DESERT MEETS THE OCEAN. HERE, PEOPLE ARE PROTECTING ONE OF THE RICHEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL REEFS IN THE WORLD. —Octavio Aburto National Geographic Expert
TUITION
$5,990
Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Los Angeles and Cabo San Lucas. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We will stay in family-run guesthouses, and spend one night camping in tents.
NOTE While scuba diving is not the main focus of this trip, students who are certified will have the opportunity to participate in up to six dives, dependent on weather and conditions. The supplemental fee for diving is $300 per student.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T National Geographic grantee and photographer Octavio Aburto focuses his photographic outreach and scientific research on the conservation of marine habitats and fisheries. An Assistant Professor at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Octavio has been photographing marine ecosystems off the coastal waters of Mexico since 1994, and also works in Belize, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and the United States. Octavio has contributed to conservation projects worldwide, and his images have won awards in a number of international contests. In collaboration with National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project, Octavio played a large role in establishing a National Park that now protects 5% of Mexican seas and is the largest marine reserve in North America. Octavio will join both departures in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park and La Ventana.
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BELIZE EXPEDITION: OCEANS AND U N D E RWAT E R E X P LO R AT I O N NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Join one of Belize’s leading shark biologists underwater to help collect ecosystem data. • Help scientists and researchers at the University of Belize, and create a project to raise awareness on the importance of protecting tropical ecosystems. • Practice identifying species on snorkeling and scuba excursions along the world’s second largest barrier reef. • Learn about night photography, and test your skills during an after-hours visit to the Belize Zoo rehabilitation center.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Capture the brilliant marine and tropical habitats of Belize’s intricate barrier reef on camera. Photograph the early morning light as you kayak through colorful coral formations, or try your hand at underwater photography while you snorkel among swirling schools of tropical fish. Document the work of local biologists and conservationists.
MARINE & TROPICAL BIOLOGY Work with scientists underwater and on land to help research and protect Belize’s coral reefs. Document reef species, remove invasive lionfish, monitor and restore mangroves, or use high-tech equipment to detect sharks and rays on the sea floor. Interview fishermen and local conservationists about the interplay of conservation, livelihoods, and sustainable development.
I T I N E R A RY
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1 2 DAY S
Blanketed with thick jungle and edged by the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, Belize is a small country with extraordinary biodiversity and great natural beauty. Its rich marine life makes it a perfect laboratory for learning about our planet’s amazing ocean habitats and for exploring ways to preserve them for future generations.
DAY 1 I B ELIZE CITY, BELIZE Our expedition begins with an orientation at the Tropical Education Center, a research station outside Belize City. During a night tour of the world-famous Belize Zoo led by professional keepers, hand-feed the national animal of Belize—the tapir—and meet an orphaned jaguar known as Junior Buddy.
DAYS 2–7 I C ALABASH CAYE Take a boat from the marina across clear blue waters to Turneffe Atoll, where we’ll get settled at the University of Belize research facility on Calabash Caye. Here, spend each day snorkeling in the warm coastal waters and assisting in the collection of data and the monitoring of reef health. Come faceto-face with countless species of marine
Above: Paddleboarders strike a pose on the jade waters of the Caribbean.
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An aerial view of the mysterious Great Blue Hole
life—from colorful parrotfish and damselfish to eels, rays, and turtles. Join researchers in conducting a survey of invasive lionfish, and assist with their removal and dissection. Participate in ongoing initiatives to protect dolphins, turtles, and reef sharks, and examine the threats to coral reefs around the planet. On land, hone your photography techniques as you take portraits of local conservationists or capture a time-lapse of the sun setting on the beach. Learn to use underwater photography as a storytelling tool to portray
88° W
Caribbean Sea Caye Caulker Belize City
17° N
BELIZE Calabash Caye
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20
MILES
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S
Students diving on the Belize Barrier Reef have an underwater Nat Geo moment.
2019: June 29–July 10, July 6–17
the integral role of our oceans and seas in maintaining the health of the planet. Then put your new marine biology and photography skills to the test during a fullday excursion to Lighthouse Reef. This is the home of the world-famous Blue Hole, a remarkable circular limestone sinkhole in the seafloor that stretches nearly 1,000 feet across and more than 400 feet deep. Made famous by explorer Jacques Cousteau, this spectacular sunken cave harbors diverse marine life and jagged stalactites. In the evenings, unwind back on shore. Enjoy discussions with marine biologists, get to know your fellow travelers, and share coconuts straight off the tree. Begin work on your On Assignment projects, designed to raise awareness about the critical need to protect and conserve this tropical habitat.
DAYS 8–12 I CAYE CAULKER Leave the outer reef and head north to Caye Caulker, one of the more developed cayes. Spend time working with locals and participate in environmental stewardship
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projects. Get out on the water with researchers working to preserve fragile marine habitats, and learn firsthand how overfishing and reef destruction affect the local ecology and economy. Snorkel and dive among groupers, rays, and nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley, part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. Hol Chan was declared a marine reserve—the first in Belize—25 years ago, and has helped pave the road for marine protection throughout coastal Belize and the rest of the world. Spend a day kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding around the shallow waterways, keeping an eye out for endangered manatees and sea turtles. Learn about the development of marine-protected areas, examine the role of ecotourism and local conservation efforts in reef preservation, and collect data with one of Belize’s leading shark biologists. Present your On Assignment project to community members and local experts.
TUITION
$6,090
Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Miami and Belize City. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S At the Tropical Education Center we stay in shared cabanas. On Calabash Caye, we stay in seaside dormitory-style rooms at the University of Belize research facility. On Caye Caulker, we stay in a small, family-run hotel.
NOTE While scuba diving is not the main focus of this trip, students who are certified will have the opportunity to participate in up to four dives, dependent on weather and conditions. The supplemental fee for diving is $325.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Conservationist and research biologist Jamal Galves is a 2017 Nat Geo Photo Ark EDGE Fellow and program coordinator for the Sea to Shore Alliance. Jamal grew up in a small village in southern Belize, where he developed a love for animals—particularly manatees. Today, his work centers on conserving the endangered Antillean manatees of his home country. For his efforts, he has been named an Oceana Ocean Hero, Belize National Hero, and World Wildlife Fund Planet Hero. Jamal will join both departures on Calabash Caye.
BELIZE IS MOTHER NATURE’S BEST KEPT SECRET—ONE THAT YOU HAVE TO SEE TO BELIEVE! —Jamal Galves National Geographic Expert
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E C UA D O R A N D T H E GA L Á PAG O S E X P E D I T I O N : B I O D I V E R S I T Y H O T S P O T NEW NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Venture to the Amazon jungle to explore the incredible biodiversity of Yasuní National Park, documented by five photographers for a National Geographic magazine story. • Snorkel with playful sea lions and penguins in the Galápagos Islands, and use your camera to capture the action. • Stay at an active research facility in the Amazon, and work with scientists to conserve the unique wildlife of the region. • Get up close to endangered Galápagos giant tortoises at a National Geographic– supported captive breeding program.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Practice your wildlife photography skills on the amazingly approachable animals of the Galápagos, and on the Amazon’s rainbow of insects, birds, and amphibians. Organize your images to create a photo-essay that tells the story of Ecuador’s astounding biodiversity, as well as the local conservation efforts aimed at protecting it.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Study Ecuador’s biodiversity and conservation policies alongside experts in the field. Interview researchers and community members about efforts to conserve the Ecuadorian Amazon in the face of oil drilling threats. Learn about evolution and animal behavior firsthand by observing fascinating Galápagos species found nowhere else on Earth. Participate in the iNaturalist citizen science project, joining a network of biologists mapping biodiversity across the globe.
I T I N E R A RY
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1 5 DAY S
Misty rain forest canopies and the wildliferich Galápagos Islands have put Ecuador on the map as a biodiversity hotspot. In recent decades the country has embarked on an ambitious program of environmental conservation. Discover ecological treasures ranging from the Amazon’s macaws and monkeys to the endemic marine iguanas and giant tortoises of the Galápagos.
DAY 1 | QUITO, ECUADOR Located at more than 9,000 feet in a high-Andean valley, Quito is the second highest capital in the world. Spend your first night in the mountains surrounding the city, getting to know your group as we prepare for our trip into the primary rain forests of the Amazon River basin.
DAYS 2–6 | YASUNÍ NATIONAL PARK Rise early for our flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana, also known as Coca, our gateway to the remote jungles of the Amazon River basin. Transfer to Yasuní National Park—considered one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, with incredible numbers of mammal, bird, reptile,
Above: Students encounter a sea turtle while snorkeling in the Galápagos.
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A baby squirrel monkey nibbles a snack.
amphibian, fish, tree, and insect species found here. Our home base is the Yasuní Research Station, where we’ll meet a team of scientists who conduct fieldwork in the park. Hear an introduction to their research and conservation initiatives, then break into your On Assignment teams to start brainstorming your own projects investigating the surrounding primary rain forest. Set out on daily adventures to discover what’s hidden under the jungle canopy. Follow the calls of howler and squirrel
Yasuní National Park Quito
Pacific Ocean
0
Isla Fernandina 60
MILES
0
79° W
Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)
Pacific Ocean
EQUATOR
ECUADOR
To the Galápagos Islands
100
MILES
To Quito Isla Santiago (San Salvador) Isla Santa EQUATOR Cruz
Isla Isabela 91° W
Isla San Cristóbal
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S
A sandy sea lion seems to strike a pose for its photographer.
2019: June 20–July 4, June 27–July 11
monkeys emanating from the treetops, and scan the forest floor in search of jaguar tracks and tiny insects like spike-headed katydids and kaleidoscopic butterflies. Visit a Waorani village to learn about indigenous traditions, and document the effects of oil extraction on the health of native habitats and communities. Ride a longboat down the Tiputini River with an indigenous guide, who will help us spot turtles, tapirs, and caimans bobbing at the water’s surface. Join our scientist hosts in the field for a macro photography workshop, setting light traps that allow us to capture up-close photos of some of the Amazon’s innumerable insect species. Hone your wildlife observation skills by identifying some of Yasuní’s nearly 600 bird species, including colorful toucans and the massive harpy eagle. As you explore, develop your On Assignment project. Interview local researchers about their efforts to conserve this unique habitat, and photograph the intriguing jungle wildlife you encounter. Following your adventure in the Amazon, fly back to Quito and spend an evening near the airport before your trip to the Galápagos Islands.
DAYS 7–15 | GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS Set off on an island-hopping adventure in
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the legendary Galápagos Archipelago. These volcanic isles, cut off from humans for millennia, helped shape Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Alongside your National Geographic expert, discover the distinct character of each island we visit and get acquainted with its incredible endemic species. Climb to the crater of an active volcano, and explore the remarkable landscape formed by recent lava flows. Peer into a coastal canal for up-close views of sharks, and go tide pooling to spot fire-red Sally Lightfoot crabs sunning on the rocks alongside spiky marine iguanas. Go on a behind-the-scenes visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to hear about local research on seamounts, or underwater mountains. Learn about conservation efforts inspired by the late Lonesome George—the last member of one of the islands’ tortoise subspecies—then go trekking through the highlands of Isla Santa Cruz to spot these gentle giants in the wild. Get closer than you ever imagined to bluefooted boobies; and snorkel with penguins, sea lions, and sea turtles in one of the most fascinating and fragile environments in the world. On the final night of our adventure, share your On Assignment projects. Then return to Quito for our flight home.
IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO STUDY THE UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT OF THE GALÁPAGOS—A NATURAL LABORATORY FOR MARINE SCIENCES. —Salomé Buglass National Geographic Expert
”
TUITION
$6,990
Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Quito, Quito to Coca, Coca to Quito, Quito to the Galápagos, the Galápagos to Quito, and return to Miami. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We will stay at a scientific research station in the Amazon, and family-run inns and small hotels in Quito and the Galápagos Islands.
NOTE We will be traveling at high elevations in Quito (9,350 feet). Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about the outdoors.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Salomé Buglass is a marine ecologist who is passionate about aquatic ecosystems and the intersection of ecological processes, people, and sustainable development. She currently works at the Charles Darwin Foundation in the Galápagos, where she collaborates on several research projects that support the management of the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Salomé recently received a National Geographic Early Career Grant to lead a pioneering study exploring bajos, or shallow seamounts, which are important fishing areas for the local artisanal fleet in the Galápagos. Salomé believes healthy oceans and land resources are the foundation for human well-being. Her focus is to research policy-oriented solutions to counter their degradation while ensuring community based sustainable practices. Salomé will join both departures in the Galápagos.
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PATAG O N I A E X P E D I T I O N : A DV E N T U R E S AT T H E E N D O F T H E E A RT H NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Hone your wilderness and adventure photography skills alongside a National Geographic photographer. • E xplore Patagonia by snowshoe, ski, and crampon; and interview Argentine park rangers about efforts to preserve the region’s wildlife habitats. • E xplore the Perito Moreno Glacier, and discuss the impacts of climate change on the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. • Hike past turquoise glacial lakes, and learn how erosion formed the surrounding mountains, including Monte Fitz Roy.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Create a photo-essay depicting your experiences in Argentina. Practice photographing wildlife while trekking across the steppe, try out new filters and angles to capture the Perito Moreno Glacier, and document local culture.
CLIMATE & GEOLOGY Delve into the science of climate change and its global impacts. Witness one of the world’s only advancing glaciers to learn about glacial dynamics and morphology, and measure the effects of glacial melt on nitrate levels in alpine lakes.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Explore how conservation groups are working together to protect Patagonia. Seek out endangered species while snowshoeing, record information on habitats, and interview people living in protected areas about the challenges they face.
I T I N E R A RY
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1 7 DAY S
Patagonia is home to jagged fjords, glaciercapped mountains, and vast steppelands that harbor pumas, guanacos, and an array of endemic and threatened species. In recent decades, this iconic wilderness has been the focal point for innovative conservation efforts, making it the ideal living classroom for studying the ongoing story of human interaction with the natural world.
DAYS 1–5 I EL CALAFATE AND LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK, ARGENTINA Our expedition begins in El Calafate, from where we’ll head out to explore the massive Perito Moreno Glacier—one of the few glaciers in the world that is advancing rather than receding. After passing through steppeland dotted with grazing guanacos, enter Los Glaciares National Park and set out with your On Assignment teams to view the glacier’s expansive fields of craggy blue ice. Interview park rangers about efforts to contain overgrazing; limit invasive species; and protect the indigenous puma, gray fox, condor, and eagle populations. Weather permitting, board a boat to take close-up
Above: A student captures an icy scene at Perito Moreno Glacier.
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A guanaco amid the snowy landscape, taken by student Mason M.
photos of ice as it calves off the 200-foot glacier face and tumbles into the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino. Spend time on a traditional estancia to experience the gaucho lifestyle firsthand.
DAYS 6–9 I L OS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK Travel to El Chaltén, our base for exploring the mountains of Los Glaciares National Park. Spend the next several days hiking past turquoise glacial lakes and striking rock
To Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA El Chaltén Los Glaciares National Park El Calafate Perito Moreno Glacier CHILE
Pacific Ocean 0
50° S
Atlantic Ocean
Ushuaia
100
MILES
72° W
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S
Students pause for a Nat Geo moment while hiking in Patagonia.
2019: July 20–Aug. 5
formations, and view Monte Fitz Roy, a peak that soars over 11,000 feet and continues to challenge the world’s most skilled climbers. Complete the park’s two most famous treks: Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre. Together with local guides, consider the effects of climate change on glaciers and search for native species as you hike to the DeAgostini climbing base camp.
DAYS 10–13 I USHUAIA A short flight south brings us to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Cruise the Beagle Channel, where we’ll photograph sea lions and scan the skies for majestic Andean condors. Spend a day skiing the peaks at Cerro Castor resort, then relax in front of a warm fireplace at night while learning about Tierra del Fuego’s long history of hosting intrepid explorers. Mush a team of huskies through snowy pine forests on a dogsledding excursion that ends with a hearty wood-fire cooked meal at a cozy cabin in the woods.
Experiment with long-exposure photography to capture the brilliant night sky as we share stories around a campfire.
DAYS 14–17 I B UENOS AIRES Our expedition concludes in vibrant Buenos Aires, where we’ll explore the city’s historic neighborhoods. Take in La Boca’s funky multicolored buildings and the elegant architecture of the Recoleta. Frame action shots of tango dancers performing in the Plaza Dorrego, and taste regional specialties at the gaucho market Feria de Mataderos. Head to the Tigre Delta and board a boat to cruise along its peaceful canals, lined with boardwalks and artisan markets. Meet with members of Tompkins Conservation, a local conservation group that is part of National Geographic’s Last Wild Places initiative and works to preserve the surrounding wilderness through the creation of national parks. Wrap up your On Assignment projects and share them with the group.
“
I’LL NEVER FORGET THE FIRST TIME I LAID EYES ON THE MOUNTAINS IN PATAGONIA. THEIR RUGGED BEAUTY AND GRANDEUR TOOK MY BREATH AWAY. SINCE THEN, PATAGONIA HAS BECOME ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES IN THE WORLD. —Jonathan Irish National Geographic Expert
”
TUITION
$7,290
Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to El Calafate, El Calafate to Ushuaia, Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, and return to Miami. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In El Calafate, El Chaltén, and Ushuaia we stay in comfortable, family-run hostels, mountain huts, or small hotels. In Buenos Aires, we stay in a centrally located hostel.
NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions such as hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration in a variety of climates. Weather can be extremely unpredictable, and may require changes to some activities.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Travel and conservation photographer Jonathan Irish specializes in documenting adventure lifestyles, landscapes, and cultures. He spent eight years on the National Geographic staff, where he launched and directed the National Geographic Adventures program, bringing travelers on active trips. Jonathan is passionate about national parks across the globe—from Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia, where he has traveled and photographed extensively, to the United States, where he spent a full year in 2016 documenting all 59 of America’s national parks. Through his work, Jonathan seeks to share the wonders of the natural world while highlighting important conservation stories, so that future generations may enjoy the same beautiful world in which we live today. Jonathan will join the group in El Calafate.
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PERU AND THE AMAZON EXPEDITION: INCA WONDERS AND JUNGLE WILDLIFE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Follow Inca trails to secluded stone villages, and see how the empire’s traditions live on in communities set amid ancient ruins. • Travel into the cloud forests of Manú National Park, and glide along misty waterways deep into the heart of the Amazon. • Visit the textile center of a National Geographic grantee to meet Andean weavers and try your hand at the loom. • Practice wildlife photography on colorful birds and butterflies in the Amazon rain forest.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Create a series of photo-essays that capture the many sides of Peru. Set out into the Sacred Valley with your team to photograph campesinos in traditional garb, old stone villages, and bustling markets; and get a fresh angle on the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Practice wildlife shots in the Amazon, zooming in on scarlet macaws and conveying movement in frolicking monkeys.
ANTHROPOLOGY & LOCAL CULTURES Examine Inca and Amazonian cultures, both past and present. Learn about the iconic boulder masonry of the Inca and the preservation of ancient ruins, and reconstruct Machu Picchu during its heyday through writings or sketches. Meet indigenous people, and discuss how their age-old customs and beliefs are adapting to modern influences like technology, climate change, and land development.
I T I N E R A RY
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1 9 DAY S
From Andean peaks steeped in Inca lore to the lush Amazon rain forest, Peru is a country of diverse wonders. In the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, immerse yourself in the colorful culture of the Peruvian highlands, and venture into incredibly sophisticated temples and fortresses, including magnificent Machu Picchu. Then travel deep into the Peruvian Amazon and discover jungles brimming with extreme biodiversity.
DAYS 1 AND 2 I LIMA, PERU We begin in the vibrant city of Lima. From our base in the trendy Miraflores neighborhood, explore the city’s golden coastline, leafy parks, and colonial buildings. Visit Museo Larco, the world-famous archaeological museum that houses a vast collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. Dive into your On Assignment projects.
DAYS 3–7 I T HE SACRED VALLEY AND OLLANTAYTAMBO Travel from Lima to the Sacred Valley of the Inca and settle in at Ollantaytambo. With its cobblestoned lanes and sophisticated system of still-working aqueducts, Ollantaytambo is
Above: Students take in an awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu.
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The ocelot is a nocturnal feline native to South America’s rain forests.
the best existing example of Inca city planning. Follow ancient Inca trails to isolated stone villages where families live as they have for centuries. Hike through a mountain pass for breathtaking views of the valley, and practice landscape photography using the surrounding Andean peaks as a backdrop. Set out on a thrilling white-water rafting excursion along the Urubamba River, and explore archaeological sites. Discover the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, and visit Maras, where salt-evaporation ponds created by the Inca are stacked up the hillside. In
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MILES
PERU Manú National Park Lima 12° S
Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo Cusco
Pacific Ocean 74° W
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S
Michaelyn P. captures a fellow student experiencing a traditional Inca ceremony.
2019: June 29–July 17
vibrant street markets, encounter indigenous foods, colorful textile patterns, and local dialects passed down through many generations; and play soccer with local students.
DAYS 8 AND 9 I MACHU PICCHU Travel by train through spectacular mountain scenery to the once-hidden citadel of Machu Picchu. Abandoned by the Inca for centuries, the site was rediscovered in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham and excavated with support from National Geographic. Capture a unique photographic angle on this iconic site, and then venture through the ancient temples and dwellings to unlock their mysteries. Take an early morning hike up a nearby peak to watch the sun rise over the ruins before traveling back to Ollantaytambo by train.
DAYS 10–13 I CUSCO AND CHINCHERO Arrive in Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Discover the city’s rich history, visiting the temple of Coricancha and the colonial cathedral. Stroll the city’s winding streets and photograph the relics of an empire long gone but not forgotten. Then explore the colossal fortress of
Sacsayhuaman, site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Spanish conquest. Spend a day in the village of Chinchero, and visit National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez’s textile center. Try your hand at the ancient art of Andean weaving, a tradition that continues today thanks to Nilda’s efforts.
DAYS 14–17 I AMAZON RAIN FOREST Leave the Sacred Valley behind and travel by private bus deep into the Peruvian Amazon, stopping along the way at magnificent pre-Inca ruins near the colonial outpost of Paucartambo. Board a boat at Atalaya and cruise even deeper into the rain forest, on the lookout for monkeys, giant anteaters, tapirs, ocelots, armadillos, peccaries, caimans, and the numerous bird species that inhabit Manú National Park. Meet and interview members of the Matsigenka tribe, learning how they live in harmony with their unique environment.
DAYS 18 AND 19 I C USCO Return to Cusco to put the final touches on your On Assignment project and present your findings to the group. Cap off your experience with a celebration on your final night.
“
TUITION
$6,790
Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Lima, Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Lima, and Lima to Miami. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in small, family-run inns and hostels throughout the expedition.
NOTE We will be traveling at high elevations while in Cusco and Machu Picchu. Cusco is at an elevation of 11,200 feet and Machu Picchu is at 8,000 feet. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about the outdoors.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Ethnomusicologist Holly Wissler specializes in the musical rituals of Peru’s Q’eros and Wachiperi indigenous groups. She works with indigenous communities to preserve their culture and traditions. Holly has produced documentaries about the largest pilgrimage festival in the Peruvian Andes and about the Q’eros musical rituals. She is fluent in Spanish and Quechua—the main indigenous language spoken in the Andes—as well as Peruvian Sign Language. The Peru director for the Center for World Music, she also plays a number of traditional Andean instruments. Holly will join the group in Ollantaytambo.
THIS PROGRAM WAS LIFE-CHANGING. I REALLY ENJOYED MEETING LOCALS, PARTAKING IN A SPIRITUAL CEREMONY, STAR GAZING, EXPLORING THE JUNGLE, AND TRYING SO MANY DELICIOUS DISHES. —Emily B., Student Traveler, 2018
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ICELAND EXPEDITION: LAND OF FIRE AND ICE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Explore a glacial lagoon filled with icebergs, and trek atop a glacier with a professional guide to witness the impact of climate change on the ice formations of the far north. • Hike black-sand beaches, ride Icelandic horses, and spot colorful puffins; then create a photo-essay documenting your experiences. • Discuss geology with Icelandic scientists, and see the Earth in action while exploring thundering waterfalls, gushing geysers, and bubbling mud pots. • Learn the art of filmmaking, and produce a video that contrasts Iceland’s fiery, volcanic wonders with its icy elements.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Develop a photo-essay on Iceland’s dramatic geology, or tell the story of Icelandic culture through portraits of fishermen and scientists. Hone your skills as you shoot pictures of Icelandic horses and puffins.
CLIMATE & GEOLOGY Delve into the science behind global climate change and thermodynamic energy. Initiate a GPS project to measure and map the recession of glacial tongues, build a model glacier, or measure your group’s carbon footprint.
FILM & VIDEO Document your journey, and use mobileediting technology to produce a short film. Record receding glaciers, erupting geysers, and hissing volcanic steam vents. Interview local experts on the effect of climate change in this region.
I T I N E R A RY
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1 4 DAY S
Iceland is a country of extremes, where geysers and lava flows coexist with powerful waterfalls and calving glaciers. Located at the edge of the Arctic Circle, much of the island remains under ice, yet it is also one of the planet’s most volcanically active countries. Take advantage of long days and bright nights to explore the wonders of these otherworldly landscapes.
DAYS 1–4 I R EYKJAVÍK AND THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, ICELAND The expedition begins with a swim in Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool, the Blue Lagoon, followed by an orientation. Get essential background information on the geology of this subarctic island nation, and learn about the impact of climate change. Hike to the top of a nearby volcano, and learn about Viking heritage at some of Reykjavík’s cutting-edge historical museums. Head out to the Golden Circle and discover Gullfoss, a thundering waterfall that appears to vanish into the earth. Then continue to Geysir—home to the earliest geyser known to Europeans—where boiling water can rocket up to 210 feet in the air.
Above: Student photographer Joshua H. frames his peers admiring the deep blue waters of a crater lake.
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Icelandic horses are a small but hardy breed.
Tour an ultramodern geothermal plant that provides much of Reykjavík’s energy with an expert guide. Iceland is at the forefront of the sustainable power movement, with 70 percent of its energy renewable and much of that derived from its prodigious geothermal sources. Explore ancient lava flows to learn how volcanism continues to shape Iceland’s dynamic landscape. Hike along the shores of Thingvallavatn, the country’s largest lake, and learn about the geological forces that created the islands and canyons around this
18° W
Jökulsárgljúfur National Park Akureyri
Lake Mývatn
ICELAND
Reykjavík
0
65° N
Vatnajökull Glacier Höfn Thingvallavatn Lake
100
Atlantic Ocean
MILES
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S
Lush meadows surround Skógafoss, a waterfall on Iceland’s southern coast.
2019: June 25–July 8, July 1–14, July 15–28
body of water. Summer days are very long this far north, and much can be seen and done in a single day.
DAYS 5–10 I H ÖFN AND THE VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER Next, journey east to Höfn, a remote gateway to the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, the world’s largest ice cap outside the Arctic and Antarctica. Photograph a glacial lagoon full of fantastically shaped icebergs. Participate in dynamic field-based seminars with experts on glaciology and climate change. Camp on a vast glacial moraine in the heart of Skaftafell National Park. Don crampons and ice axes to trek over the massive ice cap with certified local guides. Photograph unique rock formations along black-sand beaches, or visit the original landing place of Iceland’s first settlers—a headland of rugged cliffs dotted with puffins. Investigate changes in the composition of fish stocks and seabird populations caused by warming waters. Explore Iceland’s southern coast and remote glacial valleys with your On Assignment team, and report your findings back to the group.
DAYS 11–14 I L AKE MÝVATN AND THE NORTHERN COAST Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge. This unique position makes it one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Head north across the uninhabited interior to the wild volcanic area around Lake Mývatn. Explore bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and the craters of dormant volcanoes. Hike on congealed lava flows from a series of massive eruptions that occurred in the late 1970s. Visit magnificent Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where gray glacial meltwater from Iceland’s interior blasts through a spectacular basalt canyon. Bathe in the blue mineral waters of a natural thermal pool surrounded by black lava beds, and visit Akureyri, a thriving modern city set along a fjord. Hike to roaring glacial waterfalls, ride charming Icelandic horses, wander through a 3,500-year-old ice cave, and enjoy your final days together as you put the finishing touches on your On Assignment projects. Present your work in Akureyri, and fly home from Reykjavík.
“
ICELAND WILL MAKE YOU FEEL ALIVE, WILL LIGHT A LIFE-LONG PASSION FOR EXTRAORDINARILY UNUSUAL PLACES AND LANDSCAPES THAT MAKE YOUR SOUL SING. —M Jackson National Geographic Expert
TUITION
$7,990
Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Reykjavík. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We will stay in small hostels and family-run guesthouses, and spend several nights camping in tents.
NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions such as hiking and glacier trekking. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Geographer M Jackson—a National Geographic Emerging Explorer— can often be found exploring the world’s most remote Arctic environments. M’s research is focused on glacial environments and climate change. She spent a year in Iceland on a Fulbright Fellowship studying how climate change is affecting communities near the fishing village of Höfn. Her first book, While Glaciers Slept: Being Human in a Time of Climate Change, blends her own personal history with climate science. M’s research has taken her around the globe, and she has spent more than 10 years as a glacier guide and naturalist. M will join the June 25 and July 1 departures in Reykjavík. Photographer Stephen Alvarez will join the July 15 departure. See his biography on page 11.
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N O R WAY E X P E D I T I O N : N O R D I C C U LT U R E S A N D A R C T I C E X P L O R A T I O N NEW NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Stay at a mountain hut in Jotunheimen National Park, and embrace Norwegian friluftsliv, or “open-air life,” on hikes among breathtaking peaks. • Photograph Norway’s world-famous fjords while kayaking beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls. • Venture above the Arctic Circle to explore the tiny fishing hamlets of the Lofoten islands, where the midnight sun never sets in the summer. • Step aboard restored Viking longships in Oslo, and listen to Viking lore that has been passed down through the centuries.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Photographic opportunities are around every corner as we explore Norway’s dramatic landscapes and charming villages. Capture a unique angle on the country’s iconic beauty, and convey the vibrant culture of rural communities while documenting colorful towns and fishing hamlets. Snap portraits that tell the stories of the local characters you meet along your journey.
ANTHROPOLOGY & LOCAL CULTURES Delve into Norway’s seafaring traditions, from the Viking Age to the Hanseatic trading era and modern-day fishing cultures. Discuss Norway’s status as one of the most sustainable countries in the world. Learn how the friluftsliv philosophy binds together historical and modern Norway as the central way of life for both the ancient Vikings and today’s pastoralists and urbanites.
I T I N E R A RY
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1 6 DAY S
Norway is a country of stunning fjords and soaring peaks whose residents have a storied history of connecting with their natural world. This kinship with the Earth is infused into many aspects of daily life here and is at the root of age-old traditions that live on today. Venture to the northern reaches of Europe to discover how Norwegians are preserving their rich cultural legacy for future generations.
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 | OSLO, NORWAY Arrive in Oslo and set out to explore the city by bike, stopping at the Nobel Peace Center and the incredible Vigelandsparken sculpture park. Glimpse the country’s seafaring legacy at the Akershus Fortress and on a trip to the Bygdøy peninsula, where we’ll step aboard Viking longships. Learn about daily life for indigenous Sami reindeer herders while perusing the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. On a hike through Nordmarka forest, get introduced to the Nordic philosophy of friluftsliv, based on the drive for a deep connection with nature; then visit an urban farm to see how locals are
Above: The dramatic landscape the Lofoten islands is punctuated by brightly painted buildings.
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An Atlantic puffin stands watch.
balancing green living with Oslo’s increasing population density. As you uncover Norway’s rich culture and epic beauty, delve into your On Assignment project.
DAYS 4–7 | J OTUNHEIMEN NATIONAL PARK Journey to our remote mountain lodge on Lake Gjende in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park. Set out on daily hikes with your On Assignment team to explore the Norwegian mountains, home to glaciers
Lofoten Islands
Norwegian Sea 63° N
Jotunheimen National Park Gjendensheim Bergen
N O R W AY Oslo
0
250
MILES
12° E
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S
Stunning Lake Gjende (on the left) lies over 1,200 feet below Lake Bessvatnet.
2019: June 22–July 7, July 8–23
and turquoise lakes framed by steep peaks. Practice landscape photography in this spectacular wilderness. During our stay here, we’ll meet with representatives of the Sami community—one of Europe’s oldest indigenous groups—for a firsthand introduction to their traditions and to learn the art of reindeer lassoing.
DAYS 8–13 | THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS After a night back in Oslo, soar above the Arctic Circle to the magical Lofoten islands, where mountains rise straight from the sea and colorful villages dot rocky shorelines. Settle into a remote fishing hamlet and immerse yourself in the local culture. Discuss the benefits of traditional fishing methods with residents, and learn about the controversies surrounding fish factories. Don a snorkel and dry suit and plunge into the Norwegian Sea for a look at fascinating marine life; hike or bike along the shorelines
in search of sea eagles and puffins; and use your camera to capture the swirl of whirlpools off the coast of Å, a village of stilted red houses. Listen to Viking lore under a midnight sun that never sets in the summer.
DAYS 14, 15, AND 16 | BERGEN Fly to Bergen, gateway to Norway’s famed fjords and one of the largest trading ports in northern Europe during the Middle Ages. Stay in the city’s old wharf district, the Bryggen; and visit the fish market—a gathering spot for merchants since the 13th century. Hike the Seven Sisters mountain chain to photograph panoramas of the North Sea; and explore the region’s spectacular fjords by kayak, paddling beneath towering cliffs laced with waterfalls. Share your final On Assignment projects and celebrate your adventure with a traditional Norwegian meal before flying home.
“
NORWAY IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD. THE LANDSCAPES ARE MAGICAL VEHICLES WHERE YOU CAN TRANSCEND TIME AND SPACE. —Erika Larsen National Geographic Expert
”
TUITION
$7,690
Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Oslo, Oslo to Lofoton, Lofoton to Bergen, and Bergen to New York. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We will stay in small, family-owned hotels and fishing cabins throughout the expedition.
NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions such as hiking and kayaking. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration in a variety of climates.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Erika Larsen is a photographer and multidisciplinary storyteller known for her essays, which document cultures that maintain close ties with nature. Erika has shot multiple stories for National Geographic magazine, including an assignment that had her following Sami reindeer herders across Norway and the Scandinavian Arctic. She is also one of the featured photographers in National Geographic’s popular “Women of Vision” exhibit and book. Erika was named a Fulbright Fellow for her study of the North Sami language which resulted in her first monograph, Sàmi, Walking with Reindeer. She is currently a National Geographic Society Fellow, exploring the landscape, animals, and natural resources of the Americas. Erika will join the July 8 departure in the Lofoten islands.
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I TA LY A N D G R E E C E E X P E D I T I O N : EMPIRES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Capture the sunset over Rome’s iconic Colosseum with guidance from a National Geographic photographer. • Wander archaeological sites featured in the National Geographic miniseries The Greeks, and craft fictional narratives about life in these ancient cities. • Gaze up at Michelangelo’s masterful Sistine Chapel and the Acropolis in Athens, and ponder the storytelling power of centuriesold art and architecture. • Document your friends hiking across Hydra, exploring Pompeii, or swimming off the coast of Capri through photography or writing.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Document your adventure on photography assignments in the field. Evoke the classical past by shooting the ruins of the Roman Forum or Delphi. Take to the street to capture the flavors of contemporary life.
ANTHROPOLOGY & LOCAL CULTURES Study legends of ancient deities, and explore temples built in their honor. Sketch the Parthenon or the Colosseum as they might have appeared thousands of years ago, and delve into the fascinating history of Pompeii.
CREATIVE WRITING Develop your storytelling through a series of field-based writing workshops. Craft a biographical portrait of a local character, pen a narrative about exploring Capri, or write a story on the excavation of Pompeii.
I T I N E R A RY
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1 7 DAY S
More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks laid the foundations for Western civilization, including democracy, philosophy, science, and medicine. Close on their heels, the Romans established the ancient world’s greatest empire. Experience the living legacy of the Greek and Roman Empires against a backdrop of magnificent temples, rich mythology, and stunning seascapes.
DAYS 1–5 I POMPEII AND CAPRI, ITALY Fly to Rome, and then head south to Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities that were blanketed by thick layers of scorching ash and volcanic mud when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. Set out with your On Assignment team, stepping into the past in palaces still adorned with original frescoes, and see the haunting figures of townspeople frozen in time. From our base in the small city of Salerno, travel by hydrofoil to Capri. Explore the island’s Roman palaces and extraordinary scenery, and take a refreshing swim from the rocky shoreline.
Above: A student photographer captures the sun peeking through ancient ruins.
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Students learn to make ravioli during a cooking class.
DAYS 6, 7, AND 8 I ROME Return to magical, timeless Rome and discover the many wonders of this great city. Walk through the Roman Forum, where Julius Caesar was assassinated by conspirators. Imagine crowds cheering on the gladiators in the grand Colosseum and the chariot races in the Circus Maximus. Take in some of the world’s greatest classical sculpture at the Vatican Museums and the Villa Borghese. Examine Michelangelo’s masterpiece: the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
0
200
MILES
43° N
Florence TUSCANY Rome Isola di Capri
Pompeii Salerno I TA LY
Delphi
GREECE Athens
Ionian Sea
Náfplio
17° E
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S
Nat Geo flag outstretched, a student prepares to make a splash.
2019: June 11–27, June 25–July 11
Explore the streets and alleyways of this vibrant city with your team, finding hidden parks and ruins. Peer into the gaping Bocca della Verità, a sculpted mouth reputed to bite off the hand of anyone who doesn’t tell the truth. Interact with street performers and local shopkeepers, sample delicious gelato near the Spanish Steps, and take in the contemporary music scene in one of Rome’s many historic piazzas.
DAYS 9 AND 10 I DELPHI, GREECE Fly to Athens, Greece, and continue to Delphi, perched on the shoulder of Mount Parnassus. Settle into this tiny, picturesque village, just a short walk from the Temple of Apollo. Wander through the well-preserved ruins of theatres, treasuries, altars, and stadiums while taking in amazing views of the mountains and the turquoise sea. Through photography or writing, tell the stories of the stone statues that immortalize the history and mythos of ancient athletes.
DAYS 11 AND 12 I ATHENS Return to Athens and spend two days exploring the Acropolis and Parthenon,
the ancient Agora, and the National Archaeological Museum. Visit iconic works of art at the National Gallery and learn the stories of their excavation. Experience the modern city’s bustling street life, markets, and cuisine. Capture the intersection of ancient and modern life with your pen and camera.
TUITION
$7,290
Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Rome, Rome to Athens, and return to New York. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S Throughout Italy and Greece we stay in small family-run hotels.
DAYS 13–17 I NÁFPLIO Náfplio, our base for the next five days, is set on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese in the shadow of a cliff-top castle. The town’s pedestrian streets wind down the hillside to a tiny beach. During our time here, get to know the locals, join in a pickup game of soccer, attend a street fair, or stroll down to the beach for a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Argolís. On day trips, discover the legendary home of Agamemnon at Mycenae; view one of the world’s best preserved Greek theaters at Epidaurus; and hike the slopes of Hydra, a starkly beautiful island where cars are forbidden. In Náfplio’s idyllic setting, we present our On Assignment projects to the group. Return to Athens for our flight home.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Based in Europe, Dave Yoder is a contributing photographer to National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Traveler. His assignments have included a cover story on Pope Francis and the Vatican; photographing a lost city in the Mosquitia jungle of Honduras; the high-tech search for a lost Leonardo da Vinci painting; and documenting the largest ground-based telescope (ALMA) in Chile’s Atacama Desert. Dave focuses on human interest projects, and his work has appeared in worldwide publications including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Time, Newsweek, and Forbes. Dave will join both departures in Salerno and Rome.
“
ITALY AND GREECE ARE VISUALLY STUNNING PLACES, THE PEOPLE ARE SPIRITED, AND THE FOOD IS AMAZING. PHOTOGRAPHICALLY, THERE ARE ALMOST TOO MANY CHOICES OF SUBJECT. —Dave Yoder National Geographic Expert
”
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SWISS AND FRENCH ALPS EXPEDITION: M O U N TA I N A DV E N T U R E NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Learn adventure photography and filmmaking skills as you capture fellow travelers zip lining and canyoneering across dramatic gorges. • Interview seasoned ice climbers about their Alpine adventures, and trek atop the largest glacier in this storied mountain range. • Trace the history of modern mountaineering at the Matterhorn Museum, and follow in the footsteps of the region’s trailblazers while hiking Europe’s highest peaks. • Soar up the slopes in Europe’s highest cable car, and capture images of glistening ice sculptures in the magical Jungfrau Ice Palace.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Capture the thrill of adventure in the Swiss and French Alps with the skyscraping peaks of the Jungfrau, the Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc as your backdrop. Work on panning as your friends swing by on zip lines, and learn what makes a great landscape shot more than just a pretty view. Focus on depth of field as you frame alpine flora and fauna, and practice adventure photography techniques that catch the spirit of mountain sport in motion.
FILM & VIDEO Delve into the exhilarating art of creating adventure films. Grab your camera equipment or strap on a GoPro and record footage as you climb, hike, zip line, and trek across glaciers. Interview fellow students or local mountaineers about their experiences in the mountains. Film the snowy peaks from a soaring cable car or a historic cogwheel train. Working with your peers, use mobile-editing technology to produce short films.
I T I N E R A RY
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1 4 DAY S
Out of lush green valleys, the Alps burst into the sky in jagged sculptures of rock and ice. The highest mountains in Western Europe, these glittering peaks are the birthplace of modern trekking. Set off on an Alpine journey from the foot of the Jungfrau to the crooked peak of the Matterhorn, and explore in myriad ways: by zip line, mountain bike, or canyoneering.
DAYS 1–5 I G RINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND Fly into Zurich and take a scenic ride to Grindelwald, perched above two lakes at the foot of the soaring Bernese Alps. With the famous trio of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains jutting skyward above the town, Grindelwald is an ideal jumpingoff point for our Alpine adventures. Explore Schynige Platte and head off on a variety of hikes, photographing and filming the amphitheater of ice-glazed peaks that surrounds you. Examine the unusual plant species that thrive above the tree line on a visit to the Alpine Garden with local botanists. Take a gondola up First Mountain and hike to nearby Bachalpsee Lake, carved
Above: With the peak of the Matterhorn as a backdrop, a student readies his shot.
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Zip lining in the Swiss Alps
by glaciers and tucked into the verdant hills. Zip line back down the mountain with professional outfitters for an exhilarating adventure. Cap off your time here with a journey by cogwheel train past picturesque mountain villages to arrive at Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Trek on Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, and see ice sculptures at the magical Ice Palace along the way. Hone your action photography skills or capture the sense of adventure on film while hiking through narrow ravines.
0
30
MILES
FRANCE
Lake Zürich
Zurich
SWITZERLAND
46° N
Lake Geneva
Grindelwald
Geneva Chamonix
Zermatt 0
7° E
30
MILES
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S
A cog wheel train takes students to the highest railway station in Europe.
2019: July 15–28
DAYS 6–9 I ZERMATT Travel south across high mountain passes to the charming village of Zermatt, gateway to the mighty Matterhorn. Take the highest cable car in Europe to Klein Matterhorn, photographing or filming nearly 360-degree views of glaciers and peaks from midair. Then hike through pine forests and train your lens on brilliant lakes with the magnificent mountains as your backdrop. Go mountain biking on scenic trails that provide changing perspectives at every turn. Trace the history of mountaineering at the Matterhorn Museum and discover tales of the daredevils and pioneers who have tackled the Alps’ highest summits. Learn the art of exposure and shutter speed with the gorgeous Alps as your backdrop.
DAYS 10–14 I CHAMONIX, FRANCE Just over the border in France lies Chamonix, a renowned mountain resort that hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924. On the near horizon looms Mont Blanc, the so-called “roof of Europe,” measuring 15,782 feet. Settle into this mountain town and take
to the trails, trekking to Alpine lakes and meadows scattered with wildflowers and ringing with cowbells. Ride the funicular to the Col de Balme and hike up to the Croix de Fer pass for incredible views and a chance to slide on the snow. Enjoy a picnic lunch beneath the sharp pinnacles of the Aiguille du Midi mountain, first climbed in 1818. Weather permitting, strap on crampons and grab an ice axe for a walk on the spectacular glacier known as the Mer de Glace. Then join experienced guides to try out canyoneering, an exhilarating experience that combines rappelling, climbing, and watersliding through deep gorges. Go ice skating at the village rink or spend a sunny afternoon with local teenagers at the Olympic swimming pool. As we explore, interview and photograph seasoned mountaineers drawn to the area by the challenges of its imposing peaks. Put the final touches on your On Assignment project, then enjoy a celebratory fondue dinner and share your final presentation with your group before returning home.
“
TUITION
$7,590
Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Zurich, and return from Geneva. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in small mountain hostels and huts throughout the program.
NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions such as full-day hikes, glacier trekking, and mountain biking. To get the most out of the program, participants should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Adventurer and visual storyteller Robbie Shone has captured stunning images of some of the deepest, largest, and longest cave systems known. His projects for National Geographic have taken him to remote areas of Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and Uzbekistan, and his work has been published in National Geographic magazine. When not on assignment, Robbie can be found chasing adventures at home in the heart of the Alps, or photographing tobogganing competitions, cultural events, and rock climbers on via ferrata. Robbie will join the group in Grindelwald and Zermatt.
THE AREA IS BURSTING WITH ADVENTURE AND PHOTOGRAPHIC POTENTIAL. THE HOME OF ALPINISM HAS IT ALL, FROM SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAINS, GLACIERS, AND LAKES TO THE BEST CHOCOLATE AND CHEESE! —Robbie Shone National Geographic Expert
”
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IRELAND EXPEDITION: DISCOVERING THE EMERALD ISLE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Go on photo and writing assignments amid the mystical landscapes of the remote Aran Islands. • Delve into the literary history of Dublin while following in the footsteps of celebrated authors like James Joyce, W. B. Yeats, and Oscar Wilde. • Kick up your heels at a traditional Irish stepdancing class, and join lively trad sessions in Galway—a hub for traditional Irish music. • O rganize a show in Dublin to share the photography, poetry, and prose you create during your trip.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Tell stories of the Emerald Isle through photography assignments in the field. Bring Irish landscapes to life as you train your lens on towering cliffs and crashing waves along the western coast. Take portraits of sheep farmers on Inishmore and street musicians in Galway. Master depth of field and framing as you document a day in the life of a Dubliner, or explore the intersection of past and the present in a photo-essay about a fishing family in Howth.
CREATIVE WRITING Tap into Ireland’s storytelling legacy during field-based writing workshops. Review a restaurant serving traditional Irish dishes, or let your imagination fly in a story about fictional residents living behind one of Dublin’s famous painted doors. Draft a piece of historical fiction on monks who once lived at Clonmacnoise abbey, capture telling details in a travel narrative about your time in Galway, or set a poem in the Aran Islands’ lunar-like landscape.
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1 4 DAY S
Ireland’s rolling green landscapes and clifflined coasts have long inspired storytellers. From the cobblestoned streets of Dublin to the otherworldly landscapes of the Aran Islands, delve into Ireland’s past, where Celtic myths meet a tumultuous history of invasion and revolution. Explore the Irish penchant for storytelling and the lively musical traditions of Galway and the western coast.
DAYS 1–4 I DUBLIN, IRELAND On the streets of Dublin, revolutionaries once rose up to end 500 years of British rule, and impassioned writers penned works that would become classics. The city that once saw so much strife is now a spirited hub of Irish culture, increasingly infused with an international vibe. Grab your notebook or your camera and head out to capture the pulse of Dublin. Photograph buskers strumming on Grafton Street; and stroll in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and W. B. Yeats—all of whom lived on beautiful Merrion Square. Take in the sights and sounds of the city as you explore neighborhood lanes and
Above: The 16th-century Dunguaire Castle overlooks Galway Bay.
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A student works on creative writing in an atmospheric setting.
historic canals. Visit Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane Gallery, or the Dublin Writers Museum; and take in a show at the Abbey Theatre, founded by Yeats and Lady Gregory in 1904. Kick up your heels at a traditional Irish step-dancing class. Take portraits of locals with Dublin Castle as your backdrop, or interview street vendors along O’Connell Street. Walk the cobblestoned lanes of Temple Bar, relax on the green at Trinity College, and explore the revived Docklands neighborhood along the River Liffey.
IRELAND Galway
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Camera at the ready, a student photographer pauses for a portrait.
2019: July 11–24
For a change of pace, take a day trip to the misty, emerald green hills of County Wicklow, or catch a train to the beaches and charming fishing villages that speckle the coast outside Dublin.
DAYS 5, 6, AND 7 I GALWAY Travel west from Dublin, passing through boglands and rolling green hills, and stopping to photograph winding rivers and ancient monasteries along the way. Artsy, seaside Galway—sometimes called Ireland’s most Irish city—is our base on the dramatic west coast. From here, explore the Gaeltacht, where Ireland’s traditional ways of life hold strong and Irish (Gaelic) is still the language of the land. Together with your peers, transform your exploration into poetry and prose, or hone your photography skills as you capture the beautiful and complex spirit of Galway and its people. Listen to live Irish music, replete with the traditional sounds of fiddles and spoons; draft a series of profiles on local shopkeepers; or photograph everyday life on the streets of Galway and the quays along the River Corrib. Take in the films, art exhibits, live music, and theater of the Galway International Arts Festival.
Venture into the countryside to explore village life and take in Ireland’s stunning natural beauty. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, chat with locals over a traditional Irish breakfast, and wander past thatched-roof homes lining cobblestoned streets.
DAYS 8–11 I THE ARAN ISLANDS Hop on a ferry for a four-day photo and writing assignment on the magical Aran Islands, where writers such as J. M. Synge found inspiration among Celtic ruins and barren expanses of limestone. Walk atop craggy cliffs overlooking the North Atlantic and visit the ruins of ancient fortresses, castles, and churches to capture a sense of place in your writing or photography. Talk to farmers, fishermen, and innkeepers about their daily lives. Let the mystical atmosphere of the islands fuel your imagination as we work to put the finishing touches on our projects.
DAYS 12, 13, AND 14 I DUBLIN Return to Dublin for a student-organized show of the photography, poetry, and prose created during your expedition. Celebrate your accomplishments with your group before flying home the following day.
TUITION
$5,890
Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Dublin. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Dublin we stay in dormitory-style accommodations north of the River Liffey, a short walk from the bustle of the city center. During our time on the western coast we stay in small hostels and university housing.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Melissa Farlow is known for her personal approach to photographing people, and has worked on over 20 projects for National Geographic in South America, Quebec, Alaska, the Alps, and throughout the American West. She has also traveled throughout and photographed Ireland on various assignments. From an early age, Melissa had a passion for horses, and she recently co-produced Wild at Heart, a young adult book about mustangs and the teens who are trying to save them in order to preserve the legacy of America’s wild horses. Melissa was awarded a Pulitzer Prize with the staff of the Louisville Courier-Journal, and her work has been published in National Geographic, National Geographic Traveler, Smithsonian, LIFE, Marie Claire, GEO, and over 70 books. Melissa will join the group in Galway and on the Aran Islands.
“
IRELAND IS A LAND OF SIMPLE, YET STUNNING BEAUTY. LANDS THAT ARE ROCKY, WILD, AND HARSH HAVE CREATED A CULTURE OF PEOPLE THAT ARE WARM AND STOIC, WITH A GENTLE SENSE OF HUMOR. —Melissa Farlow National Geographic Expert
”
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B OT S WA N A A N D V I C TO R I A FA L L S E X P E D I T I O N : W I L D L I F E C O N S E R VAT I O N NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Work alongside researchers at Elephants for Africa to document herd behavior in the salt pans of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. • Set out on safari in the Okavango Delta with a National Geographic wildlife conservationist to seek out big cats, giraffes, African wild dogs, and much more. • Learn wildlife photography skills, including portraiture and camera trapping, with an eye to inspiring conservation efforts. • Hear from researchers with National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project about their work to preserve and protect Botswana’s unique watery wilderness.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Document your experience with Botswana’s resident megafauna in photographs. Create a photo book distinguishing individuals of an elephant herd, learn about the science of wildlife photography while experimenting with camera traps and satellite imagery, or work alongside local youth competing in Botswana’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Delve into local, national, and international projects aimed at protecting Africa’s wildlife, working alongside National Geographic grantees and leading conservationists to evaluate the threats to Botswana’s diverse species. Deepen your knowledge of humanelephant conflict, learn about collar-tracking, and meet up with local teens to brainstorm novel strategies for protecting wildlife.
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1 5 DAY S
Thanks to innovative and intensive conservation efforts, Botswana is recognized as a global leader in wildlife protection and has offered a safe haven for African megafauna seeking refuge from development and illegal poaching. Get an inside perspective on modern-day conservation challenges while working in the field alongside top researchers, including our own National Geographic grantees.
DAYS 1–4 I V ICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE Begin your adventure in Zimbabwe with a visit to spectacular Victoria Falls, known locally as the “smoke that thunders” and considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Victoria Falls’ mile-wide curtain of water is nearly twice the width of Niagara Falls and plunges more than 350 feet into a narrow chasm, creating clouds of mist that sparkle in the sunlight. Get to know your trip leaders and fellow group members while exploring the nature paths that wind through lush forests overlooking these majestic cascades. Photograph the falls from the
Above: A group of students observe a bull elephant from a boat in the Okavango Delta.
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A double rainbow spans the mighty Victoria Falls.
bridge that spans the border with Zambia, then discuss human-wildlife cohabitation as you walk through corridors specially designed for elephant passage.
DAYS 5–9 I MAKGADIKGADI PANS NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA Cross the border into Botswana and head to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a reserve harboring the largest network of salt pans on Earth, as well as zebras, wildebeests, elephants, and an array of
ZIMBABWE Victoria Falls
B O T S WA N A 19° S
O K AVA N G O D E LTA Maun Makgadikgadi Pans National Park 0
Makgadikgadi Pans
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Students wade through the waters of the Okavango behind their guide.
2019: June 23–July 7, July 21–Aug. 4
other intriguing creatures. Camp at a research base just outside the park and spend a week working alongside conservationists with Elephants for Africa, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the vulnerable African elephant through research and education. Meet the founders of Cameras for Conservation, and learn photography techniques for documenting elephant behavior and ecology, then create a digital photo book of the park’s resident herds. With the help of camera traps and satellite imagery, track elephant movement in the area, and learn how migration patterns are changing in response to human encroachment, habitat destruction, and climate change. Interview local community members to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of humanelephant conflict, and work alongside local teens to brainstorm new strategies for wildlife conservation in the region.
DAYS 10–15 I O KAVANGO DELTA Travel north to Botswana’s most iconic landscape, the Okavango Delta. This farreaching network of inland lagoons and floodplains is home to some of the world’s most endangered megafauna, including
cheetahs, white and black rhinos, and African wild dogs. Settle into camp and meet your local ba’Yei guide, a member of National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project who grew up in the delta and has intimate knowledge of this vast and remote landscape. Learn about the program’s efforts to collect data on the delta’s source waters, which are vital to the health of the region and the roughly one million people who get their water from the Okavango; and hear about collaborations with local stakeholders to develop conservation strategies for these important rivers. Over the next several days, set out on safari across the floodplains alongside your National Geographic expert and explore the delta’s dynamic ecosystem, teeming with big cats, roaming giraffes, and wading buffalo. As you seek out incredible wildlife, document the intricacy of this habitat with your camera and learn wilderness skills from your knowledgeable guide. Conclude the program in the city of Maun, where we’ll present our On Assignment projects to the group and celebrate our journey across southern Africa.
TUITION
$7,790
Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Victoria Falls and return from Maun. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Victoria Falls, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, and Maun we stay in simple guesthouses. We stay in a tented safari camp in the Okavango Delta.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Conservation educator Koketso Mookodi grew up and studied in Gaborone—Botswana’s capital—and then moved to the Okavango Delta to pursue her passion for wildlife. She earned a degree in tourism management, and began educating and empowering the local communities of the Okavango Delta. Koketso is committed to bringing knowledge and selfesteem to the people of the Okavango, and helps equip them to make conscious decisions regarding wildlife and the environment that they share. She is also the Botswana director for the Wild Bird Trust. Koketso will join the July 21 departure in the Okavango Delta. Conservationist Adjany Costa will join the June 23 departure. See her bio on page 11.
“
EXPLORING THE OKAVANGO DELTA WAS DEFINITELY THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY TRIP. I GAINED LIFELONG FRIENDS; AS WELL AS AN EVERLASTING RESPECT FOR AND INTEREST IN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION. —Carmen Isidora L., Student Traveler, 2018
”
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N A M I B I A E X P E D I T I O N : D E S E RT SA FA R I A N D B I G C AT C O N S E R VAT I O N NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit a National Geographic—supported research center to see how satellite technology is used to monitor wildlife populations, then join scientists in the field to track elusive leopards. • Photograph Sossusvlei’s otherworldly landscapes of red sand and the eerie skeletal trees of Deadvlei. • Explore coastal dunes with desert ecologists, then ride the surrounding slopes on a sandboarding excursion. • Help care for rehabilitated cheetahs at the world-renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Document your exploration of Namibia in a photography portfolio. Use time-lapse techniques to show the sun dipping behind the massive red dunes at Sossusvlei, zoom in on a sea of zebras visiting a watering hole, or take portraits of new friends while visiting a San camp. Practice landscape shots on the desert’s dramatic scenery, and experiment with camera traps to capture images of elusive species interacting with their natural habitats.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Examine Namibia’s unique landscapes and the animal and plant species that have adapted to these fragile desert ecosystems. Join researchers at renowned conservation organizations, working with them to help save the country’s big cats, rhinos, and other threatened wildlife. Track leopards with a National Geographic grantee, and discuss the plight of the cheetah with researchers at the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
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2 1 DAY S
The landscapes of Namibia are home to a wealth of desert-adapted wildlife that conservationists are working hard to protect. Meet National Geographic grantees and other researchers in the field to learn about wildlife preservation efforts. Along your journey, encounter elephants, hyenas, giraffes, and oryx on safari; go whale-watching in Walvis Bay; and climb the dunes of the Namib Desert.
DAYS 1–5 I N/A’AN KU SÊ , NAMIBIA Get settled at the N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary, where National Geographic– supported researchers have developed an innovative approach to protecting predators while reducing attacks on local livestock. Learn about the use of GPS and Google Earth to track leopards and cheetahs, and head into the field with local researchers on game counts, collar-tracking exercises, or to set up camera traps at watering holes. Snap close-up shots of the resident cheetahs and baboons, and zoom out to photograph large herds of zebras and springbok. Help to perform a veterinary check-up
Above: Tawny grasses engulf a cheetah and a photographer.
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Student Sunita H. captures the intense gaze of a male lion.
on rehabilitated animals, and spend time with members of the San people to learn about daily life in their hunter-gatherer community.
DAYS 6–10 I S OSSUSVLEI, SWAKOPMUND, AND THE NAMIB DESERT Head south to Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei—a salt and clay pan surrounded by towering dunes. Camp overnight in the national park and wake early to photograph
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Etosha National Park Etosha Pan Damaraland
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Students stop for a photo op while sandboarding on the dunes outside Swakopmund.
2019: June 20–July 10
the sun rising over the massive orange-red dunes. Pay a visit to the iconic Deadvlei, a stark landscape dotted with ancient, skeletal camel thorn trees that have been dead for more than 700 years. Continue to the seaside city of Swakopmund, a lively hub for surfers and adventure seekers. Explore the dunes with desert ecologists and learn about the species that have adapted to survive the harsh conditions. Then, tear down dune slopes on a sandboarding excursion. Visit Cape Cross to observe a vast breeding colony of some 100,000 Cape fur seals, and go on a whale-watching cruise on Walvis Bay.
DAYS 11 AND 12 I DAMARALAND Journey into Damaraland, where the desert harbors unusually succulent plants fed by Atlantic mists. With local guides, hike to the White Lady rock etching, believed to date back at least 2,000 years. Pay a visit to Brandberg Mountain, a giant granite monolith and Namibia’s highest mountain peak; then descend into the neighboring valley and venture across the stark landscapes in search of endangered desert-adapted elephants.
DAYS 13, 14, AND 15 I E TOSHA NATIONAL PARK Namibia’s dry season spans April through October, when herds of plains game flock to the waterholes of Etosha National Park, and their predators—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—follow close behind. The resulting
concentrations of wildlife provide optimal scenery for photographers and a living laboratory for conservationists. Enjoy three days on safari here, looking for big cats, giraffes, oryx, rare black-faced impalas, and endemic birds like the bare-cheeked babbler. Stop at watering holes for close-up views of bathing elephants, zebras drinking at the water’s edge, and hartebeests splashing in the shallows. Meet with park rangers and learn about their efforts to encourage conservation through tourism.
DAYS 16–19 I C HEETAH CONSERVATION FUND Learn about the plight of the cheetah at the world-renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) near Otavi. Talk with scientists about predator-conservation outreach efforts and hear about their collaborations with local farmers. Join trackers on census walks, help care for rehabilitated cheetahs, visit the genetics lab, and observe a training session for livestock guard dogs—an integral part of the CCF’s conservation plan.
DAYS 20 AND 21 I WINDHOEK Travel to the Namibian capital of Windhoek, where we’ll cap off our expedition with presentations of our On Assignment projects and celebrate our adventure with a final meal out on the town.
TUITION
$7,790
Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Windhoek. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S At N/a’an ku sê and at the Cheetah Conservation Fund we stay in dormitory-style housing. In Swakopmund we stay in a hotel; and in Sossusvlei, Etosha, and Damaraland we camp in tents.
NOTE During this expedition, students will spend several nights camping. To get the most out of the program, participants should be enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantee Florian Weise has spent more than a decade on the African continent working to conserve endangered species. His work helping to reduce conflicts between Southern Africa’s large cats, like cheetahs and leopards, and local farmers has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Africa Geographic, and the Financial Times London. Florian has combined his passion for the outdoors with research in the Serengeti, the Okavango Delta, the Namib Desert, and at the N/a’an ku sê Carnivore Conservation Centre. Florian will join the group at N/a’an ku sê.
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AUSTRALIA EXPEDITION: O U T B A C K , R A I N F O R E S T, A N D R E E F NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Set out with marine biologists for a two-day snorkeling trip on the Great Barrier Reef. • Meet Aboriginal people in the outback to learn about their culture, and camp out in the desert under the stars. • Survey the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest from a jungle research station, and soar through the treetops on a zip-line tour. • Visit Sydney’s world-famous Taronga Zoo and practice wildlife photography on koalas, kangaroos, and other unique Australian species.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Document the unique cultures, animals, and landscapes of Australia in a photo-essay. In the outback, capture Uluru’s red rock and ancient carvings aglow at sunset, and zoom in on endemic desert wildlife. Try underwater photography amid the vibrant corals of the Great Barrier Reef, then catch the early morning light while exploring the rain forests of Cape Tribulation. Practice portraiture with the people you meet throughout your travels.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Explore Australia’s diverse ecosystems, and learn about the invasive species that threaten native flora and fauna. Guided by marine biologists, catalog the species you spot on the Great Barrier Reef, and examine the impact of coral bleaching on this natural treasure. Explore the treetops of the Daintree Rainforest on an educational zip-line tour, and examine the canopy up close from the observation deck at a research station.
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2 0 DAY S
Set apart from other landmasses for millennia, Australia’s isolation has allowed unique ecosystems and cultures to thrive. Explore rain forests, deserts, and the world’s largest coral reef, observing and documenting fascinating wildlife along the way; and meet members of the Aboriginal community—the world’s oldest living culture—which settled here more than 50,000 years ago.
DAYS 1–5 I SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA The expedition begins with an orientation in the vibrant coastal city of Sydney. Break into teams to begin working on your On Assignment project. Browse a photo exhibition at the State Library of New South Wales, explore the lively Rocks district, and take in spectacular views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Attend a game of rugby or Australian rules football, or go surfing at Manly Beach. Meet your first koalas and kangaroos at the famous Taronga Zoo, or visit the Sydney Aquarium to get acquainted with the marine life you will encounter on the Great Barrier Reef.
Above: A snorkeler skims through the shallows of the Great Barrier Reef.
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Student Liu Sen D. captures a close-up of a kangaroo at the Taronga Zoo.
DAYS 6–10 I U LURU AND THE OUTBACK Fly from Sydney to Alice Springs and begin your journey through the outback towards the largest monolith on Earth, Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock). Steeped in mythology, this colossal piece of sandstone rises abruptly from the desert plain. Trek between the giant rounded domes of adjacent Kata Tjuta on the lookout for bright green ring-necked parrots. Visit an Aboriginal community at Ochre Pits and learn about Aboriginal art before trying
Cairns
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Uluru (Ayers Rock) AUSTRALIA
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A student frames Uluru at sunset.
2019: June 24–July 13, July 13–Aug. 1
your hand at the traditional craft of dot painting. Plunge into the cool and refreshing waters of the Ellery Big Hole, examine ancient rock art and medicinal plants, and listen to Dreamtime stories told by Aboriginal guides. Through the lens of your camera, use the barren landscape to practice working with depth of field—photographing dingoes, red kangaroos, and majestic wedge-tailed eagles that may venture into this otherwise still scene. Set up camp in the bush, help collect firewood and prepare dinner, and sleep under the stars. Spot the Southern Cross and Scorpio, and learn a whole new set of Southern Hemisphere constellations.
DAYS 11–20 I Q UEENSLAND AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF Fly to the northern Queensland city of Cairns, and transfer to Port Douglas, our hub for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Set out on a private boat for a two-day snorkeling adventure with marine biologists. Anchor at the outer reef and snorkel along brilliant fields of coral. Spot sea turtles,
giant parrotfish, harmless reef sharks, and maybe even a migrating humpback whale. Gain insights about the reef from the marine biologists on board, and learn about the threats to this unique ecosystem and the efforts being made to protect it. Back on land, head north into the 125million-year-old Daintree Rainforest. Hike through the lush vegetation to see cassowaries, crocodiles, tree kangaroos, and other endemic wildlife. Spend the night in a jungle lodge and encounter the native species of the surrounding rain forest, wetlands, and reef. Wind down on the coastal side of the park on the white-sand beaches of Cape Tribulation. Explore a mangrove habitat where the jungle meets the ocean, and kayak along the reef. Trek out to the farthest point of the cape in search of whales and other marine life passing by. Return to Cairns for the final night and present your On Assignment project to the rest of the group. Celebrate your adventure with your fellow participants before flying home.
TUITION
$8,890
Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Sydney, Sydney to Alice Springs, Ayers Rock to Cairns, and return to Los Angeles. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Sydney, Alice Springs, and Queensland we stay in small hotels. In the Daintree Rainforest we stay in a small, family-run eco-resort; and in the outback we camp under the stars.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Zoologist Kristofer Helgen is a National Geographic Emerging Explorer who has led research expeditions to remote areas on almost every continent in his search for undiscovered species. From the jungles of Papua New Guinea to the slopes of the Andes, Kris has identified some 100 new mammal species and documented viable populations of animals previously thought to be in major decline or even extinct. He is a professor of biological sciences at the University of Adelaide in Australia, and has served as curator of mammals at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. Kris will join the July 13 departure in Port Douglas. Photographer Krystle Wright will join the June 24 departure. See her bio on page 10.
“
I REMEMBER READING NAT GEO KIDS AND DREAMING OF TRAVELING TO FAR-OFF PLACES AND STUDYING WILD ANIMALS. I CAN NOW SAY THAT I’VE EXPLORED THE OUTBACK AND STUDIED THE WILDLIFE OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF—A DREAM COME TRUE. —Mary C., Student Traveler, 2017
”
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NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITION: SOUTH ISLAND WINTER ADVENTURE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Soar over New Zealand’s highest peaks and discover ice caves while snowshoeing atop a glacier. • Learn the art of adventure photography, and practice conveying motion while shooting your group’s mountaineering, horseback riding, and zip-lining excursions. • Ski or snowboard down the powdery slopes of the Southern Alps, and document all the action for a short adventure film. • Go black-water rafting in a cave lit by glowworms, and take a wet ride along natural rock water slides.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Discover New Zealand’s natural beauty through your camera lens and document your adventures among the South Island’s summits, glaciers, and gorges. Capture athletes in motion, snapping shots of snowboarders catching air or your peers biking through the forests of Hanmer Springs. Shoot scenery under a variety of light conditions— from skies lit by Southern Hemisphere constellations to beaches aglow at sunset—and experiment with techniques like time-lapse and panning.
FILM & VIDEO Strap on your camera or GoPro and record highimpact footage as you trek across glaciers, get an aerial view of the Southern Alps as you soar above the Tasman Glacier, and tear down powdery slopes on a snowboard or skis. Document the ethereal light of thousands of glowworms as you black-water raft through caves. Film your friends throughout your explorations, and use mobileediting technology to produce short action and adventure films.
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1 8 DAY S
Split by glacier-carved mountains and fringed by wild beaches and stunning fjords, New Zealand’s South Island beckons thrill-seekers to find adventure amid its natural wonders. Experience the island’s epic landscapes, exploring them as an adventurer would—by hiking, biking, snowboarding, and rafting.
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 I C HRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND Our expedition begins in the coastal city of Christchurch. Head out on your first assignment to document the city’s innovative street art installations, interview vendors at an outdoor market, or snap portraits of local artists. Visit an animal sanctuary and get up close to native species from around New Zealand, including the peculiar kiwi bird.
DAYS 4–8 I HANMER SPRINGS, WEST COAST, AND WESTLAND TAI POUTINI NATIONAL PARK Travel north to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs. With camera in hand, explore forests of giant redwoods on foot or mountain bike, and soak in thermal pools. Then head to the spectacular West Coast to explore the rugged
Above: Thrilled by their icy adventure, three students stop for a photo op while exploring a glacier.
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Students bike through the forests of Hanmer Springs.
coastline on foot, hiking to hidden caves and taking photos of powerful sea bursts surging up through Punakaiki’s intriguing “pancake rock” formations. Spend a day black-water tubing through caverns lit by thousands of tiny glowworms, traveling to the cave entrance via zip line and finishing the adventure on a series of natural rock slides. Continue south to Westland Tai Poutini National Park, home to the Franz
Pacific Ocean Hanmer Springs
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A ski-plane deposits students on the massive Tasman Glacier.
2019: June 27–July 14, July 15–Aug. 1
Josef and Fox Glaciers, and take in the views on a sunrise hike around Lake Matheson. Practice light painting and night photography on Haast Beach, at the heart of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area.
DAYS 9, 10, AND 11 I WANAKA Spend two days exploring Wanaka, one of the best skiing and snowboarding destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. Hit the slopes, and then hone your action photography and filmmaking skills as you capture local athletes performing aerial tricks and stunts. One of the iconic symbols of the area is the Wanaka Tree, a lone tree that grows tenaciously out of the waters of Lake Wanaka. Rise early to photograph the tree at sunrise, set against a backdrop of snowy peaks. Traverse the surrounding wilderness on horseback, or hike up Mount Iron for panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
DAYS 12, 13, AND 14 I MOUNT COOK Kick the adventure into high gear with a mountaineering expedition on the slopes of New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook.
Soar above the snow-covered Southern Alps, and touch down on top of the massive Tasman Glacier. Outfitted with snowshoes and ice picks, we’ll join expert guides to explore this wintry wilderness of glacial icefalls and otherworldly ice caves. Later, dive into a glacial pond for a chilly bath. Break out your camera to frame an amazing sunrise over these spectacular landscapes, or go on an after-dark photo or video shoot to capture scenes of a star-studded sky.
DAYS 15–18 I O AMARU AND CHRISTCHURCH Head east to the colonial town of Oamaru, and try your hand at sheep shearing during an overnight stay in a farming community. See the giant spherical Moeraki Boulders on a visit to Koekohe Beach, and ride a highwheeled penny-farthing bicycle. Then spend the night in a marae, or meeting ground, and delve into Maori culture with tribal elders. Our adventure concludes in Christchurch, where we’ll wrap up our On Assignment projects and present them to the group before your flight home.
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TUITION
$7,890
Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Los Angeles and Christchurch. Refer to page 80 for transportation details
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in family-run inns, small hotels, and familystyle cabins throughout the expedition.
NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions, including hiking, skiing, and biking. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration in a variety of climates.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Photojournalist, filmmaker, and adventurer Ulla Lohmann has sailed around the world, explored volcanoes in some of the most remote places on the planet, and traversed the African continent using only biodiesel. She spends much of her time working with indigenous cultures in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Based in the German Alps, she is a regular contributor to the National Geographic Channel and National Geographic magazine, and has published a book about Italy’s Dolomites with National Geographic Books. Ulla will join the June 27 departure at Mount Cook.
NEW ZEALAND IS SUCH A MYSTICAL PLACE, WITH BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES AND AMAZING PEOPLE WHO HAVE A SPIRITUAL CONNECTION TO THE LAND. —Ulla Lohmann National Geographic Expert
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BALI EXPEDITION: TROPICAL ECOLOGY FROM SEA TO SUMMIT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Snorkel at a World War II shipwreck, and help marine biologists monitor the health of Bali’s underwater ecosystem. • Photograph endangered sea turtles while volunteering at a local rescue center. • Stay at Ubud’s world-famous Green School—a sustainable campus made of living bamboo—and lend a hand on community service projects, from organic gardening to composting. • Visit the Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center and contribute to their coral restoration project.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Create a photo-essay depicting Bali’s spectacular biodiversity. Use an underwater camera to capture images of intricate corals and vibrant marine life—from swirling schools of jacks to swimming green turtles. Take portraits of Balinese farmers among emerald green rice terraces, and learn about their sophisticated water management practices. Employ photographic storytelling to report on the work of local conservationists and researchers.
MARINE & TROPICAL BIOLOGY Study Bali’s unique ecosystems alongside expert biologists and conservationists. Examine diverse coral species on diving and snorkeling excursions, and use cutting-edge technologies to monitor the health of the reefs and assist researchers with coral restoration. Visit Ubud’s Green School and get your hands dirty in the organic garden, or learn to build with sustainable materials like bamboo.
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Home to more than 400 species of reefbuilding coral and large ocean dwellers like turtles, manta rays, and sharks, the waters surrounding the Indonesian isle of Bali hold some of the highest diversity of marine life in the world. Dive into this underwater realm, and discover the terrestrial side of the island’s tropical ecosystem while exploring terraced rice paddies and volcanic peaks.
DAYS 1–5 I TULAMBEN, BALI Upon arrival in Bali, drive to our guesthouse in the northeastern corner of the island—a remote, coastal area bordered by crystal-clear waters. Get to know your fellow students as we explore this stunning tropical paradise, and immerse yourself in Balinese culture. Meet local conservationists, swim among the vibrant corals of Tanjung Muntik Bay, and photograph ornate Hindu temples. Delve deeper into the surrounding marine world on underwater excursions. Learn advanced snorkeling techniques from dive professionals, and then put these new skills to use as you swim amid the wreckage of a World
Above: A student explores one of Bali’s unique ecosystems.
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View of a terraced Bali landscape
War II cargo ship just off shore, discovering intricate coral reefs and tropical fish. Identify marine species and employ cutting-edge photographic and scientific technologies to monitor and document the reef. Back on land, volunteer with a communitybased program that keeps ocean waters clean through recycling and beach cleanup initiatives. Begin work on your On
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A student rappels down a waterfall on a canyoneering adventure.
2019: June 24–July 10, June 30–July 16
Assignment project, raising awareness about the need to protect these beautiful places.
DAYS 6–10 I PEMUTERAN Trace Bali’s northern coast to the seaside village of Pemuteran, home to the Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center. Here we’ll participate in local research projects aimed at preserving the surrounding tropical ecosystems. Learn how to assess reef health, and discuss the impact that our actions have on Bali’s marine habitats. Then work with local researchers on their coral restoration program. Use underwater photography to create a visual guide of the reef system, or study specialized clownfish populations that have evolved across the Indonesian archipelago. After the sun goes down, observe sparkling bioluminescence during a magical nighttime snorkeling excursion. On shore, we’ll visit a turtle rescue center and photograph endangered sea turtles before helping release them back into the wild. Then embark on a full-day excursion to nearby Menjangan Island to snorkel or dive amid the reefs and coral walls.
DAYS 11–14 I UBUD Head inland to the cultural hub of Ubud. During our time here, we’ll stay in a bamboo yurt camp at the world-famous Green School. Located in the tropical forest on the
banks of the Ayung River, the school offers immersive and hands-on experiences geared toward protecting Bali’s local communities and spectacular biodiversity. Work with other students on a variety of community service and conservation projects. Get your hands dirty in the organic gardens, helping to develop community composting facilities and cultivate native plants, or building structures using bamboo and other local and sustainable materials. Take a break from your projects to explore the surrounding landscape on a traditional subak trek, and learn about these ageold canals, terraces, and temples that the Balinese use for water management. Try your hand at Mepantigan, a combination of Balinese martial arts, wrestling, and dance in the mud; capture portraits of local community members while exploring vibrant markets and festivals; or venture into a nearby valley for a canyoneering excursion.
DAYS 15, 16, AND 17 I SERANGAN ISLAND Head to Serangan Island to seek out some of Bali’s best surfing spots and ride the waves with professional surf instructors. Wrap up the trip by presenting your On Assignment projects to your peers, highlighting the beauty and diversity of Bali’s marine and terrestrial habitats or some of the local efforts to help protect them.
TUITION
$6,990
Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Los Angeles and Denpasar. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Ubud we stay on the campus of the Green School in sustainably built bamboo yurts. At all other locations we stay in small, locally run guesthouses or hotels.
NOTE While scuba diving is not the main focus of this trip, students who are certified will have the opportunity to participate in up to four dives, dependent on weather and conditions. The supplemental fee for diving is $300 per student.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T National Geographic Emerging Explorer Asha de Vos is a Sri Lankan marine biologist, ocean educator, and pioneer of blue whale research in the Northern Indian Ocean. Asha is the first Sri Lankan to earn a Ph.D. in marine mammal research; founded the nonprofit Oceanswell; and runs the Sri Lankan Blue Whale Project, which is the first long-term study of blue whales in the region. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of ocean heroes and through her work, hopes to change the current marine conservation model. Asha’s work has been showcased by the BBC, the New York Times, CNN, WIRED UK, and TED. Asha will join both departures in Pemuteran.
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C H I N A E X P E D I T I O N : G I A N T PA N DA S TO T H E G R E AT WA L L NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Help feed and care for pandas at the renowned Dujiangyan Panda Center. • Photograph the sun rising over the Great Wall, then hike along a remote section of this iconic wonder. • Go on an overnight camping trek to the towering dunes of the Kumtag Desert, and learn about local efforts to prevent encroaching desertification. • Meet photo editors at National Geographic magazine’s China headquarters, and use their photography tips as you explore Beijing through your camera lens.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Assemble a portfolio that addresses a facet of life in China. Shoot portraits of local farmers, document Beijing’s traditional neighborhoods, and zoom in on remnants of the ancient Silk Road. From children playing on Tiananmen Square to dense bamboo forests housing rare pandas, capture the many faces of China.
ANTHROPOLOGY & LOCAL CULTURES Delve deeper into the interconnection between land and people in the world’s most populous country. Learn how farmers have adapted to their geography, and investigate China’s rapid economic transformation from the perspectives of local merchants, entrepreneurs, or environmentalists. Chart the traditions and origins of China’s ethnic minorities.
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Brimming with ancient monuments and skyscrapers alike, China has catapulted into the 21st century as a major economic power that is often associated with its growing cosmopolitan cities. Yet a timeless way of life continues in a countryside carved with rugged mountains and deep gorges, and speckled with traditional farming villages. Explore China’s contrasts on a journey from the pandas of Sichuan to the Silk Road in Dunhuang and the pulsating cities of Shanghai and Beijing.
DAYS 1–5 I SHANGHAI, CHINA The center of Shanghai is a patchwork of futuristic skyscrapers, stately colonial neighborhoods, and traditional Chinese architecture. From the top of the 88-story Jin Mao Tower, see the massive scale of China’s economic boom with your own eyes. Learn about the city’s controversial history and discover some of its ambitious plans for the future at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. Practice your bargaining skills and see relics of China’s past at the antique market on Dongtai Lu.
Above: Students race atop a refurbished section of the Great Wall.
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A giant panda munches on bamboo.
DAYS 6–10 I THE PANDAS OF SICHUAN Transfer to the lively city of Chengdu, where we’ll have a behind-the-scenes visit at the internationally renowned Dujiangyan Panda Center’s research facility, guided by local conservationists. Spend a day feeding and caring for the bears and observing these gentle giants up close in their enclosure. Then delve into Sichuanese culture at a traditional tea ceremony, while concocting spicy regional dishes at a cooking class, and on a backstage visit following an opera performance.
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In the dunes of the Kumtag Desert, students gather around a fire.
2019: June 24–July 14
DAYS 11–14 I GANSU PROVINCE Fly to Dunhuang, an oasis city bordered by the Kumtag Desert. Once an important hub of China’s famed Silk Road, this ancient garrison town is still watched over by the crumbling ruins of the Han Dynasty-era Great Wall. Visit the Singing Sands dunes, and explore the Mogao Caves—also known as the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas. Carved by monks on pilgrimage, these caverns are home to some of the most important Buddhist art and manuscripts in the world. Peruse the Dunhuang night market, go on a trek by the shores of nearby Crescent Lake, and learn about efforts to understand and prevent encroaching desertification.
DAYS 15–21 I B EIJING AND THE GREAT WALL Beijing is a city of color and motion: bicycles blur past crimson-walled temples, crowds bustle down neon-flanked shopping streets, and new buildings and businesses seem to sprout up on a daily basis. But Beijing’s
ancient roots are still visible among the modern high-rises and the flashy billboards. We’ll explore the city in all its guises, from the ornate courtyards of the Forbidden City to the avant-garde studios of the 798 art district. Partake in the popular pastime of flying kites in historic Tiananmen Square; and in the gardens of the Temple of Heaven, join in on checkers and rhythmic gymnastics. Bike through a hutong, a neighborhood of Ming dynasty courtyard homes. Enjoy a chance to meet editors at National Geographic magazine’s China headquarters, and watch acrobats spin and climb through the air at an evening performance. Venture outside the city to a farming village next to a seldom visited section of the Great Wall. We spend two nights at a simple guesthouse here and enjoy meals prepared by our hosts. See the Great Wall as few visitors do: experiment with nighttime photographic “light painting” on the ruins of an ancient guard tower, or wake up early for a hike to watch the sun rise over the wall.
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TUITION
$7,590
We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Shanghai, Shanghai to Chengdu, Chengdu to Dunhuang, Dunhuang to Beijing, and return from Beijing. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in small hotels and guesthouses in Shanghai, Chengdu, Dunhuang, and Beijing. At the Great Wall we stay in a villager’s farmhouse inn.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Photographer Ian Teh’s work is often driven by a concern for social, environmental, and political issues. He honed his craft while traveling throughout China in his early twenties, documenting the enormous political and economic changes the country was undergoing. He has worked throughout Asia and internationally, and his recent work on China’s Yellow River was featured in the July 2017 issue of National Geographic magazine. Ian has published three books, and his work has appeared in numerous publications including the New Yorker, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Granta. His photography is part of the permanent collection at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and was displayed in Paris as part of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Ian will join the group in Beijing.
CHINA IS A VAST AND AMAZING COUNTRY WITH A CIVILIZATION MORE THAN 5,000 YEARS OLD! THIS REGION IS STEEPED IN HISTORY, AND WE’LL CELEBRATE ITS PAST AS WE EMBARK ON COUNTLESS ADVENTURES. —Ian Teh National Geographic Expert
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B H U TA N E X P E D I T I O N : J O U R N E Y TO T H E L A S T H I M A L AYA N K I N G D O M NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Climb to Bhutan’s crowning jewel, the iconic Tiger’s Nest Temple, and record your experience in an essay or photographs. • Weave traditional textiles with local artisans, participate in a masked folk dance, and beat a Bhutanese drum during a chanting ceremony at a nunnery. • Aim your bow in an archery competition with local marksmen, and cheer on professionals at the National Archery grounds. • Hike through mountain forests and glacial valleys, and meet farming families for a firsthand look at daily life in these remote Himalayan landscapes.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Tell the stories of Bhutan through photography. Practice landscape shots on rippling rice paddies and the soaring Himalaya, take portraits of people in traditional Bhutanese dress, and capture the spirit of a masked folk dance.
CREATIVE WRITING Hone your storytelling skills, finding creative inspiration in Bhutan’s culture and scenery. Pen an essay illustrating the atmosphere of an archery competition, write poetry from a mountain perch, or craft a narrative about modern-day royals.
ANTHROPOLOGY & LOCAL CULTURES Discover firsthand how Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) initiative has become a model for measuring progress, and gain perspective from locals on how increased contact with the global community is affecting traditional life.
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1 4 DAY S
Set out on a journey through magical Bhutan, the secluded Kingdom in the Clouds. Nestled within lush Himalayan valleys, this tiny Buddhist nation has slowly opened its doors to visitors, and we’re invited to experience its timeless way of life and centuries-old traditions. Hike between mountain villages; meet nuns and monks at temples and fortress monasteries; and get acquainted with farmers, artists, local leaders, and Bhutanese youth.
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 I PARO, BHUTAN Tucked in a valley amid the sky-scraping peaks of the Himalaya, Paro is the starting point for our expedition through Bhutan. Browse local crafts at artisan markets, visit the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang temple, and hike through emerald rice fields that blanket the valley floor. Get outfitted in ornately colored gho and kira, the Bhutanese national dress, which you’ll wear for formal occasions throughout the trip. Then set off into the country’s spiritual heartland.
Above: The iconic Tiger’s Nest Temple is built into the cliffs near Paro, some 3,000 feet above the valley floor.
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Framed by prayer flags, a student hones her photography skills.
DAYS 4 AND 5 I B UMTHANG Fly to Bumthang, home to Buddhist sites that date back more than a thousand years. Step inside the imposing walls of the hilltop Jakar Dzong—a fortress monastery and seat of government for Bhutan’s royal dynasty. In palace courtyards, learn the art of traditional masked cham dancing, and beat a Bhutanese drum during a chanting
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A colorful, masked cham dancer performs in Bumthang.
2019: July 6–19
ceremony at a nunnery. Delve into the sacred significance of the Himalaya on a visit to a seventh-century royal Tibetan monastery, where monks will guide you through an elaborate cake-making ceremony to cleanse bad omens. Join a family in their kitchen and learn how to prepare handmade noodles and momos, dumplings made with buckwheat grown in the fields surrounding Bumthang.
DAYS 6 AND 7 I T RONGSA AND PHOBJIKHA Follow the east-west trade route from Bumthang to the town of Trongsa, and explore the nation’s largest dzong. As you navigate its labyrinth of passages, learn about Bhutan’s historic and modern political structure, and discuss contemporary Bhutanese life. The next day, travel to Phobjikha, a pristine glacial valley at the base of the Black Mountains. Hike through virgin forests, and learn from rural farmers how to make fresh cheese, traditional butter tea, and hot chili dishes. Interview Bhutanese families about the recent introduction of television to rural villages or the country’s new democratic political structure.
DAYS 8 AND 9 I PUNAKHA Spend two days discovering Punakha, the old royal capital of Bhutan. Explore the rice paddies surrounding the stunning Punakha Dzong, and interview villagers to get a local perspective on the country’s Gross National Happiness index. Try your hand at
traditional Bhutanese archery, then hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Temple for a bird’s eye view of the river valley below before camping on the riverside. Join Bhutanese high school students for a pick-up game of basketball and spend your evenings relaxing around a bonfire.
DAYS 10 AND 11 I THIMPHU Cross over the Dochu La mountain pass, where we’ll hoist prayer flags during a traditional ceremony. Continue to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Browse the bustling weekend market, and cheer on professional archers on the National Archery grounds. At the Bhutan Textile Museum and Academy, practice weaving alongside local artists, and meet artisans who create traditional jewelry or handmade paper. Enjoy a special opportunity to dine with government officials and discuss the evolution of the Gross National Happiness project.
DAYS 12, 13, AND 14 I PARO Our expedition culminates at the kingdom’s iconic landmark: the Taktsang Lhakhang, or Tiger’s Nest Temple. Make the steep climb to this pilgrimage site, perched on a cliff face nearly 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley floor. Or opt to hike to a nearby viewpoint to photograph this stunning structure. Return to Paro for a farewell dinner at a family-run farm and present your On Assignment project before flying home.
TUITION
$7,290
Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Paro, Paro to Bumthang, and return to New York. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S Throughout the expedition we stay in simple guesthouses and hotels. In Punakha we spend two nights camping in tents.
NOTE We will be traveling at high elevations ranging from approximately 7,000 to 10,000 feet. The expedition includes several full-day hikes at high elevations. To get the most out of the program, students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Photographer and filmmaker Ashima Narain is the former editor for National Geographic Traveler (India). She has photographed in numerous countries around the world, from India to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to Bhutan, covering a diverse range of topics that have sent her wading through mudflats in search of flamingos in Mumbai, climbing sail masts mid-sea, and dining with Maharajas. Ashima was a judge on the first photography-based reality show on the National Geographic Channel called Mission Covershot, and her work has been published in National Geographic Traveler, Vanity Fair, Vogue, GQ, and Teen People. In 2017, TIME included Ashima in the roundup “Women in Photography: 34 Voices From Around the World.” Ashima will join the group in Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro.
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INDIA EXPEDITION: C R O S S R O A D S O F C U LT U R E NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Go on a three-day trek in the majestic Himalaya to learn about sustainable development in India’s remote northern reaches. • Spot elephants ambling through Rajasthan, then help care for rescued pachyderms at a wildlife sanctuary. • Create a photo-essay of Rajasthan’s grand forts and palaces, and capture a unique angle of the iconic Taj Mahal. • Learn about Ladakhi traditions during a Buddhist ceremony with Tibetan monks and while working with students in a mountain village.
ON A S S IG NME NT PROJ EC TS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
PHOTOGRAPHY Build a portfolio that tells a tale of India’s complex history and spiritual diversity. Shrines, palaces, markets, terraced rice paddies, elephants, kite-flying children, dazzling saris, and clamorous street life provide unparalleled opportunities for photographers.
ANTHROPOLOGY & LOCAL CULTURES Discover the connection between India’s culture and environment. Examine the dramatic history of Old Delhi, and learn how the walled city became one of the largest metropolises in the world. Compare the customs and rituals of Rajasthan with those of Ladakh. Interview elders about the spiritual significance of the Himalaya, or document the movements of India’s ethnic groups over the past century.
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Numbering more than one billion people, India’s diverse population is made up of Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Christians, and Buddhists who live side by side in remarkable harmony. Immerse yourself in the intriguing cultures and rich spiritual diversity of India, and encounter majestic vestiges of the past, from the Taj Mahal to the palaces of Jaipur.
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 I NEW DELHI, INDIA Begin in New Delhi, where we’ll spend two days exploring the incredible sites of the city—many of them declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. Meander through the maze of streets in Old Delhi and the pavilions of the Red Fort. Visit the immense Jama Masjid mosque, Humayun’s Tomb, the Lotus Temple, or the soaring Qutub Minar tower. Then set out in teams and dive into your On Assignment projects.
DAYS 4–11 I L ADAKH AND THE HIMALAYA Rising out of India’s northernmost region, the Himalaya are a vast stretch of craggy passes and snow-covered mountains Above: Two students pause to take in the beauty of the iconic Taj Mahal.
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A Buddha statue glimmers under the starry night sky.
culminating with Mount Everest. Ladakh lies along the Tibetan Plateau and its language and culture reflect the thousands of ethnic Tibetans who have resettled here. The influence of Tibetan Buddhism is visible in prayer flags, the red of monks’ robes, and the intricate architecture of shrines and temples. In the lively trade town of Leh, where whitewashed houses are nestled in a lush valley ringed by jagged peaks, we’ll acclimatize to the altitude (11,500 feet). Settle into a community school, and help young Ladakhis
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A student frames the majestic Himalaya.
2019: June 27–July 16
prepare for state high school exams. Join in the daily routine, cooking meals, tending gardens, and helping the school maintain its solar energy system. Get to know the students while discussing current affairs and sharing cultural traditions. Then set out with professional guides on a three-day trek from Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachan. Stay overnight in family-run guesthouses, and walk from village to village. Discuss Buddhist traditions with monks, learn about renewable energy projects with local conservationists, and visit organizations that promote sustainable development. As we walk, take in hillsides dotted with temples and monasteries, and see exquisite vistas of the Himalaya.
DAYS 12–20 I RAJASTHAN The Mughal influence is strong in Rajasthan, where walled fortresses dominate strategic hilltops and palaces anchor the larger towns with ornate Islamic architecture. The locals are warm and the dress is colorful—women are draped in yards of vibrant fabrics, and men don bright turbans. Elephants amble through town and monkeys scamper over the polished marble of Hindu and Jain temples. Encounter the Taj Mahal in Agra and the fortified Mughal ghost city of Fatehpur
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Sikri. Then visit a nearby elephant sanctuary, learning about its mission to rescue and protect these gentle giants. Jump aboard a rickshaw and explore Keoladeo Ghana National Park alongside a naturalist. Explore Jaipur, from its massive pink-hued palace to its medieval observatory. Venture into the labyrinthine City Palace, and trace its line of maharajas to the current occupant. Wind your way up the serpentine staircases of Jaipur’s Amber Fort, built as a citadel for the ruling elite, and explore its courtyards, arches, and ramparts as you catch a glimpse of Maota Lake below. Try your hand at cotton block printing with local artisans who have revitalized this disappearing art. Continue to the town of Samode, where we’ll stay amid 20 acres of trees and ruins at a 250-yearold Mughal-style royal retreat. Photograph shopkeepers at the local market, and join locals for a traditional Indian dance class as you celebrate your final night in colorful Rajasthan. Stop in Neemrana on the return to New Delhi and take in views of the town’s fort palace on a zip-lining excursion. The journey concludes in New Delhi, where we’ll wrap up our On Assignment projects and share them with the group before flying home.
I AM FASCINATED BY INDIA’S VASTNESS AND DIVERSITY. WHEN EXPLORING, ALL MY SENSES ARE HONED TO ABSORB THE COMPLEXITY AND BEAUTY OF THIS COUNTRY—ITS UNFATHOMABLE DEPTH OF CULTURE, HISTORY, AND SPIRIT. —Rena Effendi National Geographic Expert
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TUITION
$6,990
Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to New Delhi, New Delhi to Leh, Leh to New Delhi, and return to New York. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In New Delhi and Rajasthan we stay in small hotels. In Ladakh we stay in dormitory-style rooms at a school with basic amenities.
NOTE The three-day trek in Ladakh involves rigorous hiking at elevations of up to 14,000 feet. Students must be physically fit. This trip is not suitable for those with known altitude sensitivity. On this program, students will spend an estimated 6-10 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Award-winning photographer Rena Effendi focuses her lens on documenting people and cultures, as well as issues of conflict and social justice. Rena was born in Azerbaijan, but grew up witnessing the rough path to independence in the U.S.S.R.—which she learned to make sense of through photography. She has traveled and photographed throughout India, and covered the abiding impact of Mahatma Gandhi in modern-day India for the July 2015 issue of National Geographic magazine. Her work has also been published in the New Yorker, TIME, Vogue, and the New York Times Magazine; and she is a recipient of National Geographic’s All Roads Photography Award as well as World Press Photo awards. Rena will join the group in Rajasthan.
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J O U R N A L I S M A N D M U LT I M E D I A AT N AT G E O I N WA S H I N G TO N , D.C . NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS
• Practice filmmaking and editing with National Geographic producers and videographers, and learn how they use their work to spark widespread engagement around important issues. • Go behind-the-scenes at National Geographic headquarters, learning about its storied history and current initiatives. • Work with a National Geographic magazine photo editor, and hear how they create stories for the iconic magazine. • E xplore the National Mall, and see our nation’s iconic monuments by boat.
PROG R A M TH E ME S Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: Multimedia Journalism Learn the fundamentals of journalism and how National Geographic approaches reporting a topic. Hear from National Geographic experts on how they assemble a story—from initial idea to finalized piece of work that employs a variety of storytelling elements. Then, craft your own narrative on an issue that resonates with you. Visual Storytelling Learn about the many tools that National Geographic uses to create compelling stories—from writing and photography to video and design. Learn how to shoot and edit your own photography and short videos, and practice techniques to enhance your work through editing and design. National Geographic: Past and Present Get an inside look at the remarkable history of National Geographic, and see how the organization has pushed the boundaries of exploration and storytelling to gather and disseminate knowledge about our planet in engaging ways.
C A P S TO N E P R O J E C T With guidance from our instructors, develop a proposal for a project that uses photography, film, writing, or art to address an important global issue in your community. Share your idea with your peers during a closing celebration, and submit a written proposal to a committee of National Geographic staff for a chance to receive funding to pursue your project.
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Since its founding more than 130 years ago, National Geographic has been instrumental in the evolution of storytelling by pushing the boundaries of how critical knowledge is collected and shared. From our base at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., get an inside look at National Geographic headquarters to see how the organization harnesses the power of visual media and journalism to effect change on a global scale; and work with photo editors, videographers, and a public speaking coach to create compelling media of your own design. Travel to Washington, D.C. and settle into your dormitory at Georgetown University.
Above: Early morning rewards students with a prime view of the Washington Monument.
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Browsing the photo archives at Nat Geo
The workshop will be led by instructors who have experience in the themes of our program: Multimedia Journalism, Visual Storytelling, and National Geographic: Past and Present. Each day begins with a lively, discussion-based seminar followed by a hands-on workshop or field project to further apply what we’ve learned. Our instructors will guide us through each activity and
Students pose with the Nat Geo flag in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
I N F O R M AT I O N Students pose in front of a display of the iconic magazine covers at National Geographic headquarters.
DAT E S 2019: July 10–19
facilitate workshops and discussions with National Geographic Experts. We’ll have inside access to National Geographic; and prestigious Georgetown University—located within steps of trendy shops and lively restaurants—will serve as our classroom. The program kicks off with a behindthe-scenes tour of National Geographic headquarters, where we’ll hear about the organization’s storied history and the latest initiatives being launched from within this epicenter of exploration. Browse the photo and video archives for a look at how storytelling methods have evolved over time; then learn how curators for the National Geographic Museum work with researchers to transform concepts into fun, interactive exhibits for the public. Hear from members of the grants team, which has funded thousands of scientific initiatives across the globe; and meet the engineers who develop field equipment for National Geographic explorers. Spend time with National Geographic senior producer Sarah Joseph to learn how she and her team of videographers and producers use film to illuminate important issues, such as wildlife conservation and vanishing cultures; and hear how their films have been instrumental in some of the organization’s most successful conservation campaigns. Then join a workshop on the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking. Meet with a member of National Geographic’s Pristine Seas team to find out how they have used scientific studies and media in their efforts
to protect critical marine environments. Choose a topic you wish to investigate, and bring it to life through filmmaking and video editing. Then participate in a public speaking workshop led by a National Geographic staff member who helps explorers craft stories for live events at headquarters, and practice presenting your own story. Sit down with Susan Goldberg, editor in chief of National Geographic magazine, to get an inside perspective on how the magazine’s powerful storytelling has shed light on global issues and served as a change agent throughout history. Then meet with National Geographic magazine senior photo editor Molly Roberts, and hear how she works with photographers to tell impactful stories through imagery. Discuss the strategy behind photo selection, and pick up the basics of magazine layout and graphic design. Then hit the streets to apply what you’ve learned, taking pictures and conducting interviews on an issue of importance to you. In the evenings, take a break from your workshop to explore our nation’s capital. Wander past the White House, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial; cruise the Potomac River on a boat tour, taking in the sites from a different perspective; or track down the city’s best food trucks. Cap off your workshop with a private celebration at Nat Geo headquarters, where you will have the opportunity to share your capstone project with your peers and staff.
TUITION
$5,290
Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Washington, D.C. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in a comfortable dormitory on the Georgetown University campus. Rooms are single or double occupancy with shared bathrooms. We will use National Geographic headquarters and the university’s state-of-the-art classrooms for seminars and hands-on workshops.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T S Filmmaker and wildlife biologist Sarah Joseph has journeyed across the globe to create films that spotlight the work of National Geographic grantees, covering topics that range from translocating leopards in Namibia to uncovering mummies in Peru. As a senior photography editor at National Geographic magazine, Molly Roberts focuses on stories related to culture, history, archaeology, and paleontology. She is the founder of HumanEyes USA, a nonprofit that uses visual imagery to encourage awareness of human rights issues.
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ENGINEERING AND ROBOTIC S ON THE MIT CAMPUS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Try your hand at building and navigating a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and learn about the latest innovations in underwater robotics. • Harness microcomputers and biology to make your own renewable energy system in a STEM workshop • Visit the rooftop garden at Fenway Park to learn about urban agriculture, and design a vertical garden of your own. • Explore the historic streets of Boston, kayak along the Charles River, or browse the bookstores in Harvard Square.
PROG R A M TH E ME S Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Engineering the Future • Computer Science • Innovations in Robotics
C A P S TO N E P R O J E C T With guidance from our instructors, develop a proposal for a project that uses cutting-edge technologies to address an important issue in your community. Share your idea with your peers during a closing celebration, and submit a written proposal to a committee of experts for a chance to receive funding to pursue your project.
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Arrive at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus and join your group for an orientation and tour. Begin exploring the program’s three core themes through meetings with engineers and explorers and visits to working labs. National Geographic Emerging Explorer T.H. Culhane uses technology to develop innovative solutions to environmental issues. Join him for a workshop to learn how food waste can be transformed into fuel and fertilizer, and then back into food. Build skills in engineering and computer programming as you create your own biodigester; and with fertilizer from your biodigester, construct a vertical garden and plant seeds to grow new food. Later, visit the rooftop garden at Fenway
Park to see how urban agriculture experts engineered a sustainable food system atop this iconic ballpark. Learn about the latest innovations in micro and soft robotics at the Harvard Microrobotics Lab, founded by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Robert Wood. The research team here embeds electric and mechanical functionality into materials as soft as human skin. Hear how this new class of robots may one day play a transformative role in fields such as medicine and agriculture. Examine how advances in robotics technology are providing deeper insight into some of the world’s most spectacular places. Hear from Katy Croff Bell—a National Geographic Fellow and MIT researcher—on how underwater ROVs and advancements in biomimetic robots are charting a new course for ocean exploration. Work with a team to assemble your own ROV, and deploy it from the dock at the New England Aquarium. We’ll take breaks from our seminars to explore the vibrant cities of Cambridge and Boston. Peruse the bookstores in Harvard Square, kayak along the Charles River, meet culinary entrepreneurs at the Boston Public Market, or visit one of the area’s world-famous museums. Each evening, gather on campus for a group activity, such as a presentation by one of our National Geographic experts, a film screening, or a concert. Enjoy a celebratory sunset cruise along the Charles River on your final night.
Above: A student lends a hand at MIT’s CityFARM.
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I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: July 24–Aug. 2
T U I T I O N $5,390 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Refer to page 80 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary, please visit our website.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in a comfortable dormitory on campus. Rooms are single or double occupancy with shared bathrooms. This program uses the facilities of MIT and is organized and operated by National Geographic.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T S National Geographic Emerging Explorer and Urban Ecologist T.H. Culhane is a professor of environmental sustainability and justice and is a pioneer in the creation and deployment of renewable, low-cost energy production tools. National Geographic Fellow and oceanographer Katy Croff Bell has participated in numerous oceanographic and archaeological projects using robotics and telepresence technologies, and leads the MIT Media Lab Open Ocean Initiative.
T E C H N O L O G Y A N D I N N O VAT I O N I N T H E S I L I C O N VA L L E Y NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Work with Google engineers who are designing mapping and virtual exploration software. • Meet the teams behind OpenROV, Rainforest Connection, and EMOTIV, tech companies started by National Geographic Emerging Explorers, and test out the revolutionary devices they’ve created. • Visit a Stanford Lab that studies virtual reality, and spend time with a Stanford creativity coach. • Get a unique view of the Golden Gate Bridge as you hike to a hawk’s eye vantage point, or cruise around the Bay on a private sunset boat ride.
PROG R A M TH E ME S Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Innovations in Design • Technology for Social Change • Unleashing Creativity
C A P S TO N E P R O J E C T With the guidance of our instructors, develop a proposal for a project that uses cutting-edge technologies to address an important issue in your community. Share your idea with your peers during a closing celebration, and submit a written proposal to a committee of experts for a chance to receive funding to pursue your project.
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Join a diverse group of students, instructors, and National Geographic experts at the University of California, Berkeley—our base for exploring Silicon Valley. Delve into the program’s core themes on visits to tech hubs and innovation labs. Kick off the week working alongside National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tierney Thys, and hear how innovative technologies are used for oceanographic research and exploration. Then tour the OpenROV lab in Berkeley with our expert Eric Stackpole, co-creator of the low-cost underwater drones and National Geographic’s Open Explorer citizen science website. Create your own prototypes to navigate through OpenROV’s underwater tank.
Meet with technology innovators from EMOTIV, a bioinformatics company co-founded by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tan Le that designs devices to measure neurological activity. Test out the company’s revolutionary EEG headset, and watch your brain respond to different stimuli. At Stanford, visit the Virtual Human Interaction Lab, where scientists are studying social issues that arise from immersive virtual reality (VR) environments, as well as how VR experiences may be used to improve everyday life and increase empathy. Visit the headquarters of Google for a behind-the-scenes look at this powerhouse of digital technology, and learn the latest on the company’s ambitious projects, like self-driving cars. Then attend a tech talk by a team of Google Education engineers who are developing software that allows students to virtually explore the globe alongside National Geographic explorers via the Google Earth Voyager platform. Collaborate with your group leaders and a Stanford creativity coach to generate ideas for innovation, and use what you have learned during the program to develop your own solutions to an issue that motivates you. Between seminars, cruise the San Francisco bay, hike through soaring redwood forests, or lay back and enjoy the spectacular beaches along California’s golden coast.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 24–July 3
T U I T I O N $5,390 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in San Francisco, California. Refer to page 80 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary, please visit our website.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in a comfortable dormitory on the University of California, Berkeley campus. Rooms are single or double occupancy with shared bathrooms.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T S National Geographic Emerging Explorer and grantee Tierney Thys is a marine biologist and filmmaker. She has led research expeditions across the globe, and she is currently working with Tan Le to study the brain’s response to nature. Engineer and co-founder of OpenROV and National Geographic’s Open Explorer, Eric Stackpole has worked on numerous telerobotics projects, with the of goal creating low-cost devices that make exploration affordable.
Above: Students learn about an origami-based portable microscope.
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TA N Z A N I A P H OTO G R A P H Y WO R K S H O P
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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Embark on a photo safari and delve into the art of wildlife photography alongside a National Geographic photographer. • Visit a Maasai boma to capture images of a vibrant welcome ceremony and village life. • Document wildlife conservation in action at the Noloholo Environmental Center, run by National Geographic grantees Laly Lichtenfeld and Charles Trout. • Celebrate your photographic journey with a pop-up show of your work at a gallery in Arusha.
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Renowned for its incredible wildlife, timeless pastoral cultures, and stunning landscapes, Tanzania offers endless photographic inspiration. Set out on safari with a National Geographic photographer to frame majestic lion prides, herds of elephants and zebras, elusive cheetahs and rhinos, and much more. Capture images of everyday life in an agricultural village, spend time with Maasai elders, and document conservation initiatives with researchers in the field. The workshop begins in an agricultural village nestled between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, where we will spend time getting to know each other and community members. Working in small groups with our photo instructors and National Geographic photographer, practice techniques for shooting under the bright equatorial light. Capture the motion of a vibrant welcome ceremony, and take portraits of villagers you meet throughout your stay. Learn the art of landscape photography on an excursion to a coffee farm, or while hiking the base of Mount Meru. Our photo safari begins with a special invitation to the Noloholo Environmental Center, run by National Geographic grantees Laly Lichtenfeld and Charles Trout. Learn about lion conservation efforts, run in partnership with local Maasai
communities, and document current projects during an excursion into the field with the program’s biologists. Then set off through the Oldonyo Sambu wilderness, zooming in on herds of gazelles, longlegged giraffes, and other animals that dot the savanna. Visit a traditional Maasai boma, photographing warriors dressed in brightly colored shukas as they welcome our group with festive drumming, singing, and jumping contests. Shoot the tangled tree walls that keep predators from village livestock, and learn about the complex relationships between people and wildlife in Tanzania’s pastoral regions. Next, travel into the heart of Tarangire National Park. From the safety of our safari vehicles, take close-ups of elephants, cheetahs, hyenas, and more. Descend into the famed Ngorongoro Crater, where volcanic slopes shelter more than 25,000 animals. Capture the sun rising above the crater wall, and zoom in on flocks of flamingos, bathing hippos, large herds of zebras, prancing antelope, elusive rhinos, and lions resting up for the nighttime hunt. In the evenings, we’ll cook dinner around an open fire and listen to talks given by our National Geographic photographer. Return to Arusha, where we’ll review and edit our work from the safari, and prepare for pop-up gallery show that features each student’s best photographs from the workshop.
Above: Students pop out of the top of their safari vehicle for a fantastic photo op.
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I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: July 1–14
T U I T I O N $6,790 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Arusha. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In the village we sleep in dormitory-style accommodations, and sleeping areas are separated by gender. We sleep in tented camps while on safari and stay at a family-run eco-lodge in Arusha. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work.
WO R K S H O P D E TA I L S Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening featuring large-format prints of the students’ work.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T South African photographer Brent Stirton is committed to issues related to wildlife and conservation, global health, and sustainability. He has shot 20 stories for National Geographic magazine, including recent stories on human-lion conflict, elephant poaching, and the rhino horn trade. Brent has been recognized by the United Nations for his work on the environment and in the field of HIV/AIDS. His work has received nine World Press Photo awards. Brent will join the entire workshop.
TO KYO P H OTO G R A P H Y WO R K S H O P NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Use your camera to capture the essence of Tokyo, where remnants of traditional Japan fuse with futuristic influences. • Hone your photography skills and develop artistic vision with help from a National Geographic photographer. • Journey by train to the gorgeous city of Kyoto to capture a very different side of Japan. • Display your top images at a pop-up gallery opening in downtown Tokyo.
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Tokyo is hurtling into the future at a rapid pace. This is a city where the cutting edge is boldly displayed in eccentric fashion, popculture icons, and avant-garde architecture. Learn how to capture the city’s creativity— and the enduring symbols of centuries-old Japanese culture—during hands-on classes led by our photo instructors and a National Geographic photographer. Then hit the streets to photograph the color and motion on camera in Tokyo and in the traditional city of Kyoto. Delve into the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and a National Geographic photographer. Spend time in our classroom, then try out your skills in Tokyo’s unique neighborhoods—from the bustling Ginza district to the funky fashion mecca of Harajuku. Document the action at the Toyosu fish market, photographing colorful food stalls. Zoom in on flower blooms and teahouses in the serene Shinjuku Gyoen garden. Then try your hand at taiko drumming, and learn how to capture the nonstop motion
of a professional taiko troupe. On day trips outside the city, practice landscape photography in the stunning Japanese countryside and soak in a traditional onsen, or hot spring. Take a three-day excursion to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan. With its many Buddhist temples and shrines, pristine gardens, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a stark contrast to the ultramodern energy of Tokyo. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, learn about geisha culture in the Gion district, and hike along bambooshaded paths. In the evenings, review the day’s images, work on editing your photos for the final gallery show, and attend talks led by our National Geographic photographer. Then head out to photograph Tokyo at night. Try out slow shutter speeds on the crowds passing under the futuristic neon lights at Shibuya crossing, and seek out signs of anime and manga adorning the surrounding buildings. Throughout the workshop, organize and curate an exhibition of large-format prints of the group’s best work. During the pop-up gallery opening, celebrate the work you’ve accomplished during your time in Japan.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: July 20–31
T U I T I O N $6,490 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Los Angeles and Tokyo. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in small, centrally located hotels throughout the workshop. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work.
WO R K S H O P D E TA I L S Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening featuring large-format prints of the students’ work.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Photographer and documentary storyteller James Whitlow Delano has made Tokyo his home for over two decades while pursuing his passions for the environment and human rights. Since 2011, he has documented the aftermath of the Great East Japan earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster. In 2015, James founded the @EverydayClimateChange Instagram feed, where photographers document global climate change on all seven continents. James is a grantee at the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, and his award-winning work has been featured in National Geographic magazine, the New York Times Magazine, TIME, and the New Yorker. James will join the entire workshop.
Above: Students capture the action at a photo shoot with taiko drummers.
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LISBON PHOTO GRAPHY WORKSHOP
NEW
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • E xplore Lisbon alongside a National Geographic photographer to document the city’s pastel-painted architecture and sun-splashed promenades and plazas. • Capture symbols of the city’s modern renaissance, snapping shots of avant-garde street murals and art installations. • Venture out on field assignments to photograph the fairytale castles of Sintra and the golden sands and sea cliffs of coastal Cascais and Lagos. • O rganize a pop-up show featuring your work for a gallery opening in the heart of Lisbon.
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A cultural renaissance is underway in Lisbon, infusing the Portuguese capital’s historic streets with new energy and attracting artists of all types from across the globe. Delve into photography in a city that predates Rome, London, and Paris; where old-world charm meets cutting-edge design. Practice new techniques while capturing images at street festivals, open-air markets, and modern art museums; and curate an exhibit that evokes the soul of the city through photography. Set out from our home base near the city center to explore the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and National Geographic photographer. Learn new skills in the classroom, then grab your camera and hit the streets, photographing the Alfama neighborhood’s crooked cobblestone lanes, painted Portuguese azulejo tiles, and dramatic modern street murals towering over the sidewalks. Zoom in on the evocative exhibits at the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), a modern art mecca housed in a repurposed power station. Stroll the lively Santo Amaro Docks, lined with refurbished warehouses that now hold stylish restaurants, and pop into bakeries selling pastéis de nata—a Portuguese custard tart.
Capture the motion of dancing fountains, quirky trams clattering up steep streets, and tumbling acrobats at the Chapitô circus school. Head outside the city on day trips, framing the enchanting fairytale palaces of Sintra and the charming sherbert-shaded homes of coastal Cascais. In the evenings, edit your photos, review the day’s work, and enjoy seminars given by your National Geographic photographer. Head out after dark to capture Lisbon from a new perspective, shooting in low light to document the city’s lively café culture and busy waterfront promenade. Leave the city behind for a few days and head to the coastal town of Lagos. Snap photos of surfers catching waves and fishermen hauling in their daily catch; and practice food photography on the fresh seafood at local markets. Soak up the sun on the picturesque beaches bordered by red cliffs, and hop in a kayak to capture this stunning scenery from the water. Discover new chromatic palettes during a sunset shoot at Cabo de São Vicente, where famed Portuguese sailors like Henry the Navigator once launched their explorations. Throughout the workshop, prepare for a final exhibit of large-format prints of the group’s best work. Help curate and install the display, and celebrate your growth as a photographer at the opening of our show in a Lisbon gallery.
Above: The Moorish São Jorge Castle overlooks the photogenic city of Lisbon.
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I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 25–July 6
T U I T I O N $5,790 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Lisbon. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in Lisbon and in a small, family-run hotel in Lagos. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work.
WO R K S H O P D E TA I L S Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening featuring large-format prints of the students’ work.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T For more than a decade, Krista Rossow has worked as a photographer, photo editor, and educator for National Geographic. In her freelance career, she has shot feature stories for National Geographic Traveler in South Africa, Morocco, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Japan, and various U.S. cities. She has taught multiple photography workshops, regularly judges Instagram contests for @NatGeoTravel, and photo edits for National Geographic Books. Krista will join the entire workshop.
PRAGUE PHOTO GRAPHY WORKSHOP NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Document the interplay between medieval and modern on the streets of Prague, and head out on nighttime photo shoots to photograph the city under different light. • Develop your artistic vision and camera skills with the help of a National Geographic photographer. • Capture the mystical forests and timeless towns of Bohemia during photo assignments. • Learn photo-editing techniques, and feature your best work in a pop-up gallery show.
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At once ancient and modern, Prague provides a unique and inspiring backdrop to explore the creative and technical aspects of photography. From Bohemian kings to Communist rule and revolution, this city has a story to tell. Learn how to seize that narrative through images during hands-on classes led by our instructors and a National Geographic photographer. Then hit the streets to experience the grandeur, grit, and enchantment of a place that has captured the hearts of artists, musicians, and writers for centuries. Our base in captivating Prague is just outside the bustle of the city center, a short walk to the medieval architecture of Old Town and the museums of New Town. Spend time in our classroom, learning how to develop your eye and improve your technical skills, then take to the streets in small groups, practicing what you’ve learned on photo shoots. Document the city’s visual feast of Gothic, baroque, art nouveau, and cubist architecture. Climb up to Prague Castle at the “golden hour” to photograph the city’s iconic skyline, punctuated by a multitude of Gothic spires, and ride a boat down the winding Vltava River to catch the city from a different vantage point. At Letná Park, perched on a hilltop overlooking Prague, frame skateboarders
in action against the panorama of a redroofed cityscape. Seek out unique and wonderful modern structures intermingled with age-old buildings, and capture symbols of the palpable creative energy that pervades this Bohemian capital. Escape to the wooded hills and storied villages of South Bohemia for three days. Stay in a 14th-century hunting estate and work on your landscape photography while hiking through the Šumava forest and exploring pristine rivers. Capture the faces of village neighbors and step back in time on a shoot in the labyrinthine medieval city of Český Krumlov. In the evenings, review the day’s images, work on editing your photos for the final gallery show, and attend talks led by our National Geographic photographer, who will share their professional experiences and insights. Then head out to photograph the city at night. Document street life against the dazzling lights of Wenceslas Square, or train your lens on the illuminated arches of the Charles Bridge as they cast reflections on the river below. Throughout the workshop, prepare for a gallery opening that features large-print photos of the group’s best work. Help organize and curate the exhibit, and share your images on the final night.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: July 14–25
T U I T I O N $5,790 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Prague. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in a centrally-located hotel in Prague and a family-run inn in South Bohemia. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work.
WO R K S H O P D E TA I L S Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening featuring large-format prints of the students’ work.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Award-winning photographer Rena Effendi focuses her lens on documenting people and cultures, as well as issues of conflict and social justice. Born in Azerbaijan, Rena is currently based in Turkey. She has photographed throughout Europe, and has taught previous photo workshops in Prague. Rena has covered a range of diverse topics for National Geographic magazine, and received National Geographic’s All Roads Photography Award. She will join the entire workshop.
Above: A student photographer pauses on one the 17 bridges that lead to Prague.
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YELLOWSTONE PHOTO GRAPHY WORKSHOP NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Practice landscape photography amid the wilds of America’s first national park. • Alongside a National Geographic photographer, capture the pageantry and thrill of the Livingston Roundup Rodeo. • Head out on a sunset shoot to document bison and wolves at dusk, then point your camera skyward and master the art of star photography. • E xhibit your work at a pop-up gallery show in downtown Bozeman.
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1 2 DAY S
With its erupting geysers, endless grasslands teeming with wildlife, and gem-colored geothermal pools, Yellowstone National Park is an ideal setting to explore the field of photography. Venture into this geological wonderland with a National Geographic photographer to document bears and bison, pronghorns, wolves, elk, bald eagles, and more. Explore the techniques and craft of photography during daily hands-on lessons, take compelling landscape photos that capture the magic of this national park, and discover its unique geologic phenomena through your camera’s lens. The workshop begins with two nights in the mountain town of Bozeman, Montana, where we’ll get to know each other and prepare for our time in Yellowstone National Park. Once inside the park, delve into the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and National Geographic photographer. Head out on photo shoots each day, trying out new techniques with the wildlife and landscapes you encounter. Practice managing light and depth of field, work with flash, and learn to improve your composition. Then return to the classroom to review and edit your images and prepare for the next day’s assignment.
Hone your eye for great landscape shots during visits to vibrant hot springs, geyser basins, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. On an excursion to the Old West town of Livingston, Montana, take portraits and action shots of cowboys and cowgirls at the famous Livingston Roundup Rodeo. Find your adventurous spirit while white-water rafting down the Yellowstone River and hiking through fields of alpine wildflowers. In the evenings, review the day’s images, work on editing your photos for the final gallery show, and attend talks given by our National Geographic photographer. Then head out after dark to photograph Yellowstone’s nocturnal ecosystems. Capture the glow of the golden hour during a sunset shoot in the Lamar Valley, practice taking wildlife photos in low lighting, and master the art of star photography under Yellowstone’s vast night sky. Throughout the workshop, we’ll prepare for a gallery show of large-format digital prints of the group’s original work. Spend your last two days back in the lively mountain town of Bozeman, organizing, curating, and installing your exhibit. Celebrate your work with an opening party at the gallery on the final night.
Above: A student captures his stunning surroundings in Yellowstone National Park.
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I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: July 2–13
T U I T I O N $5,890 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Bozeman, Montana. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in Bozeman and in a mountain lodge in Yellowstone. Classrooms are equipped with projectors so we can share and critique our work.
NOTE This photo workshop includes several active excursions such as hiking, swimming, and trekking. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
WO R K S H O P D E TA I L S Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening featuring large-format prints of the students’ work.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T National Geographic photographer and grantee Drew Rush has intimate knowledge of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, having spent more than a decade sharing its wonders with others. He has guided rafting trips down the Snake River, led trips through Yellowstone National Park in the winter, and worked on several long-term photography projects in the region for National Geographic magazine. Drew will join the entire workshop.
YO S E M I T E A N D S A N F R A N C I S C O PHOTO GRAPHY WORKSHOP NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Capture the majesty of Yosemite in photos of its towering granite domes, soaring sequoias, and crashing waterfalls. • Document the action of rock climbers and the stillness of a Wild West–era ghost town. • Finesse your artistic vision and edit your images with the guidance of a National Geographic photographer. • Celebrate with your group at a pop-up gallery show in San Francisco, displaying some of your best work.
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1 2 DAY S
Yosemite National Park spellbinds at every angle, with wonders like waterfall-laced cliffs, gemstone lakes, and soaring sequoia forests. This scenery has inspired countless photographers, including top National Geographic photojournalists and the master of landscape shots, Ansel Adams. Learn new techniques in the classroom and then follow in the footsteps of these experts, setting out on photo assignments from the rugged wilds of Yosemite’s backcountry to San Francisco’s vibrant city streets. The workshop begins in San Francisco, California, where we’ll spend two days photographing the city’s colorful streets. Take portraits of sidewalk merchants in Chinatown, and frame landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the infamous Alcatraz prison. Head inland for a photo shoot in the Old West–era town of Mariposa. On the way to Yosemite National Park, one of California’s most magnificent natural treasures. Spend time each day learning to develop your photographic eye and improving your technical skills. Then set out into the wilderness to document scenery made famous by Ansel Adams. The prolific photographer depicted Yosemite Valley’s massive granite walls and cascading
waterfalls in his landscape shots—images that were instrumental in establishing Yosemite National Park. Get your own angle on these iconic scenes, framing wonders like the towering Half Dome and enormous sequoia trees, and use your images to advocate for nature conservation. Practice adventure photography as you document your group hiking across alpine meadows. Capture your friends in action during a rock-climbing class with professional guides. Visit the Bodie ghost town to take pictures of its deserted streets, houses, and saloons; then have a float in Mono Lake’s salty waters. In the evenings, upload photos, review the day’s work, and enjoy talks given by your National Geographic photographer. Head out on evening photo shoots and experiment with light as the sun sets on the numerous alpine lakes hidden around the Sierra, or point your lens skyward to snap photos of the twinkling stars in the night sky. Throughout the workshop we will prepare for a gallery opening that features large-format prints of the group’s best work. Return to San Francisco for the final three days of the program to help curate the pop-up show in one of the city’s galleries. On our last night, celebrate your work at an opening party.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: July 16–27
T U I T I O N $6,090 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in San Francisco, California. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in San Francisco and in a small lodge outside of Yosemite National Park. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work.
NOTE This photo workshop includes several active excursions such as hiking, swimming, and trekking. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
WO R K S H O P D E TA I L S Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening featuring large-format prints of the students’ work.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Biologist and photographer Ronan Donovan has traveled to all seven continents and was inspired to work in conservation after doing research in Yosemite National Park. Ronan’s assignments for National Geographic magazine include living in Yellowstone National Park for a year and hiking in Africa to photograph gorillas. Ronan will join the entire workshop.
Above: A student sets up to photograph the ephemeral morning mist.
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N E W YO R K C I T Y P H OTO G R A P H Y WORKSHOP NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Set out on photo assignments alongside a National Geographic photographer in Central Park, Chinatown, Brooklyn, and more. • Delve into the immigrant experience at a multimedia laboratory co-founded by a National Geographic photographer. • Visit galleries around New York City for an inside look at the professional photography world. • Practice portrait photography at Coney Island, and hone your landscape photography skills in the Hudson Valley.
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1 2 DAY S
With its towering skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, and eclectic street life, New York City is a photographer’s dream, offering exhilarating visual subjects at every turn. During daily classes and photo shoots in the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and in the picturesque Hudson Valley just north of the city, learn new techniques from a National Geographic photographer and our instructors. Delve into a broad range of topics, from composition to light, and head out on photo assignments to the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Storm King, and other historic sites. Spend time in our classroom, learning how to develop your eye and improve your technical skills, then take to the city’s dynamic streets in small groups, practicing what you’ve learned on photo shoots. Meet with representatives from Newest Americans, an art and documentary project established by National Geographic photographer Ed Kashi to chronicle the immigrant experience in the U.S. Then take a ferry to Ellis Island and learn about New York’s history of immigration. Venture into vibrant areas of the city such as Chinatown and Brooklyn, and document the profound ways in which immigrants have shaped the city.
Ride the New York City Subway to Coney island to photograph its kaleidoscopic colors; frame the soaring architecture of the Brooklyn Bridge; and capture poignant shots of the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center. Get an intimate look at the photography world with visits to some of the many galleries that thrive in this diverse city. Learn from some of the best in the industry how to successfully curate an art show. Travel by private bus to the scenic Hudson Valley for two nights. Spend time at Storm King Art Center, one of the world’s premier outdoor sculpture parks, and practice landscape photography. In the evenings, review the day’s images, work on editing your photos for the final gallery show, and attend talks with our National Geographic photographer, then head out to photograph the city at nightfall, learning to control your exposure settings for vivid results. Throughout the workshop, we will prepare for a gallery show that features large-format digital prints of the group’s best work. Help organize, curate, and install the exhibit, and celebrate the work you’ve accomplished on your final night.
Above: A student snaps a memorable shot of New York City from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
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I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 29–July 10
T U I T I O N $6,190 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in New York City. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in New York City and in a small hotel in the Hudson Valley. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work.
WO R K S H O P D E TA I L S Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening on the final evening featuring large-format prints of the students’ work.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Ruddy Roye is a Brooklyn-based portrait and documentary photographer. Inspired by the lives of grassroots people— especially those of his homeland of Jamaica—he strives to tell stories about the human condition, injustice, resilience, and compassion. Ruddy contributed to National Geographic magazine’s 2018 series on race and diversity in America and shot an assignment about the National Museum of African American History and Culture for the October 2016 issue. Ruddy will join the entire workshop.
PUERTO RICO COMMUNITY SERVICE: H U R R I C A N E R E L I E F NEW NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Settle into a rural Puerto Rican town with limited access to aid, and lend a hand rebuilding infrastructure devastated by Hurricane Maria. • Hike El Yunque National Forest, and help park conservationists with reforestation and trail maintenance. • Volunteer with World Central Kitchen and learn how the group’s novel approaches to disaster relief are revolutionizing emergency food programs. • Participate in reef restoration and beach clean-up projects alongside Puerto Rican environmentalists, and go swimming and snorkeling in the Caribbean.
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1 4 DAY S
In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck Puerto Rico, causing extensive damage and intensifying environmental and infrastructural challenges that have long impacted this U.S. territory. Work alongside residents and conservationists to restore the island’s ecosystems and rebuild rural communities; and learn about innovative relief programs that are changing the way organizations provide aid.
DAY 1, 2, AND 3 | S AN JUAN, PUERTO RICO Our journey begins in colorful San Juan, a centuries-old port city. Get to know your fellow travelers and immerse yourself in Puerto Rico’s cultural melting pot of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno and Carib influences. We’ll meet with representatives from organizations that are rebuilding the island’s infrastructure in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
DAYS 4, 5, AND 6 | E L YUNQUE NATIONAL FOREST Travel to El Yunque National Forest, a tropical rain forest severely damaged by the 2017 hurricanes. Work with conservationists on reforestation and community engagement efforts; and hear from researchers with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about programs aimed at protecting forest species, including the endangered Puerto Rican parrot. Work alongside residents and conservationists to restore the island’s ecosystems and rebuild
rural communities significantly impacted by the storms. Learn about innovative relief programs that are changing the way organizations provide aid. Spend a day on the coast participating in coral reef restoration and beach clean-up projects alongside local volunteers.
DAYS 7, 8, AND 9 | ADJUNTAS Venture to Adjuntas, a remote community in Puerto Rico’s rural interior with limited access to aid. Lend a hand with critical repairs, helping provide electricity and potable water to residents. Then begin work on longer-term projects, preparing village infrastructure to withstand future storms. Learn about grassroots initiatives launched by young Puerto Ricans to increase agriculture and education in this impoverished area.
DAYS 10–14 | MANATÍ AND SAN JUAN Head to the coastal town of Manatí and hear from representatives from the World Central Kitchen, an organization founded by celebrity chef José Andrés. Andrés rallied scores of local chefs and set up a network of emergency kitchens, serving more than three million meals in the tenuous months following Hurricane Maria. Learn how the group is now empowering residents to develop their own agricultural capabilities, and help with outreach initiatives at an area farm. In the afternoons, go snorkeling and kayaking, or relax at Playa La Esperanza. We’ll spend our final day in San Juan before returning home.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 20–July 3, July 5–18
T U I T I O N $5,390 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and San Juan. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S Accommodations at our community service sites are simple. The group sleeps in sleeping bags on the floor of local community buildings. Sleeping areas and bathrooms are separated by gender. In San Juan and Manatí we stay in small, family-run hotels.
S E RV I C E P R O J E C T D E TA I L S Students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
El Yunque National Forest was damaged in the recent hurricanes.
Above: Sunlight catches the historic city walls of Old San Juan.
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C O S TA R I C A C O M M U N I T Y S E RV I C E : T R O P I C A L E C O S Y S T E M C O N S E R VAT I O N NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • E xperience everyday life in a traditional Costa Rican village. • Help develop sustainable infrastructure in your host village by planting an organic garden or restoring community buildings. • Lend a hand at a research center that protects endangered leatherback turtles, and help monitor nesting spots on the beach. • Stay at a working, sustainable ranch beneath Arenal Volcano, and explore the surrounding rain forest on horseback.
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1 4 DAY S
Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity, astounding natural beauty, and pioneering conservation efforts. Steaming volcanoes poke out of thick, green jungle, and protected tropical rain forests reach all the way to the pristine coast. Immerse yourself in a local village and work alongside community members on a variety of eco-service projects. Then set out to explore Costa Rica’s most active volcano and the breathtaking western coast.
DAYS 1 AND 2 I N ORTHWEST COAST, COSTA RICA Start your journey on the Pacific coast, where we’ll spend two days in a small beachside community. Go swimming, learn to surf, and spend some time volunteering at a research center that protects the endangered leatherback turtle.
DAYS 3–10 I C OMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE Travel to our community service village in the northwestern province of Guanacaste. Split into teams and head out with members of the community to work on a variety of conservation-based service projects. Clear forest trails, plant an organic garden, or implement a new recycling program in town. Help build local housing, or pitch in on the restoration of a community building. Organize a village cleanup, plant trees, or
develop a conservation project that local youth can continue after your visit. During your time in the village, get a firsthand look at how conservation is woven into everyday life in Costa Rica. Learn about sustainable fishing practices from local anglers, and take night walks along the beach to help monitor sea turtle nests. In the afternoon, take a break from your projects to explore the area. Hike to a swimming hole with your new Costa Rican friends, arrange a game of pickup fútbol, or join some local women in the kitchen to learn how to make tortillas. Throughout your time here, record your service work through photographs, journal entries, and videos. Craft a story about the conservation challenges facing the community or the impact of your work.
DAYS 11–14 I ARENAL VOLCANO After wrapping up our community service projects, we’ll move on to Arenal, the most active volcano in Costa Rica, flanked by thick rain forest. Our home here is a small, sustainable ranch that has its own organic garden, reforestation corridor, and natural pools. Learn about the ranch’s sustainability initiatives, spend an afternoon exploring the rain forest on horseback, or go kayaking on Lake Arenal.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 15–28, June 30–July 13, July 29–Aug. 11
T U I T I O N $4,590 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Miami and Liberia. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S Accommodations in the village are simple. The group sleeps in sleeping bags on the floor of the community center. Boys and girls share a sleeping area and bathroom with other students of the same gender. At the beach we stay in a family-run villa. At the eco-lodge in Arenal, we sleep in bunk beds.
S E RV I C E P R O J E C T D E TA I L S Students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
Descend from the mountains and return to the coast for a final day of reflection with your group before returning home. White-faced capuchin monkeys
Above: Students take a swim at the foot of Arenal Volcano.
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H A W A I`I C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E : I S L A N D H A B I TAT R E S TO R AT I O N NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Witness active lava flows and steam vents, and work to preserve the geothermal landscapes of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. • Partner with native Hawaiian organizations to work on important agricultural conservation efforts. • Meet researchers from the Maui Ocean Center who are working to rehabilitate sea turtles and sharks. • Learn to surf in Maui’s aquamarine waters and snorkel on nearby reefs.
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1 4 DAY S
On the Big Island of Hawai‘i, the powerful forces behind Earth’s creation are on full display, with active volcanoes adding new layers to an expanding archipelago. These ever-changing landscapes are fragile, and their ecosystems are easily disrupted by human impact. Help preserve the island’s volcanic and marine environments through eco-service projects, and cap off the trip with snorkeling, hiking, and camping on Maui.
DAYS 1 AND 2 I K ONA COAST, THE BIG ISLAND, HAWAI`I Our program begins along the Kona Coast. Set out to discover ancient lava flows, learn about regional coffee cultivation, or snorkel amid coral reefs. We’ll immerse ourselves in Hawaiian culture and learn about environmental threats facing local ecosystems as we prepare for our service projects.
hike through cavernous lava tubes deep within the jungle, and stargaze from the slopes of Mauna Kea. Head to Waimea and partner with the Ulu Mau Puanui organization on sustainability efforts aimed at preserving ancient Hawaiian agricultural practices. Conduct beach clean-ups, collect scientific data to monitor the health of the Kohala watershed, help plant native crops, or educate visitors on the conservation of native coral and fish species. Spend a day with the Kailapa Community Association learning about traditional Hawaiian communities and assisting with their outreach programs. In the afternoons, visit sacred Hawaiian sites hidden in the rain forest or catch a wave at a nearby surf break. As you contribute to these conservation initiatives, record your work in journal entries, photographs, or videos. Create a story that captures your experience and the impact of your work.
DAYS 3–9 I HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK AND WAIMEA
DAYS 10–14 I MAUI
Travel to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and settle into our dormitory, located within the park borders. Work alongside conservationists on a variety of park preservation initiatives aimed at restoring the natural balance of its habitats. Get your hands dirty planting native vegetation and weeding out invasive species, and educate other visitors about environmental threats facing the island. In the afternoons and evenings, explore the island’s geothermal landscapes. Witness Kilauea’s lava flows,
Fly to Maui for our final adventures under the Hawaiian sun. Meet with researchers at the Maui Ocean Center, and hear about their work rehabilitating turtle and shark species. Embark on a full-day snorkel adventure along the bays of West Maui or over the lava caves on the island of Lana’i. Catch the sunset from the slopes of the Haleakalā volcano. Cap the trip off with a family-style Hawaiian barbecue, and reflect on the important work you’ve done to preserve these fragile ecosystems.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 29–July 12, July 15–28
T U I T I O N $5,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Kailua-Kona, Kailua-Kona to Maui, and Maui to Los Angeles. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S At our community service sites the group sleeps in simple but comfortable dormitory-style accommodations. Boys and girls share a sleeping area and bathroom with other students of the same gender. On Maui we stay in tented bungalows at a small oceanside campground.
S E RV I C E P R O J E C T D E TA I L S Students will spend an estimated 35-40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
Coconuts fresh off the tree
Above: Emerald bluffs line the beach at Kahakuloa Bay in West Maui.
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N E PA L C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E : R E B U I L D I N G A N D E A RT H Q UA K E R EC OV E RY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Immerse yourself in village life at the foot of the Himalaya, and share your experiences through photography, video, and writing. • Help rebuild areas impacted by the 2015 earthquakes, and teach English to children. • Hike through the Kathmandu Valley to the sacred pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha, and spend two days getting to know young Tibetan monks and learning to meditate. • Meet master artisans and learn how to sculpt traditional Nepalese pottery.
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1 5 DAY S
Nepal’s dramatic mountain landscapes are home to vibrant cultural groups with rich traditions. In 2015, earthquakes disrupted the lives of many Nepalese people, especially those living in small farming villages. Work alongside community members on agricultural, educational, and rebuilding projects in your host village while learning about Nepal’s colorful heritage.
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 I K ATHMANDU, NEPAL Stay in the heart of Kathmandu’s old city, where temples overhang narrow streets. Visit a Hindu temple teeming with monkeys, join Tibetan Buddhist nuns and monks in a walking meditation around Asia’s largest stupa, and experience a Hindu ceremony on the banks of the Bagmati River. In a workshop led by a local artist, learn the history behind thangkas—Tibetan cloth paintings depicting Buddhist symbols.
DAYS 4–9 I TALAMARANG Journey to Talamarang, an agricultural community of ethnic Tamang people set against the dramatic backdrop of the Himalaya. Settle into our guesthouse and spend your days working on a variety of service projects. Many buildings in our host village were destroyed by the devastating earthquakes that occurred in April 2015. Collaborate with villagers to rebuild irrigation systems, make repairs to the school’s
classrooms and community buildings, care for kids at the local children’s home, lend a hand planting trees, or help with the harvest. In the late afternoons, play games with local youth, practice yoga, or join Tamang women in making Nepalese dishes. Share the story of your work in the community through photography, video, and writing projects.
DAYS 10 AND 11 I N AMO BUDDHA MONASTERY Hike through the Kathmandu Valley to the sacred pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha, where we’ll spend two days at an exquisite, secluded monastery. Reflect on your community service experience, play games with young Tibetan monks, and practice meditation under a canopy of prayer flags.
DAYS 12–15 I B HAKTAPUR Travel to the medieval city of Bhaktapur, where ancient architecture offers a glimpse into Nepalese life before the arrival of modern influences. Stroll ornate palaces and the centuries-old Durbar Square, and step into mystical temples that welcome pilgrims from around the world. Meet with master artisans to hear how their cultural heritage is being preserved in the present day. Try your hand at the ancient art of paper making, then hike to Ghyampe Danda for a traditional pottery workshop. Enjoy a royal farewell dinner at a Newari palace before returning home.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 15–29, June 29–July 13, July 13–27
T U I T I O N $5,490 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Kathmandu. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Kathmandu we stay in a hotel in the heart of the old city. In our host village, sleeping areas and bathrooms are separated by gender. At the monastery and in Bhaktapur we stay in simple guesthouses.
S E RV I C E P R O J E C T D E TA I L S Students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
A tika, made from dried turmeric, is applied to a student’s forehead. Above: Colorful prayer flags lead to the watchful gaze of the Boudhanath stupa.
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THAILAND COMMUNITY SERVICE: TEACHING AND MENTORSHIP NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Teach English to primary school students in the province of Chiang Rai, and document your experience through a variety of media. • Get introduced to Thai culture during cooking and martial arts classes and on visits to Buddhist temples. • Work with caretakers at an elephant conservation center, and track free-roaming elephants through the jungle. • Hike through northern Thailand to meet members of remote hill tribe communities.
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Vibrant traditions, world-renowned cuisine, and spectacular landscapes dotted with glittering temples: it’s easy to see what makes Thailand one of the most enticing places on the planet. Settle into our community and work alongside teachers on education projects at local schools. Spend several days trekking between hill tribe villages in the lush mountains surrounding Chiang Rai, and cap off the trip volunteering at an elephant conservation center.
DAYS 1–10 I CHIANG RAI, THAILAND Our home in Thailand lies in the northern province of Chiang Rai, known for its rugged natural beauty and remote hill tribe communities. Spend two days getting to know your fellow travelers, then split into small groups and work with local teachers on a variety of community-initiated education projects. Create English-language lesson plans and teach vocabulary and pronunciation skills to primary school students. In the late afternoons, get into the rhythm of daily life and explore the surrounding area. Discover the sport of Thai kickboxing, visit the exquisite Wat Rong Khun temple, or take a Thai cooking class. Report on your experiences through photographs, writing, or video, and develop a narrative about your time in the community.
DAYS 11 AND 12 I MOUNTAIN TREK Travel into the mountains to our eco-lodge, located near several hill tribe villages. Set out on hikes to nearby communities, and learn about each tribe’s unique language and customs. Discover the symbolism behind village weaving patterns; learn how to harvest rice on a terraced hillside; or collect native insects with a local guide.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 26–July 12, July 10–26
T U I T I O N $5,590 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Chiang Mai. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
DAYS 13 AND 14 I C HIANG RAI
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S
Return to Chiang Rai for an enriching cultural exchange with local high school students. Attend classes with a Thai peer, and practice your Thai script or learn about local holidays and traditions. Gather with our new friends from the community for a farewell dinner.
At our community service sites and in Chiang Mai the group sleeps in simple guesthouses. We stay in a rustic eco-lodge during our mountain trek.
DAYS 15, 16, AND 17 I ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER AND CHIANG MAI
S E RV I C E P R O J E C T D E TA I L S Students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
Head into the countryside to visit an elephant rehabilitation center. Learn about these creatures’ uncertain role in the evolving Thai economy, and follow free-roaming elephants through the jungle while speaking with their caretakers about modern threats to the species. Celebrate your final evening in Chiang Mai before returning home.
Elephants at a rehabilitation center take a refreshing dip.
Above: A student works with local Thai schoolchildren.
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MADAGASCAR COMMUNITY SERVICE: BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Stay at the world-renowned Centre ValBio research station, founded by a National Geographic–supported primatologist. • Plant trees for a reforestation project, and work with local community members to help promote wildlife conservation initiatives. • Trek or kayak through the rain forests of Ranomafana National Park, learning to analyze the behavior of resident lemurs. • Hike the canyons of Isalo National Park, and swim in its natural swimming pools.
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Home to leaping lemurs and pinkie-sized chameleons, Madagascar is recognized by scientists as one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. Settle into a research center near Ranomafana founded by a National Geographic grantee, and work to preserve the unique surrounding ecosystems through a variety of conservation service projects.
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 I A NTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR Begin in the capital city of Antananarivo and learn about the rich cultural and ecological history of the island as we start to prepare for our community service projects.
DAYS 4–9 I CENTRE VALBIO Head southeast towards Ranomafana National Park and settle into our home in the jungle, the Centre ValBio—a research center founded by National Geographic grantee Patricia Wright, one of the world’s leading experts on lemurs. Work with local conservation clubs on a variety of eco-service projects. Plant trees for a reforestation initiative, and spend time with community members working on solutions to promote wildlife conservation. Work with your peers to document your service projects through photos, writing,
or video. In the afternoon, take a break from your service projects to search for endemic chameleons near Ranomafana National Park, shadow researchers working at the Centre ValBio, or interview artisans at the Ranomafana village market about Malagasy culture.
DAYS 10–13 I I SALO NATIONAL PARK Travel to Anja Community Reserve to seek out ring-tailed lemurs; then continue to Isalo National Park, known for its wild sandstone formations and dramatic canyons. In the company of a knowledgeable guide, hike these incredible landscapes, and cool off in natural swimming pools.
DAYS 14–20 I C ENTRE VALBIO Return to the Centre ValBio to finish up your community service projects. Learn about endemic silkworms from a women’s silk-weaving cooperative, dance to Malagasy music at an artisan exhibition, or paddle a kayak along jungle waterways in search of rare bird species. Journey into the heart of the jungle and camp overnight, falling asleep to the sounds of the forest. On hikes in the park with local guides, analyze primate behavior and search for highly camouflaged geckos. As our expedition winds down, reflect on our efforts to preserve this unique and fragile island, then return to Antananarivo to catch our flight home.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 28–July 17
T U I T I O N $6,790 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight from New York to Antananarivo. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S While working at our community service site, the group sleeps in dormitory-style accommodations and spends one night camping in Ranomafana National Park. We stay in a comfortable guesthouse in Antananarivo and a small lodge while visiting Isalo National Park.
S E RV I C E P R O J E C T D E TA I L S Students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
Students pause for a celebratory photo op after an adventurous hike. Above: A baby ring-tailed lemur clings tightly to its mother.
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MOROCCO COMMUNITY SERVICE: C U LT U R A L P R E S E R VAT I O N NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Work with the Atlas Cultural Foundation and local community members to restore historic architecture using traditional methods. • Ride camels along the Atlantic coast to a tented Berber camp at the edge of the Sahara, and sleep under the desert sky. • Tackle an overnight hiking trek in the High Atlas Mountains and interview indigenous nomadic and semi-nomadic people herding sheep, goats, and donkeys. • Stay at a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, built from the ruins of a medieval kasbah.
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Morocco is a captivating land where majestic minarets tower over spice-scented souks and soaring mountains give way to date palm oases and desert dunes. Explore the enchanting city and markets of Marrakech, then venture into the High Atlas Mountains to work with indigenous Berber communities on projects that promote sustainable development and preserve local culture, history, and language.
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 I M ARRAKECH, MOROCCO Our journey begins in Marrakech at Djemaa el Fna, the city’s central square. Snap pictures of magicians and fortune-tellers, then venture into the medina’s maze of market stalls. Stroll Majorelle Garden, and visit the Berber Museum before we head into the High Atlas Mountains to experience the culture of this indigenous group firsthand.
DAYS 4 AND 5 I H IGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS Travel to the mountain village of Imlil and settle into Kasbah du Toubkal, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Built from the ruins of a medieval kasbah, the lodge connects guests with the rich culture of local Berber communities. Set out on a trek amid the sweeping landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains. Meet students
enrolled in Education For All, a program sponsored by our lodge that builds boarding houses for girls from remote areas so they can live in town and continue their studies.
DAYS 6–14 I AHANSAL RIVER VALLEY Continue to our Berber host village in the remote Ahansal river valley, and begin working with community members on a variety of projects. Tutor mountain guides and students in English, plant an organic garden, or help paint a mural at the community health clinic. Meet with representatives from the Atlas Cultural Foundation, an organization that works with rural Moroccan communities to preserve historic architecture using traditional construction methods. Learn these ancient building techniques and hear how local culture is preserved through architecture, then get to work on repairing some of the damaged structures in your host village.
DAYS 15–18 I E SSAOUIRA
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 24–July 11, July 13–30
T U I T I O N $6,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Marrakech. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In our community service village the group sleeps in a simple village house. Boys and girls share a sleeping area and bathroom with other students of the same gender. We stay in family-run riads in Marrakech and Essaouira, and in Imlil we stay in Kasbah du Toubkal—a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection.
S E RV I C E P R O J E C T D E TA I L S Students will spend an estimated 35-40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
Cap off your expedition in the fishing port of Essaouira on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Visit a women’s cooperative and explore the souks, or markets, of this ancient walled town. Set out on a camel trek, riding along the coast to a tented Berber camp at the edge of the Sahara. Share stories from your travels before falling asleep under the stars.
Moroccan tea is offered as a sign of hospitality. Above: Students display the Nat Geo flag while on a camel trek.
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FIJI COMMUNITY SERVICE: C O M M U N I T Y R E S TO R AT I O N NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Work alongside our village hosts to plant a garden at the local school, or rebuild a community meeting space. • Delve into Fijian culture as you help prepare traditional meals, try your hand at spear-fishing, and join in a kava ceremony. • Discover hidden waterfalls at Bouma National Heritage Park, and snorkel or scuba dive the colorful coral reefs that lace coastal waters. • Create a photo book, video, or essay that documents your experience.
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The island nation of Fiji is known for its lush green peaks, tropical waters, and some of the most hospitable people on Earth. Though tourism is booming on the main island, the smaller, outer islands are barely touched by Western influences, and life remains simple. Settle into a village on the island of Taveuni and work alongside community members on improvement projects as they continue to rebuild following a devastating 2016 cyclone.
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 I TAVEUNI ISLAND, FIJI Upon arrival in Fiji, head north to Taveuni, the third largest of Fiji’s more than 330 islands. Known as the “garden island,” Taveuni’s lush inland rain forests are home to exotic birds, iguanas, and frogs. Set out to explore this island gem, discovering hidden beaches and visiting the famous waterfalls in Bouma National Heritage Park. Straddle the former international date line, and strap on your fins to explore the fantastic coral reefs offshore. Learn about Fijian culture as we prepare to immerse ourselves in village life.
DAYS 4–13 I C OMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE We then make our way to our host village, where the chief and the villagers welcome us with traditional songs and a meke, or
dance. We’ll get to work with members of the community on a variety of projects. Help to rebuild a community meeting space or health clinic. Lend a hand planting a garden or painting a mural at the local school. In the afternoons and evenings, learn new phrases in Fijian as you get to know our hosts, and meet artisans to find out how they are reviving traditional arts. Spend an afternoon learning the basics of rugby—the Fijian national sport—in a pick-up game with local youths. Try your hand at spearfishing, then prepare your catch the traditional Fijian way. Gather inside the community house for a kava ceremony with the village elders. As you contribute to these initiatives, record your work in journal entries, photographs, or videos. Create a story that captures your experience, the challenges facing local residents, or the impact of your work.
DAYS 14 AND 15 I N ADI, VITI LEVU ISLAND Our adventure wraps up in the city of Nadi, on the main island of Viti Levu, where we’ll explore the unique Indo-Fijian culture. Visit a peaceful Hindu temple and taste the city’s fusion cuisine. Relax in mud baths and hot springs, surf, or zip line through the forest, browse artisan markets, and enjoy the last days of Fijian sun on a quiet beach before returning home.
Above: Students work on a community project on Taveuni, the “garden island.”
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I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 27–July 11, July 11–25
T U I T I O N $4,890 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Nadi, Nadi to Taveuni, Taveuni to Nadi, and Nadi to Los Angeles. Refer to page 80 for transportation details.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In the village the group sleeps in sleeping bags in a simple village house where electricity is limited. Sleeping areas and bathrooms are separated by gender. Elsewhere on Taveuni and while in Nadi we will stay in small, rustic hotels.
NOTE While scuba diving is not the main focus of this trip, students who are certified will have the opportunity to participate in up to two dives, dependent on weather and conditions. The supplemental fee for diving is $150 per student.
S E RV I C E P R O J E C T D E TA I L S On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, they will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
E C UA D O R A N D T H E GA L Á PAG O S M I D D L E S C H O O L E X P E D I T I O N NEW NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Snorkel with playful sea lions and penguins, and encounter endangered Galápagos giant tortoises—capturing it all on camera. • Zoom through the cloud forest canopy on a zip-lining excursion, and spot exotic birds in the treetops. • Learn about medicinal plants, and cook a traditional Ecuadorian dish alongside local cooks. • Lend a hand with reforestation efforts in the cloud forest, and participate in a beach clean-up in the Galápagos.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Wildlife Conservation • Community Service
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From pristine cloud forests to the spectacular wildlife sanctuaries of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador is a small country home to an incredible range of species. Alongside knowledgeable trip leaders and a National Geographic expert, gain unique perspectives on this biodiversity hotspot—whether exploring jungle treetops on canopy tours or enjoying face time on the ground with bluefooted boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions.
DAYS 1 AND 2 | QUITO, ECUADOR Arrive in Quito, the world’s second highest capital city. Explore streets and plazas that have scarcely changed since the 17th century, and ride an aerial tramway high into the Andes to photograph a panorama of the city below.
DAYS 3–7 | M INDO AND THE CLOUD FOREST Travel to Mindo in the Andean cloud forest. Hike to tumbling waterfalls, and get an
introduction to wildlife photography in the Bosque Protector Mindo-Nambillo reserve, home to exotic birds such as the toucan barbet and golden-headed quetzal. Zoom through the forest canopy on zip lines, then float down a jungle river on a tubing adventure. Get to know young Ecuadorians as you play soccer together; and work with a local school on service projects. Help with reforestation initiatives, and interview researchers about their efforts to preserve this unique habitat in the face of oil extraction.
DAYS 8–13 | GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS Depart mainland Ecuador and set off on an adventure in the Galápagos Islands. This volcanic archipelago, cut off from humans for thousands of years, helped shape Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Meet scientists from the Charles Darwin Research Station to hear about local conservation efforts, and take part in beach clean-up efforts. Encounter Galápagos giant tortoises in the wild; come face to face with blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas; and snorkel with penguins, sea lions, and sea turtles. Spend the final days of your trip sharing your photos and stories as we celebrate along beautiful Galápagos beaches. Return to Quito and catch an overnight flight home.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 30–July 12, July 7–19
T U I T I O N $6,290 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Quito, Quito to the Galápagos, the Galápagos to Quito, and return to Miami. Refer to page 80 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We will stay in family-run inns and small hotels throughout the expedition.
NOTE We will be traveling at high elevations while in Quito (9,350 feet) and Mindo (6,000 feet). Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about the outdoors. On this program, student will spend an estimated 10 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T National Geographic grantee and ecologist Kevin McLean combines camera-trapping and GPS technologies with field science to study wildlife living in tropical treetops. He documents his experiences through photography, video, and writing. Kevin recently traveled to Malaysian Borneo and the Ecuadorian Amazon as a Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellow, surveying canopy wildlife. Kevin will join both groups in Quito and Mindo.
Above: A curious sea lion approaches the camera in the Galápagos.
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ICELAND MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Photograph Icelandic horses and quirky puffins as you explore the beaches and sea cliffs of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. • Hear riveting sagas of Icelandic heroes, and see the icy lair of a legendary giant. • Trek across a glacier with an expert guide to learn about climate science and glacial recession. • Visit a volcano museum founded by a National Geographic grantee, and see volcanism in action while exploring geysers and hot springs.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Icelandic History & Folklore • Climate Science
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Witness the extreme powers of the Earth in Iceland, discovering geological wonders— from massive glaciers to bubbling geysers. Photograph rushing waterfalls and craggy lava fields, witness volcanism in action, and delve into Icelandic folklore amid stone monuments built for Icelandic heroes.
wonders of these otherworldly landscapes. Ride an Icelandic horse at the base of Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-capped volcanic crater. Visit Stykkishólmur’s Volcano Museum, founded by world-renowned volcanologist and National Geographic grantee Dr. Haraldur Sigurôsson. Join a local storyteller for a hike among cairns and hear about the legendary heroes that these stone towers represent. Go fishing with local anglers and watch for puffins on the surrounding sea cliffs.
DAYS 7 AND 8 I T HE GOLDEN CIRCLE AND LANDMANNALAUGAR
Our trip begins in and around Reykjavík with a city tour, a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon, and a visit to a geothermal plant.
Travel to Iceland’s interior highlands and discover the iconic Golden Circle along the way. Spend a day in Landmannalaugar, trekking across a landscape of stunning blue lakes, multicolored mountains, and far-reaching lava fields before soaking in some of the area’s natural hot-springs.
DAYS 4, 5, AND 6 I S NÆFELLSNES PENINSULA
DAYS 9 AND 10 I V ÍK AND THE SOUTHERN COAST
DAYS 1, 2, AND 3 I REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND
Travel north and hike to the top of one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls. Visit a dairy farm before continuing to our base on Snæfellsnes. This rugged and wild peninsula holds many of the incredible geological features found throughout the rest of the country, including lava fields and black sand beaches, its own volcanic chain, geothermal hot springs bubbling from the Earth’s crust, and a glacial ice cap that crowns a volcano. Over the next several days, explore the
Continue to Vík, and see the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Trek atop the Sólheimajökull glacier. Witness the impacts of climate change while examining evidence of the glacier’s recession alongside local guides.
DAYS 11 AND 12 I REYKJAVÍK Return to Reykjavík to celebrate your adventure before flying home.
Above: Students pose in front of split waterfalls and the towering Kirkjufell peak.
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I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 25–July 6, July 6–17
T U I T I O N $6,790 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Reykjavík. Refer to page 80 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S Throughout the expedition we stay in small hotels and guesthouses.
NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions, including hiking and glacier trekking. To get the most out of the program, students should be enthusiastic about outdoor exploration and excited to try new activities.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Originally from Italy, Gianluca Colla has traveled and photographed around the world, from Antarctica to Iceland and the Arctic, and from Africa’s deserts to the Amazon and the Alps. He has covered a diverse range of topics including the secrets of the longest-living centenarians in the world, a lost Leonardo da Vinci painting, and hidden mummies in Sicilian crypts. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including National Geographic magazine, Newsweek, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. Gianluca will join the July 6 departure in Reykjavik.
I TA LY A N D G R E E C E M I D D L E S C H O O L EXPEDITION NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • See legends come to life amid the ancient ruins of Delphi and Athens, and write your own myths about the Greek deities. • Practice photography while capturing the extreme lean of the Tower of Pisa and Florence’s Renaissance-era streetscapes. • Taste delicious Mediterranean dishes, and learn about sustainable food from chefs, farmers, and market vendors. • E xplore local culture at Greek street fairs and in tiny Tuscan towns.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Ancient Mythology • Mediterranean Food & Culture
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Step into the past on a journey to Italy and Greece, where towns and ruins seem frozen in a different era. Alongside knowledgeable trip leaders and a National Geographic expert, immerse yourself in a world of ancient myths and legends, taste delicious Greek and Italian specialties, and photograph the rich traditions of the Mediterranean.
DAYS 1–5 I F LORENCE AND TUSCANY, ITALY Settle into our traditional Italian villa overlooking Florence, and set out to explore the city’s historic center—birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Visit the Accademia to marvel at Michelangelo’s “David” and seek out sculptures depicting Roman gods and goddesses. Then chat with market vendors to learn the secrets of assembling the perfect Italian picnic. Climb Pisa’s legendary leaning tower, and travel into the Tuscan countryside to explore Machiavelli’s rural
estate and make pizza at a farmstead. On photo walks, capture images of medieval hilltop towns and golden sunflower fields.
DAT E S
DAYS 6 AND 7 I DELPHI, GREECE
2019: June 22–July 4
Travel to Delphi and enter a world of ancient mythology as you wander these well-preserved ruins. Stand beneath the towering Temple of Apollo, and see the oldest gymnasium in all of Greece, as well as theaters, treasuries, and stadiums. Use photography or writing to tell your own stories of the ancient gods and heroes immortalized by the site’s stone statues.
DAYS 8 AND 9 I ATHENS Return to Athens to visit some of the city’s most famous sites. Climb the Acropolis, crowned by the iconic ruins of the Parthenon; sample Greek specialties at the Athens Central Market; and examine intriguing artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum, home to more than 11,000 relics of Greek antiquity.
DAYS 10–13 I NÁFPLIO Cap off your trip in the charming seaport of Náfplio. Go to a town fair, or take a dip in the Gulf of Argolís. Visit the well-preserved Greek theater at Epidaurus, hike along the island of Hydra, and travel to Mycenae to discover the home of the legendary king Agamemnon.
I N F O R M AT I O N
T U I T I O N $5,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Florence, Florence to Athens, and return from Athens. Refer to page 80 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S While in Florence we stay in a traditional Italian villa. In Greece we stay in small, family-run hotels and inns.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T National Geographic grantee William Saturno is an anthropologist and archaeologist who specializes in early civilizations. He has been exploring the cities and ruins of Europe—from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia—since childhood. Bill is an expert at narrating the tales of adventurers, artists, commoners, and kings to bring the past vividly to life. He has taught extensively on how Europe’s modern nations continue to build upon their varied classical, medieval, and Renaissance foundations. Bill will join the group in Athens and Náfplio.
Above: With Florence as her subject, a middle school student practices photography techniques.
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BELIZE MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Tour the Belize Zoo rehabilitation sanctuary at night and observe jaguars, tapirs, and boa constrictors in their natural environments. • Stay on the tiny tropical island of Middle Caye, and snorkel the world’s second largest barrier reef. • Team up with Belizeans to work on service projects at a local village. • Step into the world of the Maya while exploring ancient cities and tubing through underground ritual caves.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Mayan Archaeology & Culture • Marine Conservation • Community Service
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In Belize, thick jungles hide ancient temples, and a dazzling marine world lies just off shore. Discover fascinating ecosystems from our base at a wildlife sanctuary, and get to know local Belizeans while working on service projects in a rural community. Then travel by boat to a research station on Middle Caye, and swim through an underwater world of brightly colored coral and tropical fish.
DAYS 1–5 I M ONKEY BAY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, BELIZE Arrive in Belize and settle into the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a jungle reserve adjacent to the Sibun River. Encounter native species on a behind-the-scenes visit to the Belize Zoo, where rescued creatures—including jaguars, tapirs, and boa constrictors—are kept in their natural environments. Hear from zookeepers about the threats facing Belizean wildlife, and learn about their initiatives to reintroduce resident animals back into the wild.
Discover the world of the ancient Maya while exploring the ruins of Xunantunich, built over 1,000 years ago. Then venture into the civilization’s spiritual “underworld” on a tubing excursion through underground caves, seeking out ceremonial pots and artifacts that mark the locations where Mayan rituals took place. Spend time in a local village, and work alongside community members on a variety of service projects. Run an afterschool program, help plant and harvest native crops, or paint classrooms at the local school. In the town of San Ignacio, learn about the work of local artisans, visit a chocolate-making facility, and enjoy a traditional Belizean lunch.
DAYS 6–10 I MIDDLE CAYE Set sail for Middle Caye, a tiny island located within the world’s second largest barrier reef system. Stay at the Glover’s Reef Research Station, an organization working on the longterm conservation and protection of Belize’s coral reef. Snorkel alongside schools of rainbow-colored fish, sea turtles, and manta rays. As you explore, learn about this delicate ecosystem from your guides, and talk about the factors impacting the health of the reef. On our final evening, we’ll celebrate our adventures and share what we’ve learned about the history, culture, and ecosystems of Belize.
Above: A green sea turtle hovers on the ocean floor.
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I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: July 6–15, July 20–29
T U I T I O N $5,890 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Miami and Belize City. Refer to page 80 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S Throughout the expedition we will stay in dormitorystyle accommodations or cabanas. Boys and girls share a sleeping area and bathroom with other students of the same gender.
NOTE On this program, student will spend an estimated 10 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Filmmaker and scientist Birgit Buhleier helped develop National Geographic’s Crittercam, a video camera system that has provided fascinating insights into the daily lives of hundreds of species. She has deployed over one hundred Crittercams in a broad range of ecosystems around the world. Through her work with Crittercam, she has sidled up to sea lions, studied the secret lives of great white sharks, and dived with hawksbill sea turtles. Birgit will join the July 20 departure at the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Middle Caye.
C O S TA R I C A M I D D L E S C H O O L EXPEDITION NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Venture into the Monteverde Cloud Forest with an ecologist to learn about the impacts of climate change on the world’s tropical forests. • Help with community restoration projects in a rural village, and learn about Costa Rican culture from your community hosts. • Practice wildlife photography using colorful birds and languid sloths as your subjects. • Take surfing lessons, and soar through the rain forest canopy on a zip-line course.
DAYS 3–6 I MONTEVERDE
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Wildlife Conservation • Community Service
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Costa Rica has protected over a quarter of its land from development, creating a refuge for countless species and ensuring that its rain forests and beaches will thrive for generations to come. From the stunning northwest coast to the verdant Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, discover Costa Rica’s innovative conservation efforts and incredible biodiversity. Seek out and photograph exotic marine and bird life, and travel to a rural village to help with community service projects.
DAYS 1 AND 2 I N ORTHWEST COAST, COSTA RICA Arrive in Costa Rica and travel to Playa Grande on the Pacific coast. This pristine beach is known for its crystalline waters and steady stream of breaking waves, which have long attracted surfers from around the world. Spend a morning catching waves with professional surf instructors, and discover coastal tide pools sheltering marine life.
Travel inland to San Luis, at the edge of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Learn about local conservation efforts and develop your photography skills as we explore this unique ecosystem. Experience the cloud forest from multiple angles: hike the trails in search of the elusive quetzal; glide through the canopy on a zip line; and ride on horseback to discover pristine, old growth forests. Embark on a night hike with naturalists, spying species such as sloths, armadillos, and coatis. Swim under the spray of a waterfall, and choose to visit a sustainable coffee cooperative or volunteer to plant trees in a biological corridor. In the evenings, relax in a hammock or practice your nighttime photography skills.
DAYS 7–12 I C OMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE Head to a rural village in Guanacaste, and work alongside residents on a variety of community service projects. Collaborate with local students to paint a mural inspired by Costa Rican life and culture. Organize a village clean-up, pitch in on the restoration of a community building, or clear forest trails. In the afternoons and evenings, learn about Costa Rican culture and cuisine from our hosts, and practice your Spanish. At the end of our stay here, head back to the coast for a final day of reflection with your group before returning home.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: July 4–15
T U I T I O N $5,090 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Miami and Liberia, Costa Rica. Refer to page 80 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Playa Grande we stay in a small hotel. In Monteverde we stay at a former research station that now serves as an eco-lodge. Accommodations in the community service village are simple. The group sleeps in sleeping bags on the floor of a community center. Sleeping areas and bathrooms are separated by gender.
NOTE On this program, student will spend an estimated 10 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Conservation biologist Taylor Edwards is an Associate Staff Scientist at the University of Arizona Genetics Core, where he helped conduct public testing for National Geographic’s Genographic Project. Taylor specializes in reptile and amphibian studies, and he is a leading expert on tortoise genetics. At home in both deserts and rain forests, his interests have taken him to Costa Rica, China, Cameroon, and beyond. Taylor will join the group in Monteverde.
Above: Middle school students try out surfing on the beaches of northwest Costa Rica.
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H A W A I`I M I D D L E S C H O O L E X P E D I T I O N
NEW
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Go zip lining, hiking, swimming, and much more in Maui’s beautiful jungles. • Venture to the Haleakalā Crater at daybreak and photograph the sunrise from atop this massive volcano. • Help biologists at the Maui Ocean Center rehabilitate sea turtles and sharks, then go on a snorkeling and whale-watching excursion with local naturalists. • Learn to surf in the gentle waters of a famous Maui break.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Community Service • Marine Conservation
through the jungle canopy. Search for mysterious petroglyphs and secret waterfalls in the West Maui Mountains, and take a surfing lesson in calm waters. Visit a working sugar factory to see how raw cane is transformed into sweetener.
DAYS 6, 7, AND 8 | KE’ANAE AND HĀNA I T I N E R A RY
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Rushing waterfalls and soaring volcanic peaks, fascinating heritage and stunning beaches—Maui is the ultimate tropical paradise. With dynamic trip leaders and a National Geographic expert, capture the island’s natural wonders on camera; get up close to fascinating marine life on snorkeling, surfing, and boating excursions; and lend a hand with service projects to help preserve the island’s delicate ecosystems.
DAYS 1–5 | LAHAINA, MAUI, HAWAI`I Settle into oceanfront tents in Lahaina—once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, then a whaling port, and now an artsy enclave. Dive into turquoise waters on snorkeling and dolphin-watching excursions; and visit the Maui Ocean Center to help on-site marine biologists rehabilitate sea turtles and sharks. Venture to the island’s northern shores for an unforgettable hike to ancient lava flows, capped off with a zip-line adventure
Drive along the world-famous road to Hāna, making several stops en route to our destination. Splash in waterfalls and swimming holes; seek out green sea turtles along a black-sand beach; and get your hands dirty farming a patch of taro—a staple in Hawaiian cooking. Upon arrival in Hāna, go hiking through bamboo forests to a stunning waterfall and jump into the pool at the base of the cascade. In the evenings, gaze up at the stars alongside astronomers to learn traditional Hawaiian navigation techniques.
DAYS 9, 10, AND 11 | P UKALANI AND KULA Travel inland to a small town where traditional ranching and farming still thrive. Step into the cowboy boots of a Hawaiian paniolo, joining in on the action at a local rodeo. Wake up early for an unforgettable sunrise from the top of Haleakalā Crater, soaring 10,000 feet above sea level. On our final night, celebrate our experience over a bonfire and barbecue with local Hawaiians.
Above: The second largest of the Hawaiian islands, Maui has 120 miles of stunning coastline.
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I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: June 24–July 4, June 29–July 9
T U I T I O N $5,790 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Los Angeles and Maui. Refer to page 80 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in small, family-run hostels and campsites throughout the expedition.
NOTE We will be traveling at high elevation at Haleakalá Crater. The Haleakala Crater is at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Participants should be physically fit. On this program, students will spend an estimated 10 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T National Geographic Emerging Explorer and grantee Dr. Tierney Thys is a marine biologist and filmmaker studying some of the ocean’s largest animals, including the giant ocean sunfish, or mola. She has traveled to every continent and visited more than 60 countries, leading and participating in research expeditions across the globe. Tierney works with all ages to promote ocean conservation through numerous creative means. Tierney will join both groups in Lahaina.
ALASKA MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS • Hike in Denali National Park and practice wildlife photography while snapping shots of moose, wolves, and caribou. • Raft along the rushing, glacially-fed Nenana River, and go fly-fishing for Arctic grayling in a serene creek bed overlooking Denali mountain. • Meet with members of Alaska’s native tribes at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, hear centuries-old stories, and learn to play traditional games. • Roast marshmallows and swap stories around the campfire after long days under Alaska’s midnight sun.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Wildlife Conservation • Alaskan Cultural Heritage
I T I N E R A RY
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1 0 DAY S
Alaska is truly America’s final frontier—a place where untouched wilderness stretches for unimaginable distances and nature’s beauty is displayed on an epic scale. Discover these wild landscapes while hiking, rafting, and fly-fishing with knowledgeable trip leaders and a National Geographic expert. Spot fascinating wildlife—from brown bears to herds of caribou—and take in spectacular views of Denali, North America’s highest peak.
DAYS 1 AND 2 I ANCHORAGE, ALASKA Our Alaskan adventure begins outside Anchorage with a hike to the summit of Flattop Mountain, or an outing to the coastal landscapes of Turnagain Arm. Back in town, visit the acclaimed Alaska Native Heritage Center. Learn to throw a hunting spear, try your hand at native Alaskan games, and hear timeless legends and stories while meeting with native peoples in traditional dwellings. Examine the strong ties between native Alaskan culture and the surrounding geography, and discuss the
challenges facing contemporary Alaskans as they strive to preserve their linguistic and cultural identities.
DAYS 3–10 I D ENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE Travel north into the wilds of Denali National Park and Preserve, and settle into our base camp near the park’s eastern edge. This immense nature reserve covers six million acres of untouched wilderness and is home to its namesake Denali, North America’s tallest mountain peak. Over the next several days, explore the park with naturalists who will share their knowledge of the creatures and plants that call this unique ecosystem home. Raft along the rushing Nenana River as you try to spot bears feasting on wild berries and wolf packs trotting across the surrounding valleys. Spend an afternoon at a working sled dog kennel to learn about the history of dogsledding, Alaska’s most popular sport. After eventful days in the park, relax around a campfire with friends. With insight from your National Geographic expert, discuss the ways in which Denali has evolved throughout its one hundred years as a national park, and learn how climate change is directly affecting the delicate ecosystems of this Arctic environment. Return to Anchorage for the final night of our expedition, and then fly home.
I N F O R M AT I O N DAT E S 2019: July 15–24
T U I T I O N $5,590 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Seattle and Anchorage. Refer to page 80 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website.
AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Anchorage we stay in a dorm on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus; and in Denali we stay in cabins at a family-run hostel.
NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions, like white-water rafting and hiking. To get the most out of the program, students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
M E E T YO U R E X P E R T Biologist and filmmaker Greg Marshall invented the Crittercam, a device that can be attached to an animal to study its behavior. Greg’s Crittercam has enabled him to document life in the oceans and on land from the perspective of more than 80 species, including blue whales, black turtles, emperor penguins, and most recently, giant oceanic manta rays. Greg will join the group in Denali.
Above: Middle school students gather for a shot near Flattop Mountain.
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H O W T O A P P LY
V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E A N D A P P LY N OW ! | STEP 1: APPLICATION FORM AND PAYMENT Click on the Apply Now at ngstudentexpeditions.com and fill out the online Application Form. When you have completed the form, you will be asked to make a payment of $700 (a $200 application fee plus a $500 tuition deposit). You may pay by credit card (Mastercard or Visa) or by check, made payable to Putney Student Travel.
| STEP 2: AGREEMENT FORM
| ICELAND MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
Once you have submitted the Application Form and payment, you will receive access to a personal digital locker. Your digital locker will provide the resources necessary to complete the application process and prepare for your trip. First, find the Agreement Form and sign it. When we receive your signed form, we will temporarily hold a space for you in the program.
| STEP 3: APPLICANT STATEMENT AND TEACHER REFERENCES Submit your Applicant Statement explaining why you would like to join a National Geographic Student Expedition, as well as contact information for two teachers. We will email your teachers a link where they can find and complete a reference for you. Upon receipt of all materials (Application Form, $700 payment, signed Agreement Form, Applicant Statement, and two completed Teacher References), we will process your application and make a prompt decision.
OUR SCHOLARSHIP P RO G R A M The National Geographic Student Expeditions Scholarship Program provides financial support for students seeking educational summer experiences who could not otherwise afford them. Last summer we awarded full scholarships to 23 individuals, providing learning opportunities to students from a wide variety of backgrounds and creating a richer and more diverse experience for every student involved. Each summer, our scholarship students return home with stories of life-changing experiences that instilled in them increased confidence, global perspective, independence, and compassion for others. For more details about scholarship eligibility and how to apply, visit: ngstudentexpeditions.com/scholarships.
Above: Scholarship student Grace W. poses on the Iceland Expedition.
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ELIGIBILITY Students ages 13 and older who are completing 7th and 8th grades are eligible to participate in our middle school expeditions. Students who are completing 9th through 12th grades are eligible to participate in our high school programs.
GROUP SIZE AND COMPOSITION Expedition group size ranges between 14 and 28 participants. Our community service programs are limited to 18 participants; photography workshops have generally 25–30 students; and university workshops accommodate up to 50 students. The student-to-trip-leader ratio is usually between six and eight to one and never more than nine to one. In addition to trip leaders, a National Geographic expert joins a portion of each expedition for four to eight days. On photography workshops, the National Geographic photographer joins the entire program. On university workshops, a number of National Geographic experts share their work during the program.
TRANSPORTATION DETAILS International and domestic airfare and any internal flights during the expedition are not included in the cost of tuition. We have arranged for an escorted round-trip group flight for each of our international programs, and select domestic programs. Learn more about our application process, expectations for student participants, and activity fees at ngstudentexpeditions.com/admission.
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT National Geographic Student Expeditions (“NGSE”) (a division of National Geographic Partners, LLC) will provide educational enrichment for trips (each a “Trip”) as outlined in its catalog and on its website (ngstudentexpeditions.com) and has licensed Putney Student Travel, Inc., its employees, shareholders, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, and assigns, (collectively, “PST”), a Vermont corporation based in Putney, Vermont, to organize and administer the Trip. PST, in turn, acts only as an agent for any transportation carriers, hotels, ground operators, and other suppliers of some of the services connected with the Trip (“Other Providers”), and those Other Providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. Neither NGSE nor PST owns, operates, supervises, and/or manages those Other Providers which are to or do provide goods or services for the Trip, including, for example, lodging facilities of any kind, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, local guides, guide services, or local ground operators (even if they use the PST or NGSE name), providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers will constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the Students are not aboard their
conveyances. All such Other Providers are independent contractors. As a result, neither NGSE nor PST is liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Other Provider, or of any other third party. National Geographic Student Expeditions (“NGSE”) (a division of National Geographic Partners, LLC), its parents, subsidiaries, and their respective employees, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, representatives, assigns (collectively “National Geographic”) and PST will not be held liable for (A) any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or any damage to personal property, whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, acts of government, incidents, attacks, or bites from domestic or wild animals or insects, strikes or other labor activities, athletic or sporting events or endeavors including the normal risk associated with same, epidemics or the threat thereof, adequacy or availability of health services and/or evacuation services if necessary, criminal, terrorist or threatened terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart in a timely manner, or loss, damage or delay in delivery of luggage and/ or personal effects; or (B) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury
to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any Other Provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such Other Provider. I (the parent/guardian) and the Trip participant (the “Student”) (Student and I are collectively referred to herein as “You”) waive any claim against National Geographic and/or PST for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. By registering for the Trip, You certify that the Student does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself or herself or other Students. NGSE and PST reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove the Student from the Trip. NGSE and PST reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant or if they deem it necessary or desirable for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the Students. Neither National Geographic nor PST shall be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the Student’s Trip departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the Student.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS BASIS OF RATES: All amounts are quoted in U.S. dollars. The tuitions are based on current tariffs, currency values, airfares, and third-party charges as of catalog publication date and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While NGSE and PST do everything possible to maintain the listed tuitions, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, NGSE and PST reserve the right to do so.
cancel an application or revoke an acceptance after March 15, 2019, the $700 payment and (if applicable) any non-refundable airline tickets, will be forfeited.
ELIGIBILITY: Students ages 13 and older who are completing 7th and 8th grades are eligible to participate in a middle school Trip. Students completing 9th through 12th grades are eligible to participate in a high school Trip.
Leaving a Trip in progress, for any reason, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portion of a Trip. NGSE and PST reserve the right to cancel any Trip because of inadequate enrollment that makes the Trip economically infeasible to operate or because of good faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the students. If NGSE or PST cancels a Trip prior to departure, PST will provide a full refund of monies paid, except in the event the cancellation is due to a significant event that makes it infeasible to operate the Trip as planned, in which case PST will provide a refund and/or credit toward a future Trip equivalent to monies paid. If NGSE and PST cancel the Trip in progress, PST will provide a prorated refund based on the number of days not completed on the Trip. NGSE and PST will not be responsible for any refund for any expenses related to nonrefundable airline tickets. If the Student elects not to immediately return to his/her original point of departure for the Trip, the Student acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Student shall be solely responsible for his/her travel plans once he/she departs the Trip, (ii) neither NGSE nor PST shall have any responsibility for or control over the Student’s safety or activities once he/she departs the Trip, and (iii) the Student releases and holds harmless NGSE and PST (and their parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, licensees, successors and assigns, and each of their respective employees, directors and agents), from any and all costs, liability, loss, or damage that may arise out of the Student’s decision to not return to his/her original point of departure or depart prematurely from a Trip in progress.
TUITION INCLUDES: All meals, lodging, activities, excursions, ground transportation, taxes, gratuities, and pre-trip materials are included. For students participating in Photography and Film & Video On Assignment projects, there is a supplement to cover the cost of equipment and other materials required for these assignments. See ngstudentexpeditions.com/resources/admission-details for these supplemental fees. TUITION DOES NOT INCLUDE: The $200 Application Fee, airfare and related fees, costs of obtaining passports or visas, baggage charges, medical expenses and immunizations, trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance, personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls, and any other items not specifically noted as included. TERMS OF PAYMENT: Application Fee and Deposit: A $700 payment (made up of a $200 Application Fee and a $500 Tuition Deposit) is required with all applications. The Tuition Deposit is credited to the tuition for accepted students. Payment may be made by check or credit card. Final Payment: Final payment of the full tuition and group flight airline tickets (if applicable), is due on March 15, 2019. For applications submitted after March 15, 2019, final payment is due within five (5) business days after the initial $700 payment is made. Final payment may be made by check, wire transfer, or credit card. Checks must be in U.S. dollars and must be drawn on a U.S. bank. Please make checks payable to “Putney Student Travel” and write the Student’s name clearly on the check. For payment by wire transfer, please consult the NGSE office for wiring information. For final payment made by credit card, a 2.75% fee is added to your payment. If an application is not accepted or if space is not available on the Trip listed as first choice, the full $700 payment amount will be refunded, or if payment of the full tuition, and (if applicable) payment of group flight airline tickets, has been made, the amount of the full payment will be refunded. Wait List: Wait-listed applications must include the $700 payment, which will be fully refunded if space does not become available or if the application is withdrawn prior to acceptance. A wait-listed application must be completed to be considered for acceptance. Withdrawal: If the Student withdraws from a Trip for any reason, either before or after his or her application is accepted, the following terms will govern any refunds. For a withdrawal on or before March 15, 2019, all payments and (if applicable) group flight airline tickets payments, will be refunded, less the Application Fee. For a withdrawal after March 15, 2019, no refunds of the $700 payment, full tuition, or (if applicable) group flight airline tickets will be made. Cancellation: NGSE and PST reserve the right to cancel applications that are not completed in a timely manner; however, NGSE and PST will communicate with applicants to facilitate the admissions process prior to cancelling applications. NGSE and PST further reserve the right to revoke an acceptance when payment is past due. No refund of the payments made to date is provided in this circumstance. If NGSE or PST cancel an application on or before March 15, 2019, all payments will be refunded, less the Application Fee. If NGSE or PST
If NGSE or PST cancel an application or revoke an acceptance, written notification will be sent to the address provided on the application form.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: Trip cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost and is strongly recommended. NGSE will send students information about a trip cancellation insurance option with pre-trip materials. ITINERARY CHANGES: NGSE and PST have carefully planned each of the Trips on this website; however, there may be instances where the Trip descriptions and staff presented on this website may change. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate Trips as planned, but alterations may still occur after the final itinerary is sent. To get the most out of their experience, Students need to be flexible in responding to unforeseen situations and in taking advantage of unexpected opportunities. PASSPORTS AND VISAS: Valid passports are required for travel to the international destinations; check with NGSE for the latest requirements and assistance. For destinations that require a visa for U.S. citizens, NGSE will provide detailed information on how to obtain a visa. Non-U.S. citizens must check on their own visa requirements or contact NGSE for help determining those requirements. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: The Student must be in good physical condition and mental health. Any condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment must be reported to PST in writing before May 18, 2019. NGSE and PST encourage You to consult a doctor for specific medical advice about any activities or destinations. MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION AND COVERAGE: You must complete and sign the Permission for Emergency Treatment form as a prerequisite for the Student’s participation on the Trip. You certify that the Student has medical insurance which will cover personal accidents, medical expenses, medical evacuation, air ambulance, loss of effects, repatriation costs, and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay, or inconvenience occurring to the Student, or that in the absence of this medical insurance coverage, you agree to pay all costs of rescue and/or medical services as may be incurred on the Student’s behalf.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO: You grant to PST the right to take photographs or videos during the operation of any Trip, or part thereof, and to use the resulting photography, videos, or recordings for promotional or commercial use in perpetuity. You and the Student agree to allow the Student’s likeness to be used by NGSE, NGSE-authorized third parties, and PST without compensation to You. Copyright in all photographs, video, and text (including correspondence) created by the Student during the operation of any Trip, or part thereof, (“Expedition Materials”) shall belong to the Student upon creation. You and the Student grant to PST, NGSE, and NGSE-authorized third parties a non-exclusive, worldwide, irrevocable license to use the Expedition Materials, in any media now existing or subsequently developed for the following limited purposes: editorial use, promotion of the editorial use, promotion of NGSE, promotion of the work of PST, or promotion of the mission of National Geographic. ASSUMPTION OF RISK: By registering the Student for a Trip, You acknowledge that You are aware that travel such as the Trip the Student is undertaking involves potentially dangerous activities, some in remote areas of the world, with a risk of illness, injury, or death which may be caused by forces of nature, illness, or by willful or criminal conduct of third parties or by terrorism. You further acknowledge that weather conditions may be severe, adverse, and/or unpleasant, and that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible or consistent with standards in the United States during some or all of the time during which the Student is participating on the Trip and that when available may not be of the quality which exists in the United States. You accept the entire risk attendant thereto and voluntarily accept the same as risks of the Student’s participation in the Trip. In addition, You agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions hereto including policies on refunds. ARBITRATION AGREEMENT: Arbitration Agreement policy and process is available at ngstudentexpeditions.com/terms. PRIVACY POLICY: Our privacy policy can be found at nationalgeographic.com/community/privacy/. MAILING LIST: If You are receiving duplicate catalogs, have address updates, or would like to be removed from future National Geographic Student Expeditions mailings, please call toll-free 1-877-877-8759. COMPLETE TERMS: For the most complete and up-to-date Terms and Conditions, please see ngstudentexpeditions.com/terms.
Thank you to the following photographers whose work is featured in this catalog: Jennifer Adler, Jana Asenbrennerova, Claire Bangser, Andrew Barber, Britt Basel, Kiki Baxter, James Bernal, Alison Beste, Steve Byrne, Lauren Cain, Leonardo Carrizo, Lisa Cates, Erin Davis, Liu Sen Ding, Luke Dollar, David Estrada, Larson Harley, Joshua Hendriksen, Brandon Hill, Lisa Hornak, EJ Horstman, Josh Howard, Sunita Hu, Joey Knelman, Alex Krowiak, Eric Kruszewski, Rachel Langosch, Simone Levine, Jacky Li, William Liu, Alberto Lopez, Anna Lynch, Noah Mackenzie, Ruairi MacMillan, Ian Markham, Sarah Marquis-Kimberleys, Patrick McLaughlin, Diego Merino, Kate Miller, Brett Monroe Garner, Adela Montez, Mason Montgomery, Kene Nwosu, Federico Pardo, Sophie Pothering, Joshua Powell, Michaelyn Preston, Ricky Qui, Carolyn Raider, John Ralston, Emma Rosenthal, Pedro Samper, Andrea Sarcos, Jill Schneider, Jenna Schoenefeld, Brandon Semel, Deeya Sharma, Jay Simpson, Erika Skogg, Dimitri Staszewski, Brent Stirton, Ariane Szu-Tu, Shaun Terhune, Jes Therkelson, Ross Weinberg, Janpim Wolf, Rachel Wu, Cameron Zegers, Dan Zietlow, Sam Zuhlke
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2019 TRIP CALENDAR D E S T I N AT I O N
PAG E
DAYS
CANADIAN ARCTIC
14
11
ALASKA
16
DAT E S
TUITION
P ROJ E C T S
July 20–30, Aug. 1–11
$6,490
Photography Wildlife Conservation
13
June 26–July 8, July 9–21
$6,290
Photography Wildlife Conservation Film & Video
18
12
July 14–25, July 27–Aug. 7
$5,990
Photography Marine & Tropical Biology
20
12
June 29–July 10, July 6–17
$6,090
Photography Marine & Tropical Biology
22
15
June 20–July 4, June 27–July 11
$6,990
Photography Wildlife Conservation
PATAGONIA
24
17
July 20–Aug. 5
$7,290
Photography Climate & Geology Wildlife Conservation
PERU AND THE AMAZON
26
19
June 29–July 17
$6,790
Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures
ICELAND
28
14
June 25–July 8, July 1–14, July 15–28
$7,990
Photography Climate & Geology Film & Video
30
16
June 22–July 7, July 8–23
$7,690
Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures
ITALY AND GREECE
32
17
June 11–27, June 25–July 11
$7,290
Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures Creative Writing
SWISS AND FRENCH ALPS
34
14
July 15–28
$7,590
Photography Film & Video
IRELAND
36
14
July 11–24
$5,890
Photography Creative Writing
BOTSWANA AND VICTORIA FALLS
38
15
June 23–July 7, July 21–Aug. 4
$7,790
Photography Wildlife Conservation
NAMIBIA
40
21
June 20–July 10
$7,790
Photography Wildlife Conservation
AUSTRALIA
42
20
June 24–July 13, July 13–Aug. 1
$8,890
Photography Wildlife Conservation
NEW ZEALAND
44
18
June 27–July 14, July 15–Aug. 1
$7,890
Photography Film & Video
BALI
46
17
June 24–July 10, June 30–July 16
$6,990
Photography Marine & Tropical Biology
CHINA
48
21
June 24–July 14
$7,590
Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures
BHUTAN
50
14
July 6–19
$7,290
Photography Creative Writing Anthropology & Local Cultures
INDIA
52
20
June 27–July 16
$6,990
Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures
HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS
BAJA AND THE SEA OF CORTEZ
NEW
BELIZE
ECUADOR AND THE GALÁPAGOS
NORWAY
NEW
NEW
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D E S T I N AT I O N
PAG E
DAYS
JOURNALISM AND MULTIMEDIA AT NAT GEO IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
54
10
ENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS ON THE MIT CAMPUS
56
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IN THE SILICON VALLEY
DAT E S
TUITION
P ROJ E C T S
July 10–19
$5,290
Multimedia Journalism Visual Storytelling National Geographic: Past and Present
10
July 24–Aug. 2
$5,390
Engineering the Future Computer Science Innovations in Robotics
57
10
June 24–July 3
$5,390
Innovations in Design Technology for Social Change Unleashing Creativity
58
14
July 1–14
$6,790
Photography
59
12
July 20–31
$6,490
Photography
60
12
June 25–July 6
$5,790
Photography
PRAGUE
61
12
July 14–25
$5,790
Photography
YELLOWSTONE
62
12
July 2–13
$5,890
Photography
YOSEMITE AND SAN FRANCISCO
63
12
July 16–27
$6,090
Photography
NEW YORK CITY
64
12
June 29–July 10
$6,190
Photography
65
14
June 20–July 3, July 5–18
$5,390
Hurricane Relief
COSTA RICA
66
14
June 15–28, June 30–July 13, July 29–Aug. 11
$4,590
Tropical Ecosystem Conservation
HAWAI ̀ I
67
14
June 29–July 12, July 15–28
$5,990
Island Habitat Restoration
NEPAL
68
15
June 15–29, June 29–July 13, July 13–27
$5,490
Rebuilding & Earthquake Recovery
THAILAND
69
17
June 26–July 12, July 10–26
$5,590
Teaching & Mentorship
MADAGASCAR
70
20
June 28–July 17
$6,790
Biodiversity Protection
MOROCCO
71
18
June 24–July 11, July 13–30
$6,690
Cultural Preservation
FIJI
72
15
June 27–July 11, July 11–25
$4,890
Community Restoration
73
13
June 30–July 12, July 7–19
$6,290
Photography Wildlife Conservation Community Service
ICELAND
74
12
June 25–July 6, July 6–17
$6,790
Photography Icelandic History & Folklore Climate Science
ITALY AND GREECE
75
13
June 22–July 4
$5,990
Photography Ancient Mythology Mediterranean Food & Culture
BELIZE
76
10
July 6–15, July 20–29
$5,890
Mayan Archaeology & Culture Marine Conservation Community Service
COSTA RICA
77
12
July 4–15
$5,090
Photography Wildlife Conservation Community Service
HAWAI ̀ I
78
11
June 24–July 4, June 29–July 9
$5,790
Photography Community Service Marine Conservation
79
10
July 15–24
$5,590
Photography Wildlife Conservation Alaksan Cultural Heritage
HIGH SCHOOL UNIVERSITY WORKSHOPS
HIGH SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS TANZANIA
NEW
TOKYO LISBON
NEW
HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE TRIPS PUERTO RICO
NEW
MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS ECUADOR AND THE GALÁPAGOS
ALASKA
NEW
NEW
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SEE THE WORLD THROUGH THE LENSES OF O U R S T U D E N T T R AV E L E R S GET OUT AND EXPLORE THIS SUMMER! CALL 1-877-877-8759 OR VISIT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM
NOAH M., Student Traveler
NEW ZEAL AND EXPEDITION
R ACHEL W., Student Traveler BHUTAN EXPEDITION
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