NOLS - Semester in India

  India

Ranikhet

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall: August 24-November 11, 2009; September 20-December 8, 2009

Description: Touch down in the ancient world of the Himalayas and prepare for a semester packed with unparalleled language and cultural opportunities in one of the most breathtaking backcountry classrooms in the world. The Himalaya, or abode of snow, swings in a wide arc across four countries and includes Everest and K2 but reaches even higher in imaginations.

This semester begins at NOLS Pacific Northwest in Conway, Washington to prepare rations and pack gear, then it is off to Delhi. Your adventure begins with a ride to the north Indian town of Ranikhet, a quiet rural town at 6,000 feet in the foothills of the Himalaya.

Starting here, you will learn to travel lightly through the valleys of the Kumaon and Garhwal, where the thick conifer and broad-leaf trees of the lower altitudes turn to evergreens, birch, rhododendron and juniper forests in the high ridges and shrubs, sedges, grasses and wild flowers in the alpine zone.

* Pindari Valley Backpacking
A nine-day hike to the Pindari Valley will introduce you to this wilderness and to the skills you need to travel comfortably and responsibly, while also helping you build the leadership techniques you'll carry with you the rest of your life. You'll journey through villages while gaining spectacular views of the Himalaya and its wildlife, crossing some passes in the 9,500- to 10,500-foot range.

* Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)
Back in Ranikhet, youll experience the rural mountain life while you receive your Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification through the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS. This 40-hour course focuses on injury stabilization, treatment and evacuation guidelines of patients in backcountry environments.

* Whitewater Rafting
This 12-day section is based in the area around Rishikesh, one of the holiest spots in the Hindu tradition and home to much of its ritual and mythology. You will begin rafting on the holy Ganga (Ganges) as you hone paddling fundamentals. Once your skills advance and you begin to read the water, you'll be ready for a few multi-day expeditions where you will learn to be paddle captain and row an oar raft.

* Cultural
Stretch your mind and body during these seven days. You will be introduced to and get insights into the key principals of Hatha Yoga as well as learn conversational Hindi. In the afternoons, you will visit nearby villages and practice your Hindi and also go on short treks to visit temples and other historical monuments.

* Milam Valley Backpacking
The Milam (Johar) Valley was once the trade route between India and Tibet. You'll travel in those traders footsteps through remote villages, lush river valleys and flower-strewn meadows, with alpine glaciers in the distance. The trek will culminate with an independent student group expedition where you will use every skill you've acquired so far.

Highlights:
College Credit:
(Optional)         

16 Semester Credit Hours
2 Hours Biology
2 Hours Environmental Ethics
4 Hours Leadership Techniques
4 Hours Skills Practicum
4 Hours Risk Assessment

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: USD 12,900

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Scholarships are Available. Each year NOLS offers over USD 800,000 dollars in scholarship assistance. Scholarship aid is available to applicants who show great potential to excel as NOLS students and who would be unable to attend without financial aid. These scholarship dollars are made available through the generosity of alumni and friends to the NOLS Fund. Our graduates realize the great impact a NOLS education has and volunteer both time and money to further the school's mission.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

NOLS The National Outdoor Leadership School's Mission Statement: The mission of the National Outdoor Leadership School is to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment.

Year Founded: 1965