You will be both challenged and rewarded during this course as you execute a backpacking expedition over numerous
mountain passes (including a couple summits!) as well as a kayaking expedition
through glacier fed lakes - all in Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. You will learn
proven methods for expedition planning and leadership and discover how personal
and group decision-making strategies can contribute to social and environmental
sustainability.
Trip Dates: December 17th, 2023 - January 2nd, 2024 / Estimated Cost: ~$7,250
Application Deadline: Friday, September 8th
The primary activities for this course will be an 8-day backpacking/trekking expedition
and a 4-day kayaking expedition.
This trip will allow you to celebrate Christmas in a unique way, and to bring in
the New Year on the other side of the world! You’ll experience local culture
and customs, and will engage your taste buds in a "curanto" - a culinary experience
that translates to "hot stone." There will also be time for exploring the
picturesque lakeside city of San Carlos de Bariloche - the capital of the southern
lakes.
This course requires strenuous physical activity. The trip will involve backcountry
hiking for approximately 30 miles with a backpack weighing somewhere between 25
and 40 pounds. The terrain is considered to be wilderness, with rough trails. Approximately
2/3 of the time, we will be sleeping on the ground in tents. We will experience
a mixture of sun, rain, and maybe even snow, with the changes in temperature and
weather conditions throughout our time in country. In order to participate, you
must be willing to assume responsibility for the risks involved in the trip and
be in physical shape to endure the conditions and activities included. You must
obtain a doctor’s endorsement that you are prepared for the physical requirements
of the course.
Program Includes
Undergraduate/graduate academic credits awarded through West Virginia University
International Airfare (round trip)
Lodging and most meals during scheduled in-country portion of the program
All adventure-based activities, including use of available equipment, such as backpacks
and sleeping bags, through the Adventure West Virginia Program
All scheduled educational, adventure and cultural activities and transportation
in country
Travel insurance
Special course materials, including books, multi-media, on-line tools and
experiential fees
Additional Costs
You will need to plan for travel related expenses such as obtaining a passport,
some personal gear, medical exams, etc.
Essential Eligibility
All Adventure WV program participants must meet Essential Eligibility Criteria. Many
of the sites and venues for the activities included in Adventure WV’s program
are challenging, remote and exposed to nature’s elements.