2018 National Geographic Student Expeditions Catalog by National Geographic Expeditions

STUDENT

EXPEDITIONS SUMMER TRIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

T R AV E L C ATA LO G

SUMMER

2018

STUDENT

EXPEDITIONS SUMMER TRIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

T R AV E L C ATA LO G

SUMMER

2018

“

N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C S T U D E N T E X P E D I T I O N S

At five years old, I remember reading Nat Geo Kids and dreaming of traveling to far-off places and studying wild animals. Today I can say that I’ve explored the outback, studied the wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, and collaborated with other students to create our very own wildlife magazine based on our experience in Australia—a dream come true.

SUMMER 2018 TRIPS ECUADOR AND THE GALÁPAGOS EXPEDITION

”

—Mary C., AUSTRALIA, 2017

ICELAND EXPEDITION

HIGH SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Canadian Arctic

52 Morocco

Alaska

53 Madagascar

Belize

54 Nepal

Cuba

55 Thailand 56 Hawaii

22 Patagonia

57 Costa Rica

NEW

26 Iceland 30 Ireland

59 New York City

32 Swiss and French Alps

38 Namibia

NEW

42 New Zealand 44 Bali

NEW

73 Alaska

RESOURCES

NEW

About Our Trips

National Geographic Experts

10 Trip Leaders 74

Yosemite and San Francisco

How to Apply

76 Scholarship Program

62 Barcelona

77 Terms and Conditions

63 Prague

40 Australia

Costa Rica

72 Monterey Bay and Yosemite

60 Yellowstone 61

NEW

70 Belize

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

28 Italy and Greece

NEW

69 Italy and Greece

58 Fiji

24 Peru and the Amazon

36 Tanzania

68 Iceland

NEW

20 Ecuador and the Galápagos

34 Botswana and Victoria Falls

EXPEDITIONS

COMMUNITY SERVICE

EXPEDITIONS

78 Trip Calendar

64 Tokyo

UNIVERSITY WORKSHOPS

46 China 48 Bhutan

65 Impact Storytelling

50 India

66 Technology and Innovation

NEW

Georgetown University and Nat Geo HQ NEW

University of California, Berkeley and Silicon Valley

67 Engineering and Robotics

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

AUSTRALIA EXPEDITION

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EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH N AT I O N A L G EO G R A P H I C

SWISS AND FRENCH ALPS EXPEDITION

T R AV E L L I K E AN EXPLORER There’s a certain spirit that has driven National Geographic adventurers to all corners of the Earth. You feel it when you travel with us. You’ll be out in the field with our experts, who are fueled by curiosity and a desire to understand our planet and its inhabitants. Much more than a tourist, you become a thoughtful explorer who is passionate about our world.

EXPLORE YO U R PA S S I O N Throughout your trip, you’ll delve deeper into your surroundings by exploring through the lens of one or more topics—photography, wildlife conservation, community service, creative writing, marine biology, and more. As you explore, you’ll create a tangible project that you can take back home, such as a photography portfolio or a study on local wildlife.

AUTHENTIC AND S U S TA I N A B L E E X P E R I E N C E S

BUILD LASTING R E L AT I O N S H I P S

We’re committed to sustaining the natural and cultural heritage of each place we visit. We support local economies in our choice of accommodations and services, increase students’ appreciation for other cultures through meaningful exchange, and invest in offset projects for the carbon emissions associated with activities and travel in our destinations.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

One of the highlights of your trip is sure to be your traveling companions—students from across the globe who are also enthusiastic about exploring. And you’ll find role models in your experts and trips leaders who are photographers, writers, scientists, and explorers pursuing fascinating careers that are helping to make the world a better place.

When you travel with us, you support the National Geographic Society’s mission to explore and protect the planet. We return 27% of our proceeds to the Society, which funds researchers and explorers around the globe who are working to preserve species and ecosystems, protect cultures, and advance understanding of our planet and its inhabitants. The National Geographic Society receives funds from National Geographic Partners LLC (d/b/a National Geographic Expeditions), funded in part by your purchase. To learn more, visit natgeo.com/info.

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F O L LO W YO U R PA S S I O N S Experience what it’s like to be on assignment for National Geographic. No matter which trip you choose, you’ll travel with a purpose. Hands-on projects—such as crafting a photography portfolio, creating a short film, teaching local children about conservation, or researching threats to wildlife with scientists—will deepen your understanding of the cultures and environments you visit and give you a tangible accomplishment to share with friends and family back home. As you flip through this catalog, find the destination and focus area that most captures your imagination. See page 74 for more information about each type of trip, and page 78 for a complete list of trips and their associated themes.

C R E AT I V E W R I T I N G Develop your writing skills with the assistance of a published writer. Learn how to incorporate a strong sense of place into your work as you explore your destination.

C L I M AT E & G E O L O G Y Examine Earth processes, witness dramatic geological forces at work, and discuss the science of global climate change with local scientists.

COMMUNITY SERVICE Roll up your sleeves and pitch in by participating in community service projects that allow you to become more engaged with the place you’re exploring. Make a useful contribution by tutoring students in English, cleaning up a park, supporting a local conservation effort, or helping to develop community infrastructure.

E N G I N E E R I N G & T EC H N O LO GY Get a firsthand look at new technologies that are being created to address challenges facing the modern world. Explore recent advances in engineering, robotics, and computing.

M A R I N E & T R O P I C A L B I O LO GY Delve into underwater ecosystems and discover how the health of our oceans, seas, and shorelines impacts all life on Earth.

P H OTO G R A P H Y

A N T H R O P O LO GY & LO C A L C U LT U R E S

Set out on photo shoots to improve your photography skills and capture the spirit of the places you encounter. Develop a photo essay about a topic that sparks your interest.

Uncover the links between the ancient and modern worlds, encountering traces of past civilizations and experiencing vibrant traditions that live on in present-day cultures.

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FILM & VIDEO Work in production teams to document your journey, the people you meet, and the adventures you experience. Create a short video that tells a story about your trip.

W I L D L I F E C O N S E R VAT I O N Discover local wildlife and their habitats, and learn about biologists’ efforts to protect these natural resources.

MEET OUR EXPERTS National Geographic’s researchers, explorers, and storytellers have been inspiring people for more than 125 years. They’ve pursued their dreams, become leaders in their fields, and are excited to share their stories and knowledge with students. As you explore together, they’ll share their insights and experiences, and inspire you with their passion for the work they do and the places you’ll discover. National Geographic experts join most of our trips.

Photographer and filmmaker Ami Vitale’s work has taken her to more than 90 countries—she’s lived in mud huts and war zones and donned a panda suit, all in keeping with her philosophy of “living the story.” Early in her career, Ami focused on conflict photography, and more recently has turned her lens to wildlife stories, including efforts to reintroduce white rhinos and pandas to the wild. From 1997 to 2000, Ami lived in Prague covering politics and news from Eastern Europe for publications around the world including the New York Times, the Guardian, and Newsweek. Ami will join the Prague photography workshop. p. 63

Writer and globetrotter Andrew Evans has arguably one of the coolest jobs out there: He’s an explorer wandering the globe in pursuit of authentic travel experiences while using the Internet to make these experiences interactive online. Andrew has reported live from glaciers, jungles, mountain summits, and a camel’s back, from all seven continents, and in more than 40 languages. A contributor to National Geographic Traveler and television host for both the National Geographic Channel and CBS, Andrew is the author of five books and the winner of numerous journalism awards. Andrew will join the Cuba expedition. p. 18

For more than a decade, Erika Larsen has used photography to learn intimately about and document cultures that maintain strong connections with nature. She has followed Sami reindeer herders in the Scandinavian Arctic, explored the significance of the horse in Native American culture, and most recently photographed a story for National Geographic magazine about the Alaskan Yupik and their cultural heritage. Erika received a Fulbright fellowship to study the North Sami language, resulting in her first book of photographs, Sámi, Walking With Reindeer. Erika will join the Iceland expedition. p. 26

Award-winning photographer, author, filmmaker, and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Sandesh Kadur uses images, both still and video, to expose the need for conservation and encourage protection of the world’s biodiversity. With subjects ranging from king cobras to clouded leopards, his documentary films have appeared on the National Geographic Channel, the BBC, and more. His photographic book of India’s Western Ghats was part of a successful campaign to name the area a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sandesh will join the India expedition. p. 50

Marine scientist and National Geographic Fellow Dr. Katy Croff Bell has participated in or led more than 25 oceanographic and archaeological projects using robotics and telepresence technologies to explore what lies at the depths of the ocean. She leads the MIT Media Lab Open Ocean Initiative, dedicated to reimagining the future of ocean exploration and storytelling. Previously, Katy worked with a global team of scientists, engineers, and educators aboard the exploration vessel Nautilus. Katy will join the Engineering and Robotics workshop at MIT. p. 67

South African photographer Brent Stirton is committed to issues related to wildlife and conservation, global health, and sustainability. He has shot 20 stories for National Geographic magazine, including recent stories on human-lion conflict, elephant poaching, and the rhino horn trade. In Botswana, Brent has covered bush pilots in the Okavango Delta and indigenous bushmen communities. He has been recognized by the United Nations for his work on the environment and in the field of HIV/AIDS. His work has received 9 World Press Photo awards. Brent will join the Botswana and Victoria Falls expedition. p. 34

National Geographic grantee and ecologist Kevin McLean combines camera trapping and GPS technologies with field science to study wildlife living in tropical treetops. As he collects his scientific data, he documents his experiences through photography, video, and writing. Kevin is a research fellow at the University of California, Davis, and recently traveled to Malaysian Borneo and the Ecuadorian Amazon as a Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling fellow, surveying canopy wildlife in two of the most biodiverse areas of the world. Kevin will join the Ecuador and the Galápagos expedition. p. 20

Photographer Ami Vitale among the pandas at a breeding center in China

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MEET SOME OF OUR TRIP LEADERS

Heading up each program is a team of talented, dynamic trip leaders who have extensive experience in the field—and love working with students. With no more than nine students to every leader, we’ll have the freedom to break into small teams to explore your interests.

Ecologist Nathalie Chardon on a bluff above Iceland’s Gullfoss falls

Photographer Justin Bowen hikes with students in New Zealand.

JUSTIN BOWEN Brooks Institute of Photography, B.A. Justin (also pictured above) is a Utah-based photographer passionate about exploring cultures, people, and the outdoors through his camera. He traveled to Central America several times as a photographer and photo editor for Operation Smile, and to India to photograph the Lepcha people in the Sikkim region. He has worked as a staff photographer for the Greenspun Media Group and the World Golf Tour, as photo director for a Utah Hospital Task Force response to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, and taught photography workshops in the national parks as part of Canon’s Photography in the Parks program. Justin has worked as a kayak guide, herded sheep in New Zealand while hitchhiking the entire country, and traveled extensively in Europe.

CHRIS JOHNS University of Florida, Ph.D. candidate University of Florida, B.A. Chris is a National Geographic grantee raising awareness about some of the planet’s most rare and endangered plant and insect species. Chris’s doctoral work focuses on the evolutionary history and conservation status of a group of rare, endangered micromoths found in the rain forests of the Hawaiian Islands. In addition to science, he uses wildlife photography, documentary videography, and graphic design as tools to raise awareness about the world’s imperiled tropical ecosystems and those people working to save them. Chris has implemented biodiversity conservation measures in Maui, taught ecology to local children in the Philippines, and tested the potential of emerging technologies to engage local people in forest research in Yunnan, China.

J A N A A Š E N B R E N N E R OVÁ San Francisco State University, M.A, candidate; B.A. Film Academy (Czech Republic), A.A. Jana is a freelance photojournalist who has contributed to a variety of publications worldwide, including Reuters. She has traveled and lived in more than 30 countries, and her work has focused on natural disasters, poverty, and war. She dedicates most of her time to international reporting and storytelling, and also collaborates with nonprofit organizations in Africa and Asia to document humanitarian efforts. Most recently, she has been working in Nepal, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Jana’s photography has won numerous awards, including World Press Photo, National Geographic’s 2010 Photo Contest, Czech Press Photo, and China Press Photo.

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N AT H A L I E C H A R D O N University of Colorado Boulder, Ph.D. candidate University of California, Berkeley, B.A. During her undergraduate studies, Nathalie (also pictured above) discovered that she could combine her love of the outdoors with a research focus in montane and alpine ecology. While studying abroad, she gained a unique perspective on biogeography—a topic still at the heart of her research interests. Nathalie now spends her time in the Rocky Mountains and European Alps researching the effects of climate change and other human disturbances on alpine ecosystems for her dissertation. Previously, Nathalie held a yearlong research residency at the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in Switzerland, and worked as a U.S. Forest Service botany technician.

JAMES BERNAL University of Florida, B.A. Originally from Miami, James is a Los Angeles-based freelance photographer and filmmaker. James’ photographs have appeared in the New York Times, Chicago Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal, and he has worked with brands like Apple, Airbnb, and Japan Airlines. In the course of his travels, James has backpacked through Europe, climbed volcanoes in Nicaragua, followed the Andes mountain range from Colombia to southern Patagonia, and traced the length of the Mekong River while exploring ancient Khmer ruins in Southeast Asia. He is currently working on a personal project on the journey of the Colombian diaspora abroad and issues of identity and assimilation. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

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LIZZIE ROSENBERGER Fordham University, M.S.T. Colorado College, B.A. Lizzie has studied the marine biology of Belize, researched microbats in the rain forests of Australia, and traveled to the stratosphere as a NASA Airborne Astronomy Ambassador. During graduate school, she focused on informal and conservation education while taking classes at the Bronx Zoo. Since graduating, Lizzie has taught first through eighth grade science classes in New York City. As a teacher, she has developed spring break programs focused on climate change and biodiversity in New Zealand, the national park system of Belize, and music in Botswana. Currently, Lizzie is a conservation educator at the Central Park Zoo.

C ANADIAN ARC TIC: POL AR B E A R C A P I TA L O F T H E W O R L D

EXPEDITION

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

Hudson Bay Churchill

• Track polar bears from our base at a research facility, and meet first responders for Churchill’s Polar Bear Holding Facility tasked with relocating curious bears that wander into town.

CANADA Winnipeg

• Seek out the smaller species of the tundra, from red foxes to ptarmigans, and document your discoveries in a photoessay. • Snorkel or kayak with beluga whales and listen to them “sing” as you learn about scientific efforts to decipher their communications. • Help collect marine organisms for a study examining the health of Arctic waterways.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Create a portfolio showcasing the many facets of the tundra. Learn to photograph wildlife using polar bears and other Arctic-adapted creatures as your subjects. Experiment with color as you frame your friends in fields of magenta fireweed; and practice night shots far from light pollution, capturing vivid constellations across the night sky and—if we’re lucky—the swirling flares of the northern lights.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Examine the tundra’s complex ecosystems and learn about the diverse life that thrives in these harsh landscapes. Discuss the latest research on resident and migratory species such as polar bears, caribou, and beluga whales; and investigate the health of area waterways. See firsthand how findings are being used to protect area wildlife from the effects of rising temperatures.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

The arctic tundra is one of our planet’s most surprising wildlife habitats: an endless snowscape in the winter that bursts with life when summer arrives, drawing migrating species such as caribou, beluga whales, and—most famously—polar bears. Set out from Churchill, tracking the intriguing wildlife that have adapted to extreme Arctic conditions.

DAY 1

CHURCHILL

Our Arctic adventure begins in the remote town of Churchill, nicknamed the “polar bear capital of the world.” Take a walk in this former fur-trading outpost—home to fewer than 1,000 people—and learn about everyday life on the icy edge of the Hudson Bay. Lunch on specialties like elk burgers and pickerel fish, and chat up locals who live among the resident bears. Photograph the wilderness that surrounds the town during a hike along the rugged shores of the Hudson Bay.

Above: A polar bear, as captured by student Emma R. last summer. 12

DAYS 2–7

CHURCHILL NORTHERN STUDIES CENTRE

Our home for the next six nights is the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, a research facility at the edge of the tundra that has hosted National Geographic–funded scientists and conservationists. Learn about the behavior of polar bears and other wildlife from the resident researchers, and get a firsthand look at how rising temperatures have affected the surrounding ecosystems here. Then venture out onto the tundra on foot and in our all-terrain vehicle to observe polar

Churchill Northern Studies Centre

300

MILES

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S

Student photographers seek out a different perspective

bears at close range. Each summer, these massive bears and their cubs roam the wilds surrounding Churchill, waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze over so they can hunt seals and other marine life on the pack ice. You could find yourself up close to these majestic creatures, and photograph their white coats against the magenta fireweed that blankets the tundra each summer. Encounter and photograph other intriguing wildlife of the far north, including caribou, red foxes, and a host of migratory birds. Kayak or snorkel in waterways that teem with friendly beluga whales, which migrate here in the thousands during the summer months to feed and give birth to their young. These mammals are known as the “canaries of the sea” for the singing noises they make. Watch them play at the water’s surface, and listen to their clicks and whistles as we learn how scientists are working to decipher their communications. With the help of our host biologists, investigate the ecological health of an estuary that serves as a temporary habitat for calving belugas. Meet with native elders to hear stories about their relationship with their unique environment, and learn about local traditions that have been passed down through the generations. Then trace the history of the region’s earliest European fur traders as we hike between the Prince of Wales Fort and the harbor

at Sloop Cove. Along the way, look for 18thcentury graffiti left by these early trappers.

DAYS 8–11

CHURCHILL

Return to Churchill for the final days of our expedition. Learn about Polar Bears International’s educational outreach initiatives and their studies on bear behavior, biology, and population distribution. Visit the Eskimo Museum for a look at life on the tundra through the ages, and check out the exhibits on narwhals, sometimes called the “unicorns of the sea.” Meet first responders for Churchill’s Polar Bear Holding Facility—locally known as “polar bear jail”—who work to prevent human-wildlife conflict by detaining and relocating curious polar bears that wander into town. Present your On Assignment project and celebrate our time together in Canada’s wild north before catching your flight home.

firsthand the effects “Iofsawclimate change, and came home with a better understanding of how I can make a difference. —Thomas H., 2017

”

2018: July 12–22, Aug. 1–11

TUITION

$6,490

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Winnipeg and Churchill. Students may also join one of our trip leaders on a flight from Minneapolis to Winnipeg, and return. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Churchill, we stay in a family-run hotel in the center of town. During our time at the research station, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations.

NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions. To get the most out of the program, students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.

M EE T

YO U R

E X P ER T

Author, wildlife photographer, and cinematographer Matthias Breiter has spent most of the past 30 years researching the daily lives and habits of black, brown, grizzly, and polar bears. He has authored 16 books, and his articles and photography have appeared in National Geographic magazine, and BBC Wildlife. Matthias’s most recent documentary, Polar Bear Summer, was nominated for an Emmy. Matthias will join both groups at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.

Caribou amid blooming fireweed

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A L A S K A : W I L D L I F E , FJ O R D S , A N D G L AC I E R S

EXPEDITION

ALASKA T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

Mt. Healy

Denali National Park and Preserve

Talkeetna

Kenai Peninsula Kenai Fjords National Park

• Hone your wildlife and landscape photography skills as you hike across Denali’s taiga and tundra, training your lens on moose, wolves, and caribou.

Anchorage

Homer

Gulf of Alaska

• Learn about glacial morphology while trekking atop the Matanuska Glacier, and try your hand at ice-climbing alongside experienced guides.

• Go tidepooling in Kachemak Bay with naturalists from the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, and help collect marine data for ongoing research initiatives. • Delve into Alaska’s vibrant cultural heritage, meeting members of its native peoples.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Take advantage of long summer days to capture different light on glaciers f ords and snow fields. oom in on enali s wildlife wor on portraits with indigenous peoples or try for a rare shot of a breaching whale or a bear fishing for salmon.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION bserve bears wolves beluga whales and other wildlife in their natural habitat; and learn to identify the plants and birds of the tundra and taiga. Talk to conservationists about challenges and opportunities in Alaska’s national parks.

FILM & VIDEO one your filmma ing s ills as you venture across Alaska. Develop a story about local conservation efforts interview par rangers about the effects of climate change in the far north, and capture Alaska’s spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

In Alaska’s undeveloped wilderness, towering peaks preside over massive glaciers, wild rivers cut through thick pine forests, and the Arctic tundra seems endless. Head to America’s wild northern frontier to discover these spectacular landscapes and the wildlife that inhabits them—from moose and grizzlies to sea lions and orca whales.

DAYS 1–3

native cultures and the steps being taken to preserve their endangered languages.

DAYS 4–7

DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Travel north to Denali National Park and Preserve, a remote and unspoiled wilderness

ANCHORAGE

Our adventure begins in the far northern city of Anchorage. We’ll get to know each other during an orientation covering Alaska history, geography, and wilderness skills, and then set out to explore Anchorage in our On Assignment teams. Go for an acclimation hike, and get acquainted with the native peoples of the north at the acclaimed Alaska Native Heritage Center. At the center, try your hand at traditional Alaskan games, get lost in timeless legends during an afternoon of storytelling, or visit with cultural ambassadors at their authentic dwellings. Examine the threats facing Alaska’s

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S

Kayaking the fjords of the Kenai Peninsula

cradling the icy summit of Denali, North America’s highest mountain. The park encompasses six million acres of subarctic taiga and tundra and is populated by an astounding range of wildlife. From our base at the eastern edge of the park, meet our National Geographic expert and set out to explore one of America’s most pristine natural settings. Venture deep into the wilderness to observe and photograph herds of caribou, a moose wading in a lake, or a grizzly bear feeding on blueberries. Track a wolf pack loping along a glacial riverbed, or catch a glimpse of white Dall sheep perched high on a mountainside. Learn about dogsledding at the historic kennel of the National Park Service, hike along the Savage River, or trek to remote ridges to get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the colossal mountain the indigenous Athabascan people call “the great one”: Denali.

DAYS 8–13

HOMER AND THE KENAI PENINSULA

Stop in the quirky mountain town of Talkeetna, and spend the day trekking and ice-climbing on the Matanuska Glacier with expert guides. Hear how the glacier has receded over the last several decades and how glacial morphology continues to carve the valley and surrounding landscapes. Continue south to Homer, our jumping-off point for exploring Kachemak Bay and the mountains, fjords, and glaciers of Kenai Fjords National

Brown bears at the water’s edge

Park. Then cruise across the bay and settle into yurts at the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies marine research station. Paddle a sea kayak through the fjords, taking in the incredible scenery and keeping your eye out for sea lions, otters, puffins, and orcas. Hike coastal landscapes with naturalists, learning about the region’s rich marine life and the effects of climate change on the Bering Sea ecosystem. Go tidepooling along rocky shorelines to scout for octopus dens, starfish, and sea urchins, and scan the coast for bald eagles perched amid the treetops. Gather around a campfire and conclude your time at the research station by sharing your On Assignment project. Fly home from Anchorage.

Learning about “ conservation issues in Alaska opened my eyes to the impact we have on our environment, and helped me understand how I can make a change. —Melissa K., 2017

Above: A group shot during a hike in Denali National Park and Preserve 1

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200

MILES

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”

2018: June 26–July 8, July 9–21

TUITION

$5,890

irfare is not included. e have arranged a round trip group flight between Seattle and nchorage. Alternatively, students may meet the group in Anchorage. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S n nchorage and enali we stay in family run hostels. n omer we stay at a wilderness education center and on achema ay we stay in yurts at a marine research station.

NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions such as full day hi es as well as aya ing and glacier trekking. To get the most out of the program, participants should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.

M EE T

YO U R

E X P ER T

onservationist and wildlife tracker Boone Smith has traveled the world helping scientists study big cats. He has developed some of the best and safest techniques for attaching radio collars to large mammals so we can learn about their lives and reduce human predator conflict. Boone is a host on National Geographic WILD, and has assisted National Geographic magazine photographers in the field. Currently, Boone is wor ing in las as bac country searching for lyn dens and studying the population and health of ittens. oone will oin both groups in enali. I

B ELIZE: OCE ANS AND U N D E R WAT E R E X P LO R AT I O N

EXPEDITION Caribbean Sea

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

Caye Caulker Belize City

• Join one of Belize’s leading shark biologists underwater to help collect ecosystem data.

BELIZE

• Help scientists and researchers at the University of Belize, and create a project to raise awareness on the importance of protecting tropical ecosystems.

Calabash Caye 0

• Learn the art of underwater photography, and test your skills on snorkeling and scuba excursions along the world’s second largest barrier reef. • Hand-feed tapirs and observe jaguars during an after hours visit to the Belize Zoo rehabilitation center.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Capture the brilliant marine and tropical habitats of Belize’s intricate barrier reef on camera. Photograph the early morning light as you kayak through colorful coral formations, or try your hand at underwater photography while you snorkel among swirling schools of tropical fish. ocument the wor of local biologists and conservationists.

MARINE & TROPICAL BIOLOGY Work with scientists underwater and on land to help research and protect eli es coral reefs. ocument reef species remove invasive lionfish monitor and restore mangroves, or use high-tech equipment to detect shar s and rays on the sea floor. nterview fishermen and local conservationists about the interplay of conservation, livelihoods, and sustainable development.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Blanketed with thick jungle and edged by the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, Belize is a small country with extraordinary biodiversity and great natural beauty. Its rich marine life makes it a perfect laboratory for learning about our planet’s amazing ocean habitats and for exploring ways to preserve them for future generations.

DAY 1

TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER

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 damselfish to eels, rays, and turtles. Join researchers in conducting a survey of invasive lionfish, and assist with their removal and dissection. Participate in ongoing initiatives to protect dolphins, turtles, and reef sharks, and examine the threats to coral reefs around the planet. Begin work on your On Assignment projects, designed to raise awareness about the critical

Our expedition begins with an orientation at the Tropical Education Center, a research station outside Belize City. During a night tour of the world-famous Belize Zoo led by professional keepers, hand-feed the national animal of Belize, the tapir, and meet an orphaned jaguar known as Junior Buddy.

DAYS 2–7

Take a boat from the marina across clear blue waters to Turneffe Atoll, where we’ll get settled at the University of Belize research facility on Calabash Caye. Here, spend each day snorkeling in the warm coastal waters

I N F O R M AT I O N

The mysterious Blue Hole on Lighthouse Reef

DAT E S

Students diving on the Belize Barrier Reef have an underwater Nat Geo moment.

need to protect and conserve this tropical habitat. On land, hone photography techniques as you take portraits of local conservationists or capture a time-lapse of the sun setting on the beach. Learn to use underwater photography as a storytelling tool to portray the integral role of our oceans and seas in maintaining the health of the planet. Then put your new marine biology and photography skills to the test during a full-day excursion to Lighthouse Reef. This is the home of the world-famous Blue Hole, a remarkable circular limestone sinkhole in the seafloor that stretches nearly 1,000 feet across and more than 400 feet deep. Made famous by explorer Jacques Cousteau, this spectacular sunken cave harbors diverse marine life and jagged stalactites. In the evenings, unwind back on shore. Enjoy discussions with marine biologists, get to know your fellow travelers, and share coconuts straight off the tree.

DAYS 8–12

CALABASH CAYE

MILES

CAYE CAULKER

Leave the outer reef and head north to Caye Caulker, one of the more developed cayes. Spend time working with locals and participate in environmental stewardship projects. Get out on the water with researchers working to preserve fragile marine habitats, and learn firsthand how overfishing and reef destruction affect the local ecology and economy. Snorkel and dive among groupers, rays, and nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley, part of the

Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. Hol Chan was declared a marine reserve—the first in Belize—25 years ago, and has helped pave the road for marine protection throughout coastal Belize and the rest of the world. Spend a day kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding around the shallow waterways, keeping an eye out for endangered manatees and sea turtles. Learn about the development of marine-protected areas, examine the role of ecotourism and local conservation efforts in reef preservation, and collect data with one of Belize’s leading shark biologists. Present your On Assignment project to community members and local experts.

“

Having the chance to work alongside marine biologists and contribute to their research gave me such a sense of accomplishment. —Lindsay S., 2017

”

2018: June 30–July 11, July 7–18

TUITION

$5,990

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Miami and Belize City. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S At the Tropical Education Center we stay in dormitory-style rooms and shared cabanas. On Calabash Caye, we stay in seaside cabanas at the University of Belize research facility. On Caye Caulker, we stay in a small, family-run hotel.

NOTE While scuba diving is not the main focus of this trip, students who are certified will have the opportunity to participate in up to four dives, dependent on weather and conditions. The supplemental fee for diving is $300 per student.

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National Geographic grantee Paola Rodríguez-Troncoso studies and protects coral reefs in the tropical waters of the Atlantic and acific. s a researcher at the University of Guadalajara, in Mexico, Paola has studied the ecology of tropical corals, and how they are affected by climate change, ocean acidification, and El Niño Southern Oscillation events. With funding from National Geographic, she has restored coral reefs in two areas of the Pacific. aola will oin both groups on alabash aye.

Above: Paddleboarders strike a pose on the jade waters of the Caribbean. 1

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C U B A : C U LT U R A L E X P LO R AT I O N

EXPEDITION 0

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

Atlantic Ocean

• Explore the cities of Havana and Trinidad alongside local Cubans, and document your experiences through photography or writing.

CUBA

Santa Clara Cienfuegos

Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Photographic opportunities are around every corner as we explore this colorful island through the eyes of its people. Shoot portraits of local artists at work in their studios, capture the movement of traditional dances, frame vendors in market stalls brimming with colorful handicrafts and photograph coffee farmers cultivating their crop.

CREATIVE WRITING Engage with Cuban writers to learn about the country’s rich storytelling traditions. During writing wor shops in the field craft a narrative inspired by the people you meet on the lively streets of Havana and in Afro-Cuban Santería temples, or the young photographers and writers who explore the island with you.

Above: Students cruise around Havana in vintage style. 18

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Cuba is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, making history as its economy, politics, and social structures evolve rapidly for the first time in decades. There has never been a more exciting time to experience this intriguing island. From the bustling streets of Havana to sleepy coastal fishing villages, get to know Cuban people and discover what life here is like—and how it’s changing.

DAYS 1–5

HAVANA

mansions of Vedado and the colonial buildings of Habana Vieja to the tombstones of the vast Necrópolis de Cristóbal Colón, explore the many sides of Havana with the insights of our student companions. Discuss urban agriculture with farmers at the Organopónico Vivero Alamar, and later participate in a workshop with the founder of Psicoballet, a program that uses dance to help young people with disabilities. Attend the canon-firing ceremony at La Cabaña seaside fortress, and learn from our Cuban friends about how this nightly tradition came

The streets of Havana are lined with beautiful, aging architecture, filled with vintage American and Soviet cars (and an occasional horse and buggy), and infused with spirit and art. This is a city with a vibrant heartbeat, and the best way to get to know it is through those who call it home. During our time here, we’ll be joined by Cuban students of photography, art, writing, and culture. Together, we’ll interpret the folk art adorning the famous Callejón de Hamel artist colony, talk with artisans in their studios, and photograph littleknown corners of Havana. From the elegant A dapper trumpet player blows a tune. CALL 1-877-877-8759 OR VISIT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

Trinidad

Bahía de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs)

Caribbean Sea

• Discuss Cuba’s political past and rapidly evolving cultural landscape with university students in Santa Clara. • Explore Topes de Collantes National Park and discuss local wildlife conservation efforts with a Cuban guide.

Topes de Collantes Protected Area

Havana

• Meet with musicians and dancers at a rural arts initiative and in the French colonial city of Cienfuegos.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS

MILES

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S

A group shot high above Havana

to be. Try your hand at printmaking and learn about Cuban arts movements at the Taller Experimental de Gráfica art gallery. Visit with Cuban photographers at the Fototeca de Cuba archive, mingle with young writers as we explore sites frequented by Ernest Hemingway, and conjure up ideas and inspiration for your On Assignment project.

DAYS 6–8 I THE SOUTHERN COAST AND THE SIERRA DEL ESCAMBRAY Travel to the southern side of the island, where, hosted by local Cuban families, we’ll stay in small bed-and-breakfasts in the colonial city of Trinidad. Meet a local historian, and walk along Trinidad’s cobblestoned streets, meeting residents and small business owners as you pass by their brightly painted homes. Then venture to a Santería temple to learn about Afro-Cuban religion with a santero, or priest. Use your On Assignment project to contrast your experiences in Trinidad with those in Cienfuegos, an elegant port city with French colonial roots. Here we’ll meet with musicians at Cantores de Cienfuegos and enjoy a traditional music and dance performance. Trace the southern coast to Playa Girón, site of the infamous Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. Participate in rural arts initiatives at the nearby Korimakao Arts Community, where locals gather to express themselves through Cuban music, dance, and theater. Then head inland to the verdant Sierra del Escambray. Our local I

guide will introduce us to the unique ecology of Topes de Collantes park and discuss the park’s conservation efforts and the protection of native species in Cuba.

DAYS 9–11

REMEDIOS AND SANTA CLARA

Spend the final days of your trip in a small town near the northern keys. Explore the captivating city of Santa Clara and connect with its vibrant Cuban youth scene. Chat with university students at a café, meet with young artists at the Casa de la Ciudad cultural center, and interview guards at the Boxcar Museum about recent Cuban history. Take time to put the finishing touches on your On Assignment projects, which we’ll present and discuss during a final dinner with our Cuban friends.

My absolute favorite “moment was getting to know our Cuban amigos in the youth guitar orchestra. They were so passionate about music, and open to sharing their experiences with us!

”

—Jacqueline K., 2017

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2018: June 29–July 9, July 10–20

TUITION

$6,790

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Havana and Santa Clara to Miami. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Havana and Santa Clara, we stay in small guesthouses or hotels. In Trinidad, we stay in small bed-and-breakfasts hosted by Cuban families.

NOTE This trip is permitted through the people-to-people general license category from the Department of the reasury s ce of oreign ssets ontrol. The itinerary was designed to provide numerous opportunities for students to engage in meaningful interactions with Cubans, using their On Assignment project as a medium for enhancing educational exchange. While we do our best to adhere to the itinerary traveling in uba re uires fle ibility and changes to accommodations and activities may occur.

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Writer Andrew Evans is an explorer wandering the globe in pursuit of authentic travel experiences, while using the Internet, digital mapping, and social media to make his experiences interactive. He has reported from all seven continents; and in more than 40 languages. He is a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler, and host for the National Geographic Channel. Andrew will join the June 29 departure in Trinidad and the July 10 departure in Havana. I

EC UA D O R A N D T H E G A L Á PAG O S : B I O D I V E R S I T Y H OT S P OT

EXPEDITION Mindo

Quito

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

Pa c i f i c Ocean 0

• Snorkel with playful sea lions and penguins in the Galápagos, and use your camera to capture the action.

Galápagos Islands

• Stay at a working hacienda and ride horseback in the sweeping páramo landscape of the Andes.

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S

Students ride horseback in highlands near Cotopaxi.

Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Create a photo-essay depicting Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, or spectacular wildlife. Capture the swirl of colors at an Andean market. Shoot portraits of caballeros at a working hacienda. Practice your wildlife photography skills on the amazingly approachable animals of the Galápagos Islands. At the end of the program, present your images to your leaders and peers.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Study Ecuador’s conservation policies with experts in the field. Set out in teams to interview community members about local conservation efforts. Learn about evolution, biodiversity, and animal behavior firsthand by observing tortoises and marine iguanas. Document your findings and share them with the group.

DAY S

Misty 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.

DAYS 1–2

QUITO

DAYS 3–6

MINDO AND THE CLOUD FOREST

Travel northwest to the lower-altitude slopes of the Andes and settle into the welcoming town of Mindo. Break into your On Assignment teams, and set out on daily adventures in the region’s impressive array of protected areas. Catch the tarabita, an openair tram, to ride over a deep ravine into the undisturbed cloud forest of the Bosque Protector Mindo-Nambillo reserve. Swim in freshwater pools, where waterfalls cascade down cliffs overgrown with orchids. Hone your wildlife

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 sell rain forest herbs and natural medicines.

Above: A Galápagos tortoise, with a backdrop of Nat Geo students 2

observation skills by identifying some of Ecuador’s 1,500 bird species. Fly through the cloud forest canopy on ziplines, and float down the river on a tubing adventure. Get to know young Ecuadorians by playing soccer together, or interview local researchers about their efforts to conserve this unique habitat.

DAYS 7–9

COTOPAXI VOLCANO AND THE HIGH PÁRAMO

From Mindo, 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. During a scenic hike, work on your landscape photography or learn about the different plant adaptations of this ecosystem. 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. Drive up the switchbacks of Cotopaxi, stopping to hike up to the mountain’s spectacular glacier or through a nearby ecological reserve.

DAYS 10–18

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

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 charac-

ter 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 species of 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. On the final night of our adventure, we’ll share our On Assignment projects. Then return to Quito for our flight home.

2018: June 12–29, June 24–July 11, July 3–20

TUITION

“

I learned how to be a responsible, culturally sensitive traveler, and will carry that with me for the rest of my life. —Sophia S., 2017

”

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$7,390

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 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We will stay in rustic cabanas in Mindo, a hacienda in the páramo, and family-run inns and small hotels in Quito and the Galápagos.

NOTE We will be traveling at high elevations while in Quito and the páramo. Quito is at an elevation of 9,350 feet, our hacienda in the páramo is at 11,800 feet, and the hike to Cotopaxi reaches 16,000 feet. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about the outdoors.

M EE T

Acrobatic sea lions at swim

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100

MILES

• Get up close to endangered Galápagos giant tortoises at a National Geographicsupported captive breeding program.

ITINER ARY

ECUADOR

200

MILES

• Hike through a cloud forest and learn about efforts to conserve the surrounding wildlife.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS

Cotopaxi National Park

YO U R

E X P ER T

National Geographic grantee and ecologist Kevin McLean combines camera trapping and S technologies with field science to study wildlife living in tropical treetops. As he collects his data, he tells the story of his life as a researcher and the interesting species he encounters. He is a research fellow at the University of California, Davis, and recently traveled to Malaysian Borneo and the Ecuadorian Amazon as a Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling fellow, surveying canopy wildlife in two of the most biodiverse areas of the world. Kevin will join the June 24 and July 3 departures in Mindo and Cotopaxi. I

PATAG O N I A : A DV E N T U R E S AT T H E E N D O F T H E E A R T H

EXPEDITION Buenos Aires

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

CHILE ARGENTINA 0

275

MILES

• Hone your wilderness and adventure photography skills alongside a National Geographic photographer. • Explore the pristine Patagonia wilderness by snowshoe, horseback, and crampon, and interview Argentine park rangers about local efforts to preserve the region's wildlife habitats.

El Calafate Torres del Paine National Park Puerto Natales Ushuaia

• Take a guided trek atop the Perito Moreno Glacier as you learn about the impacts of climate change on the Southern Patagonian Icefield. • Descend into a cave where National Geographic-funded researchers uncovered evidence of the extinct mylodon, a giant sloth-like creature.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Create a photo-essay depicting your experiences in Argentina and Chile. Practice photographing wildlife while tre ing across the steppe try out new filters and angles to capture the Perito Moreno Glacier, and document local culture.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Explore how conservation groups are working together to protect the wilds of Patagonia. Seek out endangered species while snowshoeing, record information on habitats, and interview people living in protected areas about the challenges they face.

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY Delve into the science of climate change and its global impacts. Trek on one of the world’s only advancing glaciers to learn about glacial dynamics and morphology and measure the effects of glacial melt on nitrate levels in alpine lakes. Above: A skier takes in a snowy view near Ushuaia. 22

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Patagonia is home to jagged fjords, glaciercapped mountains, and vast steppe lands that harbor pumas, guanacos, and an array of rare and endangered species. In recent decades, this iconic wilderness has been the focal point for intensive conservation efforts, making it the ideal living classroom for studying the ongoing story of human interaction with the natural world.

DAYS 1–4

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

urban development has affected the country’s biodiversity.

DAYS 5–7

EL CALAFATE

Fly south to El Calafate, our jumping-off point for exploring the massive Perito Moreno Glacier—one of the few glaciers in the world that is advancing rather than receding. After passing through steppe lands dotted with grazing guanaco, strap on crampons and climb atop the glacier’s expansive fields of craggy blue ice. Interview park rangers about efforts to contain overgrazing, limit invasive species,

Our expedition kicks off in vibrant Buenos Aires. Set out with your On Assignment team and get to know the city’s historic neighborhoods. Take in La Boca’s funky multicolored buildings and the elegant architecture of the Recoleta. Frame action shots of tango dancers performing in the Plaza Dorrego, and then join a milonga—a traditional Argentine dance social—at a youth dance hall, where a live orchestra marks the beat. Spend a day outside the city on a traditional estancia to learn firsthand about the gaucho lifestyle. Visit the Río de la Plata ecological reserve and discuss how

I N F O R M AT I O N

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DAT E S

A photo op at Perito Moreno glacier

and protect the indigenous cougar, gray fox, condor, and eagle populations. Weather permitting, board a boat to take close-up photos of ice as it calves off the 200-foot glacier face and tumbles into the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino.

DAYS 8–12

CHILEAN PATAGONIA

Cross the Chilean border en route to Mylodon Cave, where a National Geographic-funded archaeology dig found evidence of the region’s extinct megafauna—most notably the mylodon, a creature resembling a giant sloth. Descend into the cave to see unearthed animal fossils, and hear about the researchers’ findings. Spend a night in Puerto Natales before venturing into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. From our accommodations within the park borders, spend three days snowshoeing in the foothills of the central massif, horseback riding, or trekking along the shores of Lake Grey. Together with multigenerational Patagonian families, discuss the future of this stunning park as it faces the encroachment of extraction mining, large-scale hydroelectric projects, and unsustainable grazing practices.

DAYS 13–15

Snowshoeing in Torres del Paine National Park

Atlantic Ocean

Perito Moreno Glacier

USHUAIA, ARGENTINA

A short flight south brings us to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Alongside our guides, climb the Martial Glacier for a spectacular view of the city and the famed Beagle Channel beyond. Spend a day skiing I

the peaks at Cerro Castor, then relax in front of a warm fireplace at night while learning about Tierra del Fuego’s long history of hosting intrepid explorers. Mush a team of huskies through snowy pine forests on a dogsledding excursion that ends with a hearty wood-firecooked meal at a cozy cabin in the woods. Experiment with long-exposure photography to capture the brilliant night sky as we share stories around a campfire.

DAYS 16–18

BUENOS AIRES

Return to Buenos Aires to wrap up your On Assignment projects and share them with the group. Enjoy a traditional Argentinian asado dinner on your final afternoon before flying home.

Patagonia’s beauty is “breathtaking, inspiring, and wild. Native wildlife like the majestic condor, guanacos, huemul deer, and fox give the region a unique identity.

”

—Tommy Heinrich, National Geographic Expert

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2018: July 19–Aug. 5

TUITION

$6,790

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to El Calafate, El Calafate to Ushuaia, Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, and return to Miami.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Buenos Aires, we stay in a centrally located hostel. While in Patagonia and Ushuaia, we stay in comfortable, family-run hostels or small hotels with group kitchens and meeting areas.

NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions such as hiking, skiing, and glacier trekking. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration in a variety of climates.

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Photographer and climber Tommy Heinrich was born and raised in Buenos Aires. He has traveled the world, combining his passions for photography and climbing the highest and most remote mountains. He has completed several solo and first ascents of some of the world’s highest peaks, and in 1995 he became the first person from Argentina to reach the summit of Mount Everest. His photographs have been published in magazines throughout the United States, Argentina, and Europe. Tommy will join the group in El Calafate.

PERU AND THE AMA ZON: I N C A WONDERS AND JUNGLE WILDLIFE

EXPEDITION

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

PERU

• Follow Inca trails to secluded stone villages, and see how the empire’s traditions and infrastructure live on in communities set amid ancient ruins.

Lima Ollantaytambo Cusco

• Go on a thrilling white-water rafting trip through the Sacred Valley of the Inca, and glide along misty jungle waterways deep into the heart of the Amazon. • Visit National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa’s textile center to meet Andean weavers for a lesson in making traditional dyes, then try your hand at the loom. • Practice wildlife photography on curious monkeys, giant anteaters, and a colorful kaleidoscope of birds and butterflies in the Amazon rain forest.

Pa c i f i c Ocean

Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Create a series of photo-essays that captures the many sides of Peru. Set out into the Sacred Valley with your team to photograph campesinos in traditional garb, old stone villages, and bustling markets, and get a fresh angle on the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Practice wildlife shots in the Amazon, zooming in on scarlet macaws and conveying movement in frolicking monkeys.

ANTHROPOLOGY & LOCAL CULTURES Examine Inca and Amazonian cultures past and present. Learn about the iconic boulder masonry of the Inca and the preservation of ancient ruins, and reconstruct Machu Picchu during its heyday through writings or sketches. Meet indigenous people, and discuss how their age-old customs and beliefs are adapting to modern influences li e technology climate change, and land development. Above: The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu 2

ITINER ARY

DAY S

From Andean peaks steeped in Inca lore to the lush Amazon rain forest, Peru is a country of diverse wonders. In the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, immerse yourself in the colorful culture of the Peruvian highlands, and venture into incredibly sophisticated temples and fortresses, including magnificent Machu Picchu. Then travel deep into the Peruvian Amazon and discover jungles brimming with extreme biodiversity.

DAYS 1–2

LIMA

of working aqueducts, Ollantaytambo is the best existing example of Inca city planning. Follow ancient Inca trails to isolated stone villages where families live as they have for centuries. Hike through a mountain pass for breathtaking views of the valley, and practice landscape photography using the surrounding Andean peaks as a backdrop. Set out on a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion along the Urubamba River, and explore archaeological sites. Discover the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, and visit Maras, where salt-evaporation ponds created by the Inca are stacked up the hillside. In vibrant

We begin in the vibrant city of Lima. From our base in the trendy Miraflores neighborhood, explore the city’s golden coastline, leafy parks, and colonial buildings. Visit Museo Larco, the world-famous archaeological museum that houses a vast collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. Dive into your On Assignment projects.

DAYS 3–7

THE SACRED VALLEY AND OLLANTAYTAMBO

Travel from Lima to the Sacred Valley of the Inca and settle in at Ollantaytambo. With its cobblestoned lanes and sophisticated system

An ocelot, a nocturnal feline native to South America’s rain forests

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100

MILES

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S

A traditionally dressed Andean woman teaches a student natural dying techniques in Chinchero.

street markets, encounter indigenous foods, colorful textile patterns, and local dialects passed down through many generations, and play soccer with local students.

DAYS 8–9 ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS

MACHU PICCHU

Travel by train through spectacular mountain scenery to the once-hidden citadel of Machu Picchu. Abandoned by the Inca for centuries, the site was rediscovered in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham and excavated with support from National Geographic. Capture a unique photographic angle on this iconic site, and then venture through the ancient temples and dwellings to unlock their mysteries. Take an early morning hike up a nearby peak to watch the sun rise over the ruins before traveling back to Ollantaytambo by train.

DAYS 10–13

CUSCO AND CHINCHERO

Arrive in Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Discover the city’s rich history, visiting the temple of Coricancha and the colonial cathedral. Stroll the city’s winding streets and photograph the relics of an empire long gone but not forgotten. Then explore the colossal fortress of Sacsayhuaman, site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Spanish conquest. Spend a day in the village of Chinchero, and visit National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa’s textile center. Try your hand at the ancient art of Andean weaving, a tradition that continues today thanks to Nilda’s efforts.

DAYS 14–17

THE AMAZON RAIN FOREST

Leave the Sacred Valley behind and travel by private bus deep into the Peruvian Amazon, stopping along the way at magnificent pre-Inca ruins near the colonial outpost of Paucartambo. Board a boat at Atalaya and cruise even deeper into the rain forest, on the lookout for monkeys, giant anteaters, tapirs, ocelots, armadillos, peccaries, caimans, and the numerous bird species that inhabit Manú National Park. Meet and interview members of the Matsigenka Amazonian tribal nation, learning how they have adapted to live in harmony with their unique environment.

DAYS 18–19

CUSCO

Return to Cusco to put the final touches on your On Assignment project and present your findings to the group. Cap off your experience with a celebration on your final night.

I felt such a sense of “ accomplishment when we reached the Sun Gate after a tough hike, and learning the stories behind the structures of Machu Picchu was so eye-opening!

”

—Thomas H., 2017

CALL 1-877-877-8759 OR VISIT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

2018: June 26–July 14

TUITION

$6,690

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Lima, Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Lima, and Lima to Miami. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in small, family-run inns and hostels throughout the expedition.

NOTE We will be traveling at high elevations while in Cusco and Machu Picchu. Cusco is at an elevation of 11,200 feet, and Machu Picchu is at 8,000 feet. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about the outdoors.

M EE T

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E X P ER T

Ethnomusicologist Holly Wissler specializes in the musical rituals of Peru’s Q’eros and Wachiperi indigenous groups. Based in Cusco, she works with these indigenous communities to preserve their culture and traditions. Holly has produced documentaries about the largest pilgrimage festival in the Peruvian Andes and about Q’eros musical rituals. She is fluent in Spanish and Quechua—the main indigenous language spoken in the Andes—as well as Peruvian Sign Language. The Peru director for the Center for World Music, she also plays a number of traditional Andean instruments. Holly will join the group in Ollantaytambo.

ICEL AND: L AND OF FIRE AND ICE

EXPEDITION

Arctic Ocean

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

ICELAND

• Kayak a glacial lagoon, and trek atop a glacier with a professional guide to witness the impact of climate change on the ice formations of the far north.

Reykjavík

Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Develop a photo-essay on Iceland’s dramatic geology, or tell the story of Icelandic culture through portraits of fishermen and scientists. one your s ills as you shoot pictures of celandic horses and pu ns.

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY Delve into the science behind global climate change and thermodynamic energy. Initiate a GPS project to measure and map the recession of glacial tongues, build a model glacier, or measure your group’s carbon footprint.

FILM & VIDEO Document your journey, and use mobile-editing technology to produce a short film. ecord receding glaciers, erupting geysers, and hissing volcanic steam vents. nterview local e perts on the effect of climate change in this region.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Iceland is a country of extremes, where geysers and lava flows coexist with powerful waterfalls and calving glaciers. Located at the edge of the Arctic Circle, much of the island remains under ice, yet it is also one of the planet’s most volcanically active countries. Take advantage of long days and bright nights to explore the wonders of these otherworldly landscapes.

DAYS 1–4

REYKJAVÍK AND THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

The expedition begins with a swim in Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool, the Blue Lagoon, followed by an orientation in Reykjavík, Europe’s northernmost capital. Get essential background on the geology of this subarctic island nation, and learn about the impact of climate change. Hike to the top of a nearby volcano and learn about Viking heritage at some of Reykjavík’s cutting-edge historical museums. Head out to the Golden Circle and discover Gullfoss, a thundering waterfall that appears to vanish into the

Above: Kayakers glide among icebergs in the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. 2

Atlantic Ocean

MILES

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S

Lush meadows surround Skogafoss, a waterfall on Iceland’s southern coast.

the islands and canyons around this body of water. Summer days are very long this far north, and much can be seen and done in a single day.

DAYS 5–10 ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECT

Thingvallavatn Lake

• Discuss geology with Icelandic scientists, and see the Earth in action while exploring thundering waterfalls, gushing geysers, and bubbling mud pots.

earth. Then continue to Geysir—home to the earliest geyser known to Europeans—where boiling water can rocket up to 210 feet in the air. Tour an ultramodern geothermal plant that provides much of Reykjavík’s energy with an expert guide. Iceland is at the forefront of the sustainable power movement, with 70 percent of its energy renewable and much of that derived from its prodigious geothermal sources. Explore ancient lava flows to learn how volcanism continues to shape Iceland’s dynamic landscape. Hike along the shores of Thingvallavatn, the country’s largest lake, and learn about the geological forces that created

Lake Mývatn

Vatnajökull Glacier

• Explore black-sand beaches, ride Icelandic horses, and spot colorful puffins, then create a photo essay documenting your experiences.

• Learn the art of filmmaking, and produce a video that contrasts Iceland’s fiery, volcanic wonders with its icy elements.

Jökulsárgljúfur National Park

ure ri

HÖFN AND THE VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER

Next, journey east to Höfn, a remote gateway to the mighty Vatnajökull glacier, the world’s largest ice cap outside the Arctic and Antarctica. Kayak 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 of Skaftafell National Park. Don crampons and ice axes to trek over the massive ice cap with certified local guides. Photograph unique rock formations along black sand beaches; or visit the original landing place of Iceland’s first settlers, a headland of rugged cliffs dotted with puffins. Investigate changes in the composition of fish stocks and seabird populations caused by warming waters. Explore Iceland’s southern coast and remote glacial valleys with your On Assignment team, and report your findings back to the group.

DAYS 11–15

LAKE MÝVATN AND THE NORTHERN COAST

Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge. This unique position

makes it one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Head north across the uninhabited interior to the wild volcanic area around Lake Mývatn. Explore bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and the craters of dormant volcanoes. Hike on congealed lava flows from a series of massive eruptions that occurred in the late 1970s. Visit magnificent Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where gray glacial meltwater from Iceland’s interior blasts through a spectacular basalt canyon. Bathe in the blue mineral waters of a natural thermal pool surrounded by black lava beds, and visit Akureyri, a thriving modern city set along a fjord. Hike to roaring glacial waterfalls, ride colorful Icelandic horses, wander through a 3,500-year-old ice cave, and enjoy your final days together as you put the finishing touches on your On Assignment projects. Then return to Reykjavík to present your work before flying home.

Meeting and traveling “ with scientists helped me see so many possibilities for my future—I was very much inspired by this trip! —Alejandra A., 2017

”

2018: June 25–July 9, July 2–16, July 16–30

TUITION

$7,590

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between ew or and ey av . efer to page for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We will stay in small hostels and family-run guesthouses, and spend several nights camping in tents.

NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions such as hiking and glacier trekking. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.

M EE T

YO U R

E X P ER T

Geographer M Jackson a National Geographic Emerging Explorer—can often be found exploring the world’s most remote Arctic environments. M’s research is focused on glacial environments and climate change, and she recently spent a year in Iceland studying how climate change is affecting communities near the fishing village of fn. er first boo While Glaciers Slept: Being Human in a Time of Climate Change, blends her own personal history with climate science. M’s research has taken her around the globe, and she has spent over 10 years as a glacier guide and naturalist. M will join the June 25 and July 2 departures. Photographer Erika Larsen will join the July 16 departure. See her bio on page 9.

Students gear up for a glacier trek.

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I TA LY A N D G R E EC E : E M P I R E S OF THE MEDITERR ANE AN

EXPEDITION 0

200

MILES

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

Florence TUSCANY

Rome

• Capture the sunset over Rome’s iconic Colosseum with guidance from a National Geographic photographer, and then explore the iconic ampitheatre at night.

Isola di Capri

Pompeii Salerno

Delphi

• Wander archaeological sites featured in the National Geographic miniseries The Greeks, and craft fictional narratives on life in these ancient cities.

Ionian Sea

• Gaze up at Michelangelo’s masterful Sistine Chapel and the Acropolis in Athens, and ponder the storytelling power of centuriesold art and architecture. • Document your friends hiking across Hydra, exploring Pompeii, or swimming off the coast of Capri through photography or writing.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Document your adventure on photography assignments in the field. vo e the classical past by shooting the ruins of the Roman Forum or Delphi. Take to the street to capture the flavors of contemporary life.

ANTHROPOLOGY & LOCAL CULTURES Study legends of ancient deities, and explore temples built in their honor. Sketch the Parthenon or the Colosseum as they might have appeared thousands of years ago, and delve into the fascinating history of Pompeii.

CREATIVE WRITING evelop your storytelling through a series of field based writing workshops. Craft a biographical portrait of a local character, pen a narrative about exploring Capri, or write a story on the excavation of Pompeii.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks laid the foundations for Western civilization, including democracy, philosophy, science, and medicine. Close on their heels, the Romans established the ancient world’s greatest empire. Experience the living legacy of the Greek and Roman Empires against a backdrop of magnificent temples, rich mythology, and stunning seascapes.

DAYS 1–5

DAYS 6–8

ROME

Return to magical, timeless Rome and discover the many wonders of this great city. Walk through the Roman Forum, where Julius Caesar was assassinated by conspirators. Imagine crowds cheering on the gladiators in the grand Colosseum and the chariot races in the Circus Maximus. Take in some of the world’s greatest classical sculpture at the Vatican museums and the Villa Borghese.

POMPEII, CAPRI, AND SALERNO, ITALY

Fly to Rome, and then head south to Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities that were blanketed by thick layers of scorching ash and volcanic mud when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. Set out with your On Assignment team, stepping into the past in palaces still adorned with original frescoes, and see the haunting figures of townspeople frozen in time. From our base in the small city of Salerno, travel by hydrofoil to Capri. Explore the island’s Roman palaces and extraordinary scenery, and take a refreshing swim from the rocky shoreline.

Above: A student focuses on the fountain of the Piazza Navona in the heart of Rome. 28

DAT E S

The arches and colonnades of the Roman Forum

Examine Michelangelo’s masterpiece: the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Explore the streets and alleyways of this vibrant city with your team, finding hidden parks and ruins. Peer into the gaping Bocca della Verità, a sculpted mouth reputed to bite off the hand of anyone who doesn’t tell the truth. Interact with street performers and local shopkeepers, sample delicious gelato near the Spanish Steps, and take in the contemporary music scene in one of Rome’s many historic piazzas.

DAYS 9–10

DELPHI, GREECE

Fly to Athens, Greece, and continue to Delphi, perched on the shoulder of Mount Parnassus. Settle into this tiny, picturesque village, just a short walk from the Temple of Apollo. Wander through the well-preserved ruins of theatres, treasuries, altars, and stadiums while taking in amazing views of the mountains and the turquoise sea. Through photography or writing, tell the stories of the stone statues that immortalize the history and mythos of ancient athletes.

ATHENS

Return to Athens and spend two days exploring the Acropolis and Parthenon, the ancient Agora, and the National Archaeological Museum. Visit iconic works of art at the National Gallery and learn the stories of their excavation. Experience the modern city’s busOur students on the coast of Capri I

Athens

Náfplio

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAYS 11–12

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GREECE

ITALY

tling street life, markets, and cuisine. Capture the intersection of ancient and modern life with your pen and camera.

DAYS 13–17

NÁFPLIO

Náfplio, our base for the next five days, is set on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese in the shadow of a cliff-top castle. The town’s pedestrian streets wind down the hillside to a tiny beach. During our time here, get to know the locals, join in a pickup game of soccer, attend a street fair, or stroll down to the beach for a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of 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.

I learned how to travel as “a photographer, finding art

2018: June 12–28, June 26–July 12, July 17–Aug. 2

TUITION

$7,190

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Rome, Rome to Athens, and return to New York. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S Throughout Italy and Greece, we stay in small family run hotels.

M EE T

YO U R

E X P ER T

Photographer Massimo Bassano’s work has been published in National Geographic Traveler and on nationalgeographic.com. He has developed quite a following teaching National Geographic photography workshops and leading expeditions around the world. His September 2011 story in National Geographic Traveler, “Italy’s Forgotten Towns,” led him to travel throughout the southern Italian countryside. His acclaimed photography book, The Color of Silence, details the 12 weeks he spent in an Italian monastery. Mossimo will join the June 26 and July 17 departures in Italy.

in unexpected places and digging into the quirky details hiding behind the façade of iconic sites.

”

—Jane F., 2017

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I R E L A N D : D I S COV E R I N G THE EMER ALD ISLE

EXPEDITION

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

IRELAND Galway

Dublin

Aran Islands

• Go on photo and writing assignments amid the mystical landscapes of the remote Aran Islands. • Delve into the literary history of Dublin while following in the footsteps of celebrated authors like James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Oscar Wilde.

Celtic Sea 0

• Kick up your heels at a traditional Irish stepdancing class, and join lively trad sessions in Galway, a hub for traditional Irish music. • Organize a public show in Dublin to share the photography, poetry, and prose you create during your trip.

I N F O R M AT I O N

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Tell stories of the Emerald Isle through photography assignments in the field. ring rish landscapes to life as you train your lens on towering cliffs and crashing waves along the western coast. Take portraits of sheep farmers on Inishmore and street musicians in alway. aster depth of field and framing as you document a day in the life of a Dubliner, or explore the intersection of past and the present in a photo essay about a fishing family in owth.

CREATIVE WRITING ap into reland s storytelling legacy during field based writing workshops. Review a restaurant serving traditional Irish dishes, or let your imagination fly in a story about fictional residents living behind one of Dublin’s famous painted doors. Draft a piece of historical fiction on mon s who once lived among the ruins of Clonmacnoise. Capture telling details in a travel narrative about your time in Galway, or set a poem in the ran slands lunar li e landscape.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Ireland’s rolling green landscapes and clifflined coasts have long inspired storytellers. From the cobblestoned streets of Dublin to the otherworldly landscapes of the Aran Islands, delve into Ireland’s past, where Celtic myths meet a tumultuous history of invasion and revolution. Explore the Irish penchant for storytelling and the lively musical traditions of Galway and the western coast.

DAYS 1–4

DUBLIN

On the streets of Dublin, revolutionaries once rose up to end 500 years of British rule, and impassioned writers penned works that would become classics. The city that once saw so much strife is now a spirited hub of Irish culture, increasingly infused with an international vibe. Grab your notebook or your camera and head out to capture the pulse of Dublin. Photograph buskers strumming on Grafton Street and stroll in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and W. B. Yeats, all of whom lived on beautiful Merrion Square.

DAT E S

A student works on her creative writing On Assignment project.

the revived Docklands neighborhood along the River Liffey.

Take in the sights and sounds of the city as you bike along neighborhood lanes and historic canals. Visit Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane, or the Dublin Writers Museum, and take in a show at the Abbey Theatre, founded by Yeats and Lady Gregory in 1904. Kick up your heels at a traditional Irish stepdancing class. Take portraits of locals with Dublin Castle as your backdrop, or interview street vendors along O’Connell Street. Walk the cobblestoned lanes of Temple Bar, relax on the green at Trinity College, and explore

MILES

For a change of pace, take a day trip to the misty, emerald green hills of County Wicklow, or catch a train to the beaches and charming fishing villages that speckle the coast outside Dublin.

DAYS 5–7

GALWAY

Travel west from Dublin, passing through boglands and rolling green hills and stopping to photograph glassy lakes and fluffy sheep along the way. Artsy, seaside Galway—sometimes called Ireland’s most Irish city—is our base on the dramatic west coast. From here, explore the Gaeltacht, where Ireland’s traditional ways of life hold strong and Irish (Gaelic) is still the language of the land. Together with your peers, transform your exploration into poetry and prose, or hone your photography skills as you capture the beautiful and complex spirit of Galway and its people. Listen to live Irish music, replete with the traditional sounds of fiddles and spoons; draft a series of profiles on local shopkeepers; or photograph everyday life on the streets of Galway and the quays along the River Corrib. Take in the films, art exhibits, live music, and theater of the Galway International Arts Festival.

Venture into the countryside to explore village life and take in Ireland’s stunning natural beauty. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, chat with locals over a traditional Irish breakfast, and wander past thatched-roof homes lining cobblestoned streets.

DAYS 8–11

THE ARAN ISLANDS

Hop a ferry for a four-day photo and writing assignment on the magical Aran Islands, where writers such as J. M. Synge found inspiration among Celtic ruins and barren expanses of limestone. Walk atop craggy cliffs overlooking the North Atlantic and visit the ruins of ancient fortresses, castles, and churches to capture a sense of place in your writing or photography. Talk to farmers, fishermen, and innkeepers about their daily lives. Let the mystical atmosphere of the islands fuel your imagination as we work to put the finishing touches on our projects.

DAYS 12–14

DUBLIN

Return to Dublin for a student-organized public show of the photography, poetry, and prose created during your expedition. Celebrate your accomplishments with your group before flying home the following day.

2018: July 12–25

TUITION

$5,490

irfare is not included. e have arranged a round trip group flight between New York and Dublin. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S n ublin we stay in dormitory style accommoda tions north of the River Liffey, a short walk from the bustle of the city’s center. During our time on the western coast we stay in small family run hostels and university housing.

M EE T

YO U R

E X P ER T

Melissa Farlow has worked on over 20 projects for National Geographic in South America, Quebec, Alaska, the Alps, and throughout the American West. Melissa worked extensively in Yellowstone, Yosemite, Redwoods, and Olympic for a story on issues facing America’s National Parks. From an early age, Melissa had a passion for horses and she recently co produced Wild at Heart, a young adult book that focuses on mustangs and teens that are trying to save them to preserve America’s wild horse legacy. Melissa has photographed throughout Ireland on a book assignment for TIME, and looks forward to joining the group in Galway and the Aran Islands.

Cycling in the Irish countryside

Above: Dunguaire Castle overlooks Galway Bay. 3

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S WISS AND FRENCH ALPS: M O U N TA I N A DV E N T U R E

EXPEDITION

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

FRANCE

SWITZERLAND Interlaken

• Learn adventure photography and filmmaking skills as you capture fellow travelers zip-lining and canyoneering across dramatic gorges.

Lake Geneva

Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Capture the thrill of adventure in the Swiss and French Alps with the skyscraping peaks of the Jungfrau, the Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc as your backdrop. Work on panning as your friends swing by on ziplines, and learn what makes a great landscape shot more than ust a pretty view. ocus on depth of field as you frame alpine flora and fauna and practice adventure photography techniques that catch the spirit of mountain sport in motion.

FILM & VIDEO Delve into the exhilarating art of creating adventure films. rab your camera e uipment or strap on a o ro and record footage as you climb hi e ip line and trek across glaciers. Interview fellow students or local mountaineers about their experiences in the mountains. Film the snowy peaks from a soaring cable car or a historic cogwheel train. Working with your peers, use mobile-editing technology to produce short films.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Out of lush green valleys, the Alps burst into the sky in jagged sculptures of rock and ice. The highest mountains in Western Europe, these glittering peaks are the birthplace of modern trekking. Set off on an Alpine journey from the foot of the Jungfrau to the crooked peak of the Matterhorn, and explore in myriad ways: by zip line, mountain bike, or canyoneering.

DAYS 1–5

GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND

Fly into Zurich and take a scenic ride to Grindelwald, perched above two lakes at the foot of the soaring Bernese Alps. With the famous trio of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains jutting skyward above the town, Grindelwald is an ideal jumping-off point for our Alpine adventures. Explore Schynige Platte and head off on a variety of hikes, photographing and filming the amphitheater of ice-glazed peaks that surrounds you. Examine the unusual plant species that thrive above the tree line on a visit to the Alpine Garden

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S

A cog wheel train takes students to the highest railway station in Europe.

photography skills or capture the sense of adventure on film while hiking through narrow ravines.

ZERMATT

Travel south across high mountain passes to the charming village of Zermatt, gateway to the mighty Matterhorn. Take the highest cable car in Europe to Klein Matterhorn, photographing or filming nearly 360-degree views of glaciers and peaks from midair. Then hike through pine forests and train your lens on brilliant lakes with the magnificent mountains as your backdrop. Go mountain biking on scenic trails that provide changing perspectives at every turn. Trace the history of mountaineering at the Matterhorn Museum and discover tales of the daredevils and pioneers who have tackled the Alps’ highest summits. Learn the art of exposure and shutter speed with the gorgeous Alps as your backdrop.

DAYS 10–14

CHAMONIX, FRANCE

Just over the border in France lies Chamonix, a renowned mountain resort that hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924. On the near horizon looms Mont Blanc, the so-called “roof of Europe,” measuring 15,782 feet. Settle into this mountain town and take to the trails, trekking to Alpine lakes and meadows scattered with wildflowers and ringing with cowbells. Ride the funicular to the Col de Balme and hike up to the Croix de Fer pass for incredible views

Zip-lining in the Swiss Alps

MILES

DAYS 6–9

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS

Zermatt

Chamonix

• Trace the history of modern mountaineering at the Matterhorn Museum, and follow in the footsteps of the region’s trailblazers while hiking Europe’s highest peaks.

with local botanists. Take a gondola up First Mountain and hike to nearby Bachalpsee Lake, carved by glaciers and tucked into the verdant hills. Zip-line back down the mountain with professional outfitters for an exhilarating adventure. Cap off your time here with a journey by cogwheel train past picturesque mountain villages to arrive at Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Trek on Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, and see ice sculptures at the magical Ice Palace along the way. Hone your action

Grindelwald

Geneva

• Interview seasoned ice climbers about their Alpine adventures , and trek atop the largest glacier in this storied mountain range.

• Soar up the slopes in Europe’s highest cable car, and capture images of glistening ice sculptures in the magical Jungfrau Ice Palace.

Zurich Lake Zürich

and a chance to slide on the snow. Enjoy a picnic lunch beneath the sharp pinnacles of the Aiguille du Midi mountain, first climbed in 1818. Weather permitting, strap on crampons and grab an ice axe for a walk on the spectacular glacier known as the Mer de Glace. Then join experienced guides to try out canyoneering, an exhilarating experience that combines rappelling, climbing, and watersliding through deep gorges. Go ice skating at the village rink or spend a sunny afternoon with local teenagers at the Olympic swimming pool. As we explore, interview and photograph seasoned mountaineers drawn to the area by the challenges of its imposing peaks. Put the final touches on your On Assignment project, then enjoy a celebratory fondue dinner and share your final presentation with your group before returning home.

expert, Robbie, was “so Our inspiring! He helped me understand the value of hard work when it comes to doing what you love. —Reagan S., 2017

”

2018: July 16–29

TUITION

$7,390

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Zurich, and return from eneva.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in small mountain hostels and huts throughout the program.

NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions such as full-day hikes, glacier trekking, and mountain biking. To get the most out of the program, participants should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.

M EE T

YO U R

E X P ER T

Adventurer and visual storyteller Robbie Shone has captured stunning images of some of the deepest, largest, and longest cave systems known. His projects for ational eographic have ta en him to remote areas of Vietnam, apua ew uinea and be istan and his work has been published in National Geographic magazine. When not on assignment, Robbie can be found chasing adventures at home in the heart of the Alps, or photographing rock climbers on via ferrata, tobogganing competitions, and cultural events. obbie will oin the group in rindelwald and Zermatt.

Above: With the peak of the Matterhorn as a backdrop, a student readies his shot. 32

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B OTS WA N A A N D V IC TO R I A FA L L S : WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

EXPEDITION Victoria Falls

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

BOTSWANA O K AVA N G O D E LTA

• Work alongside researchers at Elephants for Africa to document herd behavior in the salt pans of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Maun Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

• Set out on safari in the Okavango Delta with a National Geographic wildlife conservationist to seek out big cats, giraffes, African wild dogs, and much more.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Document your experience with Botswana’s resident megafauna in photographs. Create a photobook distinguishing individuals of an elephant herd, learn about the science of wildlife photography while experimenting with camera traps and satellite imagery, or work alongside local youth competing in Botswana’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Dive into local, national, and international projects aimed at protecting Africa’s wildlife, working alongside National Geographic grantees and leading conservationists to evaluate the threats to Botswana’s diverse species. Deepen your knowledge of humanelephant conflict learn about collar trac ing and meet up with local teens to brainstorm novel strategies for protecting wildlife.

Above: A newborn elephant keeps up with its mother. 3

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Thanks to innovative and intensive conservation efforts, Botswana is recognized as a global leader in wildlife protection and has offered a safe haven for African megafauna seeking refuge from human development and illegal poaching. Get an inside perspective on modern-day conservation challenges while working in the field alongside top researchers, including our own National Geographic grantees.

DAYS 1–5

During your time in the area, learn about community outreach initiatives aimed at protecting resident wildlife. Venture to the Stanley & Livingstone lodge in Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve to meet National Geographic grantee Damien Mander, a former military serviceman who used the knowledge and skills he learned from armed forces training to establish the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. Hear from Damien about the important work done by his organization, and

I N F O R M AT I O N

Begin your adventure in Zimbabwe with a visit to spectacular Victoria Falls, known locally as the “smoke that thunders” and considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Victoria Falls’ mile-wide curtain of water is nearly twice the width of Niagara Falls and plunges more than 350 feet into a narrow chasm, creating clouds of mist that sparkle in the sunlight. Get to know your trip leaders and fellow group members while exploring the nature paths that wind through lush forests overlooking these majestic cascades.

DAT E S

Rainbows in the mists at Victoria Falls

watch his rangers demonstrate the strategies they employ when patroling the bush. Then set out into the reserve to track the endangered black rhinos that live here.

DAYS 6–12 I MAKGADIKGADI PANS NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA Cross the border into Botswana and head to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a reserve harboring the largest network of salt pans on Earth, as well as zebras, wildebeests, elephants, and an array of other intriguing creatures. Camp at a research base just outside the park and spend a week working alongside conservationists with Elephants for Africa, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the vulnerable African elephant through research and education. Meet the founders of Cameras for Conservation, and learn photography techniques for documenting elephant behavior and ecology, then create a digital photobook of the park’s resident herds. With the help of camera traps and satellite imagery, track elephant movement in the area, and learn how migration patterns are changing in response to human encroachment, habitat destruction, and climate change. Interview local community members to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human-elephant conflict, and work alongside local teens to brainstorm new strategies for wildlife conservation in the region.

VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

100

MILES

• Meet National Geographic grantee Damien Mander and watch his anti-poaching rangers demonstrate the strategies they use to patrol the bush. • Learn wildlife photography skills, including portraiture and camera trapping, and take photos with an eye to inspiring conservation efforts.

Makgadikgadi Pans

DAYS 13–18

2018: June 26–July 13, July 17–Aug. 3

OKAVANGO DELTA

Travel north to Botswana’s most iconic landscape, the Okavango Delta. A far-reaching network of inland lagoons and floodplains that is home to some of the world’s most endangered megafauna, including cheetahs, white and black rhinos, and African wild dogs. Settle into camp and meet your local ba’Yei guide, a member of National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project who grew up in the delta and has intimate knowledge of this vast and remote landscape. Learn about the program’s efforts to collect data on the delta’s source waters, which are vital to the health of the region and the roughly one million people who source their water from the Okavango; and hear about collaborations with local stakeholders to develop conservation strategies for these important rivers. Over the next several days, set out on safari across the floodplains alongside your National Geographic expert and explore the delta’s dynamic ecosystem, teeming with big cats, roaming giraffes, and wading buffalo. As you seek out incredible wildlife, document the intricacy of this habitat with your camera and learn wilderness skills from your knowledgeable guide. Conclude the program in the city of Maun, where we’ll present our On Assignment projects to the group and celebrate our journey across southern Africa.

TUITION

$7,690

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Victoria Falls and return from Maun.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Maun and at Victoria Falls, we stay in familyrun guesthouses. We stay in dormitory-style accommodations at a research station in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, and a tented safari camp in the Okavango Delta.

M EE T

YO U R

E X P ER T

South African photographer Brent Stirton is committed to issues related to wildlife and conservation, global health, diminishing cultures, sustainability, and the environment. He has shot 20 stories for National Geographic magazine, including recent stories on human-lion conflict, elephant poaching, and the rhino horn trade. In Botswana, Brent has covered bush pilots in the Okavango Delta, and indigenous bushmen communities. He has been recognized by the United Nations for his work on the environment and in the field of HIV/AIDS. His work has received 9 World Press Photo awards, and has been published in Vanity Fair, Time, the New York Times Magazine, GEO, and Le Monde. Brent will join the July 17 departure in the Okavango Delta.

A lone wildebeest among the zebras CALL 1-877-877-8759 OR VISIT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

CALL 1-877-877-8759 OR VISIT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

TA N Z A N I A : CO N S E R VAT I O N F R O M S AVA N N A TO S E A

EXPEDITION

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

Ngorongoro Crater

TANZANIA

Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park

• Team up with Tanzanian youth to explore marine science, and together present your findings to the local community.

Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Document the vibrant cultures and epic wildlife of Tanzania in photographs. Capture images of Maasai children nestled up against their mothers’ bac s a lioness tending her cubs on the floor of the gorongoro rater or fishermen hauling in their daily catch from traditional dhows. Teach photography skills to Tanzanian teens, and practice portraiture on Zanzibaris in traditional Swahili dress.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION nvestigate local and national efforts to protect Tanzania’s incredible marine and terrestrial wildlife. Track lions and elephants through the bush, learn to identify rare bird species in the tropical forests of Zanzibar, and evaluate the health of coastal coral reefs. Talk with conservationists about the balance between resource management and the economic needs of local communities.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Tanzania is renowned for its incredible wildlife and natural landscapes, yet its diverse cultures and welcoming people are equally fascinating. From the open savanna plains to coral reefs teeming with marine life, examine the challenges of preserving Tanzania’s prized flora and fauna; and discover how Maasai pastoralists and coastal Swahili communities have interacted with these environments for centuries.

DAYS 1–7

“living wall” of trees to keep lions and other predators away from a Maasai community’s livestock. Dressed in brightly colored shukas and adorned with intricate beaded jewelry, the Maasai welcome our group into their community. Meet schoolchildren who split their time between tending cattle and attending school. Witness drumming and jumping contests, and learn how these seminomadic pastoralists are adapting to the modern world.

WILDLIFE SAFARI AND MAASAI TRIBAL LANDS

I N F O R M AT I O N

Head to our next camp among the baobab trees deep in magnificent Tarangire National Park. On daily game drives, get up close to lions, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, Cape buffalo, baboons, and jackals in their natural habitat. With our professional guides, discuss natural selection, animal behavior, and the wildlife-management challenges facing the people of Tanzania. Continue to Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best wildlife-viewing spots in the world. This volcanic caldera contains almost 25,000 creatures at any given time. Spot lions, zebras, hyenas, wildebeests, and even black rhinoceroses from the safety of our safari jeeps. Return to our camp near Arusha before traveling to the coast.

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PANGANI

Travel to the seaside town of Pangani in northeastern Tanzania to explore a range of coastal habitats, from coral reefs and seagrass beds to intertidal flats and mangrove forests. Settle into our waterfront lodge, nestled at the foot of a giant baobab tree, and set out with your snorkeling gear to discover the area’s rich marine ecology. Then head to the Maziwe Island Marine Reserve to swim with green and hawksbill sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and some of the nearly 400 species of tropical fish. We’ll snorkel this protected coral reef system with local primary school children, taking the opportunity to teach them about the fragility

A lioness and her cub

DAT E S

The Indian Ocean laps up on a palm-edged beach in Zanzibar.

DAYS 8–14

Arrive in Arusha and travel into the bush to our tented camp, where we’ll get acquainted with the group and meet our professional safari guides. Our adventure begins with a special invitation to spend two days on the Maasai Steppe at Noloholo Environmental Center, a research station run by National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantees Charles Trout and 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

Above: Look behind you! Students on safari pause for a photo op. 3

Pangani Zanzibar

• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater with knowledgeable guides to photograph rhinos, elephants, lions, and other iconic African megafauna.

• Snorkel in Maziwe Island Marine Reserve, home to a vibrant coral reef ecosystem, and participate in a sea turtle conservation project.

Arusha Tarangire National Park

• Learn about our National Geographic expert’s innovative lion conservation work, and lend a hand on a National Geographicsponsored project that builds protective boma fences in Maasai communities.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECT

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of the coral reef system and identify species together. Then explore the nearby Fungu Zinga reef, which is unprotected and under threat from overfishing and illegal fishing methods. Meet with local conservationists to discuss the role of community-based conservation in the reef’s protection, and document their efforts through your On Assignment project. Assemble your findings, and together with your Tanzanian peers, develop a lesson in marine science to present to local middle school students. Lend a hand with a nest relocation initiative for green sea turtles, joining a beach patrol to identify current and potential nesting sites. Learn from local artisans how palm leaves are used for thatching, baskets, and building traditional fish traps. And take lessons in Swahili, the national language of Tanzania.

DAYS 15–18

ZANZIBAR

Take a short flight from Pangani to Zanzibar, and cap off the program exploring this fascinating island. Weave your way down the narrow streets and past the hand-carved doorways of Stone Town, the island’s urban hub. Discover former trading forts, talk with farmers at centuries-old spice plantations, and photograph vibrant open-air markets. Swim and snorkel off pristine, undeveloped beaches, and visit Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park to seek out the endangered Kirk’s red colobus monkey and myriad birds and butterflies. Share your On Assignment projects with the group, and enjoy a farewell celebration before flying home.

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2018: June 28–July 15

TUITION

$8,290

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Arusha, Pangani to Zanzibar, Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, and Dar es Salaam to New York. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In the Maasai tribal lands and on safari, we stay in tented camps. In Pangani, we stay in beachside bungalows, and in Zanzibar we stay in a small family-run lodge.

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National Geographic grantee and community conservationist Charles Trout has spent most of his life in and around the protected areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania. He is the co-founder and director of programs for African People & Wildlife, which through its Northern Tanzania Big Cats Conservation Initiative works to save Tanzania’s most threatened lion population as well as important populations of cheetahs and leopards. In partnership with National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative, Charles launched the Build a Boma campaign, which has crowd-funded innovative solutions to protect African livestock and wildlife. Charles will join the group on safari.

N A M I B I A : D E S E R T S A FA R I A N D B I G C AT CO N S E R VAT I O N

EXPEDITION Etosha Pan

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

Otavi

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Document your exploration of Namibia in a photography portfolio. Use time-lapse techniques to show the sun dipping behind the massive red dunes at Sossusvlei, zoom in on a sea of zebras visiting a watering hole, or take portraits of new friends while visiting a San camp. Practice landscape shots on the desert’s dramatic scenery, and experiment with camera traps to capture images of elusive species interacting with their natural habitats.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Examine Namibia’s unique landscapes and the animal and plant species that have adapted to these fragile desert ecosystems. Join researchers at renowned conservation organizations, working with them to help save the country’s big cats, rhinos, and other threatened wildlife. Track leopards with a National Geographic grantee, discuss the plight of the cheetah with researchers at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, and investigate the future of endangered black rhinos.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

The landscapes of Namibia are home to a wealth of desert-adapted wildlife that conservationists are working hard to protect. Meet National Geographic grantees and other researchers in the field to learn about wildlife preservation efforts. Along your journey, encounter elephants, hyenas, giraffes, and oryx on safari; go whale-watching in Walvis Bay; and climb the dunes of the Namib Desert.

DAYS 1–6

N/A’AN KU SÊ

Get settled at the N/a’an Ku Sê Carnivore Conservation Centre, where National Geographic–supported researchers have developed an innovative approach to protecting predators while reducing attacks on local livestock. Learn about the use of GPS and Google Earth to track leopards and cheetahs, and head into the field with local researchers on game counts, collar-tracking exercises, or to set up camera traps at watering holes. Snap close-up shots of the resident cheetahs and baboons, and zoom out to photograph large herds of zebras and springbok. Help to per-

Above: Tawny grasses engulf a cheetah and its photographer. 38

DAYS 7–11

SOSSUSVLEI, SWAKOPMUND, AND THE NAMIB DESERT

Head south to Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei—a salt and clay pan surrounded by towering dunes. Camp overnight in the national park and wake early to photograph the sun rising over the massive orange-red dunes. Pay a visit to the iconic Dead Vlei, a

100

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• Explore coastal dunes with desert ecologists, then ride the surrounding slopes on a sandboarding excursion.

form a veterinary check-up on rehabilitated animals, and spend time with members of a San people to learn about daily life in their hunter-gatherer community.

NAMIBIA

Atlantic Ocean

• Photograph Sossusvlei’s otherworldly landscapes of red sand and eerie skeletal trees of Dead Vlei.

• Help care for rehabilitated cheetahs at the world-renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund, and learn about efforts to protect endangered black rhinos during a visit to the Save the Rhino Trust.

Windhoek

Swakopmund

• Visit a National Geographic-supported research center to see how satellite technology is used to monitor wildlife populations, then join scientists in the field to track elusive leopards.

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S

Students go sandboarding on the dunes outside Swakopmund.

stark landscape dotted with ancient, skeletal camel thorn trees that have been dead for more than 700 years. Continue to the seaside city of Swakopmund, a lively hub for surfers and adventure seekers. Explore the dunes with desert ecologists and learn about the species that have adapted to survive the harsh conditions. Then, tear down dune slopes on a sandboarding excursion. Visit Cape Cross to observe a vast breeding colony of some 100,000 Cape fur seals, and go on a whalewatching cruise on Walvis Bay.

DAYS 12–15

DAMARALAND

Journey into Damaraland, where the desert harbors unusually succulent plants fed by Atlantic mists. Pay a visit to Brandenberg Mountain, a giant granite monolith and Namibia’s highest mountain peak. With local guides, hike to the ‘White Lady’ rock etching, believed to date back at least 2,000 years. Venture out into the barren landscape in search of endangered desert elephants, and learn about the efforts and outreach being done by the Save the Rhino Trust to protect critically endangered black rhinoceroses. Travel to the nearby Himba and Herero villages with local guides and discover the traditional arts of these two indigenous cultures.

DAYS 16–18

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

to the waterholes of Etosha National Park, and their predators—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—follow close behind. The resulting concentrations of wildlife provide optimal scenery for photographers and a living laboratory for conservationists. Enjoy three days on safari here, looking for big cats, giraffes, oryx, rare black-faced impalas, and endemic birds like the bare-cheeked babbler. Stop at watering holes for close-up views of bathing elephants, zebras drinking at the water’s edge, and hartebeests splashing in the shallows. Meet with park rangers and learn about their efforts to encourage conservation through tourism.

DAYS 19–21

CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND

Learn about the plight of the cheetah at the world-renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) near Otavi. Talk with scientists about predator-conservation outreach efforts and hear about their collaborations with local farmers. Join trackers on census walks, help care for rehabilitated cheetahs, visit the genetics lab, and observe a training session for livestock guard dogs—an integral part of the CCF’s conservation plan. We’ll cap off our expedition with presentations of our On Assignment projects and a celebration of our time together exploring Namibia.

Namibia’s dry season spans April through October, when herds of plains game flock

2018: June 27–July 17

TUITION

$7,690

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Windhoek. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S At N/a’an Ku Sê and at the Cheetah Conservation Fund we stay in dormitory-style housing. In Swakopmund, we stay in a hotel; and in Sossusvlei, Etosha, and Damaraland, we camp in tents.

NOTE During this expedition students will spend several nights camping, and should be enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.

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National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantee Florian Weise has spent over 11 years on the African continent conserving endangered species. His work helping to reduce conflicts between Southern Africa’s large cats, like cheetahs and leopards, and local farmers has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Africa Geographic, and the Financial Times London. Florian has combined his passion for the outdoors with research in the Serengeti, the Okavango Delta, the Namib Desert, and at the N/a’an Ku Sê Carnivore Conservation Centre, where he will join our group.

The iconic trees of Dead Vlei

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AU S T R A L I A : O U T B AC K , R A I N F O R E S T, A N D R E E F

EXPEDITION B eat Gr

Daintree National Park

ar r i

Cairns

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

eef

Alice Springs

• Set out with marine biologists for a two-day snorkeling trip on the Great Barrier Reef.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

• Meet Aboriginal people in the outback to learn about their culture, and camp out in the desert under the stars.

AUSTRALIA

• Survey the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest from a jungle research station, and soar through the treetops on a zip-line tour. • Visit Sydney’s world-famous Taronga Zoo and practice wildlife photography on koalas, kangaroos, and other unique Australian species.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Document the unique cultures, animals, and landscapes of Australia in a photo-essay. In the outback, capture Uluru’s red rock and ancient carvings aglow at sunset, and zoom in on endemic desert wildlife. Try underwater photography amid the vibrant corals of the Great Barrier Reef, then catch the early morning light while exploring the rain forests of Cape Tribulation. Practice portraiture with the people you meet throughout your travels.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Explore Australia’s diverse ecosystems, and learn about the invasive species that threaten native flora and fauna. Guided by marine biologists, catalog the species you spot on the Great Barrier Reef, and examine the impact of coral bleaching on this natural treasure. Explore the treetops of the Daintree Rainforest on an educational zip line tour, and examine the canopy up close from the observation deck at a research station.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Set apart from other landmasses for millennia, Australia’s isolation has allowed unique ecosystems and cultures to thrive. Explore rain forests, deserts, and the world’s largest coral reef, observing and documenting fascinating wildlife along the way; and meet members of the Aboriginal community—the world’s oldest living culture—which settled here more than 50,000 years ago.

DAYS 1–5

with the marine life you will encounter on the Great Barrier Reef.

DAYS 6–10

ULURU AND THE OUTBACK

Fly from Sydney to Alice Springs and begin your 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 domes of the adjacent Kata Tjuta monolith on the lookout for bright

SYDNEY

500

Sydney

MILES

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S

A student frames Uluru, or Ayers Rock, at sunset.

green ring-necked parrots. Visit an Aboriginal community at Ochre Pits and learn about Aboriginal art before trying your hand at the traditional craft of dot painting. Plunge into the cool and refreshing waters of the Ellery Big Hole, examine ancient rock art and medicinal plants, and listen to Dreamtime stories told by Aboriginal guides. Through the lens of your camera, use the barren landscape to practice working with depth of field—photographing dingoes, red kangaroos, and majestic wedge-tailed eagles that may venture into this otherwise still scene. Set up camp in the bush, help collect firewood and prepare dinner, and sleep under the stars. Spot the Southern Cross and Scorpio, and learn a whole new set of Southern Hemisphere constellations.

DAYS 11–20

Back on land, head north into the 125-millionyear-old Daintree Rainforest. Hike through the lush vegetation to see cassowaries, crocodiles, tree kangaroos, and other endemic wildlife. Spend the night in a jungle lodge and encounter the native species of the surrounding rain forest, wetlands, and reef. Wind down on the coastal side of the park on the white-sand beaches of Cape Tribulation. Explore a mangrove habitat where the jungle meets the ocean, and kayak along the reef. Trek out to the farthest point of the cape in search of whales and other marine life passing by. Return to Cairns for the final night and present your On Assignment project to the rest of the group. Celebrate your adventure with your fellow participants before flying home.

QUEENSLAND AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Fly to the northern Queensland city of Cairns, and transfer to Port Douglas, our hub for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Set out on a private boat for a two-day snorkeling adventure with marine biologists. Anchor at the outer reef and snorkel along brilliant fields of coral. Spot sea turtles, giant parrotfish, harmless reef sharks, and maybe even a migrating humpback whale. Gain insights about the reef from the marine biologists on board, and learn about the threats to this unique ecosystem and the efforts being made to protect it.

The expedition begins with an orientation in the vibrant coastal city of Sydney. Break into teams to begin working on your On Assignment project. Browse a photo exhibition at the State Library of New South Wales, explore the lively Rocks district, and take in spectacular views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Attend a game of rugby or Australian-rules football, or go surfing at Manly Beach. Meet your first koalas and kangaroos at the famous Taronga Zoo, or visit the Sydney Aquarium to get acquainted

Coral Sea

My On Assignment “ project gave me a sense of purpose during this trip. It challenged me to look at each place we visited with a new perspective. —Christalena K., 2017

”

2018: June 27–July 16, July 13–Aug. 1

TUITION

$8,690

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 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Sydney, Alice Springs, and Queensland, we stay in small hotels. In the Daintree Rainforest, we stay in a small, family-run eco-resort, and in the outback we camp under the stars.

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Award-winning Australian photographer Jason Edwards has been at the forefront of natural history photography for two decades. A passion for animals and the environment defines his extensive career. Since embarking on that career at the Royal Melbourne Zoo, Jason has produced images for everything from environmental campaigns to Hollywood blockbusters. His work has appeared in hundreds of publications including National Geographic magazine, BBC Wildlife, Australian Geographic, Sports Illustrated, Condé Nast Traveler, and the New Yorker. Jason is also the host of the National Geographic Channel’s Pure Photography, and an author of science education books. Jason will join the July 13 departure in Port Douglas.

A close encounter with a kangaroo at the Taronga Zoo

Above: A snorkeler skims through the shallows of the Great Barrier Reef. I

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NEW ZEAL AND: SOUTH I S L A N D W I N T E R A DV E N T U R E

EXPEDITION

Pacific Ocean

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

Tasman Sea

Franz Josef Glacier Westland Tai Poutini National Park

• Soar over New Zealand’s highest peaks and discover ice caves while snowshoeing atop a glacier.

Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Discover New Zealand’s natural beauty through your camera lens and document your adventures among the South Island’s summits, glaciers, and gorges. Capture athletes in motion, snapping shots of snowboarders catching air or rugby players lining up for a scrum. Shoot scenery under a variety of light conditions—from skies lit by Southern Hemisphere constellations to beaches aglow at sunset—and experiment with techniques like time lapse and panning.

FILM & VIDEO Strap on your camera or GoPro and record highimpact footage as you trek across glaciers, get an aerial view of the Southern Alps as you soar above the Tasman Glacier, and tear down powdery slopes on a snowboard or skis. Document the ethereal light of thousands of glowworms as you black-water raft through caves. Film your friends throughout your explorations, and use mobile-editing technology to produce short action and adventure films.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Split by glacier-carved mountains and fringed by wild beaches and stunning fords, New Zealand’s South Island beckons thrill-seekers to find adventure amid its natural wonders. Experience the island’s epic landscapes, exploring them as an adventurer would—from hiking and biking to snowboarding and rafting.

DAYS 1–3

and soak in thermal pools. Then head to the spectacular West Coast to explore the rugged coastline on foot, hiking to hidden caves and taking photos of powerful sea bursts surging up through Punakaiki’s intriguing “pancake rock” formations. Spend a day black-water rafting through caverns lit by thousands of tiny glowworms, traveling to the cave entrance via zip

CHRISTCHURCH

Our expedition begins in the coastal city of Christchurch. Head out on your first assignment to document the city’s innovative street art installations, interview shopkeepers at an outdoor market, or snap portraits of local artists. Visit an animal sanctuary and get up close to native species from around New Zealand, including the peculiar kiwi bird.

Oamaru 0

Travel north to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs. With camera in hand, explore forests of giant redwoods on foot or mountain bike,

Snowboarding with a view in Wanaka

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DAT E S

Students bike through the forests of Hanmer Springs.

line and finishing the adventure on a series of natural rock slides. Continue south to Westland Tai Poutini National Park, home to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, and take in the views on a sunrise hike around Lake Matheson. Practice light painting and night photography on Haast Beach, at the heart of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area.

DAYS 9–11

WANAKA

Spend two days exploring Wanaka, one of the best skiing and snowboarding destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. Hit the slopes, and then hone your action photography and filmmaking skills as you capture local athletes doing jumps and tricks. One of the iconic symbols of the area is the Wanaka Tree, a lone tree that grows tenaciously out of the waters of Lake Wanaka. Rise early to photograph the tree at sunrise, set against a backdrop of snowy peaks. Traverse the surrounding wilderness on horseback, and hike up Mount Iron for panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.

DAYS 12–14

DAYS 4–8 I HANMER SPRINGS, PUNAKAIKI, HAAST, AND WESTLAND TAI POUTINI NATIONAL PARK

Pacific Ocean

Wanaka

• Ski or snowboard down the powdery slopes of the Southern Alps, and document all the action for a short adventure film. • Go black-water rafting in a cave lit by glowworms, and take a wet ride along natural rock water slides.

Christchurch Mount Cook

NEW ZEALAND

• Learn the art of adventure photography, and practice conveying motion while shooting your group’s mountaineering, horseback riding, and zip-lining excursions.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS

Hanmer Springs

Punakaiki

MOUNT COOK

Kick the adventure into high gear with a mountaineering expedition on the slopes of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki, or Mount Cook. Soar above the snow-covered Southern Alps, and touch down on top of the massive Tasman Glacier. Outfitted with snowshoes and ice picks, we’ll join expert guides to explore this wintry wilderness of glacial icefalls

and otherworldly ice caves. Later, dive into a glacial pond for a chilly bath. Break out your camera to frame an amazing sunrise over these spectacular landscapes, or go on an after-dark photo or video shoot to capture scenes of a star-studded sky.

DAYS 15–18

TUITION

$7,790

Airfare is not included. We have arranged roundtrip group flights between Los Angeles and Christchurch. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S

OAMARU AND CHRISTCHURCH

Head east to the colonial town of Oamaru, and try your hand at sheep shearing during an overnight stay in a farming community. See the giant spherical Moeraki Boulders on a visit to Koekohe Beach, and ride a high-wheeled penny-farthing bicycle. Then spend the night in a marae, or meeting ground, and delve into Maori culture with tribal elders. Our adventure concludes in Christchurch, where we’ll wrap up our On Assignment projects and present them to the group before your flight home.

I felt this wave of “ accomplishment when I saw how my photography had improved since the beginning of the trip. —Valerie R., 2017

2018: June 27–July 14, July 15–Aug. 1

”

We stay in family-run inns, small hotels, and familystyle cabins throughout the expedition.

NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions, including hiking, skiing, and biking. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration in a variety of climates.

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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 to the National Geographic Channel and National Geographic magazine (France and Germany), and recently published a book about Italy’s Dolomites with National Geographic Books. Ulla will join the June 27 departure at Mt. Cook, and the July 15 departure in Christchurch.

Above: A skiplane deposits students on the massive Tasman Glacier. 2

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B A L I : T R O P I C A L ECO LO G Y F R O M S E A TO S U M M I T

EXPEDITION

Bali Sea

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

Pemuteran

Ubud

• Photograph endangered sea turtles while volunteering at a local rescue center.

Indian Ocean

• Stay at Ubud’s world-famous Green School—a sustainable campus made of living bamboo—and lend a hand on community service projects, from organic gardening to composting. • Visit the Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center to lend a hand with their coral restoration project.

Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Create a photo essay depicting Bali’s spectacular biodiversity. Use an underwater camera to capture images of intricate corals and vibrant marine life— from swirling schools of ac fish to swimming green turtles. Take portraits of Balinese farmers among emerald green rice terraces and learn about their sophisticated water management practices. Employ photographic storytelling to report on the work of local conservationists and researchers.

MARINE & TROPICAL BIOLOGY Study Bali’s unique ecosystems alongside expert biologists and conservationists. Examine diverse coral species on diving and snorkeling excursions and use cutting-edge technologies to monitor the health of the reefs and assist researchers with coral restoration. Visit Ubud’s Green School and get your hands dirty in the organic garden; or learn to build with sustainable materials like bamboo.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Home to more than 400 species of reefbuilding coral and large ocean dwellers like turtles, manta rays, and sharks, the waters surrounding the Indonesian isle of Bali hold some of the highest diversity of marine life in the world. Dive into this underwater realm, and discover the terrestrial side of the island’s tropical ecosystem while exploring terraced rice paddies and volcanic peaks.

DAYS 1–5

TULAMBEN

professionals, and then put these new skills to use as you swim amid the wreckage of a World War II cargo ship just off shore, discovering intricate coral reefs and tropical fish. Identify marine species and employ cutting-edge photographic and scientific technologies to monitor and document the reef. Back on land, volunteer with a communitybased program that keeps ocean waters clean through recycling and beach cleanup initiatives. Begin work on your On Assignment project, raising awareness about the need to protect these beautiful places.

Upon arrival in Bali, drive to our guesthouse in the northeastern corner of the island—a remote, coastal area bordered by crystal-clear waters. Get to know your fellow students as we explore this stunning tropical paradise, and immerse yourself in Balinese culture. Meet local conservationists, swim among the vibrant corals of Tanjung Muntik Bay, and photograph ornate Hindu temples. Delve deeper into the surrounding marine world on underwater excursions. Learn advanced snorkeling techniques from dive

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S

A student rappels down a waterfall on a canyoneering adventure.

DAYS 6–10

PEMUTERAN

Trace Bali’s northern coast to the seaside village of Pemuteran, home to the Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center. Here we’ll participate in local research projects aimed at preserving the surrounding tropical ecosystems. Learn how to assess reef health, and discuss the impact that our actions have on Bali’s marine habitats. Then work with local researchers on their coral restoration program. Use underwater photography to create a visual guide of the reef system, or study specialized clownfish populations that have evolved across the Indonesian archipelago. After the sun goes down, observe sparkling bioluminescence during a magical nighttime snorkeling excursion. On shore, we’ll visit a turtle rescue center and photograph endangered sea turtles before helping release them back into the wild. Then embark on a full-day excursion to nearby Menjangan Island to snorkel or dive amid the reefs and coral walls.

DAYS 11–14

UBUD

Head inland to the cultural hub of Ubud. During our time here, we’ll stay in a bamboo yurt camp on the campus of the worldfamous Green School. Located in the tropical forest on the banks of the Ayung River, the

school offers immersive and hands-on experiences geared toward protecting Bali’s local communities and spectacular biodiversity. Work with other students on a variety of community service and conservation projects. Get your hands dirty in the organic gardens, helping to develop community composting facilities and cultivate native plants, or building structures using bamboo and other local and sustainable materials. Take a break from your projects to explore the surrounding landscape on a traditional subak trek, and learn about these age-old canals, terraces, and temples that the Balinese use for water management. Try your hand at mepantigan, a combination of Balinese martial arts and dance; capture portraits of local community members while exploring vibrant markets and festivals; or venture into a nearby valley for a canyoneering excursion.

DAYS 15–17

MEDEWI

Head west to the village of Medewi to seek out some of Bali’s best surfing spots and ride the waves with professional surf instructors. Wrap up the trip by presenting your On Assignment projects to your peers, highlighting the beauty and diversity of Bali’s marine and terrestrial habitats or some of the local efforts to help protect them.

A clownfish amid sea anemones

Above: A student explores one of Bali’s unique ecosystems. I

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Tulamben Amed

BALI

Medewi

• Snorkel or scuba dive at a World War II shipwreck, and help marine biologists monitor the health of Bali’s underwater ecosystem.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS

MILES

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2018: June 30–July 16, July 6–22

TUITION

$6,790

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between os ngeles and enpasar. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Ubud we stay on the campus of the Green School in sustainably built bamboo yurts. At all other locations we stay in small, locally run guesthouses or hotels.

M EE T

YO U R

E X P ER T

National Geographic Emerging Explorer Asha de Vos is a Sri an an marine biologist ocean educator and pioneer of blue whale research within the Northern Indian cean. sha is the first Sri an an to earn a h in marine mammal research founded the nonprofit ceanswell and runs the Sri an an lue hale ro ect which is the first long term study of blue whales in the region. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of ocean heroes and through her work, hopes to change the current marine conservation model. Asha’s work has been showcased by the BBC, the New York Times, and . sha will join both groups in Pemuteran. I

C H I N A : G I A N T PA N DA S TO T H E G R E AT WA L L

EXPEDITION Beijing

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

Dunhuang

Yellow Sea

CHINA Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve

• Help feed and care for pandas at the renowned Dujiangyan Panda Center, and then spot these gentle giants in the wild while exploring Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve.

Chengdu

Taiwan South China Sea

• Photograph the sun rising over the Great Wall, then hike along a remote section of this iconic wonder.

0 MILES

• Ride camels beneath the towering dunes of the Kumtag Desert, and learn about local efforts to prevent encroaching desertification. • Meet photo editors at National Geographic magazine’s China headquarters, and use their photography tips as you explore Beijing through your camera lens.

I N F O R M AT I O N

Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Assemble a portfolio that addresses a facet of life in China. Shoot portraits of local farmers, document Beijing’s traditional neighborhoods, and zoom in on remnants of the ancient Silk Road. From children playing on Tiananmen Square to dense bamboo forests housing rare pandas, capture the many faces of China.

ANTHROPOLOGY & LOCAL CULTURES Delve deeper into the interconnection between land and people in the world’s most populous country. Learn how farmers have adapted to their geography, and investigate China’s rapid economic transformation from the perspectives of local merchants, entrepreneurs, or environmentalists. Chart the traditions and origins of China’s ethnic minorities.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

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 in a countryside carved with rugged mountains and deep gorges, and speckled with traditional farming villages. Explore China’s contrasts on a journey from the wilderness of Sichuan to the Silk Road in Dunhuang and the pulsating city of Beijing.

DAYS 1–7

Temple of Heaven, join in on checkers and rhythmic gymnastics. Bike through a hutong, a neighborhood of Ming dynasty courtyard homes. Enjoy a chance to meet editors at National Geographic magazine’s China headquarters, and watch acrobats spin and climb through the air at an evening performance. Venture outside the city to a farming village next to a seldom-visited section of the Great Wall. We spend two nights at a simple guesthouse here and enjoy meals prepared by our hosts. See the Great Wall as few visitors

BEIJING & THE GREAT WALL

Beijing is a city of color and motion: Bicycles blur past crimson-walled temples, crowds bustle down neon-flanked shopping streets, and new buildings and businesses seem to sprout up on a daily basis. But Beijing’s ancient roots are still visible among the modern high-rises and the flashy billboards. We’ll explore the city in all its guises, from the ornate courtyards of the Forbidden City to the avantgarde studios of the 798 art district. Partake in the popular pastime of flying kites in historic Tiananmen Square; and in the gardens of the

do: Experiment with nighttime photographic “light painting” on the ruins of an ancient guard tower, or wake up early for a hike to watch the sun rise over the wall.

GANSU PROVINCE

Fly to Dunhuang, an oasis city bordered by the Kumtag Desert. Once an important hub of China’s famed Silk Road, this ancient garrison town is still watched over by the crumbling ruins of the Han Dynasty-era Great Wall. Visit the Singing Sands dunes, and explore the Mogao Caves—also known as the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas. Carved by monks on pilgrimage, these caverns are home to some of the most important Buddhist art and manuscripts in the world. Peruse the Dunhuang Night Market, go on a camel trek by the shores of nearby Crescent Lake, and learn about efforts to understand and prevent encroaching desertification.

DAYS 14–16

RURAL SICHUAN

Our next stop is the Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve, part of the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries. Settle into our guesthouse in a region of lushly forested mountains. Many of the few remaining wild giant pandas still roam here along with thousands of other species, including China’s iconic golden snubnosed monkey. Hear from experts about the challenges of breeding and reintroduction

A giant panda in Sichuan

DAT E S

A camel trek through the Kumtag Desert

DAYS 8–13 ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS

500

of pandas to the wild. Learn about forest conservation as you explore panda habitats on guided hikes, then help researchers track animal activity by setting up camera traps.

DAYS 17–21

THE PANDAS OF SICHUAN

Transfer to the lively city of Chengdu, where we’ll have a behind-the-scenes visit at the internationally renowned Dujiangyan Panda Center’s research facility, guided by local conservationists. Spend a day feeding and caring for the bears and observing these gentle giants up close in their enclosure. Then delve into Sichuanese culture at a traditional tea ceremony, while concocting spicy regional dishes at a cooking class, and on a backstage visit following an opera performance. Spend the final days of your program finishing your On Assignment project, and share it with your group before flying home.

I learned how “ to tell stories through photography, and my portfolio of work from this trip gives me a great sense of accomplishment! —Hannah R., 2017

”

2018: June 26–July 16

TUITION

$7,190

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Beijing, Beijing to Dunhuang, Dunhuang to Chengdu, and return from Chengdu. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in small hotels and guesthouses in Beijing, Dunhuang, Tangjiahe, and Chengdu. At the Great Wall, we stay in a villager’s farmhouse inn.

M EE T

YO U R

E X P ER T

Photographer Ian Teh’s work is often driven by a concern for social, environmental, and political issues. He honed his craft while traveling throughout China in his early twenties, documenting the enormous political and economic changes the country was undergoing. He has worked throughout Asia and internationally, and his recent work on China’s Yellow River was featured in the March 2017 issue of National Geographic magazine. Ian has published three books, and his work has appeared in numerous publications including the New Yorker, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Granta. His photography is part of the permanent collection at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and was displayed in Paris as part of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Ian will join the group in Beijing and Dunhuang.

Above: Students race atop a refurbished section of the Great Wall. I

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B H U TA N : J O U R N E Y TO T H E L A S T H I M A L AYA N K I N G D O M

EXPEDITION

MILES

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

BHUTAN Punakha

• Climb to Bhutan’s crowning jewel, the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and record your experience in an essay or photographs.

Paro

Trongsa

Thimphu

• Weave traditional textiles with local artisans, participate in a masked folk dance, and beat a Bhutanese drum during a chanting ceremony at a nunnery. • Aim your bow in an archery competition with local marksmen, and cheer on professionals at the National Archery grounds. • Hike through mountain forests and glacial valleys, and meet farming families for a firsthand look at daily life in these remote Himalayan landscapes.

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Tell the stories of Bhutan through photography. Practice landscape shots on rippling rice paddies and the soaring Himalaya, take portraits of people in traditional Bhutanese dress, and capture the spirit of a masked folk dance.

CREATIVE WRITING Hone your storytelling skills, finding creative inspiration in Bhutan’s culture and scenery. Pen an essay illustrating the atmosphere of an archery competition, write poetry from a mountain perch, or craft a narrative about modern-day royals.

ANTHROPOLOGY & LOCAL CULTURES iscover firsthand how hutan s ross ational appiness initiative has become a model for measuring progress, and gain perspective from locals on how increased contact with the global community is affecting traditional life.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Set out on a journey through magical Bhutan, the secluded “Kingdom in the Clouds.” Nestled within lush Himalayan valleys, this tiny Buddhist nation has slowly opened its doors to visitors, and we’re invited to experience its timeless way of life and centuries-old traditions. Hike between mountain villages, meet nuns and monks at temples and fortress monasteries, and get acquainted with farmers, artists, local leaders, and Bhutanese youth.

DAYS 1–3

DAYS 4–5

BUMTHANG

Fly to Bumthang, home to Buddhist sites that date back more than a thousand years. Step inside the imposing walls of the hilltop Jakar Dzong—a fortress monastery and seat of government for Bhutan’s royal dynasty. In palace courtyards, learn the art of traditional masked cham dancing, and beat a Bhutanese drum during a chanting ceremony at a nunnery. Delve into the sacred significance of the Himalaya on a visit to a seventh-century

PARO

Tucked in a valley amid the sky-scraping peaks of the Himalaya, Paro is the starting point for our expedition through Bhutan. Browse local crafts at artisan markets, visit the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang temple, and hike through emerald rice fields that blanket the valley floor. Get outfitted in ornately colored gho and kira, the Bhutanese national dress, which you will wear for formal occasions throughout the trip. Then set off into the country’s spiritual heartland.

I N F O R M AT I O N

royal Tibetan monastery, where monks will guide you through an elaborate cake-making ceremony to cleanse bad omens. Join a family in their kitchen and learn how to prepare handmade noodles and momos, dumplings made with buckwheat grown in the fields surrounding Bumthang.

DAYS 6–7

TRONGSA AND PHOBJIKHA

Follow the east-west trade route from Bumthang to the town of Trongsa, and explore the nation’s largest dzong. As you navigate its labyrinth of passages, learn about Bhutan’s historic and modern political structure, and discuss contemporary Bhutanese life. The next day, travel to Phobjikha, a pristine glacial valley at the base of the Black Mountains. Hike through virgin forests, and learn from rural farmers how to make fresh cheese, traditional butter tea, and hot chili dishes. Interview Bhutanese families about the recent introduction of television to rural villages or the country’s new democratic political structure.

DAYS 8–9

Students raise prayer flags at the Dochula mountain pass.

DAT E S

A masked cham dancer performs in Bumthang.

PUNAKHA

Spend two days discovering Punakha, the old royal capital of Bhutan. Explore the rice paddies surrounding the stunning Punakha Dzong, and interview villagers to get a local perspective on the country’s Gross National Happiness Index. Try your hand at traditional Bhutanese archery, and

raft down the river valley before camping on the riverside. Join Bhutanese high school students for a pick-up game of basketball or a volleyball match, and spend your evenings relaxing around a bonfire.

DAYS 10–11

THIMPHU

Cross over the Dochula mountain pass, where we’ll hoist prayer flags during a traditional ceremony. Continue to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Browse the bustling weekend market, and cheer on professional archers on the National Archery grounds. At the Bhutan Textile Museum and Academy, practice weaving alongside local artists, and meet artisans who create traditional jewelry or handmade paper. Enjoy a special opportunity to dine with government officials and discuss the evolution of the Gross National Happiness project.

DAYS 12–14

PARO

Our expedition culminates at the kingdom’s iconic landmark: the Taktsang Lhakhang, or Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Make the steep climb to this pilgrimage site, perched on a cliff face nearly 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley floor. Or opt to hike to a nearby viewpoint to photograph this stunning structure. Return to Paro for a farewell dinner and present your On Assignment project before flying home.

2018: June 27–July 10, July 8–21

TUITION

$7,190

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Paro, Paro to Bumthang, and return to Los Angeles.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S Throughout the expedition we stay in simple guesthouses and hotels. In Punakha, we spend two nights camping in tents.

NOTE We will be traveling at high elevations ranging from approximately 7,000 to 10,000 feet. The expedition includes several full-day hikes at high elevations. To get the most out of the program, students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.

M EE T

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Photographer and filmmaker Ashima Narain is the former editor for National Geographic Traveler ndia . n Time named Ashima one of the “34 women photographers to follow now.” Ashima was a judge on the first-ever photography-based reality show on the ational eographic hannel called ission Covershot” and her work has been published in National Geographic Traveler, Vanity Fair, Vogue, GQ, Marie Claire, Elle, and Teen People. Ashima will join the June 27 departure in Punakha and the July 8 departure in Paro.

Above: The iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery is built into the cliffs near Paro, some 3,000 feet above the valley floor. 8

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I N D I A : C R O S S R OA D S O F C U LT U R E S

EXPEDITION

I M

ON A SSIGNMENT PROJECTS Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY Build a portfolio that tells a tale of India’s complex history and spiritual diversity. Shrines, palaces, mar ets terraced rice paddies elephants ite flying children, dazzling saris, and clamorous street life provide unparalleled opportunities for photographers.

ANTHROPOLOGY & LOCAL CULTURES Discover the connection between India’s culture and environment. Examine the dramatic history of Old Delhi, and learn how the walled city became one of the largest metropolises in the world. Compare the customs and rituals of Rajasthan with those of Ladakh. nterview elders about the spiritual significance of the Himalaya, or document the movements of India’s ethnic groups over the past century.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Numbering more than one billion people, India’s diverse population is made up of Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Christians, and Buddhists who live side by side in remarkable harmony. Immerse yourself in the intriguing cultures and rich spiritual diversity of India, and encounter majestic vestiges of the past, from the Taj Mahal to the palaces of Jaipur.

DAYS 1–3

NEW DELHI

Begin in New Delhi, where we’ll spend two days exploring the incredible sites of the city—many of them declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. Meander through the maze of streets in Old Delhi and the pavilions of the Red Fort. Visit the immense Jama Masjid mosque, Humayun’s Tomb, the Lotus Temple, or the soaring Qutub Minar tower. Then set out in teams and dive into your On Assignment projects.

Above: A well-placed bench offers two students a view of the Taj Mahal. 5

LADAKH AND THE HIMALAYA

Rising out of India’s northernmost region, the Himalaya are a vast stretch of craggy passes and snow-covered mountains culminating with 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.

gra Keoladeo Ghana National Park

INDIA

MILES

• Create a photo essay of Rajasthan’s grand forts and palaces, and capture a unique angle of the iconic Taj Mahal.

New Delhi ai ur

• Spot elephants ambling through Rajasthan, then help care for rescued pachyderms at a wildlife sanctuary.

DAYS 4–11

• Go on a three-day trek in the majestic Himalaya to learn about sustainable development in India’s remote northern reaches.

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

• Learn about Ladakhi traditions during a Buddhist ceremony with Tibetan monks and while working with students in a mountain village.

Le LADAKH

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S

Taking in a view of the Himalaya slopes

In the lively trade town of Leh, where whitewashed houses are nestled in a lush valley ringed by jagged peaks, we’ll acclimatize to the altitude (11,500 feet). Settle into a community school, and help young Ladakhis 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 while discussing current affairs and sharing cultural traditions. Then set out with professional guides on a three-day trek from Likir to Hemis Shukpachan. Stay overnight in family-run guesthouses, and walk from village to village. Discuss Buddhist traditions with monks, learn about renewable energy projects with local conservationists, and visit organizations that promote sustainable development. As we walk, take in hillsides dotted with temples and monasteries, and see exquisite vistas of the Himalaya.

DAYS 12–21

RAJASTHAN AND THE HIGH DESERT

The Mughal influence is strong in Rajasthan, where walled fortresses dominate strategic hilltops and palaces anchor the larger towns with ornate Islamic architecture. The locals are warm and the dress is colorful—women are draped in yards of vibrant fabrics, and men don bright turbans. Elephants amble

through town and monkeys scamper over the polished marble of Hindu and Jain temples. Encounter the Taj Mahal in Agra and the fortified Mughal ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Then visit a nearby elephant sanctuary, learning about its mission to rescue and protect these gentle giants. Jump aboard a rickshaw and explore Keoladeo Ghana National Park alongside a naturalist. Explore Jaipur, from its massive pink-hued palace to its medieval observatory. Venture into the labyrinthine City Palace, and trace its line of maharajas to the current occupant. Wind your way up the serpentine staircases of Jaipur’s Amber Fort, built as a citadel for the ruling elite, and explore its courtyards, arches, and ramparts as you catch a glimpse of Maota Lake below. Try your hand at cotton block printing with local artisans who have revitalized this disappearing art. Continue to the town of Samode, where we’ll stay amid 20 acres of trees and ruins at a 250-year-old Mughal-style royal retreat. Photograph shopkeepers at the local market, and join locals for a traditional Indian dance class. In Neemrana, take in views of the town’s fort palace on a zip-lining excursion, and celebrate your final night in colorful Rajasthan. The journey concludes in New Delhi, where we’ll wrap up our On Assignment projects and share them with the group before flying home.

2018: June 25–July 15

TUITION

$6,890

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to New Delhi, New Delhi to Leh, Leh to New Delhi, and return to New York.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In New Delhi and Rajasthan, we stay in small hotels. In Ladakh, we stay in dormitory-style rooms at a school with basic amenities.

NOTE The three-day trek involves rigorous hiking at elevations of up to 14,000 feet. Students must be physically fit. This trip is not suitable for those with known altitude sensitivity.

M EE T

YO U R

E X P ER T

Award-winning photographer, author, filmmaker, and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Sandesh Kadur uses images, both still and video, to encourage protection of the world’s biodiversity. With subjects ranging from king cobras to clouded leopards, his documentary films have appeared on the National Geographic Channel, the BBC, and more. His photographic book of India’s Western Ghats was part of a successful campaign to name the area a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sandesh will join the group in Ladakh.

Trunk-huggers at an elephant sanctuary

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M O R O CCO : C U LT U R A L P R E S E R VAT I O N

M A DAG A S C A R : B I O D I V E R S I T Y P R OT EC T I O N

COMMUNIT Y SERVICE T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

• Work with the Atlas Cultural Foundation and local community members to restore historic .

A S

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Morocco is a captivating land where majestic minarets tower over spice-scented souks and soaring mountains give way to date palm oases and desert dunes. Explore the enchanting city of Marrakech, then venture into the High Atlas Mountains to work with indigenous Berber communities on projects that promote sustainable development and preserve local culture, history, and language.

DAYS 1–3

MARRAKECH

Our journey begins in Marrakech at Djemaa el Fna, the city’s central square. Snap pictures of magicians and fortune-tellers, then venture into the medina’s maze of market stalls. Stroll Majorelle Garden, and visit the Berber Museum before we head into the High Atlas Mountains to experience the culture of this indigenous group firsthand.

DAYS 4–6

JBEL TOUBKAL

Travel to the mountain village of Imlil and settle into Kasbah du Toubkal, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Built from the ruins of a medieval kasbah, the lodge connects guests with the rich culture of local Berber communities. Set out on a trek amid the sweeping landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains. Meet students enrolled in

Education for All, a program sponsored by our lodge that builds boarding houses for girls from remote areas so they can live in town and continue their studies.

DAYS 7–14

COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE

Continue to our Berber host village in the remote Ahansal river valley, and begin working with community members on a variety of projects. Tutor mountain guides and students in English, plant an organic garden, or help paint a mural at the community health clinic. Meet with representatives from the Atlas Cultural Foundation, an organization that works with rural Moroccan communities to preserve historic architecture using traditional construction methods. Learn these ancient building techniques and hear how local culture is preserved through architecture; then get to work on repairing some of the damaged structures in your host village.

DAYS 15–18

ESSAOUIRA

Cap off your expedition in the fishing port of Essaouira on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Visit a women’s cooperative and explore the souks, or markets, of this ancient walled town. Set out on a camel trek, riding along the coast to a tented Berber camp at the edge of the Sahara. Share stories from your travels before falling asleep under the stars.

T R

DAT E S 2018: June 26–July 13, July 12–29

$6,590

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Marrakech. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In our community service village, the group sleeps in sleeping bags in a simple village house. Sleeping areas and bathrooms are separated by gender. We work in teams with local women to help prepare meals. We stay in family-run riads in Marrakech and Essaouira, and in Imlil, we stay in Kasbah du Toubkal—a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection.

S E R V I C E P R OJ E C T D E TA I L S On this program, students will spend an estimated 35-40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.

DAY S

Home to leaping lemurs and pinkie-sized chameleons, Madagascar is recognized by scientists as one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. Settle into a research center near Ranomafana founded by a National Geographic grantee, and work to preserve the unique surrounding ecosystems through a variety of conservation service projects.

DAYS 1–3

ANTANANARIVO

Begin in the capital city of Antananarivo and learn about the rich cultural and ecological history of the island as we start to prepare for our community service projects.

DAYS 4–9

COMMUNITY SERVICE SITE

Head southeast towards Ranomafana National Park and settle into our home in the jungle, the Centre ValBio—a research center founded by National Geographic grantee Patricia Wright, one of the world’s leading experts on lemurs. Work with local conservation clubs on a variety of eco-service projects. Plant trees for a reforestation initiative, and spend time with community members working on solutions to promote wildlife conservation. Work with your peers to document your service projects through photos, writing, or video. In the afternoon, take a break from your service

projects to search for endemic chameleons near Ranomafana National Park, shadow researchers working at the Centre ValBio, or interview artisans at the Ranomafana village market about Malagasy culture.

DAYS 10–13

ISALO NATIONAL PARK

Travel to Anja Community Reserve to seek out ring-tailed lemurs; then continue to Isalo National Park, known for its wild sandstone formations and dramatic canyons. In the company of a knowledgeable guide, hike these incredible landscapes, and cool off in natural swimming pools.

DAYS 14–20

COMMUNITY SERVICE SITE

Return to the Centre ValBio to finish up your community service projects. Learn about endemic silkworms from a women’s silk-weaving cooperative, dance to Malagasy music at an artisan exhibition, or paddle a kayak along jungle waterways in search of rare bird species. Journey into the heart of the rain forest and camp overnight, falling asleep to the sounds of the forest. On hikes in the park with local guides, analyze primate behavior and search for highly camouflaged geckos. As our expedition winds down, reflect on our efforts to preserve this unique and fragile island, then return to Antananarivo to catch our flight home.

Above: A baby ring-tailed lemur holds tight to its mum. I

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ITINER ARY

TUITION

C N

P work with local community members to help .

I N F O R M AT I O N

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Above: A camel herder leads his charges through the Saharan dunes. 52

R A a tented Berber camp at the edge of the S . M

COMMUNIT Y SERVICE

. P .

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S 2018: June 29–July 18, July 18–Aug. 6

TUITION

$6,790

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight from New York to Antananarivo. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S While working at our community service site, the group sleeps in dormitory-style accommodations and spends one night camping in Ranomafana National Park. We stay in a comfortable guesthouse in Antananarivo and a small lodge while visiting Isalo National Park.

S E R V I C E P R OJ E C T D E TA I L S On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.

A Parson’s chameleon I

N E PA L : R E B U I L D I N G A N D E A R T H Q UA K E R ECOV E RY

T H A I L A N D : T E AC H I N G A N D M E N TO R S H I P

COMMUNIT Y SERVICE T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE I

T M

DAY S

Nepal’s dramatic mountain landscapes are home to vibrant cultural groups with rich traditions. In 2015, earthquakes disrupted the lives of many Nepalese people, especially those living in small farming villages. Work alongside community members on agricultural, educational, and rebuilding projects in your host village while learning about Nepal’s colorful heritage.

DAYS 1–3

KATHMANDU

Stay in the heart of Kathmandu’s old city, where temples overhang narrow streets. Visit a Hindu temple teeming with monkeys, join Tibetan Buddhist nuns and monks in a walking meditation around Asia’s largest stupa, and experience a Hindu ceremony on the banks of the Bagmati River.

DAYS 4–9

COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE

Journey to Talamarang, an agricultural community of ethnic Tamang people set against the dramatic backdrop of the Himalaya. Settle into our guesthouse and spend your days working on a variety of service projects. Many buildings in our host village were destroyed by the devastating earthquakes that occurred in April 2015. Collaborate with villagers to rebuild homes, care for kids at the community children’s home, lead

health workshops, or help with the harvest. In the late afternoons, play games with local youth, practice yoga, or join Tamang women in making Nepalese dishes. Share the story of your work in the community through photography, video, and writing projects.

DAYS 10–11

Hike through the Kathmandu Valley to the sacred pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha, where we’ll spend two days at an exquisite, secluded monastery. Reflect on your community service experience, play soccer with young Tibetan monks, and practice meditation under a canopy of prayer flags.

DAYS 12–15

BHAKTAPUR

Travel to the medieval city of Bhaktapur, where ancient architecture offers a glimpse into Nepalese life before the arrival of modern influences. Stroll ornate palaces and the centuries-old Durbar Square, and step into mystical temples that welcome pilgrims from around the world. Meet with master artisans to hear how their cultural heritage is being preserved in the present day. Hike to Ghyampe Danda for a traditional pottery workshop, and learn the history behind thangkas—Tibetan cloth paintings depicting Buddhist symbols. Enjoy a royal farewell dinner at a Newari palace before returning home.

Above: Prayer flags flap around the Swayambhunath Temple near Kathmandu. 5

NAMO BUDDHA MONASTERY RETREAT

DAT E S 2018: June 16–30, July 5–19, July 21–Aug. 4

TUITION

$5,290

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Kathmandu. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Kathmandu we stay in a hotel in the heart of the old city. In our host village, sleeping areas and bathrooms are separated by gender. At the monastery and in Bhaktapur, we stay in simple guesthouses.

DAY S

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. Settle into our community and work alongside teachers on education projects at local schools. Spend several days trekking between hill tribe villages in the lush mountains surrounding Chiang Rai, and cap off the trip volunteering at an elephant conservation center.

DAYS 1–9

COMMUNITY SERVICE SITE

Our home in Thailand lies in the northern province of Chiang Rai, known for its rugged natural beauty and remote hill tribe communities. Spend two days getting oriented, then split into small groups and work with local teachers on a variety of community-initiated education projects. Create English-language lesson plans and teach vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation skills to primary school students. Participate in after-school projects, and learn about Thai holidays and traditions during a cultural exchange with local high school students. In the late afternoons, get into the rhythm of daily life and explore the surrounding area. Discover the sport of Thai kickboxing; visit the

A photo op at falls in the Himalayan foothills I

exquisite Wat Rong Khun temple in Chiang Rai city; or take a Thai cooking class. Report on your experiences through photographs, writing, or video, and develop a narrative about your time in the community.

DAYS 10–12

MOUNTAIN TREK

Travel into the mountains to our eco-lodge, located near several hill tribe villages. Set out on hikes to nearby communities, and learn about each tribe’s unique language, customs, and spiritual beliefs. Discover the symbolism behind village weaving patterns; learn how to harvest rice on a terraced hillside; or collect native insects with a local guide.

DAYS 13–14

COMMUNITY SERVICE SITE

Return to Chiang Rai to wrap up lessons, and gather with our new Thai friends for a farewell dinner.

DAYS 15–17

ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER AND CHIANG MAI

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S 2018: June 27–July 13, July 11–27

TUITION

$5,490

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Chiang Mai. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S At our community service sites and in Chiang Mai, the group sleeps in simple guesthouses. We stay in a rustic eco-lodge during our mountain trek.

Head into the countryside to visit an elephant rehabilitation center. Learn about these creatures’ uncertain role in the evolving Thai economy, and follow free-roaming elephants through the jungle while speaking with their caretakers about modern threats to the species. Celebrate your final evening in Chiang Mai before returning home.

Above: A student works with local schoolchildren. I

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I N F O R M AT I O N

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Visit to an elephant rehabilitation center.. I

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• Witness active lava flows and steam vents as you work alongside conservationists in V N P .

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M O C feed and care for native sea turtles and .

ITINER ARY

DAY S

On the Big Island of Hawaii, the powerful forces behind Earth’s creation are on full display, with active volcanoes adding new layers to an expanding archipelago. These ever-changing landscapes are fragile, and their ecosystems are easily disrupted by human impact. Help preserve the island’s volcanic and marine environments through eco-service projects, and cap off the trip with snorkeling, hiking, and camping on Maui.

DAY 1

KONA COAST, THE BIG ISLAND

Our program begins on the Kona Coast. Set out to discover ancient lava flows or snorkel amid coral reefs. Learn about environmental threats facing Hawaii’s ecosystems as we prepare for our service projects.

DAYS 2–9

COMMUNITY SERVICE SITE

Travel to Volcanoes National Park and work alongside conservationists on a variety of park preservation initiatives aimed at restoring the natural balance of its habitats. Roll up your sleeves to plant native vegetation and weed out invasive species; and educate visitors about environmental threats facing the island. In the afternoons, explore the island’s geothermal landscapes. Witness Kilauea’s lava flows, hike through jungle lava tubes, and stargaze from the slopes of the dormant Mauna Kea volcano.

Head to the ranching town of Waimea to work with Ulu Mau Puanui, an organization that focuses on sustainability efforts that also help to preserve ancient Hawaiian agricultural practices. Monitor the health of the Kohala watershed, help plant native crops on a historic family farm, and visit a part of the island most people don’t get to see. Lend a hand at an organic coffee plantation and learn how to harvest and roast Kona coffee. In the afternoons, take a break from your projects to explore sacred Hawaiian sites hidden in the rain forest or go snorkeling at a secluded beach. Record your conservation work in journal entries, photographs, or videos. Create a story that captures your experience, the challenges facing local conservation organizations, or the impact of your work.

DAYS 10–14

MAUI

Fly to Maui and help researchers at the Maui Ocean Center care for native turtle and shark species. Embark on a snorkel adventure in the remote bays of West Maui or over the lava caves on the island of Lana’i. Catch the sunset from the rim of Haleakala’s crater, and relax on Ho’okipa Beach as you reflect on the important work you’ve done to preserve Hawaiian ecosystems.

Above: Emerald bluffs line the beach at Kahakuloa Bay in West Maui. 5

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ITINER ARY

DAT E S 2018: June 29–July 12, July 4–17, July 11–24

$5,890

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Kailua-Kona, KailuaKona to Maui, and Maui to Los Angeles. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S At our community service sites, the group sleeps in simple but comfortable dormitorystyle accommodations. Sleeping areas and bathrooms are separated by gender. On Maui, we stay in tented bungalows at a small oceanside campground.

S E R V I C E P R OJ E C T D E TA I L S Students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.

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DAY S

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 reach all the way to the pristine coast. Immerse yourself in a local village and work alongside community members on a variety of eco-service projects. Then set out to explore Costa Rica’s most active volcano and the breathtaking western coast.

DAYS 1–2

NORTHWEST COAST

Start your journey on the Pacific coast, where we’ll spend two days in a small beachside community. Go swimming, learn to surf, and spend some time volunteering at a research center that protects the endangered leatherback turtle.

DAYS 3–10

COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE

Travel to our community service village in the northwestern province of Guanacaste. Split into teams and head out with members of the community to work on a variety of conservation-based service projects. Clear forest trails, plant an organic garden, or implement a new recycling program in town. Help build local housing, or pitch in on the restoration of a community building. Organize a village cleanup,

plant trees, or develop a conservation project that local youth can continue after your visit.

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During your time in the village, get a firsthand look at how conservation is woven into everyday life in Costa Rica. Learn about sustainable fishing practices from local anglers, and take night walks along the beach to help monitor sea turtle nests. In the afternoon, take a break from your projects to explore the area. Hike to a swimming hole with your new Costa Rican friends, arrange a game of pickup fútbol, or join some local women in the kitchen to learn how to make tortillas. Throughout your time here, record your service work through photographs, journal entries, and videos. Craft a story about the conservation challenges facing the community or the impact of your work.

DAT E S

DAYS 11–14

ARENAL VOLCANO

After wrapping up our community service projects, we’ll move on to Arenal, the most active volcano in Costa Rica, flanked by thick rain forest. Our home here is a small, sustainable ranch that has its own organic garden, reforestation corridor, and natural pools. Learn about the ranch’s sustainability initiatives, spend an afternoon exploring the rain forest on horseback, or go kayaking on Lake Arenal.

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2018: June 30– July 13, July 15–28, July 22–Aug. 4

TUITION

$4,490

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Miami and Liberia, Costa Rica. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S Accommodations in the village are simple. The group sleeps in sleeping bags on the floor of the community center. Sleeping areas and bathrooms are separated by gender. We prepare our meals alongside volunteers from the community. At the beach, we stay in a family-run villa. At the eco-lodge in renal we sleep in bun beds and eat buffet style meals in an open-air restaurant.

S E R V I C E P R OJ E C T D E TA I L S Students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, they will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.

Descend from the mountains and return to the coast for a final day of reflection with your group before returning home.

Above: Students take a swim at the foot of Arenal Volcano. I

I N F O R M AT I O N

Coconuts fresh off the tree

• Lend a hand at a research center that protects endangered leatherback turtles,

TUITION

• Help develop sustainable infrastructure in your host village by planting an organic .

• Learn how centuries-old Hawaiian agricultural practices are informing . E

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White-faced capuchin monkeys I

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N E W YO R K C I T Y

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The island nation of Fiji is known for its lush green peaks, tropical waters, and some of the most hospitable people on Earth. Though tourism is booming on the main island, the smaller, outer islands are barely touched by Western influences, and life remains simple. Settle into a village on the island of Taveuni and work alongside community members on improvement projects as they continue to rebuild following a devastating 2016 cyclone.

DAYS 1–3

MATEI, TAVEUNI ISLAND

Upon arrival in Fiji, head north to Taveuni, the third largest of Fiji’s more than 330 islands. Known as the “garden island,” Taveuni’s lush inland rain forests are home to exotic birds, iguanas, and frogs. Set out to explore this island gem, discovering hidden beaches and visiting the famous waterfalls in Bouma National Heritage Park. Straddle the former international date line, and strap on your fins to explore the fantastic coral reefs offshore. Learn about Fijian culture as we prepare to immerse ourselves in village life.

DAYS 4–13

COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE

us with traditional songs and a meke, or dance. We’ll get to work with members of the community on a variety of projects. Help to rebuild a community meeting space or health clinic. Lend a hand planting a garden or painting a mural at the local school. In the afternoons and evenings, learn new phrases in Fijian as you get to know our hosts, and meet artisans to find out how they are reviving traditional arts. Spend an afternoon learning the basics of rugby, the Fijian national sport, in a pick-up game with local youths. Try your hand at spearfishing, then prepare your catch the traditional Fijian way. Gather inside the community house for a kava ceremony with the village elders. Capture your experiences with photos, video, or writing, and share your story with your new friends.

DAYS 14–15

NADI, VITI LEVU ISLAND

Our adventure wraps up in the city of Nadi, on the main island of Viti Levu, where we’ll explore the unique Indo-Fijian culture. Visit a peaceful Hindu temple and taste the city’s fusion cuisine. Relax in mud baths and hot springs, surf or zip-line through the forest, browse artisan markets, and enjoy the last days of Fijian sun on a quiet beach before returning home.

We then make our way to our host village, where the chief and the villagers welcome

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DAT E S 2018: June 28–July 12, July 13–27

TUITION

$4, 790

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Nadi, Nadi to Taveuni, Taveuni to Nadi, and Nadi to Los Angeles. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In the village, the group sleeps in sleeping bags in a simple village house where electricity is limited. Sleeping areas and bathrooms are separated by gender. We work in teams with local women to help prepare meals. Elsewhere on Taveuni and while in Nadi, we will stay in small, rustic hotels.

NOTE While scuba diving is not the main focus of this trip, students who are certified will have the opportunity to participate in up to two dives, dependent on weather and conditions. The supplemental fee for diving is $150 per student.

S E R V I C E P R OJ E C T D E TA I L S On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, they will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.

DAY S

With its towering skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, and eclectic street life, New York City is a photographer’s dream, offering exhilarating visual subjects at every turn. During daily classes and photo shoots in the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, learn new techniques from a National Geographic photographer and our instructors. Delve into a broad range of topics, from composition to light, and head out on photo assignments to the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Ellis Island, and other historic sites. 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. Our National Geographic photographer will provide an insider’s look at the city’s many vibrant neighborhoods, from Little Italy to Chinatown. Take a ferry to Ellis Island, frame the soaring architecture of the Brooklyn Bridge, and capture poignant shots of the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center. Then grab a picnic lunch and head for Central Park to hone your landscape photography skills. Ride the New York City subway to Coney Island, photographing the kaleidoscopic colors of vintage amusement rides. We’ll also

take a day trip outside the city, up the Hudson Valley to Storm King Art Center, one of the world’s premier outdoor sculpture parks. Back in Manhattan, get an intimate look at the photography world with a visit to the SoHo gallery of National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen. We’ll also meet National Geographic Emerging Explorer Asher Jay, a creative conservationist who uses art and design to advance wildlife conservation and humanitarian causes around the world. Venture to the prestigious Pace/MacGill Gallery to see the work of established and up-and-coming artists, and learn how to successfully curate an art show. Then get inspired with a visit to National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey, an immersive entertainment experience that transports visitors on an undersea journey, through groundbreaking technology. In the evenings, review the day’s work or attend seminars led by our National Geographic photographer and instructors. Then head out to photograph the city at nightfall, learning to control your exposure settings for vivid results. Throughout the workshop, we will prepare for a gallery opening that features large-format digital prints of the group’s best work. Help organize, curate, and install the exhibit, and celebrate the work you’ve accomplished on our final night.

Above: The Statue of Liberty looks out over New York Harbor. I

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Above: Students work on a community project on Taveuni, the “garden island.” 58

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DAT E S 2018: June 30–July 11

TUITION

$5,990

Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in New York City.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in New York City. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work.

W O R K S H O P D E TA I L S Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a gallery opening on the final evening featuring large-format prints of the students’ work.

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Based in New York City, photographer Robert Clark’s photos have appeared on more than a dozen National Geographic magazine covers. Early in his career, Robert joined H. G. “Buzz” issenger author of riday ight Lights, in documenting the lives of high school football players. His coverage of the attack on the World Trade Center, witnessed from his rooftop, was recognized at the World Press Photo awards. He will join the entire workshop. I

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With its erupting geysers, endless grasslands teeming with wildlife, and gem-colored geothermal pools, Yellowstone National Park is an ideal setting to explore the field of photography. Venture into this geological wonderland with a National Geographic photographer to document bears and bison, pronghorns, wolves, elk, bald eagles, and more. Explore the techniques and craft of photography during daily hands-on classes, take compelling landscape photos that capture the magic of this national park, and discover its unique geologic phenomena through your camera’s lens. The workshop begins with two nights in the mountain town of Bozeman, Montana, where we’ll get to know each other and prepare for our time in Yellowstone National Park. Then travel to Mammoth Hot Springs, our base while exploring the park. Delve into the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and our National Geographic photographer. Head out on photo shoots each day trying out new techniques with the wildlife and landscapes you encounter. Practice managing light and depth of field, work with flash, and learn to

improve your composition. Then return to the classroom to review and edit your images and prepare for the next day’s assignment. Hone your eye for great landscape shots during visits to vibrant hot springs, geyser basins, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. On an excursion to the Old West town of Livingston, Montana, take portraits and action shots of cowboys and cowgirls at the famous Livingston Roundup Rodeo. Find your adventurous spirit while white-water rafting down the Yellowstone River and hiking through fields of alpine wildflowers. In the evenings, we’ll upload photos, review our day’s work, and attend seminars given by our photography instructors. Then head out after dark to photograph Yellowstone’s nocturnal ecosystems. Capture the glow of the golden hour during a sunset shoot in the Lamar Valley, practice taking wildlife photos in low lighting, and master the art of star photography under Yellowstone’s vast night sky. Throughout the workshop, we’ll prepare for a gallery show of large-format digital prints of the group’s original work. Spend your last two days back in the lively mountain town of Bozeman, organizing, curating, and installing your exhibit. Celebrate your work with an opening party at the gallery on the final night.

ITINER ARY

DAT E S 2018: July 2–13

TUITION

$5,690

irfare is not included. he program begins and ends in o eman ontana. efer to page for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Bozeman, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations. In Yellowstone, we stay at a mountain lodge. Classrooms are equipped with digital proectors so we can share and criti ue our wor .

W O R K S H O P D E TA I L S Students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates on the final evening with a gallery opening featuring large format prints of students wor .

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Photographer Katie Orlinsky has spent over a decade covering news stories and feature assignments around the world, and her wor as been featured in National Geographic magazine, the New York Times, the New Yorker, and Smithsonian Magazine. his year atie received a ational eographic grant for a camera trapping pro ect in ellowstone ational ar . atie will oin the entire wor shop.

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DAY S

Yosemite National Park spellbinds at every angle, with wonders like waterfall-laced cliffs, gemstone lakes, and soaring sequoia forests. This scenery has inspired countless photographers, including top National Geographic photojournalists and the master of landscape shots, Ansel Adams. Learn new techniques in the classroom and then follow in the footsteps of these experts, setting out on photo assignments from the rugged wilds of Yosemite’s backcountry to San Francisco’s vibrant city streets. Our workshop begins in San Francisco, California, where we’ll spend two days photographing the city’s colorful, quirky streets. Take portraits of sidewalk merchants in Chinatown, and frame landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the infamous Alcatraz prison. Head inland for a photo shoot in the Old West–era town of Mariposa. Continue to the Yosemite Valley, one of California’s most magnificent natural treasures. Spend time each day learning to develop your photographic eye and improve your technical skills. Then set out into the wilderness to document scenery made famous by Ansel Adams. The prolific photographer depicted the valley’s massive granite

walls and cascading waterfalls in his landscape shots—images that were instrumental in establishing Yosemite National Park. Get your own angle on these iconic scenes, framing wonders like the towering Half Dome and enormous sequoia trees, and use your images to advocate for nature conservation. Practice adventure photography as you document your group hiking across alpine meadows or tackling a ropes course. Capture your friends in action during a rock-climbing class with professional guides. Visit the Bodie ghost town to take pictures of its deserted streets, houses, and saloons; then have a float in Mono Lake’s salty waters. In the evenings, upload photos, review the day’s work, and enjoy seminars given by your instructors and National Geographic photographer. Head out on evening photo shoots and experiment with light as the sun sets on the valley’s granite domes, or point your lens skyward to snap photos of the twinkling stars in the night sky. Throughout the workshop we will prepare for a gallery opening that features print photos of the group’s best work. Return to San Francisco for the final three days of the program to help curate the exhibit in one of the city’s galleries. On our last night, celebrate your work at an opening party.

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DAT E S 2018: uly

TUITION

$5,790

irfare is not included. he program begins and ends in San rancisco alifornia. efer to page for transportaton details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in San Francisco and in a mountain lodge in Yosemite. Classrooms are equipped with digital pro ectors so we can share and criti ue our wor .

W O R K S H O P D E TA I L S Students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a gallery opening on the final evening featuring large format prints of students wor .

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or over a decade Krista Rossow has wor ed as a photographer and photo editor for National Geographic Traveler. er assignments have ta en her around the world from documenting a surfer s paradise in osta ica to capturing the electric culture of San Francisco. Krista has taught multiple photography wor shops on capturing the spirit of the merican est. rista will oin the entire wor shop.

Above: The granite cliffs and domes of Yosemite fill the frame for a student photographer.

Above: A student captures the cascading falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. I

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Barcelona is a city with a pulse, where ancient Roman walls meet the wild curves of modernist architecture, and Spanish culture blends with a strong local Catalan identity. Delve into the technical and creative aspects of photography in this city full of cutting-edge design, practicing new techniques on photo shoots at street festivals and markets, along the bustling port, and in centuries-old neighborhoods. Immerse yourself in Barcelona’s creativity, passion, and style, and curate an exhibition that evokes the soul of the city through photography. From our home overlooking the Parc de la Ciutadella, explore the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and our National Geographic photographer. Learn new skills— from managing light and depth of field to fine-tuning composition—in the classroom. Then grab your camera and hit the streets, photographing the kaleidoscope of foods at La Boquería covered market, street performers on La Rambla, and Antoni Gaudí’s eccentric architecture at the Sagrada Família church and Parc Güell. Capture movement while watching the sardana, Catalonia’s traditional dance, and at a

rooftop techno-jazz concert. Wander through the Olympic Park sports complex and practice your Spanish at the cafés along Passeig de Gràcia. Much of the city shuts down for a mid-afternoon siesta—a perfect pause to edit your photographs or attend a seminar by our instructors. When night falls, Barcelona lights up. Shooting in low light, document the busy seaside boardwalk on the way to an avant-garde flamenco dance performance; or enjoy dinner in the hip, multicultural Raval neighborhood. Head out of the city to photograph the Spanish countryside. Camera in hand, wander the cobblestoned streets of Girona as you discover ancient Roman walls, Arab baths, and the old Jewish quarter. Visit the town of Figueres, home to the fascinating and bizarre Dalí Theatre-Museum. Take a cable car up into the drip-castle rock formations of the Montserrat mountain range, venture into a centuries-old Benedictine monastery, and practice panoramic landscape photography. Throughout the workshop, prepare for a final gallery opening of large-format prints of the group’s best work. Help organize, curate, and install the exhibit, and celebrate your growth as a photographer on our final night.

Above: A bench designed by Gaudí in Parc Güell offers a seat—and a photo op. 2

2018: July 3–14

TUITION

$5,990

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Barcelona. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in comfortable rooms in a university dorm overlooking the Parc de la Ciutadella. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work.

E X P ERT

A Barcelona native and awardwinning photographer, Tino Soriano has photographed eight National Geographic guidebooks, and his work has appeared in National Geographic magazine, Smithsonian magazine, and the New York Times. Tino has worked on three television documentaries for National Geographic and was featured in the documentary film, Andalusia: The Awakening of the Senses. Tino will join the entire workshop.

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At once ancient and modern, Prague provides a unique and inspiring backdrop to explore the creative and technical aspects of photography. From Bohemian kings to Communist rule and revolution, this city has a story to tell. Learn how to seize that narrative through images during hands-on classes led by our instructors and a National Geographic photographer. Then hit the streets to experience the grandeur, grit, and enchantment of a place that has captured the hearts of artists, musicians, and writers for centuries. Our base in captivating Prague is just outside the bustle of the city center, a short walk to the medieval architecture of Old Town and the museums of New Town. Spend time in our classroom 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 as you document the city’s visual feast of Gothic, baroque, art nouveau, and cubist architecture. Climb up to Prague Castle at the “golden hour” to photograph the city’s iconic skyline, punctuated by a multitude of Gothic spires, and ride a boat down the winding Vltava River to catch the city from a different vantage point. At Letná Park, perched on a hilltop overlook-

ing Prague, frame skateboarders in action against panoramas of a red-roofed cityscape. Seek out weird and wonderful modern structures intermingled with age-old buildings, and capture symbols of the palpable creative energy that pervades this Bohemian capital. In the evenings, review the day’s work or attend seminars led by our National Geographic photographer and instructors, who will share their professional experiences and insights. Then head out to photograph the city at night. Document street life against the dazzling lights of Wenceslas Square, or train your lens on the illuminated arches of the Charles Bridge as they cast reflections on the river below. Escape to the wooded hills and storied villages of South Bohemia on a three-day photo assignment. Stay in a 14th-century hunting estate and work on your landscape photography while hiking through the Šumava forest and exploring pristine rivers. Capture the faces of our village neighbors and step back in time on a shoot in the labyrinthine medieval city of Český Krumlov. Throughout the workshop, we will prepare for a gallery opening that will feature large-print photos of the group’s best work. Help organize and curate the exhibit, and share your images on our final night.

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ITINER ARY

DAT E S

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DAT E S 2018: July 15–26

TUITION

$5,690

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Prague. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in Prague and in a family-run hotel in South Bohemia. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work.

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Photographer and filmmaker Ami Vitale’s work has taken her to more than 90 countries. Recently, Ami has turned her lens to wildlife stories, including efforts to reintroduce white rhinos and pandas to the wild. She lived in Prague for four years, covering politics and news from Eastern Europe for news publications. Ami will join the entire workshop.

Above: Prague lights up as evening falls. I

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TO K YO

PH OTOG R A PH Y WORKSHOP

I M PAC T S TO RY T E L L I N G AT N AT G EO I N WA S H I N G TO N , D.C.

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Tokyo is hurtling into the future at a rapid pace. This is a city where the cutting-edge is boldly displayed in eccentric fashion, pop-culture icons, and avant-garde architecture. Learn how to capture the city’s creativity—and the enduring symbols of centuries-old Japanese culture—during hands-on classes led by our instructors and a National Geographic photographer. Then hit the streets to photograph the color and motion on camera, and travel outside the city for assignments at the base of mighty Mount Fuji and in the quaint mountain town of Nikkō. Delve into the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and a National Geographic photographer. Spend time in our classroom each day, then try out your skills in Tokyo’s unique neighborhoods—from the bustling Ginza district to the funky fashion mecca of Harajuku. Document the action at Tsukiji, the world’s largest fish market, photographing fast-paced tuna auctions and colorful food stalls. Zoom in on flower blooms and teahouses in the serene Shinjuku Gyoen garden, then try your hand at taiko drumming. Learn how to capture the non-stop motion of a professional taiko troupe.

On day trips outside the city, practice landscape photography in the stunning Japanese countryside. Travel to Mount Fuji and take aerial shots of the conical volcano from the Kachi Kachi Ropeway gondola. Then ride Takabisha—the steepest roller coaster in the world—during a visit to the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park. We’ll end the day with a soak in a traditional onsen, or hot spring. In the mountain village of Nikkō, photograph some of Japan’s beautiful temples and shrines. Focus in on the gold-leaf carvings of Toshogu shrine and frame Rinnoji temple, set amid a cedar forest. Spend time exploring the woodlands surrounding the town, documenting hidden waterfalls and picturesque bridges. In the evenings, review the day’s work or attend seminars led by our National Geographic photographer. Then head out to photograph Tokyo at night. Try out slow shutter speeds on the crowds passing under the futuristic neon lights at Shibuya crossing, and seek out signs of anime and manga adorning the surrounding buildings. Throughout the workshop, organize and curate an exhibition of large-format prints of the group’s best work. During the formal gallery opening, celebrate the work you’ve accomplished during your time in Japan.

Above: Students catch the motion at a photo shoot with taiko drummers. I

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2018: July 20–31

$6,290

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Los Angeles and Tokyo. Refer to page 74 for transportation details.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in a centrally located hotel. We’ll have breakfast at our lodging, while lunches and dinners range from picnics to sit-down meals at restaurants.

W O R K S H O P D E TA I L S Throughout the workshop, students participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a gallery opening featuring large-format prints of students’ work.

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Documentary storyteller James Whitlow Delano has made Tokyo his home for over two decades while pursuing his passions for the environment and human rights. Since 2011, he has documented the aftermath of the Great East Japan earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster. James is a grantee at the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, and his award-winning work has been featured in National Geographic magazine, the New York Times Magazine, Time, and the New Yorker. James will join the entire workshop.

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PROGRAM THEMES

DAT E S

M EE T

Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Visual Journalism • Innovations in Science and Conservation • Community Engagement

CAPSTONE PROJECT With guidance from our instructors, develop a proposal for a project that uses photography, environmental advocacy, or civic engagement to address an important global issue in your community. Pitch your proposal to a panel of ational eographic staff and your peers for a chance to receive funding to pursue your project.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Travel to Washington, D.C. and settle into your dormitory at Georgetown University. Throughout the program, we’ll delve into our three core themes to build the skills necessary to tell stories that make a difference. The program kicks off at National Geographic headquarters with a welcome address from Susan Goldberg, editor in chief of National Geographic. Go behind the scenes at the remote imaging lab to learn about the latest in exploration technology, and browse the photo and video archives for a look at how storytelling methods have evolved. Meet National

Geographic documentarians whose films have raised awareness about important conservation issues. Practice video editing, magazine layout, or graphic design, and choose a topic you wish to investigate for your own story. Learn how the organization pushes the boundaries of exploration and harnesses the power of storytelling to effect change on a global scale. Hear from a member of the National Geographic grants team and a representative from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and get inspired by current and past projects that have made an impact. Take cues from National Geographic’s Photo Ark, which encourages wildlife conservation through photography and social media. In the streets and parks of D.C., shoot footage or conduct interviews for your story proposal, using a range of media tools. The next step: creating a community engagement campaign for your story. Join former Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin to workshop engagement strategies, and discuss cultural communication with National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah. Participate in a public speaking workshop; then take a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Geographic Museum to learn how curators transform scientific concepts into interactive exhibits. Cap of the workshop at Nat Geo headquarters, where you will have the opportunity to pitch your exploration ideas to staff.

Above: Reflections of Washington, D.C.’s monuments shimmer in the Potomac River. I

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TUITION

ITINER ARY

UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP

I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S 2018: July 11–19

TUITION

$5,290

Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Washington, D.C.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in a comfortable dormitory on the Georgetown University campus. Rooms are single or double occupancy with shared bathrooms.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION Add a two-day post-trip extension to visit local universities, like Johns Hopkins and the University of Pennsylvania. Visit our website or call for details.

MEET YOUR EXPERTS Susan Goldberg is editor in chief of National Geographic magazine. Under her leadership, the magazine has won a Pulitzer Prize, three National Magazine Awards, and the George Polk Award for Magazine Reporting. Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah has dedicated his life to peacemaking, reconciliation, and interfaith dialogue. Aziz has spoken in hundreds of places of worship, and before the European Parliament and the United Nations.

T EC H N O LO G Y A N D I N N OVAT I O N I N T H E S I L I CO N VA L L E Y

E N G I N E E R I N G A N D R O B OT I C S ON THE MIT CAMPUS

UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP

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plore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Technology for Social Change • Computer Coding and Software Design • Unleashing Creativity

CAPSTONE PROJECT With the guidance of our instructors, develop a proposal for a project that uses cutting-edge technologies to address an important issue in your community. Pitch your proposal to a panel of e perts for a chance to receive funding to pursue your project.

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Arrive at the University of California, Berkeley—our base for exploring Silicon Valley. Delve into the program’s core themes through visits to tech hubs and innovation labs. Examine the intersection of science and global problem-solving at area research institutes. Learn about Foldscope, an affordable origami microscope that can be readily distributed across the globe; then experiment with this tool in the field. Visit Stanford’s Center for Ocean Solutions, which is developing DNA technology to understand whole ecosystems by analyzing a single drop of sample water.

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Get a firsthand look at the inner workings of small tech startups. Visit Rainforest Connection, run by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Topher White. Learn how old cell phones can be converted into devices that monitor poaching and try it for yourself. Tour the Berkeley lab of National Geographic Explorer David Lang, creator of the OpenROV—an affordable underwater drone.

DAT E S

. PROGRAM THEMES

$5,390

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in a comfortable dormitory on the University of California, Berkeley campus. Rooms are single or double occupancy with shared bathrooms.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION dd a two day post trip e tension to visit local universities like UCLA and USC. Visit our website or call for details.

MEET YOUR EXPERTS Aaron Pomerantz is a at eo grantee and PhD student at UC Berkeley’s Department of Integrative Biology. He uses novel technology like the origami-based Foldscope and handheld gene sequencers to study butterflies. ational eographic merging plorer Topher White has developed an ingenious method of detecting illegal logging and poaching in remote rain forests, using recycled cell phones. He is the founder and of ainforest Connection.

plore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Engineering the Future • Data Science • Advances in Robotics

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Arrive on the MIT campus and join your group for an orientation and tour. During the program, we’ll explore the program’s three core themes through meetings with engineers and visits to working labs. See engineering in action at the Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel and hear about new frontiers in nuclear power. Learn from National Geographic explorer Skylar Tibbits about how 3-D printing is being used to improve our lives; then head to Boston’s Fab Lab to print 3-D objects of your own design. Visit the rooftop

garden at Fenway Park to see how urban agriculturalists engineered a sustainable food system atop this iconic ballpark. Explore unique approaches to computing, and learn about real-world applications for large data sets. Join National Geographic Emerging Explorer Caleb Harper on a behind-the-scenes tour of MIT’s CityFARM, a computer-operated soil-free urban farm that uses big data to revolutionize the way food is grown in cities. Contribute to Caleb’s OpenAG project by building a minicomputer that collects crop data. Work in small teams, focusing on different aspects of the computer—structure, electricity, water, chemistry, or light. Examine how advances in robotics technology are providing deeper insight into some of the world’s most spectacular places. Participate in a hands-on workshop in robotics or hologram engineering at the MIT Museum, and visit the Harvard Microrobotics Lab. Hear from Dr. Katy Croff Bell—a National Geographic Explorer and MIT researcher—on how underwater ROVs and advancements in biomimetic robots are charting a new course for ocean exploration. We’ll take breaks from our seminars to explore Cambridge and Boston. Wander the vibrant streets of Harvard Square, kayak on the Charles River, meet culinary entrepreneurs at the Boston Public Market, or visit one of the area’s world-famous museums.

Above: A student lends a hand at the MIT’s CityFARM. I

Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in San Francisco, California.

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TUITION

Take breaks from seminars to explore the Bay Area. Wander the world-class Exploratorium, hike in redwood forests, or enjoy the beaches along California’s golden coast.

2018: July 22–30

Throughout the week, learn computer programming from coding wizards, and unlock the secrets of building your own app. Collaborate with a Stanford creativity coach to generate ideas for innovation, and develop your own solutions to an issue that motivates you.

Above: Headlights paint light on San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. I

Delve into biotechnology at the laboratories of Shannon Turley, a top cancer immunologist.

Go behind the scenes at Google headquarters and learn about ambitious projects like self-driving cars. Hear from engineers how students can explore the globe alongside National Geographic explorers using the new Google Earth Voyager platform. Meet designers who specialize in digital mapping, and try your hand at creating an interactive map for a mobile phone.

PROGRAM THEMES

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP

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I N F O R M AT I O N

DAT E S 2018: July 9–17

TUITION

$5,290

Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S We stay in a comfortable dormitory on campus. Rooms are single or double occupancy with shared bathrooms. This program uses the facilities of and is organi ed and operated by ational eographic.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION dd a two day post trip e tension to visit local universities like Harvard and Yale. Visit our website or call for details.

MEET YOUR EXPERTS ational eographic merging plorer Caleb Harper believes the future of agriculture lies in urban farms, and he uses technology and engineering to develop new food systems. Caleb will introduce students to the MIT CityFARM. ational eographic ellow Katy Croff Bell uses technology to investigate the depths of the ocean. She leads the MIT Media abs ploration nitiative and is chief scientest of the e ploration vehicle, Nautilus. I

ICEL AND

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION

I TA LY A N D G R E EC E

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION

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Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Icelandic History & Folklore • Climate Science

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Witness the extreme powers of the Earth in Iceland, discovering geological wonders— from massive glaciers to bubbling geysers. Photograph rushing waterfalls and craggy lava fields, witness volcanism in action, and delve into Icelandic folklore amid stone monuments built for mythical heroes.

DAYS 1–3

REYKJAVÍK

Our trip begins in and around Reykjavík with a city tour, a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon, and a visit to a geothermal plant.

DAYS 4–6

SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA

Travel north and hike to the top of one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls. Visit a dairy farm before continuing to our base on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, home to lava fields and black pebble beaches, a volcanic chain, and hot springs. Over the next several days, explore the wonders of Snæfellsnes. Ride an

Icelandic horse at the base of Snaefellsjökull, a glacier-capped volcanic crater. Visit Stykkishólmur’s Volcano Museum, founded by world-renowned volcanologist and National Geographic grantee Dr. Haraldur Sigurôsson. Join a local storyteller for a hike among cairns and hear about the legendary heroes that these stone towers represent. Go fishing with local anglers and watch for puffins on the surrounding sea cliffs.

DAYS 7–8

THE GOLDEN CIRCLE AND LANDMANNALAUGAR

Travel to Iceland’s interior highlands and discover the iconic Golden Circle along the way. Spend a day in Landmannalaugar, trekking across a landscape of stunning blue lakes, multi-colored mountains, and far-reaching lava fields before soaking in some of the area’s natural hot-springs.

DAYS 9–10

VÍK AND THE SOUTHERN COAST

Continue to Vík, and see the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Trek atop the Solheimajökull glacier. Witness the impacts of climate change while examining evidence of the glacier’s recession alongside local guides.

DAYS 11–12

REYKJAVÍK

Return to Reykjavík to celebrate your adventure before flying home.

Above: Split waterfalls tumble beneath the Kirkufell peak on Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 8

2018: June 25–July 6, July 6–17

TUITION

$6,590

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Reykjavík. Refer to page 74 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S Throughout the expedition, we stay in small hotels and guesthouses.

NOTE This expedition includes several active excursions, including hiking and glacier trekking. To get the most out of the program students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.

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Geologist, writer, and educator Ford Cochran descended into ice caves and an active volcano on his first visit to Iceland while on assignment for National Geographic Television. Ford was principal contributing writer for the Society’s Historical Atlas of the United States, has written for National Geographic magazine, and helped launch nationalgeographic.com in 1996. Ford will join the June 25 departure in the Golden Circle and the July 6 departure in Reykjavík.

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Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Ancient Mythology • Mediterranean Food & Culture

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Step into the past on a journey to Italy and Greece, where towns and ruins seem frozen in a different era. Alongside knowledgeable trip leaders and a National Geographic expert, immerse yourself in a world of ancient myths and legends, taste delicious Greek and Italian specialties, and photograph the rich traditions of the Mediterranean.

DAYS 1–5

FLORENCE & TUSCANY, ITALY

Settle into our traditional Italian villa overlooking Florence, and set out to explore the city’s historic center—birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Visit the Accademia to marvel at Michelangelo’s “David” and seek out sculptures depicting Roman gods and goddesses. Then chat with market vendors to learn the secrets of assembling the perfect Italian picnic. Climb Pisa’s legendary leaning tower, and travel into the Tuscan countryside to explore Machiavelli’s

rural estate and make pizza at a farmstead. On photo walks, capture images of medieval hilltop towns and golden sunflower fields.

DAYS 6–7

DELPHI, GREECE

Travel to Delphi and enter a world of ancient mythology as you wander these well-preserved ruins. Stand beneath the towering Temple of Apollo, and see the oldest gymnasium in all of Greece, as well as theatres, treasuries, and stadiums. Use photography or writing to tell your own stories of the ancient gods and heroes immortalized by the site’s stone statues.

DAYS 8–9

ATHENS

Return to Athens to visit some of the city’s most famous sites. Climb the Acropolis, crowned by the iconic ruins of the Parthenon; sample Greek specialties at the Athens Central Market; and examine intriguing artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum, home to more than 11,000 relics of Greek antiquity.

DAYS 10–13

NÁFPLIO

Cap off your trip in the charming seaport of Náfplio. Go to a town fair, or take a dip in the Gulf of Argolís. Visit the well-preserved Greek theater at Epidaurus, hike along the island of Hydra, and travel to Mycenae to discover the home of the legendary king Agamemnon.

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DAT E S 2018: June 24–July 6

TUITION

$5,890

Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Florence, Florence to Athens, and return from Athens. Refer to page 74 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S While in Florence, we stay in a traditional Italian villa. In Greece, we stay in small, family-run hotels and inns.

M EE T

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Originally from Italy, Gianluca Colla has traveled and photographed around the world, from the Arctic Circle to Africa’s deserts and from the Amazon to the streets of Edinburgh. He has covered a diverse range of topics including the secrets of the longest-living centenarians in the world, a lost Da Vinci painting, and hidden mummies in Sicilian crypts. His work has appeared in National Geographic magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, Newsweek, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. Gianluca will join the group in Florence.

Above: A middle school student focuses on Florence’s famous Pont Vecchio. I

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B ELIZE

CO S TA R I C A

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE T

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Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Marine Conservation • Maya Archaeology & Culture • Community Service

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Explore the natural treasures of Belize with knowledgeable trip leaders and a National Geographic expert. From our base at a wildlife sanctuary, encounter native species at a rehabilitation center, get to know the local culture while working on projects with Belizeans in a rural village, and discover the world of the ancient Maya. Travel by boat to tiny Tobacco Caye, where an underwater world of brightly colored coral, sea turtles, and tropical fish awaits.

DAYS 1–2

MONKEY BAY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Arrive in Belize and travel to the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, the main base for our expedition. Settle in, and explore this jungle reserve.

DAYS 3–4

TOBACCO CAYE

Set sail for Tobacco Caye, a tiny island bordering the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Snorkel Caribbean waters, where we may see

DAYS 5–10

MONKEY BAY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Return to Monkey Bay, and head out on an excursion to the Maya ruins at Xunantunich, where excavated temples, homes, and ball courts set the scene of daily life in the empire. After exploring this ancient city, experience their spiritual “underworld” on a tubing excursion through a network of underground caves, seeking out ceremonial artifacts that mark where Maya rituals took place. Encounter native wildlife on a behind-thescenes nighttime visit to the Belize Zoo, a rehabilitation center. Hear from zookeepers about threats facing Belizean wildlife, and their initiatives to reintroduce animals into the wild. Spend time in a local village, and work alongside community members on a variety of service projects. Run an after-school program for children, help plant and harvest native crops, or paint classrooms at the school. On our final evening, share what you’ve learned about the history, culture, and ecosystems of Belize.

DAT E S 2018: July 8–17, July 20–29

TUITION

$5,690

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Miami and Belize City. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S At Monkey Bay, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations, and on Tobacco Caye we stay in cabanas.

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Filmmaker and scientist Birgit Buhleier helped develop National Geographic’s Crittercam, a video camera system that has provided fascinating insights into the daily lives of hundreds of species. She has deployed over 100 Crittercams on a broad range of animals around the world. Through her work with Crittercam, she has sidled up to sea lions, studied the secret lives of great white sharks, and dived with hawksbill sea turtles. Birgit will join both groups on Tobacco Caye.

Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Wildlife Conservation • Community Service

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Costa Rica has protected nearly a quarter of its land from development, creating a refuge for countless species and ensuring that its rain forests and pristine beaches will thrive for generations to come. From our base on the stunning northwest coast, discover Costa Rica’s innovative conservation efforts and incredible biodiversity alongside your knowledgeable trip leaders and a National Geographic expert.

DAYS 1–5

NORTHWEST COAST

Arrive in Costa Rica and travel to our eco-lodge on Playa Grande. For decades, researchers have been coming to this beach on the Pacific coast to help monitor and protect endangered leatherback sea turtles. Meet with these biologists and conservationists at the nearby marine research station to discuss the importance of their efforts to foster the growth of the leatherback population, and participate in a beach cleanup.

Venture into the rain forest, and interview researchers at a capuchin monkey wildlife reserve. Snorkel ocean waters in search of marine life, paddle a canoe through estuaries teeming with exotic birds, and spend a day learning to surf.

DAYS 6–9

COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE

Head inland to our village in the province of Guanacaste, and work alongside local residents on a variety of community service projects. Teach English to school children, or create environmental education curricula for future students. In the afternoons, learn about Costa Rican culture from our hosts. Help cook traditional specialties, play a game of pick-up fútbol, or practice Spanish with your new friends. Work as a team and use photography to tell the story of your time living in the community.

DAYS 10–12

NORTHWEST COAST

Return to our base on the Pacific coast. Discover coastal tide pools sheltering colorful marine life, or soar through the rain forest canopy on a thrilling zip line course. Visit a non-profit organization to learn about their reforestation and wildlife protection programs, or make pottery with local artisans. In the evenings, practice your nighttime photography skills on the beach. Gather for a celebratory dinner before returning home.

TRIP THEMES

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DAT E S 2018: June 28–July 9

TUITION

$4,890

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Miami and Liberia, Costa Rica. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Playa Grande, we will stay in an eco-lodge. Accommodations in the community service village are simple. The group sleeps in sleeping bags on the floor of a community center.

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National Geographic grantee and ecologist Greg Goldsmith works in the canopies of tropical forests around the world—from Costa Rica to Singapore. Greg then uses media and technology to share his science and promote conservation. His web-based learning platform, Canopy in the Clouds, allows users to virtually explore Costa Rica’s cloud forests. He will join the group in Playa Grande.

Above: Middle school students try out surfing on the beaches of northwest Costa Rica.

Above: A green sea turtle hovers on the ocean floor. 7

manatees and octopuses. Learn about this delicate ecosystem from your professional guides, and discuss the factors that impact the health of the reef. Explore the reef further on a fullday snorkeling excursion in South Water Caye Marine Reserve. Discover mangrove forests and patch reefs while swimming alongside sea turtles and rainbow-colored fish.

TRIP THEMES

T H E N AT G E O DIFFERENCE

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M O N T E R E Y B AY A N D YO S E M I T E

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MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION

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During our time here, we’ll venture to nearby parks, including Point Lobos. Explore Big Sur and take a surf lesson in Santa Cruz. Stand next to the world’s tallest trees in Redwood State Park, and photograph the Golden Gate Bridge. Kayak the tidal salt marshes of Elkhorn Slough, where white pelicans and sea otters can often be spotted.

Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Marine Science & Conservation • Ocean Engineering

ITINER ARY

DAY S

DAYS 6–8

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Continue to Yosemite National Park for an adventure in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hike across alpine meadows, and learn to rock climb with professional guides. Marvel at landscapes made famous by Ansel Adams, whose iconic images of Yosemite were instrumental in the establishment of Yosemite National Park. Set out to capture your own photos, then present your best shots to the group on your final night in the valley.

The cliff-lined beaches of Monterey Bay and the towering sequoia forests of Yosemite National Park are two of California’s most legendary landscapes, brimming with natural beauty and wonder. Explore these contrasting ecosystems while learning about marine conservation, ocean engineering, and photography.

DAYS 1–5

MONTEREY BAY

Our program begins in central coastal Monterey, on the southern edge of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, home to a wealth of biodiversity. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and discover how Monterey Bay plays a vital role in the region’s marine health and biodiversity. Meet with scientists and engineers to learn about the cutting-edge technology being used to remotely study the ocean, including drones and remotely operated vehicles (ROV’s). Get hands-on experience with some of the equipment.

DAYS 9–11

MONTEREY BAY

Return to Monterey Bay for the final days of our program. Board a boat in Cannery Row and head offshore to search for wildlife, including including gray, blue, and humpback whales. Spot seals and sea lions hunting in the thick kelp beds. Later, reflect on your experiences in California during a celebratory dinner with your fellow travelers and trip leaders.

DAYS 3–10

TRIP THEMES

2018: July 2–12

TUITION

$5,790

Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Monterey, California. Refer to page 74 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S In Monterey Bay, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations on the California State University campus. During our time in Yosemite, we stay in a mountain lodge.

E X P ERT

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 the Galápagos, Indonesia, and Africa. Tierney works with people of all ages to promote ocean conservation through numerous creative means. Tierney will join the group in Monterey Bay.

Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Wildlife Conservation • Alaskan Cultural Heritage

ITINER ARY

DAY S

Alaska is truly America’s final frontier—a place where untouched wilderness stretches for unimaginable distances and nature’s beauty is displayed on an epic scale. Discover these wild landscapes while hiking, rafting, and flyfishing with knowledgeable trip leaders and a National Geographic expert. Spot fascinating wildlife—from brown bears to herds of caribou—and take in spectacular views of Denali, North America’s highest peak.

DAYS 1–2

ANCHORAGE

Our Alaskan adventure begins in Anchorage with a hike to the summit of Flattop Mountain, or an outing to the coastal landscapes of Turnagain Arm. Back in town, visit the acclaimed Alaska Native Heritage Center. Learn to throw a hunting spear, try your hand at native Alaska games, and hear timeless legends and stories while meeting with native peoples in traditional dwellings.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE

Travel north into the wilds of Denali National Park and Preserve, and settle into our base camp near the park’s eastern edge. Over the next several days, explore the park with naturalists who will share their knowledge of the creatures and plants that call this unique ecosystem home. Visit the Eielson Visitor Center, located at the base of the park’s towering peaks, and capture images of this epic mountain landscape. Raft along the rushing Nenana River as you try to spot bears feasting on wild berries and wolf packs trotting across the surrounding valleys. Spend an afternoon at a working sled dog kennel to learn about the history of dogsledding, Alaska’s most popular sport. After eventful days in the park, relax around a campfire with friends. With insight from your National Geographic expert, discuss the ways in which Denali has evolved throughout its 100 years as a national park, and learn how climate change is directly affecting the delicate ecosystems of this arctic environment. Return to Anchorage for the final night of our expedition, and then fly home.

DAT E S

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Above: A humpback breaches in the waters of Monterey Bay. 72

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DAT E S 2018: July 15–24

TUITION

$5,390

Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Seattle and Anchorage. Alternatively, students may meet the group in Anchorage. Refer to page 74 for transportation details. For a detailed itinerary and a map, please visit our website.

AC C O M M O DAT I O N S Throughout the expedition, we stay in family-run hostels and rustic cabins.

M EE T

YO U R

E X P ER T

Discover the wildlife of Alaska with biologist and filmmaker Greg Marshall. Greg invented the Crittercam—a device that can be attached to an animal to study its behavior. Greg’s Crittercam has enabled him to document life in the oceans and on land from the perspective of more than 80 species, including blue whales, black turtles, emperor penguins, and most recently, giant oceanic manta rays. Greg will join the group in Denali.

Above: Middle school students gather for a shot near Flattop Mountain. I

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H O W TO A P P LY

ELIGIBILITY

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N D E TA I L S

Students ages 13 and older who are completing 7th and 8th grades are eligible to participate in our middle school expeditions. Students who are completing 9th through 12th grades are eligible to participate in our high school programs.

International and domestic airfare and any internal flights during the expedition are not included in the cost of tuition. We have arranged for an escorted round-trip group flight for each of our international (and Alaska and Hawaii) programs, and will provide applicants with information about these flights. Group flights for each program begin and end at a meeting point at a major U.S. airport. For our U.S. programs (except Alaska and Hawaii), students traveling by plane are met by a trip leader at the airport, and escorted to the airport at the end of the trip. On all programs, parents are responsible for making arrangements for students to get to and from the U.S. departure/return meeting points.

TRIP TYPES

PERU AND THE AMAZON EXPEDITION

V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E A N D A P P LY N O W ! S T E P 1 : A P P L I C AT I O N F O R M & PAY M E N T Click on the Apply Now link on our homepage and fill out the online Application Form. When you have completed the form, you will be asked to make a payment of $700 (a $200 application fee plus a $500 tuition deposit). You may pay by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or by check, made payable to Putney Student Travel.

STEP 2: AGREEMENT FORM Once you have submitted the Application Form and payment, you will receive access to a personal digital locker. Your digital locker will provide the resources necessary to complete the application process and prepare for your trip. First, find the Agreement Form and sign it. When we receive your signed form, we will temporarily hold a space for you in the program.

High school students choose from our four program types: expeditions, photo workshops, community service trips, and university workshops. Expeditions involve in-depth exploration of a country or region and feature a themed On Assignment project that students pursue throughout the trip. On community service trips, students take part in collaborative service projects addressing local needs alongside a host community. During photo workshops, students learn and refine their photography skills with a National Geographic photographer, and curate their work for a pop-up gallery show. University workshops allow students to experience life on a college campus while delving into topical subjects and the innovative work of National Geographic explorers. Middle school trips are designed to cultivate new interests, and students pursue three themes, such as photography or wildlife conservation, to enhance their experience as they explore.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMMAKING Student on a high school expedition who choose the Photography On Assignment project must bring their own digital camera; there is a supplemental fee of $150. Students who choose the Film & Video On Assignment project must bring their own video camera; there is a $250 supplemental fee. Students on photography workshops must bring their own digital SLR camera, external hard drive, and laptop computer. More information about what equipment to bring on each program will be provided in pre-trip materials.

GROUP SIZE AND COMPOSITION

E X P E C TAT I O N S

Group size generally ranges between 14 and 28 participants. Our community service programs are limited to 18 participants; photography workshops have generally 25–30 students; and university workshops accommodate up to 50 students. The student-to-trip-leader ratio is usually between 6 and 8 to 1 and never more than 9 to 1. In addition to trip leaders, a National Geographic expert joins a portion of each expedition, generally for a period of four to eight days. On photography workshops, the National Geographic photographer joins the entire program. On university workshops, a number of National Geographic experts share their work during the program.

We expect student participants to maintain high standards of personal behavior. Because they are

encouraged, within the context of our programs, to take leadership roles and to make some of their own discoveries, students whose parents require them to be under constant surveillance; who are likely to act irresponsibly; who use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco; or who may behave in an otherwise disruptive manner should not apply. Students who violate our few rules are subject to dismissal at our sole discretion. Parents are responsible for making arrangements for, bearing the cost of, and providing supervision for dismissed students’ immediate travel home, even in situations that require extended international travel. No refund of the tuition is given. Students dismissed from our programs will not receive credit for community service hours completed prior to their dismissal.

A P P L I C AT I O N P R O C E S S Applications are carefully reviewed by our Admissions Committee, and students are selected on the basis of their maturity, enthusiasm, motivation, and willingness to participate constructively in a supportive team environment. We will temporarily reserve a space for an applicant in a particular program upon receipt of the Application Form, a $700 payment, and the Agreement Form. For applications received after March 15, final payment is due within five business days after the initial payment is made. An applicant’s file is not complete and cannot be considered for admission until we have received all application materials. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions on page 77 for information on payment terms.

S T E P 3 : A P P L I C A N T S TAT E M E N T & T E A C H E R REFERENCES Submit your Applicant Statement explaining why you would like to join a National Geographic Student Expedition, as well as contact information for two teachers. We will email your teachers a link where they can find and complete your reference. Upon receipt of all materials (Application Form, $700 payment, signed Agreement Form, Applicant Statement, and two completed Teacher References), we will process your application and make a prompt decision.

ICEL AND EXPEDITION

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THAIL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

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MORE ON OUR WEBSITE Visit ngstudentexpeditions.com for more information about our trips for high school and middle school students. You’ll also find videos, photos, and blogs from last summer’s trips. Sign up for our email newsletter: ngstudentexpeditions.com/email Read blog posts from past trips: ngstudentexpeditions.com/blog Find us on Facebook: ngstudentexpeditions Follow us on Instagram: @natgeoexpeditions #natgeostudentexpeditions

T H A N K YO U TO T H E F O L LO W I N G P H OTO G R A P H E R S WHOSE WORK I S F E AT U R E D I N T H I S C ATA LO G Jana Ašenbrennerová, Jennifer Adler, Andrew Baber, Claire Bangser, Britt Basel, James Bernal, Alison Beste, M S L C L C C L C E D D E M G G G L L A E R L L S L D L L A L D M L M P M L M M C M D M M A M N P R E R R C Sauer, Jenna Schoenfeld, Jill Schneider S R S E S R S A S T T T T T V A V R C S

OUR SCHOL ARSHIP PROGR AM

“

”

—Sarah H., PRAGUE PHOTO WORKSHOP, 2017

National Geographic Student Expeditions (“NGSE”) will provide educational enrichment for trips (each a “Trip”) as outlined in its catalog and on its website (ngstudentexpeditions.com) and has licensed Putney Student Travel, Inc., its employees, shareholders, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, and assigns, (collectively, “PST”), a Vermont corporation based in Putney, Vermont, to organize and administer the Trip. PST, in turn, acts only as an agent for any transportation carriers, hotels, ground operators, and other suppliers of some of the services connected with the Trip (“Other Providers”), and those Other Providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. Neither NGSE nor PST owns, operates, supervises, and/or manages those Other Providers which are to or do provide goods or services for the Trip, including, for example, lodging facilities of any kind, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, local guides, guide services, or local ground operators (even if they use the PST or NGSE name), providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers will constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the Students are not aboard their conveyances. All such Other Providers are independent contractors. As a result, neither NGSE nor PST is liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Other Provider, or of any other third party. National Geographic Partners, LLC d/b/a National Geographic Student Expeditions, its parents, subsidiaries, and their respective employees, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, representatives, assigns (collectively “National Geographic”) and PST will not be held liable for (A) any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or any damage to personal property, whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, acts of government, incidents, attacks, or bites from domestic or wild animals or insects, strikes or other labor activities, athletic or sporting events or endeavors including the normal risk associated with same, epidemics or the threat thereof, adequacy or availability of health services and/or evacuation services if necessary, criminal, terrorist or threatened terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart in a timely manner, or loss, damage or delay in delivery of luggage and/ or personal effects; or (B) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any Other Provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such Other Provider. I (the parent/guardian) and the Trip participant (the “Student”) (Student and I are collectively referred to herein as “You”) waive any claim against National Geographic and/or PST for any such loss, damage, injury, or death.

Scholarship student Sarah H. poses in front of Prague’s picturesque Charles Bridge.

By sponsoring this trip, you not only give students the opportunity to see the world, but also indirectly say ‘I believe in your ability to change it.’

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The National Geographic Student Expeditions Scholarship Program provides financial support for students seeking educational summer experiences who could not otherwise afford them. Last summer, we awarded full scholarships to 22 students, providing learning opportunities to students from a wide variety of backgrounds and creating a richer and more diverse experience for every student involved.

By registering for the Trip, You certify that the Student does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself or herself or other Students. NGSE and PST reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove the Student from the Trip. NGSE and PST reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant or if they deem it necessary or desirable for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the Students.

Each summer, our scholarship students return home with stories of lifechanging experiences that instilled in them increased confidence, global perspective, independence, and compassion for others. These transformational experiences are central to their development as students, leaders, and global citizens.

Neither National Geographic nor PST shall be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the Student’s Trip departure city. Baggage and personal eﬀects are at all times the sole responsibility of the Student.

For more details about scholarship eligibility and how to apply, visit: ngstudentexpeditions.com/scholarships

TERMS AND CONDITIONS BASIS OF RATES: All amounts are quoted in U.S. dollars. The tuitions are based on current tariﬀs, currency values, airfares and thirdparty charges as of catalog publication date and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While NGSE and PST do everything possible to maintain the listed tuitions, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, NGSE and PST reserve the right to do so. ELIGIBILITY: Students ages 13 and older who are completing 7th and 8th grades are eligible to participate in a middle school Trip. Students completing 9th through 12th grades are eligible to participate in a high school Trip.

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TUITION INCLUDES: All meals, lodging, activities, excursions, ground transportation, taxes, gratuities, and pre-Trip materials are included. For students participating in Photography and Film & Video On Assignment projects, there is a supplement to cover the cost of equipment and other materials required for these assignments. See ngstudentexpeditions.com/resources/admission-details for these supplemental fees. TUITION DOES NOT INCLUDE: The $200 Application Fee, airfare and related fees, costs of obtaining passports or visas, baggage charges, medical expenses and immunizations, trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance, personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls, and any other items not specifically noted as included. TERMS OF PAYMENT: Application Fee and Deposit: A $700 payment (made up of a $200 Application Fee and a $500 Tuition Deposit) is required with all applications. The Tuition Deposit is credited to the tuition for accepted students. Payment may be made by check or credit card. Final Payment: Final payment of the full tuition and group flight airline tickets (if applicable), is due on March 15, 2018. For applications submitted after March 15, 2018, final payment is due within five (5) business days after the initial $700 payment is made. Final payment may be made by check, wire transfer, or credit card. Checks must be in U.S. dollars and must be drawn on a U.S. bank. Please make checks payable to “Putney Student Travel” and write the Student’s name clearly on the check. For payment by wire transfer, please consult the NGSE oﬃce for wiring information. For final payment made by credit card, a 2.75% fee is added to your payment. If an application is not accepted or if space is not available on the Trip listed as first choice, the full $700 payment amount will be refunded, or if payment of the full tuition, and (if applicable) payment of group flight airline tickets, has been made, the amount of the full payment will be refunded. Wait-list: Wait-listed applications must include the $700 payment, which will be fully refunded if space does not become available or if the application is withdrawn prior to acceptance. A wait-listed application must be completed to be considered for acceptance. Withdrawal: If the Student withdraws from a Trip for any reason, either before or after his or her application is accepted, the following terms will govern any refunds. For a withdrawal on or before March 15, 2018, all payments and (if applicable) group flight airline tickets payments, will be refunded, less the Application Fee. For a withdrawal after March 15, 2018, no refunds of the $700 payment, full tuition, or (if applicable) group flight airline tickets will be made. Cancellation: NGSE and PST reserve the right to cancel applications that are not completed in a timely manner; however, NGSE and PST will communicate with applicants to facilitate the admissions process prior to cancelling applications. NGSE and PST further reserve the right to revoke an acceptance when payment is past due. No refund of the payments made to date is provided in this circumstance. If NGSE or PST cancel an application on or before March 15, 2018, all payments will be refunded, less the Application Fee. If NGSE or PST cancel an application or revoke an acceptance after March 15, 2018, the $700 payment and (if applicable) any non-refundable airline tickets, will be forfeited. If NGSE or PST cancel an application or revoke an acceptance, written notification will be sent to the address provided on the application form. Leaving a Trip in progress, for any reason, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portion of a Trip. NGSE and PST reserve the right to cancel any Trip because of inadequate enrollment that makes the Trip economically infeasible to operate or because of good faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the students. If NGSE or PST cancels a Trip prior to departure, PST will provide a full refund of monies paid, except in the event the cancellation is due to a significant event that makes it infeasible to operate the Trip as planned, in which case PST will provide a refund and/or credit toward a future Trip equivalent to monies paid. If NGSE and PST cancel the Trip in progress, PST will provide a prorated refund based on the number of days not completed on the Trip. NGSE and PST will not be responsible for any refund for any expenses related to nonrefundable airline tickets. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: Trip cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost and is strongly recommended.

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NGSE will send students information about a trip cancellation insurance option with pre-Trip materials. ITINERARY CHANGES: NGSE and PST have carefully planned each of the Trips on this website; however, there may be instances where the Trip descriptions and staff presented on this website may change. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate Trips as planned, but alterations may still occur after the final itinerary is sent. To get the most out of their experience, Students need to be flexible in responding to unforeseen situations and in taking advantage of unexpected opportunities. PASSPORTS AND VISAS: Valid passports are required for travel to the international destinations; check with NGSE for the latest requirements and assistance. For destinations that require a visa for U.S. citizens, NGSE will provide detailed information on how to obtain a visa. Non-U.S. citizens must check on their own visa requirements or contact NGSE for help determining those requirements. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: The Student must be in good physical condition and mental health. Any condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment must be reported to PST in writing before May 19, 2018. NGSE and PST encourage You to consult a doctor for specific medical advice about any activities or destinations. MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION AND COVERAGE: You must complete and sign the Permission for Emergency Treatment form as a prerequisite for the Student’s participation on the Trip. You certify that the Student has medical insurance which will cover personal accidents, medical expenses, medical evacuation, air ambulance, loss of effects, repatriation costs, and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay, or inconvenience occurring to the Student, or that in the absence of this medical insurance coverage, you agree to pay all costs of rescue and/or medical services as may be incurred on the Student’s behalf. PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO: You grant to PST the right to take photographs or videos during the operation of any Trip, or part thereof, and to use the resulting photography, videos, or recordings for promotional or commercial use in perpetuity. You and the Student agree to allow the Student’s likeness to be used by NGSE, NGSE-authorized third parties, and PST without compensation to You. Copyright in all photographs, video, and text (including correspondence) created by the Student during the operation of any Trip, or part thereof, (“Expedition Materials”) shall belong to the Student upon creation. You and the Student grant to PST, NGSE, and NGSE-authorized third parties a non-exclusive, worldwide, irrevocable license to use the Expedition Materials, in any media now existing or subsequently developed for the following limited purposes: editorial use, promotion of the editorial use, promotion of NGSE, promotion of the work of PST, or promotion of the mission of National Geographic Society. ASSUMPTION OF RISK: By registering the Student for a Trip, You acknowledge that You are aware that travel such as the Trip the Student is undertaking involves potentially dangerous activities, some in remote areas of the world, with a risk of illness, injury, or death which may be caused by forces of nature, illness, or by willful or criminal conduct of third parties or by terrorism. You further acknowledge that weather conditions may be severe, adverse and/or unpleasant, and that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible or consistent with standards in the United States during some or all of the time during which the Student is participating on the Trip and that when available may not be of the quality which exists in the United States. You accept the entire risk attendant thereto and voluntarily accept the same as risks of the Student’s participation in the Trip. In addition, You agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions hereto including policies on refunds. ARBITRATION AGREEMENT: Arbitration Agreement policy and process is available at ngstudentexpeditions.com/terms. PRIVACY POLICY: Our privacy policy can be found at nationalgeographic.com/community/privacy/ MAILING LIST: If You are receiving duplicate catalogs, have address updates, or would like to be removed from future National Geographic Student Expeditions mailings, please call toll-free 1-877-877-8759. COMPLETE TERMS: For the most complete and up-to-date Terms and Conditions, please see ngstudentexpeditions.com/terms

2018 TRIP CALENDAR D E S T I N AT I O N

PAG E

DAY S

DAT E S

TUITION

ALASKA

BELIZE

CUBA

ECUADOR AND THE GALÁPAGOS

PATAGONIA

NEW

July 12–22, Aug. 1–11

June 26–July 8, July 9–21

June 30–July 11, July 7–18

June 29–July 9, July 10–20

June 12–29, June 24–July 11, July 3–20

July 19–Aug. 5

$5,890

NEPAL

June 16–30, July 5–19, July 21–Aug. 4

$5,290

Rebuilding & Earthquake Recovery

THAILAND

June 27–July 13, July 11–27

$5,490

Teaching & Mentorship

$5,990

Photography Marine & Tropical Biology

HAWAII

June 29–July 12, July 4–17, July 11–24

$5,890

Island Habitat Restoration

COSTA RICA

June 30–July 13, July 15–28, July 22–Aug. 4

$4,490

Tropical Ecosystem Conservation

$6,790

Photography Creative Writing

FIJI

June 28–July 12, July 13–27

$4,790

Community Restoration

$7,390

Photography Wildlife Conservation

June 30–July 11

$5,990

Photography

$6,790

Photography Wildlife Conservation Climate & Geology

YELLOWSTONE

July 2–13

$5,690

Photography

YOSEMITE AND SAN FRANCISCO

July 17–28

$5,790

Photography

BARCELONA

July 3–14

$5,990

Photography

PRAGUE

July 15–26

$5,690

Photography

TOKYO

July 20–31

$6,290

Photography

July 11–19

$5,290

Visual Journalism Innovations in Science and Conservation Community Engagement

July 22–30

$5,390

Technology for Social Change Computer Coding and Software Design Unleashing Creativity

July 9–17

$5,290

Engineering the Future Data Science Innovations in Robotics

PAG E

DAY S

TUITION

P ROJ EC TS

June 25–July 6, July 6–17

$6,590

Photography Icelandic History & Folklore Climate Science

June 24–July 6

$5,890

Photography Ancient Mythology Mediterranean Food & Culture

BELIZE

July 8–17, July 20–29

$5,690

Marine Conservation Mayan Archaeology & Culture Community Service

COSTA RICA

June 28–July 9

$4,890

Photography Wildlife Conservation Community Service

July 2–12

$5,790

Photography Marine Science & Conservation Ocean Engineering

July 15–24

$5,390

Photography Wildlife Conservation Alaskan Cultural Heritage

June 25–July 9, July 2–16, July 16–30

$7,590

Photography Climate & Geology Film & Video

ITALY AND GREECE

June 12–28, June 26–July 12, July 17–Aug. 2

$7,190

Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures Creative Writing

AUSTRALIA

July 12–25

July 16–29

$5,490

$7,390

Photography Creative Writing Photography Film & Video

June 26–July 13, July 17–Aug. 3

$7,690

Photography Wildlife Conservation

June 28–July 15

$8,290

Photography Wildlife Conservation

June 27–July 17

$7,690

Photography Wildlife Conservation

June 27–July 16, July 13–Aug. 1

$8,690

HIGH SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS NEW YORK CITY

NEW

HIGH SCHOOL UNIVERSITY WORKSHOPS IMPACT STORYTELLING N E W AT NAT GEO HEADQUARTERS TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IN THE SILICON VALLEY

BALI

CHINA

June 27–July 14, July 15–Aug. 1

June 30–July 16, July 6–22

June 26–July 16

$7,790

D E S T I N AT I O N

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS ICELAND

$6,790

Photography Marine & Tropical Biology

$7,190

Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures

MONTEREY BAY AND YOSEMITE

ALASKA

June 27–July 10, July 8–21

$7,190

INDIA

June 25–July 15

$6,890

Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures

CALL 1-877-877-8759 OR VISIT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

NEW

Photography Film & Video

BHUTAN

DAT E S

Photography Wildlife Conservation

Photography Creative Writing Anthropology & Local Cultures

NEW

ENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS ON THE MIT CAMPUS

ITALY AND GREECE NEW ZEALAND

Cultural Preservation Biodiversity Protection

NAMIBIA

$6,590 $6,790

NEW

June 26–July 13, July 12–29 June 29–July 18, July 18–Aug. 6

ICELAND

NEW

$6,690

MOROCCO

June 26–July 14

TANZANIA

P ROJ EC TS

MADAGASCAR

NEW

TUITION

Photography Wildlife Conservation Film & Video

BOTSWANA AND VICTORIA FALLS

DAT E S

Photography Wildlife Conservation

PERU AND THE AMAZON

SWISS AND FRENCH ALPS

DAY S

$6,490

Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures

IRELAND

PAG E

HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE

HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS CANADIAN ARCTIC

D E S T I N AT I O N

P ROJ EC TS

NEW

CALL 1-877-877-8759 OR VISIT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

1 1 4 5 1 7 T H S T R E E T N .W. , W A S H I N G T O N , D.C . 2 0 0 3 6

SEE THE WORLD THROUGH THE LENSES OF O U R S T U D E N T T R AV E L E R S GET OUT AND EXPLORE THIS SUMMER! CALL 1-877-877-8759 OR VISIT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

JACK G.

NAMIBIA EXPEDITION

ROBERT P.

YOSEMITE AND SAN FR ANCISCO PHOTO WORKSHOP

MAYA M.

ECUADOR AND THE GAL ÁPAGOS EXPEDITION

DAVID L.

ICEL AND EXPEDITION

FREDDY G.

INDIA EXPEDITION

KELLY C.

PERU EXPEDITION

79 6 1 –1 8