Summer 2014 National Geographic Student by National Geographic Expeditions

SUMMER 2014

EXPEDITIONS THE AMERICAS

Summer 2014 Trips EUROPE

14 Brazil’s Amazon & Pantanal

36 Switzerland & France

16 Belize

38 Italy & Greece

18 Pacific Northwest

40 Iceland

20 Peru

FIELD WORKSHOPS 42 Costa Rica 43 Grand Canyon & the Southwest 44 Alaska 45 Tuscany 46 Barcelona 47 Ireland W Yellowstone & Montana

Biodiversity Conservation

Oceans and Underwater Exploration

Protecting the Puget Sound Watershed Mysteries of the Inca Empire

22 Ecuador & the Galápagos Biodiversity Hotspot

AFRICA

24 South Africa & Mozambique Megafauna of the Land and Sea

26 Namibia

Wildlife Conservation

28 Tanzania

Wildlife Conservation and Tribal Life

ASIA / OCEANIA

30 Australia

Outback, Rain Forest, and Reef

32 India

Crossroads of Cultures

34 China

Journey to the Middle Kingdom

Alpine Adventure

Empires of the Mediterranean Land of Fire and Ice

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS 48 London 49 Prague 50 Paris 51 San Francisco

DEAR STUDENT TRAVELER, COMMUNITY SERVICE 52 Costa Rica 53 Peru 54 Thailand 55 Tanzania RESOURCES 4 About Our Trips 6 On Assignment Projects 8 National Geographic Experts 10 Trip Leaders 11 Scholarship Program 12 Our Students 56 Admissions Details 56 How to Apply 58 Trip Calendar 59 Terms and Conditions Our Conservation in Action trips enable students to participate in ongoing research and conservation efforts with local scientists and a National Geographic grantee.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN high school students go exploring with an organization that has been venturing to the far corners of the Earth for 125 years? Judging from this past summer, you end up doing some incredible things— like tagging cheetahs with a wildlife biologist in Namibia, for instance, or discovering the secrets of Peru’s Inca cities with a renowned archaeologist. You might settle into a Costa Rican village and pitch in with community projects, or take to the streets of Paris on photo shoots with a National Geographic photographer. Whichever adventure you choose, you come back—in the words of last summer’s students—inspired, open to new things, and more in love with the world than ever. Nic Lisi, who traveled with us to Ecuador and the Galápagos, summed it up well: “I wanted to broaden my perspective on the world while learning about something I love,” he said. “It’s mind-blowing to think that a few short weeks with NGSE helped shape me into who I will be for a long time to come.” Last year we developed a series of trips that had students working alongside our scientists on important conservation projects, participating firsthand in National Geographic’s legacy. They proved to be fantastic, enriching experiences that sparked a passion for conservation in our students. This year, we’ve expanded our Conservation in Action series with two new expeditions. In South Africa and Mozambique, students will work on protecting marine mammals with National Geographic Emerging Explorer Andrea Marshall. In the Pacific Northwest, they’ll tackle important conservation issues with Crittercam inventor Greg Marshall. We’re introducing a new field workshop in Ireland and a photography workshop in Prague, as well as a community service program in Thailand that combines volunteering at a school, working with elephants, and exploring Bangkok and the coast. In the Alps, focus on adventure photography and filmmaking as we hike, climb, and raft beneath icy peaks. As one student simply put it, when asked to give advice to those who are considering one of our trips, “DEFINITELY GO!” We’ll hope to see you in the field!

Sincerely,

John Fahey Chairman The National Geographic Society Your participation in a National Geographic Student Expedition provides support to National Geographic’s mission of increasing global understanding through exploration, geography education, and research.

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EXPEDITIONS THE AMERICAS

Summer 2014 Trips EUROPE

14 Brazil’s Amazon & Pantanal

36 Switzerland & France

16 Belize

38 Italy & Greece

18 Pacific Northwest

40 Iceland

20 Peru

FIELD WORKSHOPS 42 Costa Rica 43 Grand Canyon & the Southwest 44 Alaska 45 Tuscany 46 Barcelona 47 Ireland W Yellowstone & Montana

Biodiversity Conservation

Oceans and Underwater Exploration

Protecting the Puget Sound Watershed Mysteries of the Inca Empire

22 Ecuador & the Galápagos Biodiversity Hotspot

AFRICA

24 South Africa & Mozambique Megafauna of the Land and Sea

26 Namibia

Wildlife Conservation

28 Tanzania

Wildlife Conservation and Tribal Life

ASIA / OCEANIA

30 Australia

Outback, Rain Forest, and Reef

32 India

Crossroads of Cultures

34 China

Journey to the Middle Kingdom

Alpine Adventure

Empires of the Mediterranean Land of Fire and Ice

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS 48 London 49 Prague 50 Paris 51 San Francisco

Sincerely,

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Explore the World with Nat Geo

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“This program was a life-changing experience. Everything we did made our time in Tanzania amazing. We were able to interact and truly connect with the people of our host town. It really made us travelers and not tourists.” Katherine B., Tanzania Expedition, 2013

There is a certain spirit of adventure that has driven National Geographic explorers since our earliest days. It’s an irrepressible desire to discover, to learn, and to understand our planet. That spirit sent marine conservationist Jacques Cousteau plunging hundreds of feet to the ocean depths in a “diving saucer” named Denise that he invented. It sent National Geographic Explorer-inResidence Will Steger skimming across Greenland’s massive ice cap behind a team of tireless huskies on the longest unsupported dogsled expedition in history. As any of our explorers will tell you, discovering the unknown can change your life. We invite the next generation of explorers to get out in the field and follow in the footsteps of National Geographic’s photographers, writers, and scientists. You might tag and track cheetahs with wildlife biologists in Namibia, go on photo shoots in Prague with a National Geographic photographer, or work on a community project at an elementary school in Thailand. It only takes a little digging to find that there is wonder—big and small—all around the world. Come discover it with us.

OUR LONG HISTORY OF EXPLORATION National Geographic has been exploring the planet since 1888, and our network of experts and contacts across the globe is vast and deep. We tap into these resources to create unique and exciting travel opportunities for students. Live among local students in the Himalaya of India, or meet traditional musicians on Ireland’s Aran Islands. Conduct research on orcas with scientists in the San Juan Islands, and monitor manta rays while snorkeling or diving off the stunning coast of Mozambique with a National Geographic Emerging Explorer. To make these innovative trips possible, we have partnered with Putney Student Travel—a highly respected student travel organization that has offered quality student expeditions for more than 60 years. Putney is a leader in its field, delivering innovative, safe, and fun expeditions all around the world. 4

OUR TRIPS We offer four types of programs: expeditions, field workshops, photo workshops, and community service programs. On our special Conservation in Action expeditions, we celebrate the legacy of National Geographic through hands-on programs that will have you working closely with scientists and researchers on some of National Geographic’s top conservation priorities. (See the box on page 7 for more information.) Our trips range from eleven days to three weeks. On our expeditions, you’ll experience the best of the destination through in-depth exploration of a country or region. Our field and photography workshops are shorter, generally 12 days, with one or two bases from which you’ll set out to explore our spectacular surroundings. On our community service programs, you’ll settle into a local community and take part in everyday life while working on a variety of service projects. Throughout each program you’ll work on an On CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Assignment project, whether it’s a slideshow presentation, a field guide, a portfolio of photographs, or a gallery opening for an exhibition of your work. (See pages 6 and 7 for more information about our On Assignment projects.)

OUR EXPEDITION TEAMS STUDENTS. Traveling with your peers naturally creates a spirit of collaboration and teamwork. You’ll develop strong bonds while working in teams on your projects. Plus, seeing a place alongside your new friends brings a whole new dimension to your experience. Our expeditions range between 14 and 28 students. Community service programs are limited to 18 students and our field and photo workshops average 25-30 students. TRIP LEADERS. Our trip leaders are dynamic college graduates who are pursuing careers in fields such as photojournalism, conservation biology, and cultural anthropology. They are energetic, creative,

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“So many thrilling and exciting things happened in our day trips, and I loved the adventurous aspect of the workshop. It was eye-opening to realize how much there is to discover in my own backyard: an American city!”

responsible, knowledgeable, and fun. They know the destination well and seek to share their love of travel with high school students. Our student-totrip-leader ratio is usually between six and eight to one. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERTS. On each expedition and field workshop, a National Geographic expert—a photographer, writer, researcher, or explorer—joins a portion of the trip. On our photography workshops, a National Geographic photographer accompanies the entire program. Our experts are leaders in their field who will enrich the trip with their stories and insights. (See our experts and trip leaders on pages 8, 9, and 10.)

OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME The accommodations we use are well located and comfortable. On most programs, we stay in small, family-run inns and hostels; student centers; university housing; or research stations. Sometimes our accommodations are part of the adventure. For instance, we’ll settle into safari camps in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, enjoy seaside cabanas in Belize, and sleep under canvas “swags” in the Australian Outback.

Anna G., San Francisco Photo Workshop, 2013

help you prepare for your trip—National Geographic books, magazines, or maps—as well as a complimentary one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

OUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT On many trips, you have an opportunity to participate in community service projects that allow you to become more engaged with the place you’re exploring and to make a useful contribution. Depending on the location and the community’s needs, you may work on small-scale construction, tutor students in English, clean up a park, or help out at an orphanage. Or, you can focus on service work on one of our community service programs in Peru, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Tanzania. Estimates of community service hours for each of these programs are listed on the itineraries (pages 52–55). Visit our website for additional information about community service hours on all of our programs.

OUR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY

As an organization that seeks to inspire others to care about the planet, National Geographic is committed to sustaining the character and integrity of each place we visit—its environment, culture, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. In providing authentic travel experiences for students, we strive to protect the sites we visit, support local economies in our choice of accommodations and services, and increase students’ understanding and appreciation of other peoples and customs through meaningful friendships and cultural exchange.

OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Each year we provide financial support for students seeking educational summer experiences who could otherwise not afford them. For more information about the National Geographic Student Expeditions Scholarship Program, see page 11.

OUR BLEND OF EDUCATION AND ADVENTURE Each of our trips builds in outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, rafting, glacier trekking, or horseback riding; as well as immersion in the local community, where you’ll play sports with kids, cook with local women, or visit artisans in their homes. Prior to your adventure, we will send you materials to APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

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Anna G., San Francisco Photo Workshop, 2013

help you prepare for your trip—National Geographic books, magazines, or maps—as well as a complimentary one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

OUR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY

Go On Assignment

Choose your passion.

Over the years, National Geographic has made a name for itself by telling stories through photography, writing, film, and research. Now it’s your turn. On Assignment with National Geographic, dig deeper into a country’s landscape and culture to develop your own story through research, photography, or hands-on field activities. As you soar through the Swiss Alps on a zip-line, learn to identify lion tracks with wildlife experts in South Africa, or listen to Aboriginal storytellers in the Australian outback, you’ll experience your surroundings through the personalized lens of your On Assignment project.

Take a look at our On Assignment projects and the destinations in which they’re offered. PHOTOGRAPHY: Set out on photo shoots to improve your photography skills and capture the color and character of the places you encounter. Develop a photo-essay about a topic that sparks your interest. This On Assignment project is offered on all expeditions and workshops.

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION: Explore the local wildlife and their habitats with naturalists and biologists. Learn about regional and national efforts to protect natural resources, and investigate the threats that population and poverty pose to conservation initiatives.

Thumb through the pages that follow and select the destination and project that capture your imagination. With the guidance of trip leaders and our National Geographic expert, you’ll work in teams to pursue your On Assignment projects through a series of hands-on activities and excursions. Perhaps you’ll choose to research and report on the effects of wildfires on habitats in Yellowstone or assemble a photo essay about the whimsical

*See details about each of our On Assignment projects on page 7 and on each trip’s itinerary page.

works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona. You might make a documentary film on dog-mushing in Alaska or write a story inspired by Ireland’s rich mythology. At the end of the trip, you’ll share what you’ve created with your group. Your participation in an On Assignment project will enhance your understanding of the cultures and environments you visit, and improve your skills and knowledge in your selected focus area. Plus, you’ll return home with a tangible

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product—whether it’s a short story or essay, a documentary film, or a slide show—that you can share with your family and friends.* You will also have the opportunity to submit your material to be published on the National Geographic website. On the next page, you’ll find a description of each On Assignment project as well as the destinations in which they’re offered. Pick the place and project you find most intriguing. Then get ready to set out into the world and create your own story.

“I feel proud of my On Assignment project. It made me feel like I really found and followed a story while in Iceland. Having that final project made it feel like we were really ‘on assignment’ for National Geographic.” Grant S., Iceland, 2013

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Australia • Alaska • Iceland • Switzerland & France

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY: Cultivate a sense of “space and place” by discovering the connections between people and their environment. Ever wonder why mountainous people adapt differently to their environment than desert nomads? Or how to differentiate between a Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery? Think like a geographer while exploring the history, ecology, and culture of the places you visit.

Alaska • Ecuador & the Galápagos • Tanzania • Australia • Yellowstone & Montana • Costa Rica

China • India

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE: Venture out with fellow students to uncover the complex layers of past civilizations. Explore ancient ruins, discover the rich mythology behind treasured sites, and find the links between ancient and modern worlds.

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. Spend time in a busy marketplace using all five senses to capture the scene, interview a local personality for a character sketch, or bring the past alive in the evocative silence of an ancient ruin.

Peru • Italy & Greece • Grand Canyon & the Southwest

THE CHOICE IS YOURS.

the people you meet, and the adventures you experience. Create a narrative that captures the sights, sounds, and personality of a place through the versatile medium of film.

FILMMAKING: Today’s cameras shoot incredible video. Using your own digital SLR or an expedition video camera, work in production teams to document your journey,

Italy & Greece • Barcelona • Tuscany • Ireland

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY: Examine earth processes and witness dramatic geologic forces at work. Get out into the field to learn how volcanoes, geothermal activity, and glaciers have shaped landscapes and civilizations throughout history. Meet geologists to discuss the science of global climate change.

Put National Geographic’s core mission—to inspire people to care about the planet—into action! As part of the Society’s continuing legacy of protecting and understanding the world’s treasures, you’ll participate in ongoing research and conservation efforts with local scientists and a National Geographic grantee. Throughout the program, work as a group using photography, film, and other storytelling tools to develop a compelling presentation that helps raise awareness about the conservation issues you have encountered, whether it’s preserving the biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest, Belize’s fragile barrier reefs, or the megafauna of southeastern Africa. Belize • Brazil • Namibia • Pacific Northwest • South Africa and Mozambique

Iceland

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Spend your days working alongside villagers and a team of students. Teach English to children at the local school. Participate in building or restoration projects, clean up a park, or help paint a community health center. Collaborative community projects provide an opportunity for deeper cultural interaction and insight into daily life in our host communities. Costa Rica • Tanzania • Peru • Thailand

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Go On Assignment

Choose your passion.

*See details about each of our On Assignment projects on page 7 and on each trip’s itinerary page.

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Australia • Alaska • Iceland • Switzerland & France

Alaska • Ecuador & the Galápagos • Tanzania • Australia • Yellowstone & Montana • Costa Rica

China • India

Peru • Italy & Greece • Grand Canyon & the Southwest

THE CHOICE IS YOURS.

the people you meet, and the adventures you experience. Create a narrative that captures the sights, sounds, and personality of a place through the versatile medium of film.

FILMMAKING: Today’s cameras shoot incredible video. Using your own digital SLR or an expedition video camera, work in production teams to document your journey,

Italy & Greece • Barcelona • Tuscany • Ireland

Iceland

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Meet our experts. There are some careers out there that we all dream of having someday. An archaeologist or a filmmaker, perhaps, or a National Geographic photographer. National Geographic’s experts are explorers and writers, anthropologists and wildlife biologists who have pursued their dreams and become leaders in their fields. One of our experts joins part of each expedition and field workshop, and they accompany the entire program on our photo workshops. As you explore together, they share their insights and experience, give you guidance in crafting your On Assignment project, and inspire you with their passion for the work they do and the places you discover. Meet a few of our experts here, and find out more about the trips they will join.

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“Florian Weise certainly has the best job in the world. He gets to live in Namibia and work with cheetahs, caracals, and springboks everyday. He truly made me realize the importance of conservation, more so than the multiple teachers who have spent entire semesters explaining the concept to me.” Trevor H., Namibia, 2013

National Geographic Emerging Explorer ANDREA MARSHALL (below) is one of the world’s leading experts on manta rays. As a conservation biologist she works to protect some of the largest fish in our oceans. During her 22-year diving career Andrea has traveled to the ends of the globe both as a scientist and as a professional underwater photographer. Andrea will join the South Africa & Mozambique expedition (p. 24) and looks forward to sharing some of her favorite spots along the southern Mozambican coast with our students.

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National Geographic Emerging Explorer and grantee TIERNEY THYS is a marine biologist and filmmaker studying some of the ocean’s largest animals, including the giant ocean sunfish. She has led and participated in research expeditions worldwide from Alaska to Galápagos, and from Indonesia to Africa. Tierney will join the July 8 and July 15 Belize expeditions and looks forward to exploring the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere with our students (p. 16).

Delve into the biodiversity of Costa Rica with conservation biologist TAYLOR EDWARDS, who worked on the National Geographic Genographic Project. A staff scientist at the University of Arizona, Taylor works on a variety of research projects ranging from endangered tortoises to giant frogs. He says that he wishes he was raised by wolves, but believes a career as a biologist is the next best thing. Taylor will join the Costa Rica field workshop (p. 42) and the June 30 Ecuador & the Galápagos expedition (p. 22).

National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantee FLORIAN WEISE is the lead researcher at the Carnivore Conservation Research Project in Namibia. Florian combines his passion for the outdoors with his research on African wildlife and has spent almost ten years working to protect endangered species. His efforts to reduce conflicts between large cats like cheetah and leopard and local farmers have been featured in publications such as National Geographic magazine and the Financial Times London. Florian will join the Namibia expedition (p. 26).

Following a three-month adventure through Mongolia, French photographer MATTHIEU PALEY’S first job was an expedition for National Geographic Adventure magazine in Bhutan, which took him to the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Twelve years, four books and numerous assignments later, his passion to always look “over the next ridge” has provided him with countless opportunities to witness our common humanity. Matthieu’s work has been published in National Geographic magazine, Newsweek, Time, and Outside magazines. Matthieu will lead the June 20 Paris workshop (p. 50).

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 and the South Pacific. Based in the German Alps, she is a regular contributor for the National Geographic Channel and National Geographic magazine (France and Germany), and is represented by National Geographic Creative. Ulla will join our Australia expedition (p. 30).

Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer JAY DICKMAN has worked in photojournalism for more than 35 years, covering topics as diverse as the war in El Salvador, the Olympics, national political conventions, and six Super Bowls. Among his over 25 assignments for National Geographic magazine, Jay has lived for three months in a Stone Age village in Papua New Guinea and spent a week under the Arctic ice in a nuclear attack sub in addition to having photographed many stories on cultures built around rivers. Jay will join the Grand Canyon & the Southwest field workshop (p. 43).

Photographer and filmmaker ASHIMA NARAIN is the former photo editor for National Geographic Traveler India. She has covered a diverse range of topics that have sent her wading through mudflats in search of flamingos in Mumbai, hiding out in bear caves, climbing sail masts mid-sea, dining with Maharajas, and documenting the conditions of sari weavers in the holy city of Varanasi. Ashima’s work has been published in National Geographic Traveler, Vanity Fair, Vogue, GQ, Marie Claire, Elle, and Teen People magazines. Ashima will join the India expedition (p. 32).

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Climber and visual storyteller CORY RICHARDS is one of the world’s leading editorial and adventure photographers. Named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in 2012, Cory’s camera has taken him from the controlled and complex studio to the wild and remote corners of Asia, Africa, Pakistan, and the South Pacific. His photography has appeared in National Geographic magazine, Outside, and the New York Times; and his film work has won awards at nearly every major adventure film festival including the grand prize at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Cory will join the Switzerland & France Alpine expedition (p. 36). .

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“Greg Marshall was awesome! His enthusiasm for his work and exploration in general was contagious. He motivated us in our own projects and helped us to maximize our experience on the trip, and overall just made everything more fun.”

Emily P., Ecuador & the Galápagos, 2013

Discover the marine and terrestrial life of the Pacific Northwest with biologist and filmmaker GREG MARSHALL (below). Greg invented the Crittercam, a video 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 animals such as blue whales, black turtles, manta rays, seals, and—most recently—great white sharks. Greg will join the Pacific Northwest expedition (p. 18).

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Emily P., Ecuador & the Galápagos, 2013

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Meet some of our trip leaders.

Our Scholarship Program

Heading up each program is a team of talented, dynamic trip leaders who have extensive experience in the field—and love working with high school students. With no more than nine students to every leader, we’ll have the freedom to break into teams to pursue our On Assignment projects. Here are a few of the outstanding trip leaders who may accompany you on a National Geographic Student Expedition.

The National Geographic Student Expedition Scholarship Program provides financial support for students seeking educational summer experiences who could not otherwise afford them. Last summer, we awarded full scholarships to 25 students from all around the country. Here’s what a few of them had to say about their expeditions.

PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN

SASHA DRISCOLL STORTZ

JILL SCHNEIDER

St. Lawrence University, B.S. Drexel University, Ph.D. candidate.

Lewis & Clark College, B.A. Northern Arizona University, M.S. candidate

University of Arizona, B.A. Academy of Art University, MFA

Patrick developed a passion for field research and travel as a biology and environmental studies major, and was awarded a university fellowship in field biology. He has worked as a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Vermont, a naturalist guide in Yellowstone, and a director of the environmental education program for the Grand Teton Lodge Company. His current doctorate research focuses on amphibian ecology and biodiversity conservation in central Africa.

PHILLIP TORRES Cornell University, B.S. Rice University, Ph.D. candidate Phil (below) has participated in scientific expeditions around the globe since the age of 15. He majored in entomology and biology at Cornell, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Rice University. For the last two years, Phil has been based in remote areas of the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon where he conducts surveys of a multitude of species for conservation research.

Born and raised in Southeast Alaska, Sasha has worked as a biological technician in the Sitka National Historical Park and studied Arctic bird species with the U.S. Geological Service Alaska Science Center. As a graduate student in environmental science and policy, her studies focus on ecology and land use in the West. Sasha is also an accomplished violinist and violin teacher.

Ben J., Namibia

“My greatest success was trying everything throughout the trip! I am a little scared of swimming in deep waters, but I tried snorkeling and surfing anyway. I’m a shy person, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try interacting with more people. I think success comes from trying activities that originally gave you doubt. Being fearless! I didn’t let fear get in the way of things.”

Ben J.

Claudia W., Costa Rica Community Service

FEDERICO PARDO

LINDSAY MACKENZIE

Universidad de los Andes, B.S.c. Montana State University, MFA

Colgate University, B.A. Newcastle University, M.A.

Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Federico’s documentary work has taken him from Jackson Hole Wyoming to Mozambique, where he has filmed and photographed cultural, scientific and conservation stories. Federico recently won an Emmy award for his cinematography in National Geographic’s Untamed Americas. He also won Smithsonian’s In Motion contest for his documentary about discovering new species in the Amazon, created for The Field Museum of Natural History.

{ } “I couldn’t ask for a better set of leaders. Katie and John were phenomenal. They were just the right balance of fun and business, and their energy was never-ending.”

Jill majored in Psychology at the University of Arizona and received her MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. For her master’s thesis she spent nine months documenting Himalayan life in Nepal, Northern India, Kashmir, Bhutan, and Tibet. Jill is now a freelance photographer and photography instructor. She is represented by National Geographic Creative and has photographed for National Geographic Traveler guidebooks.

“I gained so much from this trip: a greater global perspective, a newly invigorated love of conservation, and a unique appreciation for the beauty and diversity of nature. The greatest thing I took away, though, was a confirmation that a career in wildlife conservation is for me.”

Emilee H. Tanzania Community Service, 2013

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Lindsay is a photographer and multimedia journalist currently based near Barcelona, Spain. Since early 2011, Lindsay has covered the Arab Spring revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, El País, The National and on the BBC and AP. Lindsay also frequently produces radio documentaries for the CBC. An avid traveler, Lindsay spent three years working as a tour leader in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America before moving into full-time photojournalism.

MATT KOSTAKIS McGill University, B.A. American University in Cairo, M.A. candidate Matt’s love of travel and passion for learning about other cultures led him to major in international development and Latin American studies. After teaching Spanish for several years, he began a journey that would take him to five continents and over 40 countries—from backpacking through the Balkans to learning traditional fishing techniques off the coast of Sri Lanka. Finally settled in Cairo, Matt is currently pursuing a Masters in Human Rights Law. Matt is fluent in Spanish and Greek, and is proficient in Italian, French, Portuguese, Arabic, and Turkish.

“Everything that I did on this trip was incredible. I swam in the Amazon River and fished for red-bellied piranhas. I made new friends, and bonded with them as we looked up to the bright stars. I was blessed to have gotten such an incredible opportunity to travel with a group of incredible people and to learn from them as much as they learned from me.” Elizabeth C., Brazil’s Amazon & Pantanal

Elizabeth C.

“I learned how to fully open up to the cultures I encountered. I was able to let go of my concerns, discomfort, and hesitation, which allowed me to better embrace the people I came across and the traditions they hold dear. I thought this trip would quell the sense of urgency I felt to venture out and explore the world. However, it has done quite the opposite. I am now even more curious about the diverse cultures and regions the world has to offer.” Nina M., India

“I was stunned to be surrounded by such a diversity of well-educated peers. In our group, every major ethnicity was represented. My peers and I found endless topics for conversation right up until the airport on the last day.” Manny S., Barcelona

Nina M.

National Geographic makes an annual donation to the scholarship fund. However, the long-term success of this important program will depend on the generosity of donors. For more details about scholarship eligibility and how to apply—or to make a contribution—please visit ngstudentexpeditions.com/scholarships.

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Meet some of our trip leaders.

Our Scholarship Program

PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN

SASHA DRISCOLL STORTZ

JILL SCHNEIDER

St. Lawrence University, B.S. Drexel University, Ph.D. candidate.

Lewis & Clark College, B.A. Northern Arizona University, M.S. candidate

University of Arizona, B.A. Academy of Art University, MFA

Ben J., Namibia

Ben J.

Claudia W., Costa Rica Community Service

FEDERICO PARDO

LINDSAY MACKENZIE

Universidad de los Andes, B.S.c. Montana State University, MFA

Colgate University, B.A. Newcastle University, M.A.

{ } “I couldn’t ask for a better set of leaders. Katie and John were phenomenal. They were just the right balance of fun and business, and their energy was never-ending.”

Emilee H. Tanzania Community Service, 2013

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Elizabeth C.

Nina M.

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Meet a few of our students. Last summer, 10 of our students had 10 very different experiences in 10 different countries. But to hear them tell it, they all came back full of great memories, new passions, and inspiration.

THEY WERE MOVED AND INSPIRED. Turning into the Piazza della Rotonda and recognizing the Pantheon was an incredible moment for me. Seeing a building that I’ve researched and seen in movies was amazing. I couldn’t help but stop and stare before freaking out and jumping around in glee. —SAVANNA B., ITALY & GREECE

Walking into N/a’an Ku Sê conservation center for the first time was an unforgettable moment. We saw dozens of people of different races and ages working together to help take care of the wonderful animals of the region. The site was beautiful to boot, with the acacia trees, wildlife, and red sand all in one small location. —TREVOR H., NAMIBIA

THEY EXPERIENCED A LITTLE MAGIC. A small group of us would stay up late photographing star trails in the outback and I will always treasure that as one of the best times of my life. It was incredible to learn about my camera while talking to some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met and joking under the Milky Way. —CASEY W., AUSTRALIA

When we were mountain biking in the Pyrenees Mountains, I felt a light rain start to sprinkle, and before we knew it, it turned in to a full-on hailstorm. We finally made it to a bridge that was wide enough for everyone to sit under. Only, no sitting was going on. We gathered around to do crazy eights, moving our limbs crazily in hopes of getting warmer. We should have been miserable, but all we could do was smile about how truly breathtaking this moment was. —TIGER K., BARCELONA

Our whole group went out on a boat tour in Paris and it was beautiful. Our workshop leaders didn’t pressure us to take photos. They respected the importance of just absorbing the lifestyle and beautiful scenery that Paris has to offer.

Mama Maggie is one of the few female safari guides in Tanzania. She has boundless energy and enthusiasm for her job, which I believe she sees more as a gift than an occupation. She has started her own foundation, which focuses on the empowerment and education of Tanzanian women. Maggie is a phenomenal role model and someone who taught me that anyone, no matter how daunting the odds, can make a difference.

During a talk with a rhino conservationist, I realized that millions like me back in the U.S. are probably oblivious to the harsh reality of poaching and habitat destruction. Since my NGSE trip, I have been inspired to start a wildlife conservation club at my school, as I now feel that I am an ambassador for National Geographic, and have a duty to care for this planet.

Being on this trip changed me, I have learned how to enjoy the little things, to not be afraid to go up to complete strangers and start a conversation with them. The leaders of this trip were just amazing, wonderful people who inspired me.

—DAVID S., NAMIBIA

I now realize that the world is not confined to my small town. Every time I think back to my trip, I wonder, “What is Flo, our NG expert, doing right now? Are the Bushman schoolkids enjoying the sandbox we built for them? Are our guides leading other Americans today?” Every day I think about my trip, I expand my small community a little more.

THEY CAME HOME A LITTLE RICHER. I learned that the world is far bigger and far wilder than anything I could have ever imagined. My trip taught me how much greater purpose we can have when traveling. I realized that even a little group of students with shovels and pickaxes can make a huge difference for a community halfway around the world, and that definitely means something. —EMILEE H., TANZANIA COMMUNITY SERVICE

I am now really into long hikes. When I got home from Alaska I was so sad that my trip had ended that I called up my friend from the trip who lives near me and we went for a hike!

—NADIM I., PARIS

—TREVOR H., NAMIBIA

This trip taught me exactly how much I love being behind a camera and discovering the world. I am confident now that I am capable of traveling all around the world, and I can’t wait to see what else the world has to offer. —KAREN J., ECUADOR & THE GALÁPAGOS

—JANE B., ALASKA

—EMILEE H., TANZANIA COMMUNITY SERVICE

—NADIM I., PARIS

The last day that we snorkeled off of Caye Caulker was unforgettable. My heart still races when I think about the moment that I swam around the reef and saw the two huge manatees staring back at me. My love for the ocean skyrocketed in that moment. —LINDSEY W., BELIZE

At sunset, we ran to a massive dune and scaled up the almost-vertical side. As we were lying out of breath on the crest, overlooking miles of desert, the golden sunlight illuminated the peaks of sand all around us. The wind had picked up and cast the sand like little gold flakes swirling all around us. After taking a panoramic shot we raced down the face of the dune where we collapsed, covered in sand. —DAVID S., NAMIBIA

Photos (clockwise): Trevor H., Casey W., Tiger K., David S., Nadim I.

Call toll-free 1-877-877-8759

apply onl ine at ngstudentexpedit ions.com 1 3

—DAVID S., NAMIBIA

I am now really into long hikes. When I got home from Alaska I was so sad that my trip had ended that I called up my friend from the trip who lives near me and we went for a hike!

—NADIM I., PARIS

—TREVOR H., NAMIBIA

—JANE B., ALASKA

—EMILEE H., TANZANIA COMMUNITY SERVICE

—NADIM I., PARIS

Photos (clockwise): Trevor H., Casey W., Tiger K., David S., Nadim I.

Call toll-free 1-877-877-8759

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crystal-clear waters. Cap off our stay with a hike and a refreshing swim beneath a waterfall.

Brazil’s Amazon & Pantanal: Biodiversity Conservation

RIO DE JANEIRO AND THE ATLANTIC FOREST

0 0

Highlights u

L ook for nocturnal wildlife in the Amazon on a night safari by boat.

Track and monitor golden lion tamarins with scientists in the Atlantic Forest.

When it comes to natural resources, Brazil is full of superlatives. It is home to the largest rain forest in the world, one of the largest wetlands, the greatest number of species, and nearly 5,000 miles of coast. Delve into three distinct biodiversity hotspots: the Amazon rain forest, the Pantanal floodplains, and the Atlantic Forest. Encounter an incredible array of species as you explore by horseback, boat, and foot, learning the successes of and challenges to conservation efforts here. Then join scientists to work on the preservation of the golden lion tamarin in the jungles north of Rio.

Itinerary (19 DAYS)

ide horseback through the wetR lands of the Pantanal.

THE AMAZON RAIN FOREST AND MANAUS

6 days. Arrive in Manaus for a day of orientation and acclimatization. Meet a scientist working on a National Geographic-funded project tracking the effects of forest fragmentation and get introduced to conservation efforts in the Amazon rain forest. Then travel by bus and boat to a lodge deep in the jungle. Blanketing more than half of Brazil, the Amazon rain forest produces about 20 percent of the world’s oxygen, and is home to one in five of the world’s bird species. We’ll spend our time experiencing the forest’s biodiversity

Stroll along the beach at Ipanema.

Expert Brazilian conservationist and National Geographic grantee DENISE RAMBALDI will join both departures in the Atlantic Forest. See her bio on our website.

14 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

firsthand as we explore by foot and by boat. Glide along waterways on the lookout for sloths and capuchin monkeys lounging on branches, pink dolphins swimming by, and scarlet macaws or toucans in the canopy. Try your hand at piranha fishing and capture images of the large, electric-blue morpho butterfly. Examine myriad plant species, from delicate orchids to soaring kapok trees, and learn how they respond to a changing environment. Set off in a motorboat at night in search of the Amazon caiman, a relative of the alligator. PANTANAL AND BONITO

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6 days. Travel to Campo Grande and take a short bus ride to our lodge in the Pantanal wetlands. Known as the “Serengeti of South America,” the Pantanal is an excellent place for spotting wildlife including the giant river otter, hyacinth macaws, capybaras, and much more. Venture into this pristine wilderness on foot and on horseback, keeping an eye out for the elusive jaguar. Travel to nearby Bonito to explore the rivers that seasonally flood the Pantanal. Snorkel with colorful fish in

275

Amaz o n

Manaus AM AZON

Campo Grande

Bonito

300

MILES

T ES Rio de OR Janeiro

This expedition was specially crafted to involve students in ongoing conservation efforts supported by the Society. While working with researchers in the field, students create a group project using photography and video to help raise awareness about important conservation issues.

550 Miles

Madeleine K. Brazil, 2013

BASIN

BRAZIL

550 KM

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

}

”I was encouraged to leap outside my comfort zone and embrace everything with an open mind and great attitude. My greatest sense of accomplishment came each time I pushed myself beyond my limits.”

Atlantic Ocean

AT LA NT IC

6 days. During an interlude in legendary Rio de Janeiro, photograph the city and its island-scattered bay from the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue or the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. Then hit the beach at Ipanema, and with luck, catch a spontaneous performance of the Brazilian martial art capoeira. Stretching along the southeastern coast of Brazil, the Atlantic Forest is home to tens of thousands of plant and animal species—as well as about 70% of the country’s human population. The habitat is fragmented and highly threatened, and some 250 native species here have gone extinct. One of its most famous endemic species, the golden lion tamarin, was recently brought back from the brink of extinction thanks to the work of award-winning conservationist and National Geographic grantee Denise Rambaldi. Our base in the Atlantic Forest is the Golden Lion Tamarin Association’s headquarters, where we’ll work alongside Denise and Brazilian conservationists on environmental service and education projects. Rise at dawn and set out into the forest with radio telemetry equipment to locate golden lion tamarin groups. Observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, and meet with scientists to learn about efforts to reconnect the region’s fragmented forests. Contribute to the reforestation efforts by planting trees, and monitor new forest corridors by measuring tree growth. Collaborate on a final group project using a variety of media to compare and contrast the diverse ecosystems you’ve encountered and the conservation efforts at play. .

The unparalleled biodiversity of the Amazon rain forest, the Pantanal, and the Atlantic Forest—each a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve—has drawn National Geographic’s scientists and conservationists for decades. Even as our researchers work to protect these threatened areas, they are discovering new species and learning the critical role of each of these habitats in the complex interplay of the world’s ecosystems. Meet a researcher from a National Geographic-funded research project in the Amazon. Then work closely with scientists from the Golden Lion Tamarin Association to monitor these endangered primates and help create wildlife corridors connecting fragments of the Atlantic Forest. Together, we will create a group presentation on the integral role of Brazil’s biodiversity in maintaining the health of the planet.

2014 DATES: July 18–August 5 • July 23–August 10 TUITION: $6,290

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Rio de Janeiro, Rio to Manaus, Manaus to Bonito, Bonito to Rio, and return to Miami. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

In Rio, Manaus, and the Atlantic Forest, we stay in small family-run inns and hostels. In the Pantanal and Bonito, we will stay in small lodges, and in the Amazon, we will stay in a jungle lodge.

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EXPEDITION 15

crystal-clear waters. Cap off our stay with a hike and a refreshing swim beneath a waterfall.

Brazil’s Amazon & Pantanal: Biodiversity Conservation

RIO DE JANEIRO AND THE ATLANTIC FOREST

0 0

Highlights u

L ook for nocturnal wildlife in the Amazon on a night safari by boat.

Track and monitor golden lion tamarins with scientists in the Atlantic Forest.

Itinerary (19 DAYS)

ide horseback through the wetR lands of the Pantanal.

THE AMAZON RAIN FOREST AND MANAUS

Stroll along the beach at Ipanema.

Expert Brazilian conservationist and National Geographic grantee DENISE RAMBALDI will join both departures in the Atlantic Forest. See her bio on our website.

14 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

{

275

Amaz o n

Manaus AM AZON

Campo Grande

Bonito

300

MILES

T ES Rio de OR Janeiro

550 Miles

Madeleine K. Brazil, 2013

BASIN

BRAZIL

550 KM

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

}

Atlantic Ocean

AT LA NT IC

2014 DATES: July 18–August 5 • July 23–August 10 TUITION: $6,290

ACCOMMODATIONS:

In Rio, Manaus, and the Atlantic Forest, we stay in small family-run inns and hostels. In the Pantanal and Bonito, we will stay in small lodges, and in the Amazon, we will stay in a jungle lodge.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 15

able circular limestone sinkhole in the seafloor stretching nearly 1,000 feet across and more than 400 feet deep. Made famous by Jacques Cousteau, this spectacular sunken cave is home to diverse marine life and jagged stalactites. MEXICO In the evenings, unwind back on shore. Enjoy discussions with marine biologists, get to know GUATEMALA your fellow travelers, and share fresh coconuts straight off the tree while watching the sun set 17° 25' N over the thick Belizean jungle.

Belize: Oceans and Underwater Exploration

Ambergris Caye Shark Ray Alley Caye Caulker (Cay Corker) Belize City

CAYE CAULKER

Highlights

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 u Snorkel or SCUBA dive on the amazing ocean habitats and for exploring ways to preserve them for future generations. world’s second-largest barrier reef. Join top marine biologists, scientists, and conservationists to conduct research on the baru Work with marine biologists to rier reef. Photograph underwater species, snorkel the famous Blue Hole, and learn about collect data underwater and on land. local ecotourism and conservation initiatives. u

Learn the art of underwater photography.

Itinerary (12 DAYS) TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER

E xplore the world-famous Blue Hole.

1 day. Our expedition begins with an orientation at a research station outside of Belize City, the Tropical Education Center. During a night tour of the worldfamous Belize Zoo led by professional keepers, handfeed the national animal of Belize, the tapir, and meet an orphaned jaguar known as Lucky Boy.

Expert Marine biologist and filmmaker TIERNEY THYS will join the July 8 departure on Caye Caulker and the July 15 departure on Blackbird Caye. See her bio on page 8.

16 E X P E D I T I O N

BLACKBIRD CAYE

6 days. Take a boat from the marina across the clear blue waters to Turneffe Atoll, where we’ll get settled at the Oceanic Society’s research facility on Blackbird CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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 face to face with countless species of marine life—from colorful parrotfish and damsel fish to eels, rays, and turtles. Join researchers to conduct a survey of the bottlenose dolphin population and a manatee-tagging project. Participate in ongoing initiatives to protect dolphins, turtles, and reef sharks, and examine the threats to coral reefs around the planet. Improve your underwater photography and video techniques during one-on-one lessons with our highly qualified trip leaders and experts, and learn to use photography as a storytelling tool to portray the integral role of our oceans and seas in maintaining the health of the planet. Begin work on group and individual projects designed to raise awareness about the critical need to protect and conserve our marine habitat. Then put your new marine biology and photography skills to the test during a full-day excursion to Lighthouse Reef, home of the world-famous Blue Hole, a remark-

5 days. Leave the outer reef and head north to Caye Caulker, one of the more developed cayes (pronounced keys). Spend time working with local students and participate in community service and environmental stewardship projects. Get out on the water with researchers working to preserve their fragile marine habitat, and learn firsthand how overfishing and reef destruction impact 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 around the shallow waterways, keeping an eye out for endangered manatees and sea turtles. Learn about the development of marine protected areas, and examine the role of ecotourism and local conservation efforts in reef preservation. Present your final project to community members and local experts.

{

BELIZE

Alexandra D. Belize, 2013

Blackbird Caye Lighthouse Reef

Caribbean Sea 0

MILES

OCEANS AND UNDERWATER EXPLORATION

}

“These were the most amazing 12 days of my life! I’ll take with me a heightened awareness of my ecological footprint, a renewed respect for the ocean and the life in it, and a sense of empowerment to go home and make change.”

Turneffe Islands

In 2002, National Geographic supported an expedition that explored Belize’s immense barrier reef from end to end to bring attention to the threatened state of coral reefs worldwide. Today, National Geographic’s Ocean Initiative seeks to highlight the importance of protecting our marine habitats. Work with scientists underwater and on land to help research and photograph Belize’s coral reefs. Document reef species, remove invasive lion fish, conduct an acoustic survey of bottle nose dolphins, or use high-tech equipment to detect sharks and rays on the sea floor. Interview fisherman and local conservationists about the interplay of conservation, livelihoods, and sustainable development. Both as a group and individually, work on presentations about Belize’s marine wonders and the importance of conserving our “Blue Planet.”

2014 DATES: JULY 8–19 • JULY 15–26 • JULY 22–AUGUST 2 TUITION: $5,590

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Miami and Belize City. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions. Note: Students who are SCUBA certified may SCUBA dive during the trip. The scuba supplement is $300.

At the Tropical Education Center we stay in dormatory-style rooms and shared cabanas. On Blackbird Caye we stay in seaside cabanas at the Oceanic Society’s research facility. On Caye Caulker we stay in a small, family-run hotel.

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EXPEDITION 17

Belize: Oceans and Underwater Exploration

Ambergris Caye Shark Ray Alley Caye Caulker (Cay Corker) Belize City

CAYE CAULKER

Highlights

Learn the art of underwater photography.

Itinerary (12 DAYS) TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER

E xplore the world-famous Blue Hole.

Expert Marine biologist and filmmaker TIERNEY THYS will join the July 8 departure on Caye Caulker and the July 15 departure on Blackbird Caye. See her bio on page 8.

16 E X P E D I T I O N

BLACKBIRD CAYE

6 days. Take a boat from the marina across the clear blue waters to Turneffe Atoll, where we’ll get settled at the Oceanic Society’s research facility on Blackbird CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

{

BELIZE

Alexandra D. Belize, 2013

Blackbird Caye Lighthouse Reef

Caribbean Sea 0

MILES

OCEANS AND UNDERWATER EXPLORATION

}

Turneffe Islands

2014 DATES: JULY 8–19 • JULY 15–26 • JULY 22–AUGUST 2 TUITION: $5,590

ACCOMMODATIONS:

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 17

SAN JUAN ISLANDS

Pacific Northwest: Protecting the Puget Sound Watershed

Highlights

ork alongside conservationists to W reforest river ecosystems.

onitor orca populations with local M researchers.

o river rafting in Olympic G National Park.

ayak with Steller sea lions in the K San Juan Islands.

In Washington State’s Puget Sound watershed—one of the country’s great treasures— orcas breach against a backdrop of snowy peaks, and bears and bald eagles preside over rain forests and pristine islands. Puget Sound is an immense estuary where rivers mix freshwater with the saltwater of the Pacific, creating extraordinary biodiversity. Yet human impact is threatening the health of this fragile ecosystem. Join the region’s top conservationists to work on habitat restoration in Olympic National Park and monitor orca populations in the San Juan Islands, then cap off the trip with a three-day kayaking adventure.

Itinerary (12 DAYS) SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

2 days. Our program starts and ends in the vibrant city of Seattle, perched on the edge of Puget Sound. Get to know your group during an orientation and visit some of the city’s sights, including the famous Pike Place Market. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Seattle Aquarium and learn about local conservation issues.

Expert Biologist and Crittercam inventor GREG MARSHALL will join the group in the San Juan Islands. See his bio on page 9.

18 E X P E D I T I O N

OLYMPIC PENINSULA

5 days. Ride a ferry across Puget Sound to the Olympic Peninsula and settle into our base on the shores of CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Lake Crescent within Olympic National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is home to sandy beaches, rain forests where green comes in all shades, glacier-topped mountains, and natural hot springs. Lake Crescent, left behind by the last ice age, harbors numerous fish species, and hiking and kayaking opportunities here abound. Join local conservationists and scientists to work on the park’s major conservation initiatives. In photographs and interviews, document the story of the Elwha River, whose century-old dam was recently removed, paving the way for the resurgence of salmon populations. Hike up the old riverbed to record the dam’s impact on old-growth forest and witness how the unleashed river is now reclaiming the land. Collect water samples, help with reforestation efforts, survey wildlife along the river, and monitor the growth of native and invasive species. Raft down the newly opened section of the river on the lookout for bald eagles, bears, and elk.

5 days. Scattered across Puget Sound lie the San Juan Islands, several hundred pristine islands that range from the largest, Orcas Island, to tiny tree-topped tufts. Our home here is Friday Harbor, on the island of San Juan. Here, National Geographic Expert Greg Marshall joins us as we focus our efforts on marine conservation. Learn about the region’s largest marine mammals at the Whale Museum, then hop in a boat with local researchers to spot and study the sound’s wildlife. The narrow inlets and passages that carve between the islands are home to both resident and transient pods of orca whales. Matriarchal groups, the resident families can be found traveling through Puget Sound in search of salmon and other food sources. Despite being some of the most studied populations of orcas in the world, their numbers are still dwindling due to overfishing of their food stocks and contamination from pollution runoff. Meet with members of local research groups and collect data on these charismatic animals, recording their movement, measuring their population size, and tracking them through acoustic listening devices. Use what you’ve learned to help staff an education station and teach visitors about orcas and the threats they face. Set out to discover the wilds of the San Juans on a three-day kayak excursion. With professional guides at our helm, paddle past rugged sea cliffs and into pristine coves, on the lookout for falcons, seals, porpoises, and whales. Each night, we’ll set up camp on a secluded beach and make dinner together under the stars. Along the way, we’ll collaborate with the Washington State Parks system to help clean beaches, maintain trails, and educate the public about conservation issues.

{

Greg Marshall National Geographic Expert

Pacific Ocean 0

MILES

Lake Crescent IC PE NINSULA Olympic National Park Seattle

Puget Sound

UNITED STATES

PROTECTING THE PUGET SOUND WATERSHED

}

“For me, this is the best kind of adventure—one which marries the pure joy of discovery, the opportunity to share ideas, and the participation in research destined to solve mysteries, enlighten us, and impact conservation strategies.”

San Juan Islands Friday Harbor

The Puget Sound watershed is home to many hundreds of species and ecosystems. With toxic runoff, overfishing, and human population growth threatening this fragile place, scientists are hard at work to save the watershed and its creatures. Join conservationists and researchers both on land and on the water to help protect two distinct ecosystems. In Olympic National Park, investigate the drastic effects of a century-old dam— and its removal—on the Elwha River habitat, and work with scientists to evaluate the area’s regeneration. Plant native trees and remove invasive species to encourage habitat restoration, document local wildlife, and use sampling techniques to test water quality. In the San Juan Islands, collect and record data on endangered orca populations; track and monitor whales and other marine mammals; and educate visitors about the state of the Sound’s orcas.

2014 DATES: JUNE 27–JULY 8 • JULY 26–AUGUST 6 TUITION: $5,490

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Seattle, Washington. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

In Seattle we stay in small hotels. In Olympic National Park we stay in private dorm-style buildings. On San Juan Island we stay in small family-run hostels. During the kayak trip we camp in tents on the beach.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 19

SAN JUAN ISLANDS

Pacific Northwest: Protecting the Puget Sound Watershed

Highlights

ork alongside conservationists to W reforest river ecosystems.

onitor orca populations with local M researchers.

o river rafting in Olympic G National Park.

ayak with Steller sea lions in the K San Juan Islands.

Itinerary (12 DAYS) SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Expert Biologist and Crittercam inventor GREG MARSHALL will join the group in the San Juan Islands. See his bio on page 9.

18 E X P E D I T I O N

OLYMPIC PENINSULA

5 days. Ride a ferry across Puget Sound to the Olympic Peninsula and settle into our base on the shores of CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

{

Greg Marshall National Geographic Expert

Pacific Ocean 0

MILES

Lake Crescent IC PE NINSULA Olympic National Park Seattle

Puget Sound

UNITED STATES

PROTECTING THE PUGET SOUND WATERSHED

}

San Juan Islands Friday Harbor

2014 DATES: JUNE 27–JULY 8 • JULY 26–AUGUST 6 TUITION: $5,490

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Seattle, Washington. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 19

THE SACRED VALLEY AND OLLANTAYTAMBO

8 days. Travel to the Sacred Valley of the Inca and settle in at Ollantaytambo, a lively village that has been occupied continuously for more than 500 years. With its cobblestoned lanes and sophisticated system of working aqueducts, Ollantaytambo is the best existing example of Inca city planning. Follow old Inca trails to forgotten ruins and isolated stone villages where families live as they have for centuries. The mountains here are some of the Southern Hemisphere’s highest peaks—considered sacred protectors by the Inca. Glaciers spill into valleys where llamas and alpacas graze. We’ll hike through a beautiful mountain pass for breathtaking views of the valley. Go white-water rafting on the Urubamba River, and explore the town of Pisac and important archaeological sites such as the Ollantaytambo fortress. In vibrant street markets, discover indigenous foods and colorful textiles. In the evenings, play soccer with new village friends. During your last days in Ollantaytanbo, finalize your On Assignment projects and present them to the group.

Peru: Mysteries of the Inca Empire

Pa c i f i c Ocean

Lima

Highlights

E xplore Inca fortresses and the incomparable Machu Picchu.

Go white-water rafting through the Sacred Valley of the Inca.

L earn the ancient practice of Peruvian weaving.

Itinerary (20 DAYS) CUSCO AND CHINCHERO

MACHU PICCHU

Hike to remote Andean villages.

Volunteer at a local orphanage.

7 days. Our expedition kicks off in the imperial city of Cusco, known to the Inca as the “navel of the Earth.” Here, we begin with an orientation and form our On Assignment teams. Delve into Incan culture as we visit Coricancha, the once-golden temple at the heart of the Inca Empire, and step into a colonial cathedral built with stones from the original Inca walls. Stroll through the city’s winding streets and discover relics of an empire long gone but not forgotten. Then explore the colossal fortress of Sacsayhuaman, site of one of the

3 days. Travel by train to Machu Picchu, a citadel built atop cliffs that drop thousands of feet into the cloud forests below. Recently voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated by a team from National Geographic. Follow National Geographic expert Peter Frost into the maze of temples and dwellings to uncover the secrets of its past inhabitants. Take an early-morning hike up the surrounding slopes to see the sun rise over the spectacular ruins.

Welcome to the land of the Inca—a complex civilization that has fascinated explorers for centuries. In the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, discover the archaeological mysteries and colorful indigenous culture of the Peruvian highlands. Against the backdrop of the soaring Andes, venture into a network of incredibly sophisticated temples and fortresses, including magnificent Machu Picchu. Explore the ancient past and vibrant contemporary culture of Peru through an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography or Archaeology & Ancient Culture.

Expert PETER FROST is a writer and photographer based in Cusco. He will join both departures in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu. See his bio on our website.

20 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

bloodiest battles in the Spanish conquest. Spend a day volunteering in the village of Chinchero, located an hour from Cusco. Take on a service project such as repairing a greenhouse, teaching English to students, or organizing engaging after-school activities for local children. Visit National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa’s textile center, and try your hand at the ancient art of Andean weaving, a tradition that continues today thanks to Nilda’s efforts.

200

Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Create a series of photo-essays that captures the spirit of Peru. Set out with your team to photograph campesinos in traditional garb, old stone villages, bustling markets, and jagged peaks. Get a new angle on Machu Picchu, one of the most photographed sites in the world.

Addison L. Peru, 2013

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE

}

”Climbing Wayna Picchu and doing the extra loop was really amazing! I enjoyed pushing myself and felt such a sense of accomplishment afterward.”

Ollantaytambo Cusco

On Assignment

2 days. End your expedition with a stay in the vibrant city of Lima. Visit the world-famous archaeological museum. Meet National Geographic grantee Guillermo Cock, a Peruvian archaeologist whose groundbreaking discovery of thousands of Inca mummies was featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine in May 2002. Have a final dinner of ceviche and other local specialties with your group before returning to Miami.

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Machu Picchu

MILES

LIMA

PERU

Examine Inca culture—past and present. Learn about the iconic boulder masonry of the Inca and the preservation of ancient ruins. Meet indigenous people, and discuss how their ageold customs and beliefs are adapting to modern times. Reconstruct Machu Picchu during its heyday through writings or sketches.

2014 DATES: JUNE 23–JULY 12 • JULY 16–AUGUST 4 TUITION: $6,090

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Lima, Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Lima, and return to Miami. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

We will stay in small, family-run inns and hostels throughout the expedition. Note: Cusco is at an elevation of 11,200 feet, and Machu Picchu is at an elevation of 8,000 feet.

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EXPEDITION 21

THE SACRED VALLEY AND OLLANTAYTAMBO

Peru: Mysteries of the Inca Empire

Pa c i f i c Ocean

Lima

Highlights

E xplore Inca fortresses and the incomparable Machu Picchu.

Go white-water rafting through the Sacred Valley of the Inca.

L earn the ancient practice of Peruvian weaving.

Itinerary (20 DAYS) CUSCO AND CHINCHERO

MACHU PICCHU

Hike to remote Andean villages.

Volunteer at a local orphanage.

Expert PETER FROST is a writer and photographer based in Cusco. He will join both departures in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu. See his bio on our website.

20 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

200

Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

Addison L. Peru, 2013

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE

}

”Climbing Wayna Picchu and doing the extra loop was really amazing! I enjoyed pushing myself and felt such a sense of accomplishment afterward.”

Ollantaytambo Cusco

On Assignment

{

Machu Picchu

MILES

LIMA

PERU

2014 DATES: JUNE 23–JULY 12 • JULY 16–AUGUST 4 TUITION: $6,090

ACCOMMODATIONS:

We will stay in small, family-run inns and hostels throughout the expedition. Note: Cusco is at an elevation of 11,200 feet, and Machu Picchu is at an elevation of 8,000 feet.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 21

an open-air tram, to ride over a deep ravine into the unspoiled cloud forest of the Bosque Protector Mindo-Nambillo reserve. Swim in freshwater pools, where waterfalls cascade down cliffs overgrown with orchids. Hone your wildlife observation skills by identifying some of Ecuador’s 1,500 bird species. Fly through the cloud forest canopy on zip lines, and float down the river on a tubing adventure. Get to know young Ecuadorians by playing soccer together, and spend an afternoon teaching English at the local elementary school.

Ecuador & the Galápagos: Biodiversity Hotspot

Mindo

Quito Galápagos Islands

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

Highlights u

norkel with playful sea lions S and penguins in the Galápagos.

ail above the cloud forest canopy S on a network of zip lines.

ide horseback in the sweeping R páramo landscape of the Andes.

Mist-shrouded cloud forests, rolling Andean highlands, and the species-rich 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 toucans and condors to the endemic marine iguanas and giant tortoises of the Galápagos Islands. Explore Ecuador’s natural wonders through an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography or Wildlife & Conservation.

Itinerary (18 DAYS) QUITO

ork on conservation projects near W Cotopaxi National Park.

3 days. Located at 9,000 feet in a high-Andean valley ringed by snowcapped volcanoes, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world. Its rich colonial architecture, built on the remains of an Inca city, earned its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll along streets that have scarcely changed since the 17th century, past the well-preserved buildings of the Spanish Empire. Step into the bustle of everyday life in an ancient city plaza, where Andean music fills the air and vendors hawk exotic rain forest herbs and natural medicines.

Expert Photographer IVAN KASHINSKY will join the July 5 and 19 trips. Biologist TAYLOR EDWARDS will join the June 28 trip. See Taylor’s bio on page 9, and see Ivan’s bio on our website.

22 E X P E D I T I O N

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COTOPAXI VOLCANO AND THE HIGH PÁRAMO

3 days. From Quito, head south to our next base, a working hacienda high in the central Andes. Ride horseback over the páramo, a rare ecosystem found between the dwarf forest and the snow line in the equatorial Andes. Spot Andean condors soaring above a landscape of mossy bogs and tussock grasses. Cotopaxi National Park is home to Volcán Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes and the Earth’s closest point to the sun. Here, take part in conservation projects, such as trail sign construction or reforestation. Drive up the switchbacks of Cotopaxi, stopping to hike up to the mountain’s spectacular glacier (16,000 feet).

100

Pa c i f i c Ocean

200

MILES

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

Create a photo-essay depicting Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, or spectacular wildlife.&Capture the swirl of colors at an ARCHAEOLOGY PHOTOGRAPHY ANCIENT CULTURE Andean market or assemble a series of portraits of townspeople you meet. Practice your wildlife WILDLIFE & skills on the amazingly approachphotography ARCHAEOLOGY & CONSERVATION able animals of the Galápagos Islands. ANCIENT CULTURE

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION CLIMATE & GEOLOGY WILDLIFE &

}

“I feel like I discovered myself on this trip! The people I met really gave me a new view of the world and its surprises. The memories and friendships I made while in Ecuador will stay with me forever.”

ECUADOR

MILES

8 days. Set off on an island-hopping adventure in the legendary Galápagos Islands. This volcanic archipelago, cut off from humans for millennia, helped shape Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. 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. Spot fire-red Sally Lightfoot crabs sunning on the rocks alongside spiky marine iguanas—the only sea lizard on the planet. Learn about the late Lonesome George, the last member of one of the islands’ 11 tortoise subspecies, and the conservation efforts he inspired. Get closer than you ever imagined to blue-footed boobies; and snorkel with penguins, sea lions, and sea turtles in one of the most fascinating and fragile environments in the world. Return to Quito for the final night of our adventure, and share On Assignment projects before flying home.

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Cotopaxi National Park

Lauren C. Ecuador & the Galápagos, 2013

CONSERVATION Study Ecuador’s conservation policies with local experts in the field. Set out in teams to interview CREATIVE WRITING community members about local conservaCLIMATE GEOLOGYan ecological survey of tion efforts.& Conduct the páramo, or research the symbolism of FILMMAKING the Andean condor and the threats it faces. CREATIVE Learn aboutWRITING evolution, biodiversity, and animal behavior firsthand by observing turtles and COMMUNITY SERVICE marine iguanas. FILMMAKING CULTURAL EXPLORATION

COMMUNITY SERVICE CULTURAL EXPLORATION

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

MINDO AND THE CLOUD FOREST

4 days. Travel northwest to the lower-altitude slopes of the Andes and settle into the relaxed and welcoming village of Mindo. Break into your On Assignment teams, and set out on daily adventures in the region’s impressive array of protected natural areas. Catch the tarabita,

2014 DATES: JUNE 28–JULY 15 • JULY 5–22 • JULY 19–AUGUST 5

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

TUITION: $6,990

ACCOMMODATIONS:

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 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

We will stay at a hacienda in the páramo, in rustic cabanas in Mindo, and in family-run inns and small hotels in Quito and the Galápagos Islands. Note: Quito is at an elevation of 9,350 feet and our hacienda in the páramo is at 11,800 feet.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 23

Ecuador & the Galápagos: Biodiversity Hotspot

Mindo

Quito Galápagos Islands

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

Highlights u

norkel with playful sea lions S and penguins in the Galápagos.

ail above the cloud forest canopy S on a network of zip lines.

ide horseback in the sweeping R páramo landscape of the Andes.

Itinerary (18 DAYS) QUITO

ork on conservation projects near W Cotopaxi National Park.

Expert Photographer IVAN KASHINSKY will join the July 5 and 19 trips. Biologist TAYLOR EDWARDS will join the June 28 trip. See Taylor’s bio on page 9, and see Ivan’s bio on our website.

22 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

COTOPAXI VOLCANO AND THE HIGH PÁRAMO

100

Pa c i f i c Ocean

200

MILES

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION CLIMATE & GEOLOGY WILDLIFE &

}

ECUADOR

MILES

{

Cotopaxi National Park

Lauren C. Ecuador & the Galápagos, 2013

COMMUNITY SERVICE CULTURAL EXPLORATION

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

MINDO AND THE CLOUD FOREST

2014 DATES: JUNE 28–JULY 15 • JULY 5–22 • JULY 19–AUGUST 5

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

TUITION: $6,990

ACCOMMODATIONS:

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 23

Geographic Emerging Explorer Andrea Marshall. Our days here will be spent with the foundation’s scientists, learning about the wide spectrum of wildlife here, with a special focus on large marine species. Snorkel or dive a site called Manta Reef with marine researchers, collecting data and monitoring marine life from ethereal manta rays and whale sharks to sea turtles and moray eels. Venture out on an ocean safari, cruising in search of dolphin pods and migrating humpback whales. Gather in the evenings for a barbecue on the beach or a discussion on coastal conservation efforts with marine researchers.

South Africa & Mozambique: Megafauna of the Land and Sea

MOZAMBIQUE Kruger Vilanculos National Park Johannesburg

SOUTH AFRICA

VILANCULOS AND BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK

Highlights

L earn tracking techniques on game drives in Kruger National Park.

onitor marine wildlife with M scientists off Tofo Beach.

From the wildlife-packed savanna of Kruger National Park to the serene ocean depths of Mozambique’s Bazaruto archipelago, southeastern Africa is endowed with a staggering wealth of megafauna. Explore a host of conservation issues as you work with naturalists in these two very different environments. Follow trackers into the Kruger wilderness, learning to identify species and observing their behavior. Then head to the rich waters along Mozambique’s pristine coast and encounter manta rays, dugongs, whale sharks, and much more with scientists from the Marine Megafauna Foundation.

pot humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, S and manta rays on an ocean safari.

Itinerary (20 DAYS)

norkel with whale sharks and S dugongs in the Bazaruto archipelago.

7 days. Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa, and head north to Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa and one of the world’s top wildlifeviewing destinations. Stretching along South Africa’s border with Mozambique, Kruger was established as a protected area beginning in 1898, and is home to an incredible range of creatures, including the famous “big five”: African elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopard. From our home base at the South African Wildlife College, venture out into the park with local

SOUTH AFRICA AND KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Expert National Geographic Emerging Explorer and conservation biologist ANDREA MARSHALL will join the group in Vilanculos, Mozambique. See her bio on page 8.

24 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

trackers on daily game drives. Observe an astonishing variety of creatures in their natural habitats—from cheetahs and wild dogs to marabou storks—and study their behavior first hand. Learn to identify animal tracks and scat, and take bush walks to discover the plant life and smaller wildlife of the lowveld. Go on night safaris to watch nocturnal animals in action. Meet with rangers and instructors at the college to discuss what is being done to limit poaching within Kruger National Park and hear about the challenges they face. Listen to the wild sounds of the savanna around a fire during a night of camping in the bush with experienced guides.

TOFO BEACH, MOZAMBIQUE

5 days. Travel east to Mozambique, passing through the cosmopolitan capital of Maputo on our way to Tofo Beach. A stunning miles-long stretch of sand that curves along the Mozambique Channel, Tofo is home to the main research center of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, established by National

Indian Ocean 0

300

MEGAFAUNA OF THE LAND AND SEA

}

“Mantas are some of the most engaging and charismatic underwater animals you’ll ever encounter. But if we don’t act now, these amazing species could disappear from our oceans.”

Maputo

MILES

6 days. Follow the coast to Vilanculos, home to the Marine Megafauna Foundation’s northern partner and the gateway to Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. A swirl of unspoiled islands with soaring dunes and few inhabitants, the archipelago is one of the most serene and spectacular places on Earth. Meet with Andrea Marshall to learn about her megafauna conservation initiatives and her work to protect the dugong, a relative of the manatee whose largest populations in East Africa used to be found here. Learn about threats to the marine ecosystem and help survey dugong and other marine megafauna while snorkeling or diving in the reef-filled waters surrounding the islands. Board a dhow, or traditional sailboat, to explore remote parts of the coast, and relax on some of the most pristine beaches in Africa. Present your final On Assignment projects to the group before flying home.

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Bazaruto Archipelago National Park Tofo Beach

Andrea Marshall National Geographic Expert

From wild dogs to big cats to manta rays, National Geographic’s researchers have been working for decades to protect the majestic wildlife of southeast Africa. Delve right in to the efforts to protect South Africa and Mozambique’s largest wild creatures on land and in the sea. At the South African Wildlife College, meet with park rangers and educators to learn about their efforts to promote community-based natural resource management and minimize human-wildlife conflict outside of the parks. Interview members of the anti-poaching team and hear about their challenges and successes. In Mozambique, join a team of researchers at the Marine Megafauna Foundation as they gather data on manta rays, dugongs, and other species. Learn about efforts to reduce poaching of sea turtles, survey marine mammals on dives and snorkeling excursions, and discuss environmental threats such as destructive fishing practices in the Mozambique Channel.

2014 DATES: JUNE 23–JULY 12 • JULY 11–30 TUITION: $7,690

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Johannesburg, and return from Vilanculos. Please refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions. Note: Students who are SCUBA certified may SCUBA dive during the trip. The SCUBA supplement is $300.

We stay in dormitory-style housing, small hotels, safari tents, and small casitas on the beach. .

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 25

South Africa & Mozambique: Megafauna of the Land and Sea

MOZAMBIQUE Kruger Vilanculos National Park Johannesburg

SOUTH AFRICA

VILANCULOS AND BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK

Highlights

L earn tracking techniques on game drives in Kruger National Park.

onitor marine wildlife with M scientists off Tofo Beach.

pot humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, S and manta rays on an ocean safari.

Itinerary (20 DAYS)

norkel with whale sharks and S dugongs in the Bazaruto archipelago.

SOUTH AFRICA AND KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Expert National Geographic Emerging Explorer and conservation biologist ANDREA MARSHALL will join the group in Vilanculos, Mozambique. See her bio on page 8.

24 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

TOFO BEACH, MOZAMBIQUE

Indian Ocean 0

300

MEGAFAUNA OF THE LAND AND SEA

}

“Mantas are some of the most engaging and charismatic underwater animals you’ll ever encounter. But if we don’t act now, these amazing species could disappear from our oceans.”

Maputo

MILES

{

Bazaruto Archipelago National Park Tofo Beach

Andrea Marshall National Geographic Expert

2014 DATES: JUNE 23–JULY 12 • JULY 11–30 TUITION: $7,690

ACCOMMODATIONS:

We stay in dormitory-style housing, small hotels, safari tents, and small casitas on the beach. .

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 25

DAMARALAND

4 days. Journey into Damaraland, where the stark desert is dotted with unusually succulent plants fed by Atlantic mists. Here, we’ll visit a Save the Rhino Trust base camp. The Trust collaborates with local communities to protect the critically endangered black rhinoceros. Meet with senior researchers and set out on patrol with trackers to search for rhinos. Pay a visit to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at one of the largest and finest collection of petroglyphs in Africa. View stone tools and other artifacts found here, and discover what they convey about the hunter-gatherers who once lived in this region. Visit nearby Himba and Herero villages with knowledgeable local guides.

Namibia: Wildlife Conservation

Etosha National Park

Etosha Pan

Otavi Cheetah Conservation Fund

NAMIBIA

Sossusvlei

100

MILES

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

3 days. April to October is Namibia’s dry season, when herds of plains game flock to the waterholes of Etosha National Park, and their predators—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—are close behind. Enjoy three days on safari here, looking for big cats, giraffes, oryx, the rare black-faced impala, and endemic birds like the barecheeked babbler. Stop at waterholes to observe bathing elephants, zebras at the water’s edge, and hartebeests and springboks splashing in the shallows.

CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND

Highlights

The landscapes of Namibia are stunning, stark, and home to a wealth of desert-adapted wildlife that National Geographic scientists are hard at work protecting. Work with u Track and monitor cheetahs, leopards, National Geographic grantees in the field on two important conservation projects that are part of the Society’s Big Cats Initiative, and participate in rhino protection efforts. Along and rhinos with researchers. the way, encounter elephants, giraffes, and oryx on safari; go whale-watching on Walvis u Set out on safari in Etosha Bay; and climb the dunes of the Namib Desert, the oldest in the world.

National Park.

Itinerary (21 DAYS)

o sandboarding on the dunes G of the Namib Desert.

6 days. Our expedition begins in the capital city of Windhoek, located at Namibia’s geographic center. Visit Christuskirche and Heinitzburg castle, remnants of the German colonial era, and meet with local conservationists to discuss their efforts to integrate conservation and sustainable development in rural Namibia. Get settled at the N/a’an Ku Sê Carnivore Conservation Centre, where National Geographic grantee and lead researcher Florian Weise has developed an innovative approach to protecting predators while reducing attacks on local livestock. With Florian’s

WINDHOEK AND N/A’AN KU SÊ

Expert Wildlife biologist FLORIAN WEISE is a National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantee. He will join the group at the N/a’an ku sê Research Center. See his bio on page 8.

26 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

3 days. Delve into the plight of the cheetah at the world-renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) near Otavi. Talk with scientists about predator conservation outreach efforts and their collaboration with local farmers. Join trackers on census walks, help care for orphaned cheetahs, visit the genetics lab, and observe a training session of livestock guard dogs—an integral part of CCF’s conservation plan. Cap off our expedition with a group presentation illustrating the delicate balance of wildlife and human populations in Namibia and the importance of conservation efforts here.

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SOSSUSVLEI, SWAKOPMUND, AND THE NAMIB DESERT

et to know the Bushmen and G their traditions.

5 days. From here, travel south to Sossusvlei and the Sesriem Canyon. Pay a visit to the iconic Dead Vlei, where ancient and skeletal camel thorn trees stand in sharp contrast to the white salt pan and vibrant orange sand dunes. Our next base is the seaside city of Swakopmund, a lively hub of surfers and adventureseekers. Visit Cape Cross to observe a vast breeding colony of some 100,000 Cape fur seals. Venture into the Namib Desert to learn about its unique ecology and the animals that have adapted to its harsh conditions, and take in the sunset on the dunes. Try your hand at sandboarding—a popular adventure sport on Namibia’s dunes. Then go on a whalewatching cruise on Walvis Bay and keep an eye out for turtles, seals, sunfish, and penguins too.

NamibRand Nature Reserve

Atlantic Ocean 0

guidance, 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. Help prepare meals for animals at the rehabilitation center, and spend a day at a preschool running an environmental education camp.

Windhoek

Swakopmund

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

}

“The experience and opportunity that comes with these trips is so unique. Working closely with the researchers and veterinarians, I was able to actually experience what it’s like to be a conservationist.”

David S., Namibia, 2013

Africa’s wildlife is legendary, awe-inspiring, and seriously threatened. Cheetahs have disappeared from 75% of their original range, and, according to an article in National Geographic magazine’s March 2012 issue, poaching of black rhinos is on the rise. In 2009, National Geographic launched the Big Cats Initiative to bring attention to the diminishing populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other feline species around the world, and to fund a variety of innovative conservation projects. Working together with researchers at three renowned conservation organizations, you can participate in the effort to save Namibia’s big cats and other wildlife. Track leopards with National Geographic grantee Florian Weise, discuss the plight of the cheetah, monitor endangered black rhinos, and develop a group presentation on the importance of conservation.

2014 DATES: JUNE 26–JULY 16 • JULY 15–AUGUST 4 TUITION: $7,690

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Windhoek. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

At N/a’an Ku Sê and at the Cheetah Conservation Fund we will stay in dormitory-style housing. In Swakopmund we’ll stay in a hotel, and in Sossusvlei, Etosha, and Damaraland, we will camp in tents.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 27

DAMARALAND

Namibia: Wildlife Conservation

Etosha National Park

Etosha Pan

Otavi Cheetah Conservation Fund

NAMIBIA

Sossusvlei

100

MILES

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND

Highlights

National Park.

Itinerary (21 DAYS)

o sandboarding on the dunes G of the Namib Desert.

WINDHOEK AND N/A’AN KU SÊ

Expert Wildlife biologist FLORIAN WEISE is a National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantee. He will join the group at the N/a’an ku sê Research Center. See his bio on page 8.

26 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

{

SOSSUSVLEI, SWAKOPMUND, AND THE NAMIB DESERT

et to know the Bushmen and G their traditions.

NamibRand Nature Reserve

Atlantic Ocean 0

Windhoek

Swakopmund

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

}

David S., Namibia, 2013

2014 DATES: JUNE 26–JULY 16 • JULY 15–AUGUST 4 TUITION: $7,690

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Windhoek. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 27

tory animals away from a Maasai community’s livestock. Dressed in brightly colored robes and adorned with intricate beaded jewelry, the Maasai welcome our group into their lives. Meet schoolchildren who split their time between tending cattle and attending school. Witness drumming and jumping contests. Learn how these nomadic herders are adapting to the modern world. Then move to the Oldonyo Sambu Wilderness Area outside of Tarangire National Park. Here, set up camp and spend the next two days on hikes with traditional Maasai warriors through their ancestral hunting grounds. Then head to a site among the baobab trees deep in magnificent Tarangire National Park. On daily game drives, get up close to lions, zebras, cheetahs, elephants, baboons, and jackals in their natural habitat. With our professionally trained guides, discuss natural selection, animal behavior, and the wildlife-management challenges facing the people of Tanzania. Continue to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best game-viewing spots in the world. Situated on the edge of the vast Serengeti plain, this volcanic caldera contains almost 30,000 animals at any given time. Spot lions, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and even black rhinoceroses from the safety of our safari jeep. Continue on to flamingo-fringed Lake Manyara National Park for more game viewing.

Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Tribal Life

Highlights

Tanzania is renowned for its incredible wildlife, yet its diverse cultures and welcoming people are equally fascinating. Though the Maasai are perhaps the most widely recognized u Go on safari and encounter elephants, tribal group, Tanzania is home to more than 120 ethnicities. Immerse yourself in village life, and discover how tribal communities have interacted with their environment for cenlions, giraffes, zebras, and hippos. turies. From vibrant villages to open savanna plains, examine the challenges of preserving u Experience life in a rural village. Tanzania’s prized wildlife and cultural traditions through an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography or Wildlife & Conservation. u

ork on a National Geographic W Project to build a boma fence.

Itinerary (20 DAYS)

ike on tribal lands with Maasai H warriors.

VILLAGE IN NORTHERN TANZANIA

8 days. Settle into a small agricultural village in a rural area near Mount Kilimanjaro to get acquainted with Tanzania and our group. Spend the first couple of days working together with the villagers on a community service project, such as developing a water-delivery system or helping with repairs to the local school. Learn firsthand about ujamaa, the uniquely African concept of interdependent community developed by Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere. Break into your On Assignment teams to plan projects and interact with

Expert National Geographic grantee and wildlife ecologist LALY LICHTENFELD will join both departures during the safari. See her bio on our website.

28 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

community groups, artisans, and village youth. Visit young children in an orphanage, play sports with Tanzanian kids, or tutor English at the local school. Assist community leaders and educators with their programs promoting education, good nutrition, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Learn about music and dance from local youth, practice batik, and participate in lively discussions about environmental and social issues. Throughout the week, report on your experiences through photographs, writing, or video, and develop a narrative about your time in the village. WILDLIFE SAFARI AND MAASAI TRIBAL LANDS

3 days. Spend your last few days at a cultural center that brings young Americans and Tanzanians together. Learn traditional dancing and drumming from local teenagers, make your final presentations to the group and the community, and enjoy a farewell celebration before flying home.

Kilimanjaro Arusha Maji ya Chai Oldonyo Tarangire Sambu National Park Wilderness Area

Ngorongoro Crater Lake Manyara

TANZANIA 0

100

MILES

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Document your exploration of Tanzania in photographs. Capture images of market-bound trucks heaped with bananas, Maasai children nestled up against their mothers’ backs, or a lioness tending her cubs. Teach photography skills to Tanzanian teens.

CULTURAL CENTER IN NORTHERN TANZANIA

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7 days. Our safari begins with a special invitation to spend two days on the Maasai Steppe at Noloholo, an environmental research station run by National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantee Laly Lichtenfeld. Discuss conservation efforts and land use issues with field biologists, and participate in the National Geographic-sponsored Build-a-Boma project, helping to construct a “living wall” of local trees to keep preda-

Serengeti National Park

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION

}

Investigate local and national efforts to protect Tanzania’s incredible wildlife. Meet rangers in training at a wildlife management school. Track lions or elephants and learn to identify rare bird species. Talk with park officials about antipoaching laws and the balance between resource management and the economic needs of local communities.

“My favorite memory is walking into a boma for the first time. We learned about the Maasai people’s culture as it was happening in front of us.”

Sarah G. Tanzania, 2012

2014 DATES: JUNE 30–JULY 19 • JULY 18–AUGUST 6 TUITION: $7,990

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Arusha. Please refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

While in the village, we stay in dormitory-style housing with bunk beds. In the Maasai tribal lands and on safari, we stay in tented camps. .

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EXPEDITION 29

Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Tribal Life

Highlights

ork on a National Geographic W Project to build a boma fence.

Itinerary (20 DAYS)

ike on tribal lands with Maasai H warriors.

VILLAGE IN NORTHERN TANZANIA

Expert National Geographic grantee and wildlife ecologist LALY LICHTENFELD will join both departures during the safari. See her bio on our website.

28 E X P E D I T I O N

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Kilimanjaro Arusha Maji ya Chai Oldonyo Tarangire Sambu National Park Wilderness Area

Ngorongoro Crater Lake Manyara

TANZANIA 0

100

MILES

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

CULTURAL CENTER IN NORTHERN TANZANIA

{

Serengeti National Park

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION

}

“My favorite memory is walking into a boma for the first time. We learned about the Maasai people’s culture as it was happening in front of us.”

Sarah G. Tanzania, 2012

2014 DATES: JUNE 30–JULY 19 • JULY 18–AUGUST 6 TUITION: $7,990

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Arusha. Please refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

While in the village, we stay in dormitory-style housing with bunk beds. In the Maasai tribal lands and on safari, we stay in tented camps. .

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 29

Australia: Outback, Rain Forest, and Reef

Daintree National Park

Cairns

Highlights Meet Aboriginal people and learn about their spiritual beliefs.

Snorkel with marine biologists along the Great Barrier Reef.

E xplore the flora and fauna of the oldest rain forest on Earth.

ee koalas and kangaroos at the S world-famous Taronga Zoo.

With roughly the population of metropolitan New York City and the landmass of the continental United States, Australia is the most sparsely populated continent on the planet after Antarctica. Its isolation for millennia allowed unique ecosystems and cultures to thrive. Explore rain forests, deserts, and the world’s largest coral reef; and spot fascinating wildlife. Meet members of the Aboriginal community—the world’s oldest living culture— which settled here more than 50,000 years ago. Experience Australia through the lens of your On Assignment project: Photography, Wildlife & Conservation, or Filmmaking.

Itinerary (20 DAYS) SYDNEY

3 days. 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 visit the Opera House. Meet your first koalas and kangaroos at the famous Taronga Zoo, and visit the Sydney Aquarium to get acquainted

Expert Photojournalist, filmmaker, and adventurer ULLA LOHMANN will join both departures at the Great Barrier Reef. See her bio on page 8.

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with the marine life you will encounter on the Great Barrier Reef. ULURU AND THE OUTBACK

5 days. Fly from Sydney to the outback, and experience life in Alice Springs, the region’s largest city. Have your first interactions with Aboriginal culture, and learn how their people have survived for more than 50,000 years. Discover the role of fire in one of the driest places on earth, and spend your first night around a campfire on traditional Aboriginal land. From Alice Springs, journey through the outback towards the largest monolith on earth, Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock). Steeped in mythology, this colossal piece of sandstone rises abruptly from the desert plain. Trek between the giant rounded dome of the adjacent Kata Tjuta on the lookout for bright green Ring Necked Parrots. Visit a working cattle ranch, examine ancient rock art and medicinal plants, and listen to dreamtime stories told by our Aboriginal guides. Set up camp in

Kifaya T. Australia, 2013

Alice Springs Uluru (Ayers Rock)

AUSTRALIA 0

500

MILES

Sydney

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY

}

“In the Outback, we climbed to the top of a rock and everyone was snapping pictures and talking. Our leader suggested that we put everything down and just take in the moment. So we did, and the magnitude of the experience suddenly hit us all . . . and it was absolutely amazing.”

eef

10 days. 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, the harmless reef shark, and maybe even a migrating humpback whale. Discover the reef and gain insights 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 125 million-yearold Daintree Rainforest. Hike through the lush vegetation to see cassowaries, crocodiles, tree kangaroos, and other endemic wildlife. Spend the night in a rain forest lodge and encounter the native species of the surrounding rain forest, wetlands, and reef. Soar high into the canopy of the rain forest on an educational zip line tour, and examine the canopy up-close on the observation deck at the local research station. Wind down on the coastal side of the park on the white sand beaches of Cape Tribulation. Then, present your final On Assignment project to the group. The program ends in Cairns with a final group meal and celebration.

Coral Sea

ar r i

QUEENSLAND AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

B eat Gr

the ‘bush,’ and help collect fire wood, prepare dinner, and sleep under the stars. Spot Scorpio and the Southern Cross, and learn a whole new set of Southern Hemisphere constellations.

Capture the unique people and landscapes of Australia in a photo-essay. Set out with your team to shoot portraits of the people you meet. Zoom in on the brilliant reds and oranges of sunset on Uluru. Capture images of ancient rock art and Australia’s endemic wildlife.

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION Explore the diverse ecosystems of the desert outback, rain forest, and reef. Learn about the invasive species that threaten the native flora and fauna of the desert. Catalog the marine life you spot on the Great Barrier Reef, and investigate ongoing efforts to protect this natural treasure.

FILMMAKING Join a group of filmmakers to investigate a facet of life in Australia or document your journey. Interview an Aboriginal guide, film bounding kangaroos in the outback, or capture the sights and sounds of tropical Daintree National Park. Use mobile-editing technology to produce a short documentary film.

2014 DATES: JUNE 28–JULY 17 • JULY 18–AUGUST 6 TUITION: $8,390

ACCOMMODATIONS:

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 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

In Sydney, Alice Springs, and Queensland, we stay in small hotels. In Daintree National Park, we stay in a small, family-run eco-resort, and in the outback we camp in sturdy canvas structures called swags.

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EXPEDITION 31

Australia: Outback, Rain Forest, and Reef

Daintree National Park

Cairns

Highlights Meet Aboriginal people and learn about their spiritual beliefs.

Snorkel with marine biologists along the Great Barrier Reef.

E xplore the flora and fauna of the oldest rain forest on Earth.

ee koalas and kangaroos at the S world-famous Taronga Zoo.

Itinerary (20 DAYS) SYDNEY

Expert Photojournalist, filmmaker, and adventurer ULLA LOHMANN will join both departures at the Great Barrier Reef. See her bio on page 8.

30 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

{

with the marine life you will encounter on the Great Barrier Reef. ULURU AND THE OUTBACK

Kifaya T. Australia, 2013

Alice Springs Uluru (Ayers Rock)

AUSTRALIA 0

500

MILES

Sydney

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY

}

eef

Coral Sea

ar r i

QUEENSLAND AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

B eat Gr

the ‘bush,’ and help collect fire wood, prepare dinner, and sleep under the stars. Spot Scorpio and the Southern Cross, and learn a whole new set of Southern Hemisphere constellations.

2014 DATES: JUNE 28–JULY 17 • JULY 18–AUGUST 6 TUITION: $8,390

ACCOMMODATIONS:

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 31

village. Discuss Buddhist traditions with monks, learn about micro-hydroelectric generation projects with local conservationists, and visit organizations that promote sustainable development. As we walk, take in hillsides dotted with temples and monasteries, and exquisite vistas of the Himalaya.

India: Crossroads of Cultures

RAJASTHAN AND THE HIGH DESERT

Highlights u

Ride a camel through desert dunes.

Go on a three-day trek in the foothills of the Himalaya.

P articipate in a Buddhist ceremony with Tibetan monks.

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. Such rich cultural and spiritual diversity is evident in the animated streets of New Delhi and the quiet temples of the Himalaya. Northern India is scattered with majestic vestiges of the past, from the Taj Mahal to the palaces of Jaipur. Immerse yourself in the intriguing cultures of India as you pursue an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography or Cultural Geography.

Itinerary (21 DAYS)

T utor children in a Himalayan school.

NEW DELHI

3 days. We begin in New Delhi where the sheer density of people in the chaotic slums contrasts sharply with the elegant districts patronized by India’s emerging middle class. 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, and the soaring Qutb Minar tower. Then set out in teams and dive into your On Assignment projects.

Expert Indian photographer and filmmaker ASHIMA NARAIN will join the group in Rajasthan. See her bio on page 9.

32 E X P E D I T I O N

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LADAKH AND THE HIMALAYA

8 days. Rising out of India’s northernmost region, the Himalaya are a vast stretch of craggy passes and snowcovered mountains culminating at Mount Everest. While it remains the least populated region of India, Ladakh has become the cultural center of Tibetan exiles, as thousands of ethnic Tibetans 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 get acclimatized to the altitude (11,500 feet). Settle into a community school, and help young Ladakhis prepare for college entrance exams. Join in the daily routine, cooking meals, tending gardens, and helping the school maintain its solar energy system. Get to know the students, and tutor them in English. Then set out with professional guides on a threeday trek from Likir to Tingmosgang. Stay overnight in family-run guesthouses, and walk from village to

8 days. 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 colorful—the women are draped in yards of vibrant orange and red fabric, and the men don bright turbans. Elephants amble through town laden with freight, 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 Sikri. Spot wildlife in Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Continue to the town of Samode, where we’ll stay amidst 20 acres of trees and ruins at a 250-year-old Mughal-style royal retreat. Ride a camel on a short safari through the nearby village to the desert beyond. Join locals for drumming and dancing around a roaring fire. 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. Try your hand at cotton block printing with local artisans who have revitalized this disappearing art. The journey concludes in Delhi, where we’ll put the finishing touches on our On Assignment projects and share them with the group.

{

Pietro C. India, 2013

Choose one of these On Assignment projects, 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 or spiritual diversity. Shrines, palaces, markets, terraced rice paddies, elephants, kite-flying children, dazzling saris, and clamorous street life provide unparalleled opportunities for the photographer.

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY

}

”The time we spent in Ladakh truly gave me a sense of accomplishment. I found myself living among the locals not as a tourist, but as a friend.”

On Assignment

Discover the connections 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 ethnicities over the past century. Delve into the origins of a local festival and participate in the preparations.

2014 DATE: JULY 3–JULY 23 TUITION: $6,590

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Delhi, Delhi to Leh, Leh to Delhi, and return to New York. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

In Delhi and Rajasthan, we stay in small hotels. In Ladakh, we stay in dormitory-style rooms at a school with very basic amenities. Note: The three-day trek involves rigorous hiking at altitudes up to 14,000 feet. Participants must be physically fit. Those with known altitude sensitivity should not apply.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 33

India: Crossroads of Cultures

RAJASTHAN AND THE HIGH DESERT

Highlights u

Ride a camel through desert dunes.

Go on a three-day trek in the foothills of the Himalaya.

P articipate in a Buddhist ceremony with Tibetan monks.

Itinerary (21 DAYS)

T utor children in a Himalayan school.

NEW DELHI

Expert Indian photographer and filmmaker ASHIMA NARAIN will join the group in Rajasthan. See her bio on page 9.

32 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

LADAKH AND THE HIMALAYA

{

Pietro C. India, 2013

Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY

}

”The time we spent in Ladakh truly gave me a sense of accomplishment. I found myself living among the locals not as a tourist, but as a friend.”

On Assignment

2014 DATE: JULY 3–JULY 23 TUITION: $6,590

ACCOMMODATIONS:

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 33

Spend a day feeding the bears, participating in all aspects of their care, and even observing these gentle giants close-up in their enclosure. Our next stop is the Wolong Nature Reserve, part of the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, a World Heritage site. Settle into the village of Hetaoping, located in a region of steep, lushly forested mountains where many of the few remaining wild giant pandas still roam. Our village is the site of a panda research and conservation center supported by Panda Mountain—part of Marc Brody’s organization, the U.S.-China Environmental Fund. Learn from experts about the challenges of breeding, reintroduction of pandas to the wild, and forest conservation as you explore panda habitats on guided hikes. Get acquainted with village life, helping ethnic Tibetan farmers as they harvest crops; and visit local Buddhist temples.

China: Journey to the Middle Kingdom

Beijing

Yellow Sea

CHINA Wolong National Nature Reserve

Shanghai Hangzhou

Chengdu

Taiwan South China Sea 0

500

MILES

HANGZHOU

2 days. Fly far to the east to the former capital city of Hangzhou. With its peaceful Buddhist temples, tea plantations, and lush parks bordering scenic West Lake, Hangzhou has been a favored destination for Chinese visitors for more than a thousand years. Explore an intricate network of limestone caves filled with Buddhist statues, and ascend the many levels of a richly painted pagoda for spectacular views.

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects and break into teams to delve further into your selected area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Assemble a portfolio that addresses a facet of life in China. Shoot portraits of local farmers or document Beijing’s ancient neighborhoods. From children playing on Tiananmen Square to dense bamboo forests housing rare pandas to Shanghai’s serene temple gardens, capture the many faces of China.

SHANGHAI

Highlights

Brimming with ancient monuments and skyscrapers alike, China has catapulted into the 21st century as a major economic power. Yet a timeless way of life continues away from the burgeoning cities, in a countryside carved with rugged mountains and deep gorges, and speckled with traditional farming villages. Some of China’s most famous residents, the giant pandas, make their home in the wilderness of Sichuan. Meet pandas with expert Marc Brody, explore the pagodas of lakeside Hangzhou, and delve into the excitement of Shanghai and Beijing, seeing China from the unique angle of your On Assignment project.

ork with giant pandas at a W renowned breeding center.

Venture into limestone caves to discover hidden Buddha statues.

ide a bike through the ancient R hutong neighborhoods of Beijing.

Itinerary (21 DAYS)

ike a remote part of the Great Wall H at sunrise.

8 days. 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 leisure activities

BEIJING AND THE GREAT WALL

Expert Conservationist and National Geographic grantee MARC BRODY will join the group in Sichuan Province. See his bio on our website.

34 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

of all kinds—from checkers to rhythmic gymnastics. Bike through a hutong, an age-old neighborhood of Ming dynasty courtyard homes. In one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of Tibet, spin a prayer wheel and observe practicing monks. Enjoy a unique chance to meet editors at National Geographic magazine’s China headquarters, andwatch acrobats spin and climb through the air at an evening performance. Venture outside the city to a tiny 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: wake up early for a hike to watch the sunrise over the wall. THE PANDAS OF RURAL SICHUAN

5 days. 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 past and discover some of its ambitious plans for the future at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Meet high school students to talk about the effects of globalization and economic development on their lives. Our journey concludes after sharing our On Assignment projects with the group.

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5 days. A flight and a bus ride bring us to Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, west of Chengdu. At the invitation of the director of Wolong’s Panda Centers, we’ll have an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit of this new internationally renowned panda facility for research and medical treatment, guided by panda expert Marc Brody.

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY

}

“I gained a true appreciation for China’s culture on this trip. I was fascinated by the contrast of the rich history and the modern society that define the country.”

Meagan A. China, 2013

Delve deeper into the interconnection between land and people in the world’s most populous country. Examine the history and urban planning of two of the world’s largest cities, Beijing and Shanghai. Learn how farmers and fishermen 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, or explore the relationship between giant pandas and local populations in rural Sichuan.

2014 DATE: JUNE 23–JULY 13 TUITION: $6,690

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Beijing, Beijing to Chengdu, Chengdu to Hangzhou, and return from Shanghai. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

We stay in small hotels and guesthouses in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. At the Great Wall we stay in a local villager’s farmhouse inn. In Hetaoping we stay in dormitory-style housing at the panda research center.

APPLY ONL INE AT WWW.NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 35

China: Journey to the Middle Kingdom

Beijing

Yellow Sea

CHINA Wolong National Nature Reserve

Shanghai Hangzhou

Chengdu

Taiwan South China Sea 0

500

MILES

HANGZHOU

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects and break into teams to delve further into your selected area of focus.

SHANGHAI

Highlights

ork with giant pandas at a W renowned breeding center.

Venture into limestone caves to discover hidden Buddha statues.

ide a bike through the ancient R hutong neighborhoods of Beijing.

Itinerary (21 DAYS)

ike a remote part of the Great Wall H at sunrise.

BEIJING AND THE GREAT WALL

Expert Conservationist and National Geographic grantee MARC BRODY will join the group in Sichuan Province. See his bio on our website.

34 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

{

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY

}

“I gained a true appreciation for China’s culture on this trip. I was fascinated by the contrast of the rich history and the modern society that define the country.”

Meagan A. China, 2013

2014 DATE: JUNE 23–JULY 13 TUITION: $6,690

ACCOMMODATIONS:

APPLY ONL INE AT WWW.NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 35

who have tackled the Alps’ highest summits.

Switzerland & France: Alpine Adventure

CHAMONIX, FRANCE

5 days. 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 the village 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. Explore the Aiguille du Midi and enjoy a picnic lunch beneath the mountain’s sharp pinnacles, first climbed in 1818. Participate in a ropes course that includes zip-lining and luge, and go canyoneering or rock-climbing with the help of professional guides. Strap on crampons and grab an ice axe for a walk on the spectacular glacier known as the Mer de Glace. 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.

FRANCE

SWITZERLAND Interlaken

Lake Geneva

Highlights u

T ry your hand at canyoneering in dramatic Alpine gorges.

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. Their highest summit, Mont Blanc, was first conquered in 1786 by two natives of nearby Chamonix equipped with little more than ropes and iron-tipped walking sticks. These days, there are myriad ways to explore the Alps: by zip line or mountain bike, rock-climbing or canyoneering. Using photography and filmmaking to document your adventure, set off on an Alpine journey from the foot of the Jungfrau to the crooked peak of the Matterhorn.

Soar up the slopes in Europe’s highest cable car.

o glacier-trekking, rafting, and G zip-lining.

Itinerary (15 DAYS)

L earn adventure photography and filmmaking skills as you explore.

5 days. Fly into Zürich and take a scenic train ride to Interlaken, perched between 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, Interlaken is an ideal jumping-off point for our Alpine adventures. Take the historic cogwheel train to 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

INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND

Expert Visual storyteller and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year CORY RICHARDS will join the June 27 trip in Chamonix and the July 12 trip in Interlaken.

36 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

a visit to the Alpine Garden with local botanists. Trek to Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, and see ice sculptures at the magical Ice Palace along the way. Join experienced guides to try out canyoneering, an exhilarating experience that combines rappelling, climbing, zip-lining, and watersliding through deep gorges. Hone your action photography skills or capture the sense of adventure on film while rafting on glacial rivers or hiking through narrow ravines. ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND

{

3 days. A train ride south across high mountain passes brings us to the charming Alpine 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 mid-air. Spend a day mountain biking through pine forests with the magnificent mountains as your backdrop, or go zip-lining with professional outfitters. Trace the history of mountaineering at the Matterhorn Museum and learn tales of the daredevils and pioneers

Chamonix

Cory Richards National Geographic Expert

Zermatt

MILES

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects, 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 sky-scraping 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. Investigate depth-of-field as you frame Alpine flora and fauna, and practice adventure photography techniques that catch the spirit of mountain sport in motion.

FILMMAKING

}

”Photography and exploration are not only relevant but vital. Together, they expose not only what we have, but what we have to lose if we aren’t mindful of our actions.”

Grindelwald

Geneva

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

2 days. Our journey wraps up in the international city of Geneva. Walk the Promenade des Bastions and photograph the iconic Jet d’Eau, a fountain in Lake Geneva that shoots water more than 450 feet into the air. After a chance to put the final touches on your On Assignment project, enjoy a celebratory fondue dinner and share final presentations with your group.

Zürich Lake Zürich

Delve into the exhilarating art of creating adventure film. Grab your camera equipment or strap on a GoPro and record footage as you climb, hike, mountain bike, 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.

2014 DATES: June 27–July 11 • July 12–26 TUITION: $6,990

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Zurich, and return from Geneva. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

We stay in mountain hostels in the Interlaken region and in Zermatt, a mountain chalet in Chamonix, and a small hotel in Geneva.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 37

who have tackled the Alps’ highest summits.

Switzerland & France: Alpine Adventure

CHAMONIX, FRANCE

FRANCE

SWITZERLAND Interlaken

Lake Geneva

Highlights u

T ry your hand at canyoneering in dramatic Alpine gorges.

Soar up the slopes in Europe’s highest cable car.

o glacier-trekking, rafting, and G zip-lining.

Itinerary (15 DAYS)

L earn adventure photography and filmmaking skills as you explore.

INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND

Expert Visual storyteller and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year CORY RICHARDS will join the June 27 trip in Chamonix and the July 12 trip in Interlaken.

36 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

{

Chamonix

Cory Richards National Geographic Expert

Zermatt

MILES

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

FILMMAKING

}

”Photography and exploration are not only relevant but vital. Together, they expose not only what we have, but what we have to lose if we aren’t mindful of our actions.”

Grindelwald

Geneva

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

Zürich Lake Zürich

2014 DATES: June 27–July 11 • July 12–26 TUITION: $6,990

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Zurich, and return from Geneva. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

We stay in mountain hostels in the Interlaken region and in Zermatt, a mountain chalet in Chamonix, and a small hotel in Geneva.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 37

DELPHI, GREECE

2 days. Return to Rome, fly to Athens, 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 and take in amazing views of the mountains and the turquoise sea.

Italy & Greece: Empires of the Mediterranean

200

MILES

Rome

ATHENS

Isola di Capri

2 days. Return to Athens to spend two days exploring the Acropolis and Parthenon, the ancient Agora, and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Experience the bustling street life, markets, and cuisine of the modern city.

Pompeii Salerno

GREECE

ITALY Ionian Sea

Delphi

Athens

Náfplio Ídra (Hydra)

NÁFPLIO

Highlights

More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks laid the foundations for Western civilization: democracy, philosophy, history, mathematics, science, medicine, art, and architecture. Close on their heels, the Romans established the ancient world’s greatest empire, stretching far beyond the Mediterranean and building on the classical traditions of the Greeks. Against a backdrop of magnificent temples and rich mythology, explore stunning islands by boat and on foot, visit archaeological sites, learn the rhythms of modern life, and experience the living legacy of the Greek and Roman Empires.

P hotograph the Parthenon of Athens at sunset.

Swim in the crystal-clear waters off Greece’s Náfplio beach.

E xamine Michelangelo’s masterful Sistine Chapel.

Itinerary (17 DAYS)

ike up to a remote monastery H on the island of Hydra.

5 days. Begin in magical, timeless Rome. Set out with your On Assignment team to discover the many wonders of this great city. Walk through the Roman Forum, where 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.

ROME, ITALY

Expert Born and raised in Italy, photojournalist MASSIMO BASSANO has been photographing his country for many years. Massimo will join the group in Italy. See his bio on our website.

38 E X P E D I T I O N

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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 people, sample delicious gelato near the Spanish Steps, and take in the contemporary music scene in one of Rome’s many historic piazzas. POMPEII, CAPRI, AND SALERNO

5 days. 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, we’ll 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 water of the Gulf of Argos. 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.

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3 days. Head south to Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities that were blanketed by a thick layer of scorching ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. Step 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 its rocky shoreline.

”Being with such a great group of people and having the leaders that we did made the entire trip completely spectacular.”

Savanna B. Italy & Greece, 2013

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects, 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 tumbled columns in the Roman Forum or the rugged landscape of Delphi. Take to the street to capture the flavors of contemporary life and the relics of an ancient world.

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE

}

Step back in time to investigate the rich civilizations of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Study legends of gods and goddesses, and explore the ruins of 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 Approach the ancient world from a writer’s perspective, and develop your storytelling skills through a series of writing workshops in the field. Craft a biographical portrait of a local character, pen a narrative about exploring Capri, or write a story on the excavation of Pompeii.

2014 DATES: JUNE 24–JULY 10 • JULY 15–31 TUITION: $7,290

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Rome, Rome to Athens, and return from Athens. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

Throughout Italy and Greece we stay in small family-run hotels.

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EXPEDITION 39

DELPHI, GREECE

Italy & Greece: Empires of the Mediterranean

200

MILES

Rome

ATHENS

Isola di Capri

Pompeii Salerno

GREECE

ITALY Ionian Sea

Delphi

Athens

Náfplio Ídra (Hydra)

NÁFPLIO

Highlights

P hotograph the Parthenon of Athens at sunset.

Swim in the crystal-clear waters off Greece’s Náfplio beach.

E xamine Michelangelo’s masterful Sistine Chapel.

Itinerary (17 DAYS)

ike up to a remote monastery H on the island of Hydra.

ROME, ITALY

Expert Born and raised in Italy, photojournalist MASSIMO BASSANO has been photographing his country for many years. Massimo will join the group in Italy. See his bio on our website.

38 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

{

”Being with such a great group of people and having the leaders that we did made the entire trip completely spectacular.”

Savanna B. Italy & Greece, 2013

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE

}

2014 DATES: JUNE 24–JULY 10 • JULY 15–31 TUITION: $7,290

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Rome, Rome to Athens, and return from Athens. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

Throughout Italy and Greece we stay in small family-run hotels.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 39

of Skaftafell National Park. Don crampons and ice axes to trek over the massive ice cap with certified local guides. Ride Icelandic horses to black-sand beaches, or visit the remote original landing place of the Vikings, a peninsula of rugged cliffs dotted with puffins. Interview local fishermen about 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 back to the group on what you find.

Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice

Arctic Ocean

ICELAND

Highlights u

Trek across glaciers and lava fields.

Cruise through a glacial lagoon and swim in natural hot springs.

iscuss climate change and biodiD versity with Icelandic scientists.

Iceland is a nation of dramatic extremes, where geysers and steaming lava flows coexist with powerful waterfalls and vast calving glaciers. Located at the edge of the Arctic Circle, much of the country remains under ice. Yet it is also one of the most volcanically active countries on the planet. Take advantage of long days and bright nights to explore the stunning beauty and unforgettable natural wonders of this otherworldly landscape. Choose your On Assignment project—Photography, Climate & Geology, or Filmmaking—and set out to discover one of the most dynamic physical environments on Earth.

Itinerary (15 DAYS)

E xplore black-sand beaches where Icelandic horses roam.

REYKJAVÍK AND THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

4 days. The program begins with an orientation in Reykjavík, Europe’s northernmost capital. Get essential background on the geology of this subarctic island nation, and learn the basics 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 Gulfoss, a thundering waterfall that appears to vanish into the earth. Then continue to Geysir—the earliest geyser known to Europeans— where boiling water can rocket up to 210 feet in the

Expert Environmental scientist, writer, storyteller, and Web producer FORD COCHRAN will join both departures in Reykjavík and Höfn. See his bio on our website.

40 E X P E D I T I O N

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air. Follow a guide through an ultramodern geothermal plant that provides much of Reykjavík’s energy. 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, where a scientist provides an introduction to the effects of global warming on biodiversity. Summer days are very long this far north, and much can be seen and done in a single day. We’ll end most days with a relaxing soak in one of Iceland’s abundant geothermal pools.

Reykjavík

HÖFN AND THE VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER

{

6 days. From Reykjavík, journey east to Höfn, a remote gateway to the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, the world’s third largest ice cap after Antarctica and Greenland. Cruise through a glacial lagoon between 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

Elena H., Iceland, 2012

Thingvallavatn Lake 100

Höfn

Atlantic Ocean

MILES

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Capture images of gushing waterfalls, steaming fumaroles, and glaciers that stretch for miles, and develop a photo-essay on Iceland’s fascinating geology. Tell the story of Icelandic culture through portraits of fishermen, children, and scientists you meet. Hone your skills as you shoot pictures of Icelandic horses and puffins.

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY

}

”Not only was traveling around the exotic, contrasted island unbelievable, but working in my Filmmaking On Assignment group was an incredible experience.”

Lake Mývatn

Vatnajökull Glacier

LAKE MÝVATN AND THE NORTHERN COAST

5 days. 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 the late 1970’s. 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 steaming black lava beds. Visit Akureyri, a thriving modern city on the Arctic Ocean, and complete your final On Assignment presentation. Hike into the forests of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park to roaring glacial waterfalls, or up one of the many dormant volcanoes to capture stunning panoramas. Explore ancient fossil beds, go whitewater rafting, or set out on a boating excursion in the Arctic Ocean to search for blue, minke, and humpback whales. The program concludes with the presentation of your On Assignment projects. Return to Reykjavík, and end your adventure with a swim in the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal pool.

Jökulsárgljúfur National Park

Akureyri

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. Trek up a glacier with a professional guide to learn about glacial dynamics and morphology.

FILMMAKING Document your journey as part of a digital video-production team. Film receding glaciers, erupting geysers, and hissing volcanic steam vents. Interview local experts on the effect of climate change in this region, or film a day in the life of an Icelandic teenager. Use mobile-editing technology to produce a short film.

2014 DATES: JUNE 29–JULY 13 • JULY 14–28 TUITION: $7,290

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Reykjavík. Please refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

We will stay in small hostels and cabins, and spend several nights camping in tents.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 41

Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice

Arctic Ocean

ICELAND

Highlights u

Trek across glaciers and lava fields.

Cruise through a glacial lagoon and swim in natural hot springs.

iscuss climate change and biodiD versity with Icelandic scientists.

Itinerary (15 DAYS)

E xplore black-sand beaches where Icelandic horses roam.

REYKJAVÍK AND THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

Expert Environmental scientist, writer, storyteller, and Web producer FORD COCHRAN will join both departures in Reykjavík and Höfn. See his bio on our website.

40 E X P E D I T I O N

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Reykjavík

HÖFN AND THE VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER

{

Elena H., Iceland, 2012

Thingvallavatn Lake 100

Höfn

Atlantic Ocean

MILES

On Assignment Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY

}

”Not only was traveling around the exotic, contrasted island unbelievable, but working in my Filmmaking On Assignment group was an incredible experience.”

Lake Mývatn

Vatnajökull Glacier

LAKE MÝVATN AND THE NORTHERN COAST

Jökulsárgljúfur National Park

Akureyri

2014 DATES: JUNE 29–JULY 13 • JULY 14–28 TUITION: $7,290

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Reykjavík. Please refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

We will stay in small hostels and cabins, and spend several nights camping in tents.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

EXPEDITION 41

On Assignment

FIELD WORKSHOP:

Costa Rica

Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION See On Assignment project descriptions on page 7.

canopy on a zip line, and ride horseback deep into the forest to find untouched primary growth. Visit a local coffee cooperative or volunteer to plant trees with the biological corridor project. Learn to cook traditional Costa Rican staples such as gallo pinto, tamales, and tortillas; and play soccer with the local schoolchildren. In the evenings, participate in discussions with local naturalists and our National Geographic expert.

Costa Rica has protected nearly a quarter of its land from development, creating a refuge for countless species and ensuring that its cloud forests, steaming volcanoes, and pristine beaches will be around for generations to come. From the rain forest to the coast, discover Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. Through an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography or Wildlife & Conservation—set out to investigate and document Costa Rica’s stewardship of its diverse ecosystems.

Highlights u

P hotograph monkeys, sloths, rare birds, and other wildlife.

wim beneath a waterfall and S explore pristine beaches.

Interview leatherback turtle researchers on the coast.

Volunteer on an organic farm and learn about the local coffee trade.

Expert Conservation biologist TAYLOR EDWARDS will join the July 12 trip on the coast and the July 24 trip in Monteverde. See his bio on page 9.

42 F I E L D W O R K S H O P

Itinerary (12 DAYS) MONTEVERDE AND SAN LUIS

6 days. The program begins in San Luis, a beautiful, self-sustaining village located on the southern edge of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and our base as we explore this unique ecosystem.

NORTHWEST COAST 6 days. From the mountains of Monteverde, head west to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Using a marine research station as our base, explore the coastal ecosystem and the tropical dry forests of Guanacaste. Meet with conservation biologists to discuss the endangered leatherback turtle, and work with students at a local elementary school on their environmental education program. Spend an afternoon at the beach and catch a wave on one of Costa Rica’s premier surfing beaches. Wrap up your On Assignment projects and share them with the group on the final night.

A typical day begins with an exercise focused on your On Assignment project—an early morning photo shoot of toucans as they flock to feed in the papaya trees, a workshop on medicinal plants, or a visit with local farmers to learn about their daily lives and help out in the fields. We’ll spend our afternoons discovering the region on field assignments and active excursions. Swim under the spray of the spectacular San Luis waterfall, which emerges from the jungle mists and tumbles some 300 feet. Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest from top to bottom: hike the trails in search of the elusive quetzal, glide through the 2014 DATES: JULY 12–23 • JULY 24–AUGUST 4 TUITION: $4,990

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

A tropical biology research station, the San Luis Ecolodge is our base for the first six days of the program. Students live in cozy bungalows nestled among trees. On the Pacific coast we’ll stay in dormitory-style accommodations at a marine research station.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

On Assignment

FIELD WORKSHOP: FIELD WORKSHOP:

Costa Canyon Rica & the Southwest Grand

Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE See On Assignment project descriptions on page 7.

A mile deep, ten miles wide, and six million years in the making, the Grand Canyon is a masterpiece of geology. Beneath its scarlet-striped cliffs—and in the surrounding desert canyonlands—civilizations have carved out an existence for some 12,000 years. Set out with your On Assignment group to explore the gorgeous crags and chasms of the southwest. Meet Native Americans, work on important conservation projects, and float down the San Juan River on a four-day rafting adventure.

Highlights u

Go rafting between soaring canyon walls on the San Juan River.

E xplore the ancient cliff dwellings of the ancestral Puebloans.

Document rock art and work on an environmental service project.

Meet Native Americans and learn about their culture firsthand.

Expert National Geographic photographer JAY DICKMAN will join the group at the Grand Canyon. See his bio on page 9.

Itinerary (12 DAYS) PHOENIX AND FLAGSTAFF

3 days. We begin our adventure in Phoenix with an orientation to the surrounding area. Travel to Flagstaff through gorgeous landscapes and archaeological sites, and begin working on your On Assignment projects. Spend the night in Flagstaff, home of the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, as well as Navajo and Hopi cultural sites.

examine massive formations of Coconino Sandstone and fossil-rich Hermit Shale. Work with the National Park Service on forest management projects, and witness unforgettable sunsets from the viewing deck at our lodge. Cross the vast Navajo reservation of Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, photographing dramatic landscapes along the way. Go hiking with a Navajo guide to see the cliff dwellings and rock art of the ancient Puebloan people. Meet contemporary Native Americans to discover how the sacred desert landscapes continue to sustain them. SAN JUAN RIVER TRIP 5 days. The program concludes with an unforgetable adventure: a four-day float trip through the upper canyon of the San Juan River. Paddle during the day, pausing to hike into side canyons or to spot wildlife. Learn to decipher the geology of magnificent canyon walls that lay bare millions of years of our planet’s history. Interpret the petroglyphs of Butler Wash panel, where at least three distinct cultures left their indelible visions in stone. Take part in a service project, photographing ancient habitations and rock art. Set up camp on sandy beaches and sleep under the stars. Spend our last day exploring Flagstaff and sharing our final projects before returning to Phoenix and flying home.

GRAND CANYON 4 days. Head north to the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. From our base on the North Rim, we’ll explore the canyon, its geology, and the traces of its ancient inhabitants. Hike along the rim and take in awe-inspiring views. Discover ancient dwellings and farming sites, or improve your landscape photography skills. Descend partway into the canyon, traveling millions of years back in time as you 2014 DATE: JULY 19–30 TUITION: $4,990

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Phoenix. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

In Flagstaff and Phoenix we stay in small hotels and hostels. At the Grand Canyon, we stay at the historic Grand Canyon Lodge in Western-style log cabins with shared bathrooms and showers. On the San Juan River, we camp four nights in tents set up on riverbanks and beaches along the way.

APPLY ONLINE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

FIELD WORKSHOP 43

On Assignment

FIELD WORKSHOP:

Alaska

Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION

FILMMAKING See On Assignment project descriptions on page 7.

sheep. Go white-water rafting on the wild Nenana River, and learn about dogsledding at a working mushing kennel. Trek to remote ridges to get a once-in-a-lifetime view of North America’s highest mountain, Mount McKinley.

In Alaska’s undeveloped wilderness, towering peaks preside over massive glaciers, wild rivers cut through thick pine forests, and the Arctic tundra seems endless. Moose, bears, and caribou roam the land, while the waters teem with whales, sea lions, and seabirds. Head to America’s wild northern frontier and discover a spectacular wilderness—and the forces that threaten it—through the lens of your On Assignment project: Photography, Wildlife & Conservation, or Filmmaking.

Highlights u

Kayak through dramatic fjords, home to whales and sea lions.

ike to the foot of America’s H largest glacier.

Trek into Denali’s backcountry.

Go river rafting or try your hand at fly-fishing.

Expert Naturalist and environmental educator JASON MATTHEWS will join the group in Denali National Park. See his bio on our website.

44 F I E L D W O R K S H O P

Itinerary (12 DAYS) ANCHORAGE

3 days. Our adventure begins in the far northern city of Anchorage. In your 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.

SEWARD AND THE KENAI PENINSULA 5 days. Stop over in the quirky mountain town of Talkeetna, then head south to the mountains, fjords, and glaciers of the Kenai Peninsula. Our base is Seward, a traditional fishing village. At the Alaska SeaLife Center, the only cold-water marine science facility in the Western Hemisphere, learn about the region’s incredibly rich marine life and the effects of climate change on the Bering Sea ecosystem. Hike into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park, past towering blue-ice glacial crevasses, to the spectacular Harding Icefield, an immense glacial relic from the last ice age. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, bears, mountain goats, and bright-red salmon. Paddle a sea kayak through the fjords, watching for sea lions, otters, puffins, and orcas. Spend one night at a kayakers-only hostel in a remote cove of beautiful Resurrection Bay. Our adventure concludes with presentations of On Assignment projects. Fly home from Anchorage.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK 4 days. From Anchorage, travel north to Denali National Park, which encompasses six million acres of subarctic taiga and tundra, and is populated by an astounding range of wildlife. From our base at the eastern edge of the park, set out to explore one of America’s most pristine natural settings. Observe and photograph herds of caribou, a moose wading in a lake, or a grizzly bear feeding on blueberries. Track a wolf pack or catch a glimpse of a flock of white Dall 2014 DATE: JUNE 27–JULY 8 TUITION: $5,590

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. A round-trip group flight is available between Minneapolis and Anchorage. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs. Note: This program includes several full-day hikes. To get the most out of the trip, students should be fit and enthusiastic about hiking.

In Anchorage, Denali, and Seward, we stay in family-run hostels. During our kayaking excursion we spend one night in a kayakers-only wilderness hostel.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

On Assignment

FIELD WORKSHOP:

Tuscany, Italy

Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE WRITING See On Assignment project descriptions on page 7.

It’s no accident that so many writers and artists have found their way to Tuscany since the days of Michelangelo and Dante—inspiration lies around every corner. The cobblestoned piazzas of Lucca and Florence are lined with medieval and Renaissance architecture, but filled with the modern energy of bustling markets and lively cafés. The hills roll on as far as the eye can see, some striped with vineyards, others gilded with fields of sunflowers. Capture the essence of Tuscany through writing or photography.

Highlights u

hoot photographs of hilltop villages S and interview street performers in Florence.

ide a bike atop Lucca’s medieval R walls.

Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

T rek to the seaside hamlets of Cinque Terre.

Expert Born and raised in Italy, photojournalist MASSIMO BASSANO has been photographing his country for many years. Massimo will join both departures. See his bio on our website.

Itinerary (12 DAYS) Our home in Tuscany is nestled within the ancient walls of Lucca. Delve into this lively medieval city and spend twelve days pursuing your On Assignment project, whether it’s a collection of portraits or a short story set in a colorful seaside village. Work in teams with the guidance of your trip leaders and National Geographic expert Massimo Bassano. A typical day begins with a workshop or an exercise designed to hone your photography or writing techniques. Then head out into the field to experience the region through hands-on activities. On a visit to Florence, record your impressions of Michelangelo’s marble masterpieces in the Accademia or photograph different architectural styles of the city’s palaces and churches. Interview local artisans about their craft and learn to make pasta at an

authentic Italian cooking class. Venture deep into the quarries where Michelangelo sourced marble for his sculptures, and ride a historic funicular into the Tuscan Hills. Climb Pisa’s legendary leaning tower, or visit Machiavelli’s rural Tuscan estate. Head to the coast to explore Cinque Terre, where five brightly painted seaside villages are tucked in along the rocky shores below impossibly steep mountains. Hike the slopes high above the Mediterranean and reward yourself with a swim. On hikes in the countryside, capture images of tapered cypress stands on the hilltops, or take portraits of local farmers framed by fields of sunflowers. Take advantage of free time in the afternoons to play a pickup game of soccer with Italian teenagers, or sample the flavors in one of the world’s oldest family-run gelaterias. In the evenings, attend a workshop on oral storytelling, or set out to capture Lucca in different light on a nighttime photo shoot. Put together an informal pop-up gallery on a city street to share your final On Assignment projects.

2014 DATES: JUNE 30–JULY 11 • JULY 14–25 TUITION: $5,390

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Milan. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in the heart of downtown Lucca—a quintessential Tuscan town just a short train ride from Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre.

APPLY ONLINE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

FIELD WORKSHOP 45

On Assignment

FIELD WORKSHOP:

Barcelona, Spain

Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE WRITING See On Assignment project descriptions on page 7.

In the heart of Barcelona, ancient Roman walls meet the wild curves of modernist architecture; medieval streets end in broad, bustling boulevards; and Spanish culture blends with a strong local Catalan identity. This is a city with a pulse: full of cutting-edge design, street festivals and markets, a lively port, and sandy beaches. Immerse yourself in the creativity, passion, and style of one of Spain’s most cosmopolitan cities. Set out to capture the soul of Barcelona through an On Assignment project of your choice.

Highlights u

E xplore Barcelona’s lively markets and street festivals.

Hike the peaks of the Catalan Pyrenees.

Photograph or interview street performers on the lively Ramblas.

Discover the surreal at Salvador Dalí’s museum based in his hometown.

Itinerary (12 DAYS) Our home in Barcelona is a university residence on the edge of beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella, just a short walk from the beach and La Rambla. Delve deep into this eclectic, energetic city and get to know its many faces through your On Assignment project. Each day, we split into our On Assignment teams and head into the streets to experience the city. Discover Antoni Gaudí’s eccentric architecture at La Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell, and wander through the impressive sports complex of Olympic Park. Practice your Spanish at the cafés along Passeig de Gràcia and hit the dance floor at a rooftop techno-jazz concert. Set out with National Geographic expert Tino Soriano to photograph the kaleidoscope of people and foods at the covered market, La Boquería. Interview street performers on La Rambla, or learn the basic steps of

the sardana, Catalunya’s traditional dance. Much of the city shuts down for a mid-afternoon siesta—a perfect pause to edit your photographs from the morning or review a short story you’ve written. When night falls, Barcelona lights up. In the company of our trip leaders, stroll the seaside boardwalk on the way to an avant-garde flamenco dance performance, or enjoy a leisurely dinner in the hip Raval neighborhood. We’ll set out on several day excursions to explore the Spanish countryside. Camera or notebook in hand, wander the cobbled streets of Girona as you discover the ancient Roman walls, Arabic baths, and the old Jewish quarter. Visit the town of Figueres, home to the fascinating and bizarre Dalí museum. Relax and go for a swim at a nearby beach. Venture into the medieval village of Castellar de N’Hug in the Pyrenees, take a guided hike along mountain trails, and then dive into a hearty meal of regional specialties. Throughout the workshop, work with our National Geographic expert and trip leaders to transform your multifaceted experiences into a meaningful On Assignment project. We’ll share our projects on our final night in Barcelona.

Expert

2014 DATES: JUNE 29–JULY 10 • JULY 13–24

Born and raised in Barcelona, TINO SORIANO divides his work between photojournalism and travel photography. See his bio on our website.

TUITION: $4,690

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Barcelona. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

We stay in comfortable rooms in a stylish new university dorm overlooking the Parc de la Ciutadella and just a short walk to the beach. We’ll have breakfast at the dorm, while lunches and dinners range from picnics to sit-down meals at restaurants and bodegas.

46 F I E L D W O R K S H O P

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On Assignment

FIELD WORKSHOP:

Ireland

Choose one of these On Assignment projects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE WRITING See On Assignment project descriptions on page 7.

Bar, relax on the green at Trinity College, and explore the revived docklands along the River Liffey. Escape the city on a daytrip to the misty hills of County Wicklow or catch the train for a visit to the beaches and fishing villages that speckle the coast outside the city.

Ireland’s rolling green landscapes and cliff-lined coasts have long inspired storytellers. From the cobbled streets of Dublin to the moonscapes of the Aran Islands, delve into Ireland’s storied past, where Celtic myths meet a tumultuous history of revolution and conflict. Explore the Irish penchant for storytelling and the lively musical traditions of Galway and the western coast. Cultivate your creative writing or photography skills as you turn your camera lens and pen to the mystical beauty of the Emerald Isle.

Highlights u

P hotograph musicians and performers in Dublin and Galway.

ike the Wicklow Mountains and H visit fishing villages on the Irish Sea.

Go on photo and writing assignments on the magical Aran Islands.

Visit the stomping grounds of literary greats like James Joyce, W. B. Yeats, and Oscar Wilde.

Expert Writer and globetrotter ANDREW EVANS will join the July 7 trip in Dublin. See his bio on our website.

Itinerary (12 DAYS) DUBLIN 7 days. On the streets of Dublin, revolutionaries once rose up to end 500 years of British rule, and impassioned writers penned works that would become today’s classics. The city that once saw so much strife is now a spirited hub of Irish culture with an increasingly international undercurrent. 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 through beautiful Merrion Square Park. Take in the sites and sounds of Dublin as you bike through neighborhood lanes and along the historic canal system. Visit the Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane or the Dublin Writers Museum, and take in a show at the Abbey Theatre, founded by W. B. Yeats and Lady Gregory in 1904. Walk the cobbled lanes of Temple

GALWAY 4 days. The seaside city of Galway is our base on Ireland’s 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. Listen to live Irish music, replete with fiddles and spoons, and photograph everyday life on the streets of Galway and the quays along the River Corrib. Hop a ferry for the mystical Aran Islands where writers like J. M. Synge found inspiration among Celtic ruins and lunar-like fields of limestone. Take walks on the craggy cliffs overlooking the North Atlantic and capture a sense of place in your writing or photography. Talk to the locals about their daily life, and let the mystical atmosphere of the islands fuel your imagination as we finish our projects. Return to Dublin for a student-organized public show of the photography, poetry, and prose created during the workshop.

2014 DATES: JULY 7–18 • JULY 19–30 TUITION: $4,990

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Dublin. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

In Dublin, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations north of the River Liffey, a short walk from the bustle of O’Connell Street and the city center. During our time in the west, we stay in small, family-run hostels.

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FIELD WORKSHOP 47

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP:

London, England

On Assignment: Photography During the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a gallery opening on the final evening in which large-format prints of students’ work will be on display.

Artsy and historic, elegant and avant-garde, London is the perfect setting for this indepth, campus-based photography program designed for students of all levels. During daily classes and photo shoots, a National Geographic photographer and our instructors share their passion and knowledge of both the technical and creative aspects of the field. Focus on a broad range of topics, from composition to light, and head out on photo assignments to Oxford, Stonehenge, and other nearby sites.

Highlights u

Improve your skills with the guidance of a National Geographic photographer.

L earn new techniques through special seminars and daily photography classes.

o on photo shoots in Oxford, G Stonehenge, and the Cotswolds.

Exhibit your work in a gallery.

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

streets of nearby Oxford to photograph the university town’s towering spires. Shoot the age-old stone cottages of the Cotswolds or go for a hike in search of the perfect landscape shot. In the evenings, we’ll have time to upload photos, review the day’s work, and explore the city together by night. On nighttime shoots, photograph the bustling crowds in Piccadilly Circus, or frame the iconic Big Ben clock tower from a unique angle. On select evenings, take advantage of seminars by your National Geographic photographer and photography instructors. Hear stories about their favorite photographic subjects, most challenging assignments, and lessons learned along the way. Throughout the workshop, you’ll organize, curate, and promote an exhibition of large-format prints of the group’s best work. At the formal gallery opening, we’ll display our photographs to a public audience.

Get settled on the University of London campus and break into small groups to work closely with our National Geographic photographer and professional instructors. The workshop’s structured, in-depth curriculum covers a broad range of themes, including light and shadow, composition, depth of field, motion, photographing people, and much more. Mornings are devoted to editing, group critiques, and lessons in the classroom, while afternoons are spent on photography assignments in the field. Practice newly acquired techniques amid the rich architecture and historical neighborhoods of London and nearby sites. Get a new angle on the iconic Buckingham Palace. Travel to Stonehenge to capture the “golden hour.” Hit the

Expert

2014 DATES: JULY 6–17 • JULY 20–31

National Geographic photographer GIANLUCA COLLA will join both workshops. See his bio on our website.

TUITION: $5,890

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and London. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

We stay in rooms with shared bathrooms at the University of London, in the central but quiet Bloomsbury neighborhood. Breakfast and lunch are provided at the university dining halls, while dinners range from picnics to authentic pub fare and sit-down meals at restaurants.

48 P H OTO G R A P H Y W O R K S H O P

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On Assignment: Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP:

Prague

During the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a gallery opening on the final evening in which large-format prints of students’ work will be on display.

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 story 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 city that has captured the hearts of artists, musicians, and writers for centuries.

Highlights u

Develop your artistic vision with the help of a National Geographic photographer.

o on photo shoots in the forests G and medieval towns of Bohemia.

Hone your photography skills through field-based classes and seminars.

urate and display your work at a C public gallery opening.

Expert National Geographic photographer DAVID YODER will join the entire workshop. See his bio on our website.

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

seminars by our National Geographic photographer and instructors on their professional experiences. 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. Retreat into the wooded hills and storied villages of southern Bohemia on a two-day photo assignment. Stay in a 13th-century hunting estate and work on your landscape photography while hiking through the Šumava forest and canoeing pristine rivers. Capture the faces of our village neighbors and step back in time on a shoot in ˇ the labyrinthine medieval city of Ceský Krumlov. Throughout the workshop we will prepare for a final gallery opening of large-print photos of the group’s best work. Help organize, curate, and promote the exhibit, and share your images with the public on our final night.

Prague is a visual feast where Gothic, baroque, art nouveau, and cubist architecture mingles with weird and witty modern sculpture, and a creative energy fills the streets. Our base in this captivating city is at the junction of the Old and New Towns, just steps from the National Theater. Spend time in our classroom each day, 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. Climb up to Prague Castle at the “golden hour” to capture the iconic Prague skyline, punctuated by a multitude of spires. Ride a boat down the winding Vltava to catch the city from a different vantage point. At Letná Park, perched on a hilltop overlooking Prague, frame skateboarders in action and panoramic views of the city. In the evenings, review the day’s work or attend 2014 DATE: JUNE 30–JULY 11 TUITION: $5,690

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Prague. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

We stay in dormitory-style accommodations near Národní Tˇrída in central Prague. Breakfast is provided at our residence, while other meals range from picnics to sit-down meals at restaurants. Classrooms are equipped with computer workstations and digital projectors.

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P H OTO G R A P H Y W O R K S H O P 4 9

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP:

Paris, France

Part of what makes Paris so photogenic is the mingling of old and new, from the glass Pyramid that juts out of the courtyard of the stately Louvre Museum to today’s students sipping coffee at brasseries once frequented by Hemingway. Delve into the technical and creative aspects of photography during in-depth classes with a National Geographic photographer and a team of instructors. Learn how to capture light, mood, and motion on photo shoots in a city that has inspired artists for centuries.

Highlights u

on photo shoots with a National Go Geographic photographer.

E xplore Chartres, Versailles, and Giverny on photo assignments.

L earn new techniques through hands-on classes and seminars.

Show your work at a public gallery opening.

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

de Triomphe, or descend to the catacombs far below the streets to hone your low-light photography skills. Take an excursion to Versailles to capture the “golden hour” at the palace and gardens. Travel to nearby Chartres to photograph the majestic gothic spires and dazzling stained glass of one of the world’s most celebrated cathedrals. Capture the stunning landscapes of Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny. Visit the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay to examine the works of artists like da Vinci, Rodin, Picasso, and Stieglitz. In the evenings, we’ll review our day’s work, then photograph Paris by night. Capture the bustling scene in the hip Left Bank neighborhoods, or the Eiffel Tower as it shimmers against the night sky. On certain evenings, our National Geographic photographer and photography instructors will hold seminars to discuss their professional experience. During the workshop, organize, curate, and promote an exhibition of large-format prints of the group’s best work. At the final gallery opening on our last evening together, share your images with a public audience.

From our home in the heart of Paris, break into small groups and set out on daily photo shoots amid some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Each morning, we’ll gather in the classroom with our instructors and our National Geographic photographer to edit and critique our images and learn different elements of photography, such as working with light and shadow, composition, depth of field, and motion. Set out on a photo assignment each day, using your new skills to capture the city’s extraordinary architecture, the pulse of modern-day life, and elegant monuments. Catch fearless roller skaters at the foot of Notre Dame, street artists in the winding lanes of Montmartre, songbirds at the Sunday market on the Île de la Cité, and boats churning up the Seine. Climb to the top of the Arc

Expert

2014 DATES: JULY 6–17 • JULY 20–31

Born and raised in France, National Geographic photographer MATTHIEU PALEY will join the July 20 workshop. See his bio on page 9.

TUITION: $5,890

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Paris. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

We stay in centrally-located, dormitory-style accommodations. Breakfast is provided at the residence, while lunches and dinners range from picnics to sit-down meals at restaurants. Our classrooms are equipped with computer workstations and digital projectors.

50 P H OTO G R A P H Y W O R K S H O P

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On Assignment: Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP:

San Francisco

From soaring redwood forests to one of the most iconic bridges in the world, San Francisco is known for its beauty and vibrant energy. Continue the legacy of San Francisco’s native son Ansel Adams, shooting photographs alongside our instructors and a National Geographic photographer. Explore the techniques and craft of photography during daily hands-on classes, learn to take compelling portraits and landscapes that capture the atmosphere of your subject, and go on assignment in Big Sur and Monterey.

Highlights u

Hone your photography techniques with the guidance of a National Geographic photographer.

o on photo assignments in Muir G Woods, Monterey, and Alcatraz.

Trace the legacy of Ansel Adams throughout the city.

rganize a gallery opening to show O your work to the public.

At Fisherman’s Wharf, take portraits of fishermen selling their catch and zoom in on the sea lions on the docks. Visit Alcatraz and photograph the city from the storied island. On a photo assignment, follow Adams’ footsteps to the soaring redwood forests of Muir Woods National Monument and the craggy coast of Big Sur. Then head to Monterey to photograph marine life at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. In the evenings, we’ll review the day’s work and photograph the city by night. Capture the cable cars clanking down the boulevards amid a blur of city lights, or the illuminated zigzag of Lombard Street, known as the “crookedest street in the world.” On some evenings, attend seminars by your National Geographic photographer and photography instructors to learn about their experiences. Throughout the workshop, we’ll prepare for a gallery opening on our final evening. You’ll help organize, curate, and promote an exhibit of large-format digital prints of the group’s original work. At the final gallery opening, our photographs will be on display to a public audience.

Itinerary (11 DAYS) Settle into our centrally located campus and delve into the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and the National Geographic photographer. Begin each day in the classroom, editing your images and learning new skills, from managing light and depth of field to working with flash and improving your composition. Then grab your camera and hit the streets in the afternoon, using your new skills as you shoot alongside our team of photo instructors. Document San Francisco’s vibrant cultures, from the bustle of Chinatown and the Italian flavors of Washington Square to the bohemian street artists of Haight-Ashbury. Find a new perspective on the Golden Gate Bridge, shooting from Baker Beach at twilight. Frame the same shots that Ansel Adams made famous to trace the city’s changes.

Expert

2014 DATES: JUNE 30–JULY 10 • JULY 14–24

San Francisco native KIP EVANS is a photographer and filmmaker. He will join both workshops. See his bio on our website.

TUITION: $5,390

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in San Francisco, California. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

We stay in dormitory-style accommodations nestled within Golden Gate National Park. Breakfast is provided at our residence, while other meals range from picnics to sit-down meals at restaurants. Classrooms are equipped with computer workstations and digital projectors.

APPLY ONLINE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

P H OTO G R A P H Y W O R K S H O P 5 1

Community Service

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Costa Rica On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects, working alongside community members on a variety of infrastructure, education, and sustainability projects.

Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity and its pioneering conservation efforts. Steaming volcanoes poke out of thick, green jungle; and protected tropical rain forests, teeming with wildlife, reach all the way to the pristine coast. We’ll make our home in a mountain village and work alongside members of the community on a variety of service projects, documenting life in the village through photos, journals, and video. Then set off to explore Costa Rica’s most active volcano and the breathtaking western coast.

Highlights u

E xperience everyday life in a traditional village.

estore a community building, R plant trees, or teach English to children.

o kayaking or horseback riding G in the shadow of Arenal Volcano.

Snorkel amid brilliant marine life.

Itinerary (14 DAYS) COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE

8 days. After a day of orientation at the beach, travel to our village in the mountainous northwestern province of Guanacaste, and settle into everyday life. Our days start with a typical breakfast of rice, beans, eggs, and fresh fruit. Then split into teams and head out with members of the community to work on a variety of service projects. Clear forest trails, teach English to students at the elementary school, or paint a health center. 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 the local youth can continue.

Each day, set out in small teams to work on your service projects, breaking for lunch and a short siesta in the early afternoon. In the late afternoon, take a break from your projects to explore this lush, mountainous area. Hike to a nearby swimming hole with your new Costa Rican friends, or arrange a game of pickup fútbol. Go for a walk in the tropical forests to look for monkeys and unusual flora. Join some of the local women in the kitchen to learn how to make tortillas and gallo pinto, or try your hand at milking at the town dairy farm. Throughout your time in the village, record your service project work through photographs, journal entries, and video. With the guidance of your leaders, craft a story about your experience, the challenges facing the community, or of the impact of your work. ARENAL VOLCANO

3 days. 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, family-run ranch that has its own organic garden, a reforestation corridor, hot springs, and a rehabilitation center for injured or abandoned wildlife. Spend an afternoon exploring the rain forest on horseback, or go kayaking on Lake Arenal. Take a day trip to the Catarata de la Fortuna, a spectacular waterfall located at the base of the dormant Chato volcano. Go for a swim in the natural pools of crystal-clear water below the falls. NORTHWEST COAST

3 days. Descend from the mountains to the pristine Pacific coast, where we’ll spend our final days in a small beachside village. Snorkel amid spectacular marine life, kayak across the bay, and enjoy an afternoon at one of Costa Rica’s white-sand beaches.

2014 DATES: JUNE 26–JULY 9 • JULY 3–16 • JULY 10–23 • JULY 17–30

52 C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E

TUITION: $3,990

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

Accommodations in the village are simple. The group sleeps in sleeping bags on the floor of the community center. Boys and girls have separate spaces, and bathrooms are shared. We prepare our meals alongside volunteers from the community. At Arenal, we sleep in private bungalows and eat buffet-style meals in an open-air restaurant. At the beach, we stay in a family-run villa just 150 feet from the Pacific Ocean.

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Community Service

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Peru

On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. Work side-by-side locals in the community on a variety of projects focusing on infrastructure development and education.

In Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Inca, ancient ruins and tiny villages are scattered among the lush folds of the Andes, and the Quechua people carry on the colorful traditions of their ancestors. We’ll make our home nestled in a mountain village here and work alongside members of the community on an array of service projects. Get in tune with the rhythms of life in the heart of the ancient Inca Empire; explore Cusco and Machu Picchu; and capture your experience through photos, journals, and video.

Highlights u

I mmerse yourself in everyday life in a traditional Peruvian village.

ehabilitate a community center or R build a greenhouse.

E xplore the mysterious mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu.

Play fútbol with Peruvian friends.

Itinerary (14 DAYS)

range of service projects. Possible projects include building a classroom, painting a mural, constructing a community center, and helping young students improve their English. Get further involved in village life by volunteering at the village clinic, learning to cook a typical Andean meal, or spending a day practicing traditional agriculture with local farmers. In the afternoons, play soccer with village friends, hike remnants of ancient Inca footpaths into the surrounding mountains, or relax and play music with your Peruvian peers. Chronicle your experience in the village through an independent project of your choice: create a Quechua phrasebook, try your hand at weaving, or photograph local children and display their portraits at the school. From your base in the village, take day trips to nearby towns and Inca ruins, and to visit local markets. MACHU PICCHU

CUSCO

2 days. The program begins in the Sacred Valley of the Inca with an orientation and introduction to the ancient city of Cusco. Delve into Incan culture as we explore Sacsayhuaman, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Spanish conquest, and stunning colonial cathedrals built with stones from ancient Inca fortresses. COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE

9 days. From Cusco, head deeper into the valley to our community service village. Settle into the rhythm of rural life by immersing yourself in the local culture and working alongside community members on a

3 days. A scenic train ride brings us to one of the most magnificent spots in the world: the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Abandoned by the Inca for centuries, the site was rediscovered in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham and excavated by a team from National Geographic. Venture through the ancient temples and dwellings to unlock their mysteries. Take an early morning hike up a nearby peak and watch the sun rise over the ruins. We’ll gather for a final evening of sharing the stories and skills we’ve picked up in Peru before returning to Lima for our flight home.

2014 DATES: JUNE 30–JULY 13 • JULY 21–AUGUST 3 TUITION: $4,990

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Lima, Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Lima, and return to Miami. Please refer to page 56 for information on transportation.

In the village, the group sleeps on bunk beds in simple village housing. Boys and girls have separate spaces, and bathrooms are shared. In Cusco and Machu Picchu we stay in small family-run inns and hostels. Note: Cusco is at an elevation of 11,200 feet, and Machu Picchu is at an elevation of 8,000 feet.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE 53

Community Service

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Thailand On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects, working alongside community members on a variety of education-focused projects.

the rhythm of daily life and explore the area. Discover the sport of Thai kickboxing, derived from Thai martial arts; hike to a mountaintop temple; or learn about Buddhist “merit-making.” Shop for dinner at an outdoor market, then take a traditional Thai cooking class so you can recreate your favorite dishes at home. Throughout the week, report on your experiences through photographs, writing, or video and develop a narrative about your time in the village. ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER AND JUNGLE TREK

Spectacular landscapes dotted with temples, friendly people, and colorful traditions: it’s easy to see what makes Thailand one of the most enticing places on the planet. Yet life in much of Thailand remains simple, and basic infrastructure is still being developed in many areas. Settle into our village and work alongside community members on improvement projects at two schools, documenting the experience through a variety of media. Encounter enchanting Bangkok and cap off the trip on a white-sand beach.

Highlights u

T utor novice monks and learn about their Buddhist traditions.

ork with mahouts and their W elephants at an elephant conservation center.

T rek through the jungle to a hill-tribe village.

Snorkel off of white-sand beaches.

Itinerary (15 DAYS) COMMUNITY SERVICE SITE

8 days. Our home in Thailand lies just outside the bustling northern city of Chiang Mai. Spend a day getting oriented and exploring Chiang Mai’s legendary markets and temples. Then split into small groups to work with local residents on a variety of communityinitiated projects. Tutor novice Buddhist monks in English at a temple school, which provides education for disadvantaged teenage boys of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Participate in painting and construction projects at a primary school, and engage the students in fun learning activities during an after-school program. In the late afternoons, we’ll have a chance to get into

3 days. Head into the countryside to visit an elephant conservation center and work with elephants and their mahouts, or keepers. Learn about threats to the elephants’ habitat and talk to mahouts about their unique bond to the animals and the uncertain future of their profession. Then climb on for a ride through the forest and get a chance to bathe the elephants in the Mae Kuang River. A second excursion brings us into the northern mountains for an overnight jungle trek. Hike through a lush valley to a village of the Karen hill tribe and discover their unique traditions. Along the way, stop at a Buddhist sanctuary and take a dip at the foot of a waterfall. BANGKOK AND THE BEACH

3 days. Travel south to Bangkok and delve into its vibrant bustle, visiting the Grand Palace and the city’s incredible temples. At Wat Pho, examine a famous reclining Buddha figure that stretches more than 140 feet. Glide along the city’s waterways in a river ferry and meander through a lively night market. Our final stop is the island of Koh Samet, where we’ll spend two days snorkeling in crystal-clear waters and relaxing on the white-sand beach before returning to Bangkok for our flights home.

2014 DATES: JUNE 27–JULY 11 • JULY 13–27 TUITION: $4,990

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged At our community service site, the group sleeps in a simple but comfortable guesthouse in group flights New York to Chiang Mai and double or triple rooms. We stay in a mountain lodge on our trek, and in hotels in Bangkok and return from Bangkok. Refer to page 56 Koh Samet. for information on transportation to and from programs.

54 C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E

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Community Service

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Tanzania Students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours working with local community members on service projects that have been selected by our friends on the village council and at the local school.

your journal with views of Kilimanjaro in the distance. Spend time with the local children, who are excited to share their lives, practice their English, and teach you their pastimes, from drumming and dancing to batik and beading. WILDLIFE SAFARI AND MAASAI VILLAGE

Thanks to its fantastically rich wildlife, the allure of the fascinating Maasai people, and many years of stability, Tanzania is one of Africa’s great success stories. Yet life in rural villages remains simple, and basic infrastructure is still being developed in many areas. In the hills of northern Tanzania, settle into a village and work on projects that help improve daily life. Document life in the village and craft a story about your experience. Cap off the trip with a wildlife safari and a very special evening with the Maasai.

Highlights Live with Tanzanian people in a village at the base of Mount Meru.

Help build a water-delivery system in a village or volunteer at an orphanage.

Spend a night with the Maasai.

Encounter amazing wildlife on safari in three parks.

Itinerary (15 DAYS) COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE

7 days. Our home in Tanzania is a small agricultural village in the lush hills below Mount Kilimanjaro. We’ll split into small groups and spend our days working with the village residents on a variety of community-initiated projects. Improve a local water supply system, help with repairs at the school, or lend a hand at a nearby orphanage. Roll up your sleeves and pitch in with planting and harvesting at a local farm, or help farmers sell their produce at market. In the late afternoons, get into the rhythm of village life and explore the area. Play soccer with kids from the village, discover a waterfall in the surrounding rainforest, shop for dinner at an outdoor market, or write in

4 days. Head into the highlands where, at the invitation of Maasai tribal leaders, we’ll stay a night in a traditional boma settlement—a group of traditional mud huts ringed by thorns to keep away predators. We’ll get to know the customs of the iconic Maasai, witness drumming and jumping contests, and learn about their pastoral lifestyle. Then set out on a safari adventure in three incredible—and very different—wildlife parks. In the low woodlands of Tarangire National Park, watch elephant families interact; look for tree-climbing lions; and spot a myriad of bird species. Descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, a massive volcanic caldera that is home to zebras, cheetahs, hippos, rare rhinos, and much more. Finally, stop for more game viewing at Lake Manyara, a Rift Valley lake whose vast colonies of flamingos often turn its edges pink. VILLAGE WRAP-UP

2 days. Return from safari to a village outside of Arusha and spend your last two days at a cultural center that brings young Americans and Tanzanians together. We’ll have a farewell celebration before flying home.

2014 DATES: JUNE 27–JULY 11 • JULY 10–24 TUITION: $6,390

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Airfare is not included. We have arranged In the village, the group sleeps on bunk beds in a simple village house. Boys and girls have a round-trip group flight between New separate spaces, and bathrooms are shared. We work in teams to help to prepare meals. In the York and Arusha. Refer to page 56 for Maasai tribal lands and on safari, we stay in tented camps. information on transportation to and from programs.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE 55