SUMMER TRIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
T R AV E L C ATA L O G
SUMMER 2020
“My trip to Iceland was the best experience I’ve ever had. I met amazing people, encountered incredible natural beauty, and got to improve my photography skills. None of it would have been possible without National Geographic.” — LY N N A . , S T U D E N T T R AV E L E R | I C E L A N D H I G H S C H O O L E X P E D I T I O N 2 0 1 9
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HIGH SCHOOL
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G R A D E S 9 –1 2
EXPEDITIONS 14 Canadian Arctic
34 Norway
16 Alaska
36 Swiss and French Alps
18 Baja and the Sea of Cortez
38 Botswana and Victoria Falls
20 Belize
40 Namibia
22 Ecuadorian Amazon and the Galápagos
42 Australia
24 Peru and the Amazon
44 New Zealand
26 Azores
46 Bhutan
NEW
28 Iceland
48 China
30 Ireland
50 Southeast Asia
NEW
32 Italy and Greece U N I V E R S I T Y WO R K S H O P S
P H OTO G R A P H Y WO R K S H O P S
52 Journalism and Multimedia at Nat Geo in Washington, D.C.
56 Yellowstone
54 Engineering and Robotics on the MIT Campus
58 Berlin
55 Technology and Innovation in the Silicon Valley
60 Tanzania
57 Yosemite and San Francisco NEW
59 Lisbon 61 Tokyo
C O M M U N I T Y S E RV I C E T R I P S 67 Morocco
62 Costa Rica 63 Dominican Republic
68 Fiji
NEW
64 Hawai’i
69 Nepal
65 Puerto Rico
70 Thailand
66 Madagascar
MIDDLE SCHOOL
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G R A D E S 7– 8
EXPEDITIONS 71 Belize 72 Canadian Arctic
75 Iceland 76 Italy and Greece
NEW
73 Costa Rica
77 Ecuador and the Galápagos
74 Hawai’i
78 Japan
NEW
RESOURCES 4
The National Geographic Difference
79 How to Apply
6
About Our Trips
80 Scholarship Information
10 National Geographic Experts
81 Terms and Conditions
12 Expedition Leaders
82 Trip Calendar
Front cover: Students explore the towering dunes of the Namib, believed to be the world’s oldest desert. Opposite page: Students descend into an ice cave on a geological adventure through Iceland.
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EXPLORE THE WORLD W I T H N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C
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1.
2.
Travel Like an Explorer
Explore Your Passion
There’s a certain spirit that has driven
Throughout your trip, you’ll delve deeper
National Geographic adventurers to
into your surroundings through the lens
all corners of the Earth—and you feel it
of one or more topics—photography,
when you travel with us. You’ll be out
wildlife conservation, community service,
in the field with our experts who are
creative writing, marine biology, and
fueled by curiosity and a desire to
more. As you explore, you’ll create a
understand our planet and its inhabitants.
tangible project that you can take back
Much more than a tourist, you become
home, such as a photography portfolio
a thoughtful explorer who is passionate
or a study on local wildlife.
about our world.
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Students practice photography on a water crossing in Dunhuang, an oasis town in western China.
3.
4.
5.
Authentic and Sustainable Experiences
Build Lasting Relationships
Make a Difference
One of the highlights of your trip is
When you travel with us, you support
We’re committed to sustaining the natural
sure to be your traveling companions—
the National Geographic Society’s
integrity and cultural heritage of each
students from across the globe who are
researchers and explorers who work
place we visit. We support local economies
also enthusiastic about exploring. And
to preserve, protect, and advance
in our choice of accommodations and
you’ll find role models in your National
our understanding of the planet and
services, increase students’ appreciation
Geographic Experts and Expedition
its people. Every year, the Society
for other cultures through meaningful
Leaders, who are photographers, writers,
awards hundreds of grants to scientists,
exchange, and invest in offset projects
scientists, and explorers pursuing
educators, innovators, and storytellers
for the carbon emissions associated with
fascinating careers that are helping to
around the world. They are changing how
activities and travel in our destinations.
make the world a better place.
we understand our planet—and helping to protect it for future generations. To learn more, visit natgeo.com/info.
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OUR TRIPS H I G H S C H O O L | G R A D E S 9–1 2 Expeditions | Pages 14–51 Get out into the field and discover fascinating destinations across the globe through the lens of an On Assignment project. Each expedition offers a choice of two or three areas of focus, such as photography, geology, or wildlife conservation. Pursue your selected project with guidance from your Expedition Leaders and a National Geographic Expert, and explore through hands-on activities and excursions; then share what you’ve created with the group.
University Workshops | Pages 52–55 From your base at a top university, delve into issues impacting the future of our world, and examine solutions offered by engineering, technology, journalism, and more. Participate in stimulating seminars and hands-on workshops, and meet National Geographic Experts to hear about their innovative work in our areas of focus. Develop a capstone project to address an issue you’ve encountered, and pitch your idea for a chance to receive funding from National Geographic to launch your initiative.
Photography Workshops | Pages 56–61 Our photo workshops will inspire you to take your photography to the next level. Each day, learn important photography lessons in the classroom and apply them in some of the world’s most photogenic places, shooting alongside a National Geographic photographer. Together with your fellow travelers, work to organize, curate, and install a pop-up gallery show featuring each student’s original images.
Community Service Trips | Pages 62–70 Settle into a community and get involved with collaborative service projects that focus on infrastructure, education, or sustainability. Work alongside local people, and document your experience through photos, journals, and video. These service projects provide an opportunity for deeper cultural interaction and insight into daily life in our host communities.
M I D D L E S C H O O L | G R A D E S 7– 8 Expeditions | Pages 71–78 These highly structured trips allow students who are completing grades seven or eight to discover exciting destinations in a fun, engaging, and safe environment. With guidance from Expedition Leaders and a National Geographic Expert, students explore a number of themes that enhance their experience and encourage them to deepen the interests they already have, while discovering new ones along their journey.
Photos, clockwise from top left: A student practices landscape photography for her On Assignment project; a Tibetan Buddhist monk leads a meditation session for students in Nepal; students kayak in Hudson Bay on the lookout for Beluga whales; a student on a snorkeling excursion examines a vibrant red coral; wooden suspension bridges lined with prayer flags are a common sight in Bhutan.
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F O L LOW YO U R PA S S I O N Experience what it’s like to be on assignment for National Geographic. No matter which trip you choose, you’ll travel with a purpose. Hands-on projects—such as crafting a photography portfolio, creating a short film, teaching local children about conservation, or researching threats to wildlife with scientists—will deepen your understanding of the cultures and environments you visit, and give you a tangible accomplishment to share with friends and family back home. As you flip through this catalog, find the destination and focus area that most captures your imagination. See page 6 for more information about each type of trip, and pages 82–83 for a complete list of trips and their associated themes.
Wildlife Conservation
Community Service
Photography
Discover local wildlife and their habitats,
Roll up your sleeves and pitch in by
Set out on photo shoots to improve your
and learn about biologists’ efforts to
participating in community service
photography skills and capture the spirit
protect these natural resources.
projects that immerse you in the place
of the places you encounter.
you’re exploring.
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Anthropology & Local Cultures
Engineering & Technology
Climate & Geology
Uncover the links between the ancient
Get a firsthand look at new technologies
Examine Earth processes, witness dramatic
and modern worlds, encountering traces
that are being created to address
geological forces at work, and discuss
of past civilizations and experiencing
challenges facing the modern world.
the science of global climate change with
vibrant traditions that live on today.
local researchers.
Marine & Tropical Biology
Creative Writing
Film & Video
Delve into underwater ecosystems
Develop your writing skills with the
Work in production teams to document
and discover how the health of our
assistance of a published writer. Learn
your journey, the people you meet,
oceans, seas, and shorelines impacts
how to incorporate a strong sense of
and the adventures you experience.
all life on Earth.
place into your work as you explore
Create a short video that tells a story
your destinations.
about your trip.
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MEET OUR EXPERTS National Geographic’s researchers, explorers, and storytellers have been inspiring people for 131 years. They’ve pursued their dreams, become leaders in their fields, and are excited to share their stories and knowledge with young explorers on our student expeditions. As you explore together, they’ll share their insights and experiences, and inspire you with their passion for the work they do and the places you’ll discover. National Geographic Experts join most of our trips.
K I L I I I Y Ü YA N Photographer
Award-winning photographer Kiliii Yüyan specializes in Arctic photography and has worked throughout the circumpolar regions with indigenous cultures and wildlife. On assignment, he has fled collapsing sea ice, chased fin whales in Greenland, and found kinship at the edges of the world. Kiliii has produced four stories for National Geographic about the Alaskan Arctic and Greenland, including a multi-year project on the subsistence whaling culture of the Alaskan Inuit. He also contributes to the Guardian, TIME, and CNN; and his images have won awards from Photo District News and Communication Arts. Kiliii will join the Alaska expedition. p. 16
National Geographic Expert Kiliii Yüyan sets up his camera to capture the mesmerizing northern lights.
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K AT Y C R O F F B E L L
GREG MARSHALL
Marine Scientist and National Geographic Fellow
Biologist and Filmmaker
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. 54
Dr. Greg Marshall is a biologist and filmmaker who invented National Geographic’s Crittercam—a device that can be attached to an animal to study its behavior. The Crittercam has enabled him to document life in the oceans and on land from the perspective of more than 80 species, including blue whales, green turtles, emperor penguins, Hawaiian monk seals, tiger sharks and, most recently, giant oceanic manta rays. Greg will join the Hawai‘i middle school expedition. p.74
SA LOM É B U G L A S S
DREW RUSH
Marine Ecologist
Photographer
Salomé Buglass is passionate about aquatic ecosystems and the intersection of ecological processes, people, and sustainable development. She currently works at the Charles Darwin Foundation in the Galápagos, where she collaborates on several research projects that support the management of the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Salomé recently received a National Geographic Early Career Grant to lead a pioneering study exploring bajos, or shallow seamounts, which are important fishing areas in the Galápagos. Salomé is seeking policy-oriented solutions to counter their degradation while ensuring community-based sustainable practices. Salomé will join the Ecuador and the Galápagos expedition. p. 22
Drew Rush is a wildlife and natural history photographer with a passion for following wildlife in national parks around the world. Drew has a long history of working in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Grand Tetons region on several long-term photographic projects for National Geographic magazine. His work has appeared in numerous international publications, such as National Parks magazine and National Geographic: Complete Photography, and has also been displayed at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming. Drew will join the Yellowstone photo workshop. p. 56
KO K E T S O M O O KO D I
ERIKA LARSEN
Conservation Educator
Photographer and National Geographic Fellow
Koketso Mookodi grew up and studied in Gaborone—Botswana’s capital—and then moved to the Okavango Delta to pursue her passion for wildlife. She earned a degree in tourism management, and began educating and empowering the local communities of the Okavango Delta. Koketso is committed to bringing knowledge and self-esteem to the people of the Okavango, and helps equip them to make conscious decisions regarding wildlife and the environment. She is also the Botswana director for the Wild Bird Trust. Koketso will join the Botswana and Victoria Falls expedition. p. 38
For more than a decade, Erika Larsen has used photography to document cultures with strong connections to nature. She has followed Sami reindeer herders in the Arctic and explored the significance of the horse in Native American culture for National Geographic magazine. Erika received a Fulbright Fellowship to study the North Sami language, which resulted in a book of photographs, Sámi, Walking with Reindeer. She was named a National Geographic Society Fellow in 2018, and her portraits are featured in Women: The National Geographic Image Collection. Erika will join the Norway expedition. p. 34 NGSTU DENTEX PEDITIO NS.COM
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MEET OUR EXPEDITION LEADERS Heading up each program is a team of talented, dynamic Expedition 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 students' interests. Meet a few of our Expedition Leaders below.
ERIKA SKOGG MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY, B.A.
Photographer, educator, and National Geographic Explorer Erika Skogg has traveled the world in her quest to document the human experience. Erika’s work is driven by a desire to preserve the Nordic heritage of her native Wisconsin; she visits Scandinavia regularly in search of cultural connections to Wisconsin’s emigrant history. Through her storytelling, Erika aims to foster respect for modern-day migrations by igniting people's interests in their own genealogy. For the past eight summers, Erika has led National Geographic student photography workshops, where she inspires the next generation of photographers and storytellers. KENE NWOSU UNIVERSITY OF GENEVA, M.S. (IN PROGRESS); VASSAR COLLEGE, B.A.
At Vassar College, Kene studied biology—with concentrations in ecology and adolescent education—and then went on to study bacterial phages in a research lab at MIT. Passionate about community service, Kene has volunteered in many capacities: he helped build homes in underserved neighborhoods in the Hudson Valley, worked on an orchid farm in Costa Rica, and taught photography to middle school students. He has also served on the board of his local Habitat for Humanity chapter. Kene is an avid photographer, fluent in Spanish, and enjoys performing live music. DAN WAIT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, PH.D. (CANDIDATE); UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, B.A.
While pursuing his undergraduate degree in integrative biology, Dan conducted a research study on the California ground squirrel, a project that led to a publication in the prestigious Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. He has traveled to Guatemala, Mexico, and India for fieldwork, collecting museum specimens and studying regional bird species. Dan returned to academia after a two-year stint as a game warden at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at Berkeley, where he regularly leads tours for Bay Area student groups. ALEX MILAN TRACY UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON, M.A.; UNIVERSITY OF KENT, B.A.
Alex is a freelance photojournalist and videographer, born in London and based in Portland, Oregon. His work has appeared on multiple media platforms, including National Geographic magazine, the Guardian, and TIME. Passionate about environmental issues, Alex has covered stories on fossil fuel extraction in the Pacific Northwest for nonprofit organizations like the Sierra Club, 350.org, and Columbia Riverkeeper. He recently worked on a project for a Salt Lake City–based adventure travel company, documenting a wilderness first responder program and a mountaineering expedition in Ecuador. Alex has previously taught six National Geographic student photography workshops.
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Clockwise from top: A group examines specimens on a nature walk through the Ecuadorian rainforest; Expedition Leader Erika Skogg wanders the narrow streets of a Moroccan town; an Expedition Leader snaps a selfie with students at Australia's iconic Uluru.
JANISSA DELZO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, M.P.H.; EMERSON COLLEGE, B.S.
Janissa studied multimedia journalism at Emerson College, where she minored in health and sports communication. After graduating, Janissa joined Newsweek as a staff science writer. She currently freelances full-time and has contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, and Everyday Health, among other publications. In 2018, Janissa was awarded a fellowship by the Association of Health Care Journalists. She has served as an overnight counselor for Play by Play Sports Broadcasting Camps in a number of U.S. cities, and enjoys running and traveling in her free time. LAUREN CHRISTOPHER HARVARD UNIVERSITY, PH.D. (IN PROGRESS); CUNY HUNTER COLLEGE, B.A.
At Hunter College, Lauren focused on biological anthropology, researching the impacts of exercise and diet on caloric expenditure in indigenous and Western populations. She backpacked through Europe after graduation on an epic adventure that had her spotting puffin hatchlings on the cliffs of Iceland, scuba diving around the Greek isles, and eating gelato outside the Pantheon in Rome. Lauren is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in human evolutionary biology at Harvard, and counsels children and adults in her spare time. She is proficient in Spanish and Latin and skilled in natural history illustration.
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
CANADIAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION: P O L A R B E A R C A P I TA L O F T H E W O R L D
• Track polar bears from our base at an Arctic research facility, and meet first responders for Churchill’s Polar Bear Holding Facility. • Seek out the smaller species of the tundra and document your discoveries in a photo-essay. • Kayak with beluga whales and listen to them “sing” as you learn about scientific efforts to decipher their communications. • Use your camera to capture shooting stars and the spectacular swirl of the northern lights.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Create a portfolio showcasing the many facets of the tundra. Learn to photograph wildlife using polar bears and caribou as your subjects. Experiment with color as you frame your friends in fields of magenta fireweed, and capture vivid constellations across the night sky and—if we’re lucky—the swirling flares of the northern lights.
W I L D L I F E C O N S E RVAT I O N 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 and investigate the health of area waterways on tide pooling excursions. See firsthand how findings are being used to protect area wildlife from the effects of rising temperatures.
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1 1 DAY S
The Arctic tundra is one of our planet’s most surprising wildlife habitats: an endless snowscape in the winter that bursts with life when summer arrives, drawing migrating species such as caribou, beluga whales, and—most famously—polar bears. Set out from Churchill, tracking the intriguing wildlife that has adapted to extreme Arctic conditions. DAYS 1–3 I CHURCHILL, CANADA 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 a thousand people—and learn about everyday life on the icy edge of the Hudson Bay. Chat with locals who live among the resident bears, and 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 from the Prince of Wales Fort to the harbor at Sloop Cove. Along the way, look for 18th-century graffiti left by these early trappers; then meet their modern-day counterparts to discuss the challenges involved with teaching fur-trapping to the next generation, and learn how changing laws have impacted their work.
Photograph the wilderness that surrounds the town during a hike along the rugged shores of Hudson Bay. Learn about Polar Bears International’s educational outreach initiatives and their studies on bear behavior, biology, and population distribution. Visit the Itsanitaq Museum for a look at life on the tundra through the ages, and check out the exhibits on narwhals, sometimes called the “unicorns of the sea.” Meet first responders for Churchill’s Polar Bear Holding Facility—locally known as “polar bear jail”—who work to prevent human-wildlife conflict by detaining and relocating curious polar bears that wander into town, and discuss the pros and cons of this practice.
Above, left to right: A polar bear looks into the lens of student photographer Emma R.; student photographers seek out a different perspective on the Arctic tundra; pristine tundra landscapes surround our bse at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
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DAYS 4–11 I CHURCHILL NORTHERN STUDIES CENTRE Our next stop 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, arctic foxes, and other wildlife from the resident researchers, and get a firsthand look at how rising temperatures have affected the surrounding ecosystems here. Venture out onto the tundra on foot and in our all-terrain vehicle in search of polar bears, which arrive each summer with their cubs to roam the wilds surrounding Churchill, waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze over so they can hunt seals and other marine life on the pack ice. Observe these majestic creatures from a safe range, and photograph their white coats against the magenta fireweed that blankets the tundra each summer.
Encounter and photograph other intriguing wildlife of the far north, including caribou, red foxes, and a host of migratory birds. Kayak in waterways that teem with friendly beluga whales, which migrate here in the thousands during the summer months to feed and give birth to their young. These curious mammals are known as the “canaries of the sea” for the singing noises they make. Watch them play at the water’s surface, and listen to their clicks and whistles as we learn how scientists are working to decipher their communications. With the help of our host biologists, investigate the ecological health of an estuary that serves as a temporary habitat for calving belugas. Present your On Assignment project and celebrate our time together in Canada’s wild north before catching your flight home.
INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: July 16–26 | Aug. 1–11 Tuition: $6,590 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Winnipeg and Churchill. Students may also join one of our Expedition Leaders on a flight from Minneapolis to Winnipeg, and return. Refer to page 79 for transportation details.
It was a really unique experience to go deep into the untouched tundra. This trip allowed me to recognize how big the world is. I feel more in touch with the planet—and more compelled to do something to protect it. —Kelly L. Student Traveler, 2018
Ecologist and National Geographic Fellow Rae Wynn-Grant credits her passion for megafauna on the wildlife and conservation shows she watched on TV as a child. She uses statistical modeling to investigate how humans can influence the behavior and ecology of large carnivores. Rae’s research has taken her all over the planet—from northeastern Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to study grizzly bears; rural Kenya and Tanzania to monitor lions; and the Congo basin on the trail of gorillas and chimpanzees. Rae will join the July 16 departure at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre.
Accommodations: In Churchill, we stay in a familyrun hotel in the center of town. During our time at the research station, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations. Note: This expedition includes several active excursions in an Arctic environment. To get the most out of the program, students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking. Please note that, although we work with local experts to optimize our chances of spotting wildlife, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
ALASKA EXPEDITION: W I L D L I F E , FJ O R D S , A N D G L AC I E R S
• Hone your wildlife photography skills as you train your lens on Denali’s moose, wolves, and caribou. • Learn about glacial morphology while trekking atop the Matanuska Glacier, and try your hand at ice climbing alongside experienced guides. • Go tide pooling in Kachemak Bay with naturalists from the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, and help collect marine data for research projects. • Delve into Alaska’s vibrant cultural heritage, meeting some of its indigenous people.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Take advantage of long summer days to capture different light on glaciers, fjords, and snow fields. Zoom in on Denali’s wildlife, frame tide pools filled with starfish and sea anemones, or try for a rare shot of a breaching whale or a bear fishing for salmon.
W I L D L I F E C O N S E RVAT I O N Observe bears, wolves, and seals in their natural habitat, and learn to identify the flora and fauna of the tundra and taiga. Talk to conservationists about challenges and opportunities in Alaska’s national parks and how the landscape is being impacted by climate change.
FILM & VIDEO Hone your filmmaking skills as you venture across Alaska. Develop a story about local conservation efforts, interview park rangers about rising temperatures in the far north, and capture footage of Alaska’s spectacular landscapes and wildlife.
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1 3 DAY S
In Alaska’s undeveloped wilderness, towering peaks preside over massive glaciers, wild rivers cut through thick pine forests, and the Arctic tundra seems endless. Head to America’s wild northern frontier to discover these spectacular landscapes and the wildlife that inhabits them— from moose and grizzlies to seals and orcas. DAYS 1–2 I ANCHORAGE, ALASKA Our adventure begins in the far northern city of Anchorage. We’ll get to know each other during an orientation covering Alaska history, geography, and wildlife; and then set out to explore Anchorage in our On Assignment teams. Go for an acclimation hike, and get acquainted with the native peoples of the north at the acclaimed Alaska Native Heritage Center. At the center, try your hand at native Alaskan games, hear stories that have been passed down for generations, or visit with cultural ambassadors at their authentic dwellings. Examine the threats facing Alaska’s native cultures and the steps being taken to preserve their endangered languages. DAYS 3–6 I D ENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE Travel north to Denali National Park and Preserve, a remote and unspoiled wilderness cradling the icy summit of Denali, North
America’s highest mountain. The park encompasses six million acres of subarctic taiga and tundra and is populated by an 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. Spot a golden eagle circling overhead, or catch a glimpse of white Dall sheep perched high on a mountainside. Learn about the history of dogsledding and meet pups
Above, left to right: Students stop for a memorable group photo during an ice-climbing adventure; brown bears at the water’s edge; Sophie P. captures her fellow student photographer in action.
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at the historic kennel of the National Park Service, hike along the banks of the Savage River, or trek to remote ridges to get a oncein-a-lifetime view of the colossal mountain the Athabascan people call “the great one:” Denali. DAY 7 I ANCHORAGE Travel south to Anchorage, and stop along the way to spend the day trekking and iceclimbing 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. DAYS 8–13 I H OMER AND THE KENAI PENINSULA Continue south to Homer, our jumping-off point for exploring Kachemak Bay State Park.
Settle into yurts and tents at our base at the Ageya Wilderness Education Center and spend the next several days exploring the incredible Kachemak Bay and its surroundings. Paddle a sea kayak through the surrounding fjords, taking in the incredible scenery and keeping your eye out for sea lions, otters, and puffins. Hike the glaciated coastline with naturalists, learning about the region’s rich marine life and the effects of climate change on the Bering Sea ecosystem. Go tide pooling along the rocky shoreline to scout for octopus dens, starfish, and sea urchins, and scan the coast for bald eagles perched amid the treetops. Gather around a campfire to conclude your time together and share your On Assignment project. Fly home from Anchorage.
Conservationist 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 more about their lives and work to reduce human-predator conflict. Boone is a host on National Geographic WILD and has assisted National Geographic magazine photographers in the field. Currently, he is searching for lynx dens in Alaska’s backcountry in order to study the population and health of the species’ kittens. Boone will join the July 9 departure in Denali National Park and on the Matanuska Glacier. Photographer Kiliii Yüyan will join the June 30 departure. See his bio on page 10. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 30–July 12 | July 9–21 Tuition: $6,490
Alaska is one of the truly wild places left on Earth. It continually calls to the spirit of adventure and exploration and tempts you to wander off the beaten path. —Boone Smith National Geographic Expert
Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Seattle and Anchorage. Alternately, students may meet the group in Anchorage. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: In Anchorage, we stay in dormitories at the University of Alaska Anchorage. In Denali, we stay in cabins at a family-run hostel. In Homer, we camp at a wilderness education center. Note: This expedition includes several active excursions such as full-day hikes, as well as kayaking and glacier trekking. To get the most out of the program, participants should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
BA JA A N D T H E S E A O F C O RT E Z E X P E D I T I O N : M A R I N E C O N S E R VA T I O N
• E xperience close encounters with sea lions, whale sharks, and tropical fish while snorkeling or diving in the Sea of Cortez. • Travel by traditional panga boat to deserted Cerralvo Island, and spend a night camping on the beach. • Join marine biologists in their underwater research efforts, helping to identify and examine resident species. • Kayak or paddleboard alongside pods of dolphins, and search for glowing bioluminescence on a nocturnal snorkeling excursion.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Capture the spectacular landscapes of the Baja California Peninsula on camera, and document the marine life you spot along your journey. Experiment with shutter speed to capture leaping dolphins and breaching whales, and try your hand at underwater wildlife photography as you experience close-up encounters with gentle whale sharks and sea lions.
M A R I N E & T RO P I C A L C O N S E RVAT I O N Work with scientists and conservationists to help protect the fragile ecosystems of the Sea of Cortez. Under the guidance of marine biologists, collect data on undersea species, catch—and later release—specimens for close-up observation, and evaluate the health of a coral reef. Record your wildlife encounters, then join other citizen scientists in contributing to the iNaturalist observations of biodiversity.
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1 2 DAY S
Described by legendary underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau as the “world’s aquarium,” the Sea of Cortez teems with marine life, from acrobatic dolphins and sea lions to massive manta rays and whale sharks. Dive into this incredible underwater ecosystem alongside marine biologists and conservationists to lend a hand in preserving at-risk habitats, and witness groundbreaking conservation initiatives in action. DAYS 1–3 I C ABO PULMO NATIONAL MARINE PARK, MEXICO Our expedition begins in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, a living laboratory for underwater explorers with National Geographic’s Pristine Seas initiative, which aims to protect the world’s wildest patches of ocean. The park is also a shining model for oceanic conservation and harbors the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez. Get to know your fellow travelers, and break into your On Assignment teams to begin discovering the Baja California Peninsula. Learn about how conservationists are working with residents to reclaim a patch of ocean from commercial fishing, pollution, and other environmental threats. Then get out on the water, on the lookout for whale species such as blue, sperm, and fin. Cruise the coast in a traditional panga boat and anchor at multiple snorkel spots to swim with graceful sea turtles, acrobatic sea lions, and colorful schools of fish.
DAYS 4–6 I SEA OF CORTEZ Travel to La Ventana Bay on the Sea of Cortez and settle into our waterfront accommodations, run by a marine biologist, sea captain, and educator. Dive into the water and snorkel or scuba dive along the rocky coast, accessible directly from the beach. Learn to identify the resident aquatic species—including fish, crabs, and sea stars—and assist a marine biologist in examining and recording their behaviors. After sunset, grab a flashlight for nighttime snorkel excursions, in search of nocturnal marine species and glowing bioluminescence. Take a cooking class and learn how to make authentic
Above, left to right: A giant cactus punctuates a stuffiing view of the Baja Peninsula; the waters of the Sea of Cortez teem with marine life, including graceful sea lions; a curious two-spot octopus.
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tortillas and spicy salsas, and practice traditional dance moves with students from a local dance troupe. DAY 7 I CERRALVO ISLAND Pack your boat for an overnight camping trip on Cerralvo Island, the southernmost island in the Sea of Cortez. Upon arrival, set out to explore secluded land and seascapes. Hike beneath dramatic sandstone cliffs, and snorkel with playful sea lions near a rookery. In the evening, cook meals over an open fire, and learn the basics of how to navigate by the stars. DAYS 8–9 I SEA OF CORTEZ Return to La Ventana Bay, and meet representatives from the local branch of Reef Check, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving tropical coral reefs and Californian rocky reefs. Help the team check the health of the local reef, and collect data for projects aimed at protecting native species. Invite students from
the local primary school to join in your explorations, and together perform a plankton tow, using microscopes to identify the species you collect. Spend your down time practicing your Spanish with the students and playing games on the beach. Enjoy a research presentation from Whale Shark México, then spend a day on the water photographing and identifying whale sharks—the world’s largest fish. Lend a hand with beach cleanups, plant native species in a nearby cactus sanctuary, and join local kids for a game of football. DAYS 10–12 I TODOS SANTOS Say goodbye to the Sea of Cortez and drive across the peninsula to the Pacific coast. In artsy Todos Santos, chase the perfect wave while learning to surf with local guides. Spend the last nights of your trip reflecting on your adventures in Baja, and present your On Assignment projects. Depart José del Cabo for Los Angeles on our final day.
Cabo Pulmo—and the Baja Peninsula in general—is a magical place where the desert meets the ocean. Here, people are protecting one of the richest and most beautiful reefs in the world.
National Geographic Grantee and photographer Octavio Aburto focuses his photographic outreach and scientific research on the conservation of marine habitats and fisheries. He has been documenting marine ecosystems off the coastal waters of Mexico since 1994, and also works in Belize, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and the United States. An assistant professor at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Octavio collaborated with National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project to establish a national park that protects 5 percent of Mexican seas, making it the largest marine reserve in North America. Octavio will join both departures in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park and La Ventana. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: July 10–21 | July 23–Aug. 3 Tuition: $6,190 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Los Angeles and San José del Cabo. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We will stay in family-run guest houses, and spend one night camping in tents. Note: While scuba diving is not the main focus of this trip, students who are certified will have the opportunity to participate in up to six dives, dependent on weather and conditions. The supplemental fee for diving is $300 per student.
—Octavio Aburto National Geographic Expert
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
BELIZE EXPEDITION: O C E A N S A N D U N D E R WAT E R E X P L O R AT I O N
• Join one of Belize’s leading shark biologists underwater to help collect ecosystem data. • A ssist scientists and researchers at the University of Belize, and create a project to raise awareness on the importance of protecting tropical ecosystems. • Practice identifying species on snorkeling and scuba excursions along the world’s second largest barrier reef. • Learn about night photography, and test your skills during an after-hours visit to the Belize Zoo rehabilitation center.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Capture the brilliant marine and tropical habitats of Belize’s intricate barrier reef on camera, and document the work of local biologists and conservationists. Photograph the early morning light as you kayak amid colorful coral formations, or try your hand at underwater photography while snorkeling among swirling schools of tropical fish.
M A R I N E & T RO P I C A L B I O LO GY Work with scientists underwater and on land to help research and protect Belize’s coral reefs. Document reef species, remove invasive lionfish, monitor and restore mangroves, or use high-tech equipment to detect sharks and rays on the sea floor. Interview fishermen and local conservationists about the interplay of conservation, livelihoods, and sustainable development.
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1 3 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. Here, the rich marine life makes for a perfect laboratory to learn about our planet’s amazing ocean habitats and explore ways to preserve them for future generations. DAYS 1–2 I T ROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER, BELIZE Our expedition begins with an orientation at the Tropical Education Center, a research station connected to the world-famous Belize Zoo. On your first evening, learn about night photography and Belize’s diverse wildlife, ranging from the jaguar to the toucan. Visit the zoo in the morning and meet the national animal of Belize, the tapir, and an orphaned jaguar known as Junior Buddy. Return to the zoo for a night tour led by professional keepers, and compare the animals’ behaviors during the day and nighttime. DAYS 3–8 I CALABASH CAYE Take a boat from the marina to Turneffe Atoll, where we will stay at the University of Belize’s research facility, Calabash Caye Field Station. Here, spend each day snorkeling in the warm coastal waters, assisting in the collection of marine data and the monitoring of reef health.
Come face-to-face with countless underwater species—from colorful parrotfish and damselfish to eels, rays, and turtles. Join researchers in conducting a survey of invasive lionfish, and assist with their removal and dissection. Participate in ongoing initiatives to protect dolphins, turtles, and reef sharks, and examine the threats to coral reefs around the planet. On land, hone 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
Above, left to right: A student collects data while snorkeling at Calabash Caye; an aerial view of the mysterious Great Blue Hole; paddleboarders strike a pose on the jade waters of the Caribbean.
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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 remarkably circular limestone sinkhole in the seafloor that stretches nearly one thousand 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 presentations by and discussions with your National Geographic Expert, and get to know your fellow travelers. Work on your On Assignment projects, designed to raise awareness about the critical need to protect and conserve tropical habitats. DAYS 9–13 I CAYE CAULKER Leave the outer reef and head north to Caye Caulker, one of the system’s more developed cayes. Participate in a beach cleanup, and
consider the impact of Belize’s ban on single-use plastic and Styrofoam. 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 your peers, community members, and local experts.
Belize is mother nature’s best kept secret—one that you have to see to believe.
Conservationist and research biologist Jamal Galves is a 2017 Nat Geo Photo Ark EDGE Fellow and program coordinator for the Sea to Shore Alliance. Jamal grew up in a small village in southern Belize, where he developed a love for animals. He fell in love with manatees at the age of 11; today, his work centers on conserving the endangered Antillean manatees of his home country. For his efforts, he has been named an Oceana Ocean Hero, Belize National Hero, and World Wildlife Fund Planet Hero. Jamal will join both departures on Calabash Caye. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 27–July 9 | July 4–16 Tuition: $6,290 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Miami and Belize City. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: At the Tropical Education Center, we stay in shared cabanas or dormitory-style rooms. On Calabash Caye, we stay in seaside dormitory rooms at the University of Belize research facility. On Caye Caulker, we stay in a small, family-run hotel. Note: While scuba diving is not the main focus of this trip, students who are certified will have the opportunity to participate in up to four dives, dependent on weather and conditions. The supplemental fee for diving is $325.
—Jamal Galves National Geographic Expert
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
E C UA D O R I A N A M A ZO N A N D T H E G A L Á PAG O S EXPEDITION: BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
• E xplore the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon’s Yasuní National Park, documented by five photographers for a National Geographic magazine story. • Snorkel with playful sea lions and penguins in the Galápagos Islands, and use your camera to capture the action. • Stay at an active research facility in the Amazon, and work with scientists to conserve the region’s unique wildlife. • Get up close to endangered Galápagos giant tortoises at a National Geographic– supported captive breeding program.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Practice your wildlife photography skills on the amazingly approachable animals of the Galápagos and the Amazon’s rainbow of insects, birds, and amphibians. Organize your images to create a photo-essay that tells the story of Ecuador’s astounding biodiversity, as well as the local conservation efforts aimed at protecting it.
W I L D L I F E C O N S E RVAT I O N Study Ecuador’s biodiversity and conservation policies alongside experts in the field. Interview researchers about efforts to conserve the Amazon in the face of oil drilling threats. Learn about evolution and animal behavior firsthand by observing fascinating Galápagos species found nowhere else on Earth. Participate in the iNaturalist citizen science project, joining a network of biologists mapping biodiversity across the globe.
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1 5 DAY S
Misty rainforest canopies and the wildlife-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 the Amazon’s macaws and monkeys to the endemic marine iguanas and giant tortoises of the Galápagos. DAY 1 I QUITO, ECUADOR Located at more than 9,000 feet in a highAndean valley, Quito is the second highest capital in the world. Spend your first night in the mountains surrounding the city, getting to know your group as we prepare for our trip into the primary rainforests of the Amazon River basin. DAYS 2–6 I YASUNÍ NATIONAL PARK Catch an early flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana, our gateway to the remote jungles of the Amazon River basin, and transfer to Yasuní National Park—considered one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. Our home base is the Yasuní Research Station, where we’ll meet a team of scientists who conduct fieldwork in the park. Hear an introduction to their research and conservation initiatives, then break into your On Assignment teams to start brainstorming your own projects.
Set out on daily adventures to discover what’s hidden under the jungle canopy. Follow the calls of howler and squirrel monkeys emanating from the treetops, and scan the forest floor in search of jaguar tracks and tiny insects like spike-headed katydids and kaleidoscopic butterflies. Visit a Waorani village to learn about indigenous traditions, and document the effects of oil extraction on the health of native habitats and communities. Ride a longboat down the Tiputini River with an indigenous guide, who will help us spot turtles, tapirs, and caimans bobbing at the water’s surface. Join our scientist hosts in the field for a macro photography workshop, setting light traps that
Above, left to right: Students encounter a sea turtle while snorkeling in the Galápagos; a sandy sea lion seems to strike a pose for its photographer; a baby squirrel monkey nibbles a snack.
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allow us to capture close-up photos of some of the Amazon’s innumerable insect species. Hone your wildlife observation skills by identifying some of Yasuní’s nearly 600 bird species, including colorful toucans and the massive harpy eagle. As you explore, develop your On Assignment project. Interview local researchers about their efforts to conserve this unique habitat, and photograph the intriguing jungle wildlife you encounter. Following your adventure in the Amazon, fly back to Quito and spend an evening near the airport before your trip to the Galápagos Islands. DAYS 7–15 I GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS Set off on an island-hopping adventure in the legendary Galápagos Archipelago. These volcanic isles, cut off from humans for millennia, helped shape Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Alongside your National Geographic Expert, discover the distinct character of each island we visit and get acquainted with its incredible endemic species.
Climb to the crater of an active volcano, and explore the remarkable landscape formed by recent lava flows. Peer into a coastal canal for close-up views of sharks, and go tide pooling to spot fire-red Sally Lightfoot crabs sunning on the rocks alongside spiky marine iguanas. Go on a behind-the-scenes visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to hear about local research on seamounts, or underwater mountains. Learn about conservation efforts inspired by the late Lonesome George—the last member of one of the islands’ tortoise subspecies—then go trekking through the highlands of Isla Santa Cruz to spot these gentle giants in the wild. Get closer than you ever imagined to 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, share your On Assignment projects. Then return to Quito for our flight home.
Marine ecologist Salomé Buglass is passionate about aquatic ecosystems and the intersection of people, ecological processes, and sustainable development. She works at the Charles Darwin Foundation in the Galápagos on projects that support the management of the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Salomé recently received a National Geographic Early Career Grant to lead a study exploring bajos, or shallow seamounts, which are important fishing areas in the Galápagos. Her research is focused on finding policy-oriented solutions to the degradation of land and marine resources while ensuring sustainable, community-based practices. Salomé will join both departures in the Galápagos. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 25–July 9 | July 2–16 Tuition: $6,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Quito, Quito to Coca, Coca to Quito, Quito to the Galápagos, the Galápagos to Quito, and Quito to Miami. Refer to page 79 for transportation details.
It is a privilege to study the unique environment of the Galápagos—a natural laboratory for marine sciences.
Accommodations: We will stay at a scientific research station in the Amazon. In Quito and the Galápagos Islands, we stay in family-run inns and small hotels. Note: We will be traveling at high elevations in Quito (9,350 feet). Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about the outdoors.
—Salomé Buglass National Geographic Expert
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
PERU AND THE AMAZON EXPEDITION: INCA WONDERS AND JUNGLE WILDLIFE
• Follow Inca trails to secluded stone villages, and see how the empire’s traditions and infrastructure live on in local communities. • Visit National Geographic Grantee Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez’s textile center to meet Andean weavers, and try your hand at the loom. • Travel into the cloud forests of Manú National Park, and glide along misty waterways into the heart of the Amazon. • Practice wildlife photography on monkeys, anteaters, and a kaleidoscope of birds and butterflies.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Create photo-essays that capture the many sides of Peru. Set out into the Sacred Valley 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 images of frolicking monkeys.
A N T H RO P O LO GY & LO C A L C U LT U R E S Examine Inca and Amazonian cultures, both past and present. Learn about the 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.
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1 9 DAY S
From Andean peaks steeped in Inca lore to the lush Amazon rainforest, 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 I LIMA, PERU We begin our adventure 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, and dive into your On Assignment projects. HE SACRED VALLEY AND DAYS 3–7 I T OLLANTAYTAMBO Travel from Lima to the Sacred Valley of the Inca and settle in at Ollantaytambo. With its cobblestoned lanes and sophisticated system 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. 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 street markets, encounter indigenous foods, colorful textile patterns, and local dialects passed down through many generations. DAYS 8–9 I MACHU PICCHU Travel by train through spectacular mountain scenery to the once-hidden citadel of Machu
Above, left to right: Students take in an awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu; a traditionally dressed Andean woman teaches a student natural dying techniques in Chinchero; the ocelot is a nocturnal feline native to South America’s rainforests.
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Picchu. Abandoned by the Inca for centuries, the site was rediscovered in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham and excavated with support from National Geographic. Capture a unique photographic angle on this iconic site, and then venture through the ancient temples and dwellings to unlock their mysteries. Take an early morning hike up a nearby peak to watch the sun rise over the ruins before traveling back to Ollantaytambo by train. DAYS 10–13 I CUSCO AND CHINCHERO Arrive in Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Discover the city’s rich history, visiting the temple of Coricancha and the colonial cathedral. Stroll the city’s winding streets and photograph the relics of an empire long gone but not forgotten. Then explore the colossal fortress of Sacsayhuaman, site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Spanish conquest. Spend a day in the village of Chinchero, and visit National Geographic Grantee Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez’s textile center. Try your hand at the
ancient art of Andean weaving, a tradition that continues today thanks to Nilda’s efforts. DAYS 14–17 I AMAZON RAINFOREST 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 rainforest, 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 I 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.
Peru is an extremely diverse country, from the high Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest and sweeping desert coast; and the warmth of the people always makes my heart sing.
Ethnomusicologist Holly Wissler specializes in the musical rituals of Peru’s Q’eros and Wachiperi indigenous groups. She works with indigenous communities to preserve their culture and traditions, and has produced documentaries about the largest pilgrimage festival in the Peruvian Andes. Holly is fluent in Spanish and Quechua—the main indigenous language spoken in the Andes—and is conversant in both American and Peruvian Sign Languages. The Peru director for the Center for World Music, Holly plays a number of traditional Andean instruments. She will join the group in Ollantaytambo. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: June 28–July 16 Tuition: $6,990 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 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We will stay in small, family-run inns and hostels throughout most of the expedition. In the Amazon, students will stay at an eco-lodge in the heart of Manú National Park. 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. Participants should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
—Holly Wissler National Geographic Expert
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
AZORES EXPEDITION: P O RT U G A L’ S P R I S T I N E I S L E S
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• Take in the geothermal drama of the Azores while exploring lava tubes, volcanoes, and ethereal crater lakes. • Set sail alongside a conservationist guide in search of whales and dolphins, and learn about Pico Island’s whaling history. • Photograph quaint architecture in coastal cities, and help document endemic plant and bird species in lush nature reserves. • Summit Portugal’s highest mountain, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of a submerged caldera.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Curate a photo project focused on the dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage of the Azores. Practice landscape photography on volcanic peaks and ancient lava tubes; or tell the story of Pico Island’s whaling industry through portraits of sea captains, conservationists, and former whalers. Capture motion as you train your lens on twirling dolphins in the open ocean.
W I L D L I F E C O N S E RVAT I O N Work with pioneers of the local ecotourism movement; interview former whalers to hear their views on whale watching; and speak to local fishermen about sustainable fishing practices. Identify the resident and migratory species of the Azores and classify endemic birds, assessing the impact of agriculture on their forest habitats.
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1 4 DAY S
Known as the “Hawai‘i of Europe,” the Azores Archipelago lies some 850 miles off the coast of Portugal. These remote Atlantic isles were settled by Portuguese seafarers in the 15th century; today, travelers in the know are drawn by their unspoiled landscapes and stellar reputation for sustainability. Hike through the Azores’ tropical jungles and subterranean lava tubes, meet trailblazing conservationists, and head out to sea to watch for the cetaceans that frequent these pristine waters. DAYS 1–5 I P ONTA DELGADA, SÃO MIGUEL ISLAND, AZORES, PORTUGAL Arrive in Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores. Set out to explore this charming city, founded by Portuguese fishermen in the 15th century, and learn basic Portuguese phrases as you wander the narrow, cobblestoned streets and tree-lined squares. Begin working on your On Assignment project as we head into the countryside. Climb into ancient lava tubes and learn about the geology of these dramatic landscapes, formed by volcanic activity over millions of years. Keep an eye out for endemic bird species, and hear about the efforts being made to recover their degraded habitats. Then hike up the island’s westernmost volcano for a panoramic view of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, and try capturing the vibrancy of the twin lakes’ ethereal shades on camera. Alongside local conservationists,
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lend a hand with area reforestation initiatives; then continue your geological adventure on the eastern part of the island, photographing bubbling mud pits, gushing geysers, and hissing steam vents. DAYS 6–8 I LAJES DO PICO, PICO ISLAND Fly to Pico Island, once a major hub of the North Atlantic whaling industry. Since commercial whale hunting was banned here in 1986, the island has become a global leader in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. Meet with pioneers of the whale conservation movement, and visit the Museu dos Baleeiros, a museum dedicated to Pico Island’s whaling heritage. Then set out by boat to spot these
Above, left to right: The islet of Vila Franco do Campo is formed by the crater of an ancient underwater volcano; the Ponta do Pico volcano on Pico Island is Portugal’s highest summit; the waters of the Azores teem with dolphins and other marine creatures.
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Back on land, descend into one of the longest lava tubes in the world, the Gruta de Torres. Emerge into daylight and hike up Ponta do Pico, the highest peak in Portugal. Explore the volcano’s collapsed crater and photograph the sweeping landscapes of the island.
excursion. Later, hike through a nearby nature reserve to look for endemic bird species and vibrant flowers. Meet with park rangers and hear about a government initiative to protect a percentage of the island for wildlife and forestry conservation, then cool off with a dip under a waterfall or take a soak in a natural hot spring. Afterward, gear up for a canyoneering adventure with professional guides and set off sliding, jumping, and rappelling through rocky crevices and sheets of tumbling water.
DAYS 9–11 I A NGRA DO HEROÍSMO, TERCEIRA ISLAND Sail to Angra do Heroísmo, the Azores’ oldest city. Angra was once an important pit stop for European ships en route to the New World during the Age of Exploration. Roam among the whitewashed, red-roofed buildings of the city, snapping shots of intricate sidewalk mosaics and pastel-colored churches, and head to the marina to join local fisherman on a fishing
DAYS 12–14 I PONTA DELGADA, SÃO MIGUEL ISLAND Return to Ponta Delgada for your final nights. Recap your adventures while lounging in the pristine waters of the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, a half-submerged caldera just off the coast of São Miguel Island, and go snorkeling in the crater’s natural lake. Wrap up your On Assignment project and present it to the group before flying home.
magnificent creatures. See resident Atlantic spotted dolphins, as well as sperm whales; and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of a massive blue whale—the largest known animal to ever inhabit the Earth.
If you love gorgeous trails and magnificent whales, the Azores Archipelago is the place to be. Boasting spectacular lake-filled calderas and waters teeming with marine life, it’s pretty much my paradise on Earth.
National Geographic Emerging Explorer (2004) Tierney Thys is a marine biologist and awardwinning filmmaker studying the oceanic megafauna, including the giant ocean sunfish. Her research also maps connections between nature and human well-being. Tierney has traveled to more than 60 countries and joined numerous National Geographic Expeditions. She is currently a researcher at the California Academy of Sciences and also serves on the science advisory board of Think Beyond Plastic, an environmental think tank. Tierney works with people of all ages to promote oceanic conservation through a variety of creative outlets. She will join both departures in Ponta Delgada. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: July 3–16 | July 7–20 Tuition: $6,490 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Boston and Ponta Delgada. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: Our group stays in small guest houses and hostels throughout the expedition.
—Dr. Tierney Thys National Geographic Expert
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
ICELAND EXPEDITION: LAND OF FIRE AND ICE
• Explore a glacial lagoon filled with icebergs, and trek atop a glacier with a professional guide to witness the impacts of climate change. • Hike across black-sand beaches, ride Icelandic horses, and spot colorful puffins; then create a photo-essay documenting your experiences. • Discuss geology with Icelandic scientists, and see the Earth in action while exploring waterfalls, geysers, and bubbling mud pots. • Learn the art of filmmaking, and produce a video that contrasts Iceland’s volcanic wonders with its icy elements.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Develop a photo-essay on Iceland’s dramatic geology, or tell the story of Icelandic culture through portraits of fishermen and scientists. Hone your skills as you shoot pictures of Icelandic horses and puffins.
C L I M AT E & G E O LO GY Delve into the science behind global climate change and thermodynamic energy. Initiate a GPS project to measure and map the recession of glacial tongues, build a model glacier, or measure your group’s carbon footprint.
FILM & VIDEO Document your journey, and use mobileediting technology to produce a short film. Record receding glaciers, erupting geysers, and hissing volcanic steam vents. Interview local experts on the effects of climate change on the far north.
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Iceland is a country of extremes, where geysers and lava flows coexist with powerful waterfalls and calving glaciers. Located at the edge of the Arctic Circle, much of the island remains under ice, yet it is also one of the planet’s most volcanically active countries. Take advantage of long days and bright nights to explore the wonders of these otherworldly landscapes. DAYS 1–4 I R EYKJAVÍK AND THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, ICELAND The expedition begins with a swim in Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool, the Blue Lagoon. At an orientation in Reykjavík, get essential background on the geology of this subarctic island nation, and learn about the impact of climate change on its landscapes. Hike to the top of a nearby volcano and immerse yourself in Viking heritage at some of Reykjavík’s cutting-edge historical museums. Head out to the Golden Circle and discover Gullfoss, a thundering waterfall that appears to vanish into the earth. Then continue to Geysir—home to the earliest geyser known to Europeans—where boiling water can rocket up to 210 feet in the air. Join an expert guide to tour an ultramodern geothermal plant that provides much of Reykjavík’s energy. Iceland is at the forefront of the sustainable power movement, with 70 percent of its energy derived from renewable sources. Explore
ancient lava flows to learn how volcanism continues to shape Iceland’s dynamic landscape. Hike along the shores of Thingvallavatn, the country’s largest lake, and learn about the geological forces that created the islands and canyons around this body of water. Summer days are very long this far north, and much can be seen and done here in a single day. DAYS 5–10 I H ÖFN AND THE VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER Next, journey east to Höfn, a remote gateway to the mighty Vatnajökull glacier, the world’s largest ice cap outside the Arctic and Antarctica. Photograph a glacial lagoon full of
Above, left to right: A young explorer stands at the mouth of a glistening ice tunnel; student photographer Joshua H. frames his peers admiring the deep blue waters of a crater lake; the Svartifoss waterfall tumbles down black basalt columns in Skaffafell National Park.
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fantastically shaped icebergs. Participate in dynamic field-based seminars with experts on glaciology and climate change. Stay near the vast glacial moraine at the heart of Skaftafell National Park, and don crampons and ice axes to trek over the massive ice cap with certified local guides. Photograph unique rock formations along black-sand beaches, or visit the original landing place of Iceland’s first settlers, a headland of rugged cliffs dotted with puffins. Investigate changes in the composition of fish stocks and seabird populations caused by warming waters. Explore Iceland’s southern coast and remote glacial valleys with your On Assignment team, and report your findings back to the group. DAYS 11–14 I L AKE MÝVATN AND THE NORTHERN COAST Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge. This unique position
makes it one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Head north across the uninhabited interior to the wild volcanic area around Lake Mývatn. Explore bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and the craters of dormant volcanoes. Hike on congealed lava flows from a series of massive eruptions that occurred in the late 1970s. Visit magnificent Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where gray glacial meltwater from Iceland’s interior blasts through a spectacular basalt canyon. Bathe in the blue mineral waters of a natural thermal pool surrounded by black lava beds, and visit Akureyri, a thriving modern city set along a fjord. Hike to roaring glacial waterfalls, ride 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. Present your work in Akureyri, then return to Reykjavík before flying home.
Italian photographer Gianluca Colla has traveled around the globe on assignment, from Antarctica to Iceland and the Arctic, and from Africa’s deserts to the Amazon and the Alps. He has covered a diverse range of topics, including the secrets of the longest living centenarians in the world, a lost Leonardo da Vinci painting, and hidden mummies in Sicilian crypts. Gianluca’s work has appeared in National Geographic magazine, Newsweek, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. He regularly lectures on photography and enjoys inspiring others through storytelling and imagery. Gianluca will join the July 1 departure in Reykjavík. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: July 1–14 | July 7–20 Tuition: $7,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Reykjavík. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We will stay in small hostels and family-run guesthouses throughout the expedition.
I was quite proud of my On Assignment project in Iceland. It significantly enriched my experience, and made my trip all the more meaningful.
Note: This expedition includes several active excursions such as hiking and glacier trekking. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
—Erin M. Student Traveler, 2019
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
IRELAND EXPEDITION: D I S C OV E R I N G T H E E M E RA L D I S L E
• 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 James Joyce, W. B. Yeats, and Oscar Wilde. • Kick up your heels at an Irish step-dancing class, and join lively “trad” sessions in Galway—a hub for traditional Irish music. • O rganize a show in Dublin to share the photography, poetry, and prose you create during your trip.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Tell the stories of the Emerald Isle through photography. Train your lens on towering cliffs and crashing waves, and take portraits of sheep farmers and street musicians. Master depth of field and framing as you document a day in the life of a Dubliner, or explore the intersection of the past and present in a photo-essay about a fishing family in Howth.
C R E AT I V E W R I T I N G Tap into Ireland’s storytelling legacy during field-based writing workshops. Review a traditional Irish restaurant, or pen a story about fictional residents living behind one of Dublin’s famous painted doors. Draft a piece of historical fiction on monks who once lived at Clonmacnoise abbey, or set a poem in the mystical Aran Islands.
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Ireland’s rolling green landscapes and cliff-lined coasts have long inspired storytellers. From the cobblestoned streets of Dublin to the otherworldly landscapes of the Aran Islands, delve into Ireland’s past, where Celtic myths meet a tumultuous history of invasion and revolution. Explore the Irish penchant for storytelling and the lively musical traditions of Galway and the western coast. DAYS 1–4 I DUBLIN, IRELAND On the streets of Dublin, revolutionaries once rose up to end 500 years of British rule, and impassioned writers penned works that would become classics. The city that once saw so much strife is now a spirited hub of Irish culture, increasingly infused with an international vibe. Grab your notebook or your camera and head out to capture the pulse of Dublin. Photograph buskers strumming on Grafton Street and stroll in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and W. B. Yeats, all of whom lived on beautiful Merrion Square. Take in the sights and sounds of the city on a bike tour along its historic lanes and canals. Visit Dublin City Gallery or the Dublin Writers Museum, and take in a show at the Abbey Theatre, founded by Yeats and Lady Gregory in 1904. Kick up your heels at a traditional Irish step-dancing class. Take portraits of locals with Dublin Castle as your backdrop, or interview street vendors along O’Connell Street. Walk
the cobblestoned lanes of Temple Bar, relax on the green at Trinity College, and explore the revived Docklands neighborhood along the River Liffey. 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 I GALWAY Travel west from Dublin, passing through boglands and rolling green hills and stopping to photograph winding rivers and ancient monasteries along the way. Artsy, seaside Galway—sometimes called Ireland’s most Irish
Above, left to right: Camera at the ready, a student photographer pauses for a portrait; the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle overlooks Galway Bay; on the picturesque Aran Islands, students wind their way toward the sea.
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city—is our base on the dramatic west coast. From here, explore the Gaeltacht, where Ireland’s traditional ways of life hold strong and Irish (Gaelic) is still the language of the land. Together with your peers, transform your exploration into poetry and prose, or hone your photography skills as you capture the beautiful and complex spirit of Galway and its people. Listen to live Irish music, replete with the traditional sounds of fiddles and spoons; draft a series of profiles on local shopkeepers; or photograph everyday life on the streets of Galway and the quays along the River Corrib. Take in the films, art exhibits, live music, and theater of the Galway International Arts Festival. Venture into the countryside to explore village life and take in Ireland’s stunning natural beauty. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, chat with locals over a traditional Irish breakfast, and wander past thatched-roof homes lining cobblestoned streets.
DAYS 8–11 I THE ARAN ISLANDS Hop on a ferry for a four-day photo and writing assignment on the magical Aran Islands, where writers such as J. M. Synge found inspiration among Celtic ruins and barren expanses of limestone. Walk atop craggy cliffs overlooking the North Atlantic and visit the ruins of ancient fortresses, castles, and churches to capture a sense of place in your writing or photography. Talk to farmers, fishermen, and innkeepers about their daily lives. Let the mystical atmosphere of the islands fuel your imagination as we work to put the finishing touches on our projects. DAYS 12–14 I DUBLIN Return to Dublin for a student-organized show of the photography, poetry, and prose created during your expedition. Celebrate your accomplishments with your group before flying home the following day.
Melissa Farlow is known for her personal approach to photographing people, and has worked on more than 20 projects for National Geographic in South America, Quebec, Alaska, the Alps, and throughout the American West. She has also traveled throughout Ireland on various photo assignments. From an early age, Melissa had a passion for horses, and she recently co-produced Wild at Heart, a young adult book about mustangs and the teens who are trying to preserve America’s wild horse legacy. Melissa was awarded a Pulitzer Prize together with the staff of the Louisville Courier-Journal, and her work has been published in National Geographic magazine, National Geographic Traveler, Smithsonian, LIFE, and in more than 70 books. Melissa will join the group in Galway and the Aran Islands. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: July 10–23 Tuition: $6,090
Ireland is a land of simple, yet stunning beauty. Lands that are rocky, wild, and harsh have created a culture of people that are warm and stoic, with a gentle sense of humor.
Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Dublin. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: In Dublin, we stay in dormitorystyle accommodations 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 hostels and university housing.
—Melissa Farlow National Geographic Expert
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
I TA LY A N D G R E E C E E X P E D I T I O N : EMPIRES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
• Capture the sunset over Rome’s iconic Colosseum with guidance from a National Geographic photographer. • Wander iconic archaeological sites such as the Acropolis, and craft fictional narratives on life in these ancient cities. • Gaze up at Michelangelo’s masterful Sistine Chapel, and ponder the storytelling power of centuries-old art and architecture. • Document your friends hiking across Hydra or swimming off the coast of Capri through photography or writing.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Document your adventure on photography assignments in the field. Evoke the classical past by shooting the ruins of the Roman Forum or Delphi. Take to the street to capture the flavors of contemporary life.
A N T H RO P O LO GY & LO C A L C U LT U R E S 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.
C R E AT I V E W R I T I N G Develop your storytelling through a series of field-based writing workshops. Craft a biographical portrait of a local character, pen a narrative about exploring Capri, or write a story on the excavation of Pompeii.
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More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks laid the foundations for Western civilization, including democracy, philosophy, science, and medicine. Close on their heels, the Romans established the ancient world’s greatest empire. Experience the living legacy of the Greek and Roman Empires against a backdrop of magnificent temples, rich mythology, and stunning seascapes. DAYS 1–5 I P OMPEII, CAPRI, AND SALERNO, ITALY Fly to Naples, and head 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. DAYS 6–8 I ROME Return to magical, timeless Rome and discover the many wonders of this great city. Walk through the Roman Forum, where Julius Caesar was assassinated by conspirators. Imagine crowds cheering on the gladiators in the grand Colosseum and the chariot races in the Circus
Maximus. Take in some of the world’s greatest classical sculpture at the Vatican Museums and the Villa Borghese. Examine Michelangelo’s masterpiece: the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. 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.
Above, left to right: A student photographer captures the sun peeking through ancient ruins; Nat Geo flag outstretched, a student prepares to make a splash; terra-cotta rooftops spill down the hillside on the island of Hydra.
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DAYS 9–10 I DELPHI, GREECE Fly to Athens, Greece, and continue to Delphi, perched on the shoulder of Mount Parnassus. Settle into this tiny, picturesque village, just a short walk from the Temple of Apollo. Wander through the well-preserved ruins of theaters, treasuries, altars, and stadiums while taking in amazing views of the mountains and the turquoise sea. Through photography or writing, tell the stories of the stone statues that immortalize the history and mythos of ancient athletes. DAYS 11–12 I ATHENS Return to Athens and spend two days exploring the Acropolis and Parthenon, the ancient Agora, and the National Archaeological Museum. Visit iconic works of art at the National Gallery and learn the stories of their excavation. Experience the modern city’s bustling street life, markets, and cuisine. Capture the intersection of ancient and modern life with your pen and camera.
DAYS 13–17 I NÁFPLIO Náfplio, our base for the next five days, is set on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese in the shadow of a cliff-top castle. The town’s pedestrian streets wind down the hillside to a tiny beach. During our time here, get to know the locals, join in a pickup game of soccer, attend a street fair, or stroll down to the beach for a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Argolís. On day trips, discover the legendary home of Agamemnon at Mycenae; view one of the world’s best preserved Greek theaters at Epidaurus; and hike the slopes of Hydra, a starkly beautiful island where cars are forbidden. In Náfplio’s idyllic setting, we present our On Assignment projects to the group. Return to Athens for our flight home.
William Saturno is an anthropologist and archaeologist who specializes in early civilizations. He has conducted extensive research in Mesoamerica, unearthing the oldest intact Maya mural yet found. He has also been exploring the cities and ruins of Europe—from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia—since childhood. Bill is an expert at narrating the tales of adventurers, artists, commoners, and kings to bring the past vividly to life. He has taught extensively on how Europe’s modern nations continue to build upon their varied classical, medieval, and Renaissance foundations. Bill will join the June 30 departure in Athens. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 16–July 2 | June 30–July 16 Tuition: $7,290 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Naples, Naples to Athens, and Athens to New York. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: Throughout Italy and Greece, we stay in small family-run hotels.
Though we’ve all seen images of the Parthenon, standing in the shadows of those incredible columns is an entirely different experience—the very history of Western civilization oozes from the stones. —William Saturno National Geographic Expert
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
N O R WAY E X P E D I T I O N : N O R D I C C U LT U R E S A N D A R C T I C E X P L O R AT I O N
• Stay at a mountain hut in Jotunheimen National Park, and embrace Norwegian friluftsliv, or “open-air life,” while hiking. • Photograph Norway’s world-famous fjords while kayaking beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls. • Venture above the Arctic Circle to the tiny fishing hamlets of the Lofoten islands, where the summer sun never sets. • Step aboard restored Viking longships in Oslo, and listen to Viking lore that has been passed down through the centuries.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Photographic opportunities are around every corner as we explore Norway’s dramatic landscapes and charming villages. Capture a unique angle on the country’s iconic beauty, and convey the vibrant culture of rural communities while documenting colorful towns and fishing hamlets. Snap portraits that tell the stories of the local characters you meet along your journey.
A N T H RO P O LO GY & LO C A L C U LT U R E S Delve into Norway’s seafaring traditions, from the Viking Age to the Hanseatic trading era and modern-day fishing cultures. Discuss Norway’s status as one of the most sustainable countries in the world. Learn how the friluftsliv philosophy binds together historical and modern Norway as the central way of life for both the ancient Vikings and today’s pastoralists and urbanites.
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Norway is a country of stunning fjords and soaring peaks whose residents have a storied history of connecting with their natural world. This kinship with the Earth is infused into many aspects of daily life here, and is at the root of age-old traditions that live on today. Venture to the northern reaches of Europe to discover how Norwegians are preserving their rich cultural legacy for future generations. DAYS 1–4 I JOTUNHEIMEN NATIONAL PARK, NORWAY Arrive in the Norwegian capital of Oslo and journey to our remote mountain lodge on Gjende lake in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park. Set out on daily hikes with your On Assignment team to explore the Norwegian mountains, home to glaciers and turquoise lakes framed by steep peaks. Practice landscape photography and embrace friluftsliv in this spectacular wilderness. DAYS 5–7 I O SLO Return to Oslo and set out to explore the city by bike, stopping at the Nobel Peace Center and the incredible Vigeland sculpture park. Experience Nordic sauna culture at a floating sauna in Oslo harbor, then dive into the
refreshing waters of the Oslo fjord. Glimpse the country’s seafaring legacy at the Akershus Fortress and on a trip to the Bygdøy peninsula, where we’ll tour Viking longships; and learn about daily life for indigenous Sami reindeer herders while perusing the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. On a hike through Nordmarka forest, get introduced to the Nordic philosophy of friluftsliv, based on the drive for a deep connection with nature; then visit an urban farm to see how locals are
Above, left to right: Colorful homes line the harbor of a quaint fishing village in the Lofoten islands; students kayak off the coast of Å; an Atlantic puffin stands watch.
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balancing green living with Oslo’s increasing population density. As you uncover Norway’s rich culture and epic beauty, delve into your On Assignment project.
and puffins; and use your camera to capture the swirling seas off the coast of Å, a village of stilted red houses. Listen to Viking lore under a midnight sun that never sets in the summer.
DAYS 8–13 I THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS After a night back in Oslo, soar above the Arctic Circle to the magical Lofoten islands, where mountains rise straight from the sea and colorful villages dot rocky shorelines. Settle into a remote fishing hamlet and immerse yourself in the local culture. Discuss the benefits of traditional fishing methods with residents, and learn about the controversies surrounding fish factories. Hop into a kayak to explore the Norwegian Sea’s fascinating marine life; hike or bike along the shorelines in search of sea eagles
DAYS 14–17 I BERGEN Fly to Bergen, gateway to Norway’s famed fjord lands and one of the largest trading ports in northern Europe during the Middle Ages. Stay near the city’s old wharf district, Bryggen, and visit the fish market—a gathering spot for merchants since the 13th century. Hike the Seven Sisters mountain chain to photograph panoramas of the North Sea. Share your final On Assignment presentation on a mountainside perch and celebrate your adventure with a traditional Norwegian meal before flying home.
For more than a decade, Erika Larsen has used photography to document cultures that maintain strong connections with nature. She has followed Sami reindeer herders in the Scandinavian Arctic and explored the significance of the horse in Native American culture for National Geographic magazine. Erika received a Fulbright Fellowship to study the North Sámi language, which resulted in her first book of photographs, Sami, Walking with Reindeer. She was named a National Geographic Society Fellow in 2018, exploring the theme of ritual and environment, and her portraits are featured in the upcoming book, Women: The National Geographic Image Collection. Erika will join the July 10 departure in Oslo and Jotunheimen National Park. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 24–July 10 | July 10–26 Tuition: $7,790
Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The landscapes are magical vehicles where you can transcend time and space. —Erika Larsen National Geographic Expert
Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Oslo, Oslo to Lofoten, Lofoten to Bergen, and Bergen to New York. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We will stay in small hotels and fishing cabins throughout the expedition. Note: This expedition includes several active excursions such as hiking and kayaking. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
SWISS AND FRENCH ALPS EXPEDITION: M O U N TA I N A DV E N T U R E
• Learn adventure photography and filmmaking skills as you capture fellow travelers zip lining and canyoneering. • Interview ice climbers about their Alpine adventures, and trek atop the largest glacier in the mountain range. • Trace the history of modern mountaineering at the Matterhorn Museum, and follow in the footsteps of the region’s trailblazers on hiking excursions. • Soar up the slopes in Europe’s highest cable car, and capture images of glistening ice sculptures in the Jungfrau Ice Palace.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Capture the thrill of adventure in the Swiss and French Alps with the skyscraping peaks of the Jungfrau, the Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc as your backdrop. Work on panning as your friends swing by on zip lines, and focus on depth of field as you frame alpine flora and fauna.
FILM & VIDEO Delve into the exhilarating art of creating adventure films. Grab your camera equipment or strap on a GoPro and record footage as you climb, hike, zip line and trek across glaciers. Interview fellow students or local mountaineers, film the snowy peaks from a cable car or a historic cogwheel train, and use mobile-editing technology to produce short films.
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Out of lush green valleys, the Alps burst into the sky in jagged sculptures of rock and ice. The highest mountains in Western Europe, these glittering peaks are the birthplace of modern trekking. Set off on an Alpine journey from the foot of the Jungfrau to the crooked peak of the Matterhorn, and explore in myriad ways: by zip line, mountain bike, or canyoneering. DAYS 1–5 I 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 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 photography skills or capture the sense of adventure on film while hiking through narrow ravines. DAYS 6–9 I ZERMATT Travel south across high mountain passes to the charming village of Zermatt, gateway to the mighty Matterhorn. Take the highest cable
Above, left to right: A student hones his landscape photography skills in the shadow of the Matterhorn; a cog wheel train takes students to the highest railway station in Europe; zip lining in the Swiss Alps.
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car in Europe to Klein Matterhorn, photographing or filming nearly 360-degree views of glaciers and peaks from midair. Then hike through pine forests and train your lens on brilliant lakes with the magnificent mountains as your backdrop. Go mountain biking on scenic trails that provide changing perspectives at every turn. Trace the history of mountaineering at the Matterhorn Museum and discover tales of the daredevils and pioneers who have tackled the Alps’ highest summits. Learn the art of exposure and shutter speed with the gorgeous Alps as your backdrop. DAYS 10–14 I CHAMONIX, FRANCE Just over the border in France lies Chamonix, a renowned mountain resort that hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924. On the near horizon looms Mont Blanc, the so-called “roof of Europe,” measuring 15,782 feet. Settle into this mountain town and take to the trails, trekking to Alpine lakes and meadows scattered
with wildflowers and ringing with cowbells. Ride the funicular to the Col de Balme and hike up to the Croix de Fer pass for incredible views and a chance to slide on the snow. Enjoy a picnic lunch beneath the sharp pinnacles of the Aiguille du Midi mountain, first climbed in 1818. Weather permitting, strap on crampons and grab an ice axe for a walk on the spectacular glacier known as the Mer de Glace. Then join experienced guides to try out canyoneering, an exhilarating experience that combines rappelling, climbing, and water sliding 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.
The area is bursting with adventure and photographic potential. The home of alpinism has it all, from snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and lakes to the best chocolate and cheese!
Cave explorer, visual storyteller, and National Geographic Grantee Robbie Shone has captured stunning images of some of the deepest, largest, and longest cave systems known in the world. His projects for National Geographic have taken him to remote areas of Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and Uzbekistan, and his work has been featured in several publications, including National Geographic magazine, GEO, and Intelligent Life. When not on assignment, Robbie can be found chasing adventures at home in Innsbruck, Austria, or photographing rock climbers, tobogganing competitions, and cultural events in the heart of the Alps. Robbie will join the group in Grindelwald and Zermatt. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: July 10–23 Tuition: $7,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Zurich, and return from Geneva. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in small mountain hostels and huts throughout the program. Note: This expedition includes several full-day hikes in the Alps. To get the most out of the program, participants should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
—Robbie Shone National Geographic Expert
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
B O T S WA N A A N D V I C T O R I A F A L L S E X P E D I T I O N : W I L D L I F E C O N S E R VA T I O N
• Work alongside researchers at Elephants for Africa to document herd behavior in 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 more. • Learn wildlife photography skills and take photos with an eye to inspiring conservation efforts. • Hear from researchers with National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project about active conservation initiatives.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Document your experience with Botswana’s resident megafauna in photographs. Create a photo book distinguishing individuals of an elephant herd, learn about the science of wildlife photography while experimenting with camera traps, or work alongside locals competing in Botswana’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
W I L D L I F E C O N S E RVAT I O N 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 human-elephant conflict, learn about wildlife-tracking, and meet up with local farmers to brainstorm novel strategies for protecting wildlife.
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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 1–4 I VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE Begin your adventure in Zimbabwe with a visit to spectacular Victoria Falls, known locally as the “smoke that thunders” and considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Victoria Falls’ mile-wide curtain of water is nearly twice the width of Niagara Falls and plunges more than 350 feet into a narrow chasm, creating clouds of mist that sparkle in the sunlight. Get to know your Expedition Leaders and fellow group members while exploring the nature paths that wind through lush forests overlooking these majestic cascades. Photograph the falls from the bridge that spans the border with Zambia, then discuss human-wildlife cohabitation as you walk through corridors specially designed for elephant passage.
DAYS 5–8 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 near a research base just outside the park and spend several days working alongside conservationists and scientists with Elephants for Africa, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the vulnerable African elephant through research and education.
Above, left to right: A group of students observe a bull elephant from a boat in the Okavango Delta; a safari jeep trundles past a heard of zebra in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park; rainbows dapple the air at the stunning Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Meet the founders of Cameras for Conservation and learn photography techniques for documenting elephant behavior and ecology, then create a digital photo book of the park’s resident herds. With the help of camera traps, 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 farmers to implement new strategies for wildlife conservation in the region. DAYS 9–14 I OKAVANGO DELTA Travel north to Botswana’s most iconic landscape, the Okavango Delta. This far-reaching network of inland lagoons and floodplains is home to some of the world’s most endangered megafauna, including cheetahs, white and black rhinos, and African wild dogs. After one night preparing for the expedition in Maun,
settle into camp and meet your local guide, a member of National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project who grew up in the area and has intimate knowledge of the 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 intricacies of this habitat with your camera and learn wilderness skills from your knowledgeable guide. Conclude the program in Maun, where we’ll present our On Assignment projects to the group and celebrate our journey across southern Africa.
I loved talking to local people, going on sunrise and sunset game drives, and learning about each animal as we encountered them. Experiencing these moments with my peers made it all the more special.
Botswana Wild Bird Trust managing director and conservation educator Koketso Mookodi grew up and studied in Gaborone—Botswana’s capital—and then moved to the Okavango Delta to pursue her passion for wildlife. She earned a degree in tourism management, and began educating and empowering the local communities of the Okavango Delta. Koketso is committed to bringing knowledge and self-esteem to the people of the Okavango, and helps equip them to make conscious decisions regarding wildlife and the environment that they share. Koketso is also involved with the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, working towards making the project’s scientific and research efforts relevant to the communities that are the custodians of Okavango Delta. Koketso will join both departures in the Okavango Delta. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 28–July 11 | July 19–Aug. 1 Tuition: $7,890 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Victoria Falls and return from Maun. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: In Victoria Falls and Maun, we stay in simple guesthouses. In Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and the Okavango Delta, we stay in tented safari camps.
—Violet Jane S. Student Traveler, 2019
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
N A M I B I A E X P E D I T I O N : D E S E RT SA FA R I A N D B I G C A T C O N S E R VA T I O N
• Visit a National Geographic–supported research center to see how technology is used to monitor wildlife populations, then join scientists to track leopards. • Photograph Sossusvlei’s otherworldly landscapes of red sand and the eerie skeletal trees of Deadvlei. • E xplore coastal dunes with desert ecologists, then ride the surrounding slopes on a sandboarding excursion. • Help care for rehabilitated cheetahs at the world-renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund, and join trackers on census walks.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Document your exploration of Namibia in a photography portfolio. Use time-lapse techniques to show the sun dipping behind the dunes at Sossusvlei, zoom in on 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.
W I L D L I F E C O N S E RVAT I O N Examine Namibia’s unique landscapes and the species that have adapted to these fragile desert ecosystems. Work with researchers at renowned conservation organizations, helping them save the country’s big cats, rhinos, and other threatened wildlife. Track leopards with a National Geographic Grantee, and discuss the plight of the cheetah with researchers at the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
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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 sea kayaking in Walvis Bay; and climb the dunes of the Namib Desert. DAYS 1–6 I N/A’AN KU SÊ, NAMIBIA Get settled at the N/a’an Ku Sê Wildlife Sanctuary, where National Geographic– supported researchers have developed an innovative approach to protecting predators while reducing attacks on local livestock. Learn about the use of GPS and Google Earth to track leopards and cheetahs, and head into the field with local researchers on game counts, collar-tracking exercises, or to set up camera traps at watering holes. Snap close-up shots of the resident cheetahs and baboons, and zoom out to photograph herds of zebras and springbok. Track African wild dogs that have been recently reintroduced to the reserve, visit a sanctuary for injured and orphaned elephants and rhinos, and help to perform a veterinary check-up on a rehabilitated animal. Discuss the effects of climate change on this desert ecosystem with conservation experts, and spend time with members of a hunter-gatherer San community.
DAYS 7–11 I 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 Deadvlei, a stark landscape dotted with ancient, skeletal camel thorn trees. Continue to the seaside city of Swakopmund, and explore the nearby dunes with desert ecologists, learning about the species that have adapted to survive the harsh conditions. Then tear down dune slopes on a sandboarding excursion. Visit Cape Cross
Above, left to right: Tawny grasses engulf a cheetah and a photographer; the orange-red dunes of the Namib Desert are a dream to photograph—and photobomb; zebras stroll through Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries.
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to observe a vast breeding colony of some 100,000 Cape fur seals, and paddle alongside dolphins, flamingos, and pelicans on a guided sea-kayaking adventure in Walvis Bay. DAYS 12–13 I DAMARALAND Journey into Damaraland, where the desert harbors unusually succulent plants fed by Atlantic mists. With local guides, hike to the White Lady rock etching, believed to date back at least 2,000 years. Pay a visit to Brandberg Mountain, a giant granite monolith and Namibia’s highest mountain peak; then descend into the neighboring valley and venture across the stark landscapes in search of endangered desert-adapted elephants. DAYS 14–16 I ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK Namibia’s dry season spans April through October, when herds of plains game flock to the waterholes of Etosha National Park, and their predators—lions, leopards, and cheetahs— follow close behind. 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 17–19 I 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. DAYS 20–21 I WINDHOEK Travel to the Namibian capital of Windhoek, where we’ll cap off our expedition with visits to artisan markets, presentations of our On Assignment projects, and a final meal out on the town.
Namibia is an exceptional program because of the combination of extremely friendly people, breathtaking scenery, and phenomenal wildlife the students encounter along the way. It’s really a trip of a lifetime!
National Geographic Big Cats Initiative Grantee Florian Weise has spent more than a decade on the African continent studying and conserving endangered species. His work primarily focuses on carnivore ecology and aims to reduce conflicts between Africa’s large predators and local farmers. Florian combines traditional and modern methods in his conservation research, always looking for innovative ways to improve human-wildlife coexistence. After leading projects in the Namib Desert and the Okavango Delta, he now lives in northern Namibia, following his passion for field work and the outdoors. He will join the group at N/a’an Ku Sê and in Etosha. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: June 26–July 16 Tuition: $7,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Windhoek. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: At N/a’an Ku Sê and at the Cheetah Conservation Fund we stay in dormitorystyle housing. In Swakopmund and Windhoek, we stay in small hotels; and in Sossusvlei, Etosha, and Damaraland, we camp in tents. Note: During this expedition, students spend several nights camping. To get the most out of the program, participants should be enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
—Florian Weise National Geographic Expert NGSTU DENTEX PEDITIO NS.COM
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
AUSTRALIA EXPEDITION: O U T B A C K , R A I N F O R E S T, A N D R E E F
• Set out with marine biologists for a two-day snorkeling trip on the Great Barrier Reef. • Meet Aboriginal people in the outback to learn about their culture, and camp out in the desert under the stars. • Survey the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest from a jungle research station, and soar through the treetops on a zip-line tour. • Visit Sydney’s world-famous Taronga Zoo and practice wildlife photography on koalas, kangaroos, and other unique Australian species.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Document the cultures, animals, and landscapes of Australia in a photo-essay. Capture Uluru’s red rock and ancient carvings aglow at sunset, and try underwater photography amid the vibrant corals of the Great Barrier Reef. Catch the early morning light while exploring the rainforests of Cape Tribulation, and practice portraiture with the people you meet on your travels.
W I L D L I F E C O N S E RVAT I O N Explore Australia’s diverse ecosystems and learn about invasive species. Guided by marine biologists, catalog the creatures you spot on the Great Barrier Reef, and examine the impact of coral bleaching. Explore the treetops of the Daintree Rainforest on a zip-line tour, and examine the canopy up close from an observation deck at a research station. Document the interface between wildlife and humans in the urban landscape or assess biodiversity in the desert environment as compared to the lush rainforest of the coast.
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Set apart from other landmasses for millennia, Australia’s isolation has allowed unique ecosystems and cultures to thrive. Explore rainforests, deserts, and the world’s largest coral reef, observing and documenting fascinating wildlife along the way; and meet members of the Aboriginal community—the world’s oldest living culture—which settled here more than 50,000 years ago. DAYS 1–5 I SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA The expedition begins with an orientation in the vibrant coastal city of Sydney. Break into teams to begin working on your On Assignment project. Browse a photo exhibition at the State Library of New South Wales, explore the lively Rocks district, and take in spectacular views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Attend a game of rugby or Australian rules football, or go surfing at Manly Beach. Meet your first koalas and kangaroos at the famous Taronga Zoo, or visit the Sydney Aquarium to get acquainted with the marine life you will encounter on the Great Barrier Reef. DAYS 6–10 I ULURU AND THE OUTBACK Begin your journey through the outback near the largest monolith on Earth, Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock). Steeped in mythology,
this colossal piece of sandstone rises abruptly from the desert plain. Trek between giant rounded domes while hoping to spot bright green ring-necked parrots. Visit an Aboriginal community and learn about Aboriginal art before trying your hand at the traditional craft of dot painting. Plunge into the cool and refreshing waters of desert swimming holes, examine ancient rock art and medicinal plants, and listen to Dreamtime stories told by Aboriginal guides. Through the lens of your camera, use the stark landscape to practice working with depth of field—photographing
Above, left to right: Students leap for joy on arrival in Australia’s red-hued outback; three snorkelers smile for an underwater photo at the Great Barrier Reef; a student warms herself by the fire at our camp in the bush.
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dingoes, red kangaroos, and majestic wedgetailed eagles that may venture into this otherwise still scene. Set up camp in the bush, help collect firewood and prepare dinner, and sleep under the stars. Spot the Southern Cross and Scorpio, and learn a whole new set of Southern Hemisphere constellations. DAYS 11–20 I Q UEENSLAND AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF Fly to the northern Queensland city of Cairns, and transfer to Port Douglas, our hub for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Set out on a private boat for a two-day snorkeling adventure with marine biologists. Anchor at the outer reef and snorkel along brilliant fields of coral. Spot sea turtles, giant parrotfish, harmless reef sharks, and maybe even a migrating humpback whale. Gain insights about the reef from the marine biologists on board, and learn
about the threats to this unique ecosystem and the efforts being made to protect it. Back on land, head north into the 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 rainforest, 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.
Award-winning Australian photographer Jason Edwards has been at the forefront of natural history photography for three decades, driven by a passion for animals and the environment. Since launching his career at the Royal Melbourne Zoo, Jason has produced images for a range of projects, from environmental campaigns to Hollywood blockbusters. His work has appeared in hundreds of publications, including National Geographic magazine, BBC Wildlife, Australian Geographic, and Condé Nast Traveler. Jason is also the host of the National Geographic Channel’s Pure Photography and an author of several science education books. He will join the July 17 departure in Port Douglas. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 26–July 15 | July 17–Aug. 5 Tuition: $8,990
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef on Earth. It’s a remarkable place to explore, both for biodiversity and for the study of the impacts of climate change.
Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Sydney, Sydney to Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock to Cairns, and Cairns to Los Angeles. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: In Sydney and Queensland, we stay in small hotels. In Daintree Rainforest, we stay in a small, family-run eco-resort, and in the outback we camp under the stars.
—Jason Edwards National Geographic Expert
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITION: S O U T H I S L A N D W I N T E R A DV E N T U R E
• Soar over New Zealand’s highest peaks and step into ice caves while snowshoeing atop a glacier. • Learn the art of adventure photography while shooting your group’s mountaineering, horseback-riding, and zip-lining excursions. • Ski or snowboard down the powdery slopes of the Southern Alps, and document 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.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Discover New Zealand’s natural beauty through your camera lens. Capture athletes in motion, snapping shots of snowboarders and rugby players. 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 high-impact footage as you trek across glaciers, get an aerial view of the Southern Alps, 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.
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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 I CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND Our expedition begins in the coastal city of Christchurch. Head out on your first assignment to document the city’s innovative street art installations, interview 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. DAYS 4–8 I HANMER SPRINGS, WEST COAST, AND WESTLAND TAI POUTINI NATIONAL PARK Travel north to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs. With your camera in hand, explore forests of giant redwoods on foot or mountain bike, and soak in thermal pools. Then head to the spectacular West Coast to explore the rugged coastline on foot, hiking to hidden caves and taking photos of powerful sea bursts surging up through Punakaiki’s intriguing “pancake rock” formations. Spend a day black-water
tubing through caverns lit by thousands of tiny glowworms, traveling to the cave entrance via zip line and finishing the adventure on a series of natural rock slides. Continue south to Westland Tai Poutini National Park, home to the Franz 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 UNESCO World Heritage area. DAYS 9–11 I WANAKA Spend two days exploring Wanaka, one of the best skiing and snowboarding destinations in
Above, left to right: Thrilled by their icy adventure, three students stop for a photo op while exploring a glacier; the iconic Wanaka tree paints a stunning picture at sunrise, captured here by student Sydney S.; a group of adorable seals stare into the lens of student Danielle J.
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the Southern Hemisphere. Hit the slopes, then hone your action photography and filmmaking skills as you capture local athletes performing aerial tricks and stunts. One of the iconic symbols of the area is the Wanaka Tree, a lone tree that grows tenaciously out of the waters of Lake Wanaka. Rise early to photograph the tree at sunrise, set against a backdrop of snowy peaks. Traverse the surrounding wilderness on horseback, and hike up Mount Iron for panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. DAYS 12–14 I 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 I 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.
New Zealand’s natural beauty will transfix you. The country is a haven for seeking out adventure and capturing timeless images that will resonate with you long after the trip.
Adventure photographer and cinematographer Krystle Wright hails from Australia and has made a career of capturing unique and thrilling moments from expeditions and extreme sports. Krystle’s assignments have taken her to more than 55 countries across all seven continents, from New Zealand to Antarctica. National Geographic lists her as one of the world’s leading female adventure photographers, and her images have been featured in National Geographic magazine and on the @natgeotravel Instagram account, as well as in Outside magazine, GQ, and the Huffington Post. Krystle will join the group in Wanaka. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: June 27–July 14 Tuition: $7,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Los Angeles and Christchurch. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in family-run inns, small hotels, and family-style 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.
—Krystle Wright National Geographic Expert
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
B H U TA N E X P E D I T I O N : J O U R N E Y T O T H E L A S T H I M A L AYA N K I N G D O M
• Climb to Bhutan’s iconic Tiger’s Nest Temple and record your experience in an essay or photographs. • Participate in a masked folk dance, beat a Bhutanese drum at a Buddhist festival, and learn to prepare a traditional meal. • Aim your bow in an archery competition, and join a game of traditional Bhutanese darts, or khuru. • Hike through glacial valleys and mountain villages, and get a firsthand look at daily life in these remote Himalayan landscapes.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y 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.
C R E AT I V E W R I T I N G 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.
A N T H RO P O LO GY & LO C A L C U LT U R E S Discover firsthand how Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness initiative has become a model for measuring progress, and gain perspective from locals on how increased contact with the global community is affecting traditional life.
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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 I PARO, BHUTAN Tucked in a valley amid the skyscraping peaks of the Himalaya, Paro is the starting point for our expedition through Bhutan. Browse local crafts at artisan markets, visit the seventhcentury 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. DAYS 4–5 I 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. Attend an
annual festival in a palace courtyard, learn the art of traditional masked cham dancing, and beat a Bhutanese drum. Learn how to prepare handmade noodles and momos, dumplings made with buckwheat; and interview Bhutanese families about the recent introduction of television to rural villages or the country’s new democratic political structure. DAYS 6–7 I TRONGSA AND PHOBJIKHA Travel 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
Above, left to right: The iconic Tiger’s Nest Temple is built into the cliffs near Paro, some 3,000 feet above the valley floor; two colorful, masked cham dancers perform in Bumthang; camera in hand, a student hikes along a mountain path adorned with colorful prayer flags.
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discuss contemporary Bhutanese life. The next day, venture to Phobjikha, a pristine glacial valley at the base of the Black Mountains. Don traditional dress and learn about the sacred significance of the Himalaya on a visit to a 450-year-old monastery, now home to a Buddhist college; and gain insights into ceremonial cake-making from the resident monks. Hike through virgin forests, and learn from rural farmers how to make fresh cheese, traditional butter tea, and hot chili dishes. DAYS 8–9 I PUNAKHA Spend two days discovering Punakha, the old royal capital of Bhutan. Explore the rice paddies surrounding the stunning Punakha Dzong, and interview villagers to get a local perspective on the country’s Gross National Happiness index. Try your hand at traditional Bhutanese archery, then hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal temple for a bird’s-eye view of the 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 I THIMPHU Cross over the Dochu La mountain pass, where we’ll hoist prayer flags during a mountaintop ceremony. Continue to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Browse the bustling downtown bazaar, and meet artisans who create traditional jewelry, handmade paper, and incense. Discuss the evolution of the Gross National Happiness project with government officials over tea. Then visit the Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu, a hub for contemporary art. Share a meal with the young artists studying there, and learn how they’re developing their craft and using art for community empowerment. DAYS 12–14 I PARO Our expedition culminates at the kingdom’s iconic landmark: the Taktsang Lhakhang, or Tiger’s Nest Temple. Make the steep climb to this pilgrimage site, perched on a cliff face nearly 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley floor. Or opt to hike to a nearby viewpoint to photograph this stunning structure. Return to Paro for a farewell dinner at a family-run farm, and present your On Assignment project before flying home.
Lessons learned in Bhutan endure a lifetime: climbing to monasteries high in the mountains reminds us that the path to any kind of achievement requires dedication and strength. —Ashima Narain National Geographic Expert
Photographer and filmmaker Ashima Narain is the former editor of National Geographic Traveller India. She has photographed in numerous countries around the world, from India to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to Bhutan, covering a diverse range of topics that have sent her wading through mudflats in search of flamingos in Mumbai, climbing sail masts mid-sea, dining with maharajas, and documenting the conditions of sari weavers in the holy city of Varanasi. Ashima was a judge on the first ever photography-based reality show on the National Geographic Channel and has contributed to numerous publications, including National Geographic Traveler, Vanity Fair, Vogue, GQ, Marie Claire, Teen People, and Elle. Ashima will join the group in Bumthang, Trongsa, Phobjikha, and Punakha. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: June 26–July 9 Tuition: $7,390 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Paro, Paro to Bumthang, and Paro to New York. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: 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.
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
CHINA EXPEDITION: G I A N T P A N D A S T O T H E G R E AT WA L L
• Help feed and care for pandas at the renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. • Photograph the sun rising over the Great Wall, then hike along a remote section of this iconic wonder. • Go on an overnight camping trek to the towering dunes of the Kumtag Desert, and learn about local efforts to prevent encroaching desertification. • Photograph some of Shanghai’s most iconic buildings, from historic art deco hotels to futuristic skyscrapers.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y 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 harboring rare pandas, capture the many faces of China.
A N T H RO P O LO GY & LO C A L C U LT U R E S Delve deeper into the interconnection between land and people in the world’s most populous country. Learn how farmers have adapted to their geography, and investigate China’s rapid economic transformation from the perspectives of local merchants, entrepreneurs, or environmentalists. Chart the traditions and origins of China’s ethnic minorities.
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Brimming with ancient monuments and skyscrapers alike, China has catapulted into the 21st century as a major economic power that is often associated with its growing cosmopolitan cities. Yet a timeless way of life continues in a countryside carved with rugged mountains and deep gorges, and speckled with traditional farming villages. Explore China’s contrasts on a journey from the pandas of Sichuan to the ancient Silk Road in Dunhuang and the pulsating cities of Shanghai and Beijing. DAYS 1–5 I SHANGHAI, CHINA Arrive in cosmopolitan Shanghai, China’s largest commercial and financial center. Begin your exploration with a stroll along the winding lanes of the old city, then admire the stately colonial buildings of the Bund, or waterfront district. Take in dazzling views of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, and zip to the top of the 88-story Jin Mao Tower—one of the tallest buildings in the world—to see the massive scale of China’s economic boom with your own eyes. Learn about the city’s controversial history and discover some of its ambitious plans for the future at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. See fascinating relics of China’s past—and practice your bargaining skills—at the antique market on Dongtai Lu.
DAYS 6–10 I CHENGDU Transfer to the lively city of Chengdu, where we’ll have a behind-the-scenes visit at the internationally renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 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.
Above, left to right: Students enjoy a photo op at a rarely visited section of the Great Wall; a group of students is dazzled by fireworks at the edge of the Kumtag Desert; a giant panda munches on bamboo.
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DAYS 11–15 I GANSU PROVINCE Fly to Dunhuang, an oasis city bordered by the Kumtag Desert. Once an important hub of China’s famed Silk Road, this ancient garrison town is still watched over by the crumbling ruins of the Han Dynasty-era Great Wall. Visit the Singing Sands dunes, and explore the Mogao Caves. Also known as the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, these caverns are home to some of the most precious Buddhist art and manuscripts in the world. Peruse the Dunhuang night market, go on an overnight trek by the shores of nearby Crescent Lake, and learn about efforts to understand and prevent encroaching desertification. DAYS 16–21 I B EIJING AND THE GREAT WALL In Beijing, bicycles blur past crimson-walled temples, crowds bustle down neon-flanked shopping streets, and new buildings and businesses seem to sprout up on a daily basis. But Beijing’s ancient roots are still visible among
the modern high-rises and the flashy billboards. We’ll explore the city in all its guises, from the ornate courtyards of the Forbidden City to the avant-garde studios of the 798 art district. Partake in the popular pastime of flying kites in historic Tiananmen Square; and in the gardens of the Temple of Heaven, join in on a game of checkers and rhythmic gymnastics. Bike through a hutong, a neighborhood of Ming dynasty courtyard homes, and watch acrobats spin and climb through the air at an evening performance. Venture outside the city to a farming village next to a seldom visited section of the Great Wall. We spend two nights at a simple guesthouse here and enjoy meals prepared by our hosts. See the Great Wall as few visitors do: experiment with nighttime photographic “light painting” on the ruins of an ancient guard tower, or wake up early for a hike to watch the sun rise over the wall. Present your On Assignment projects to your group before catching your flight home.
China is a vast and amazing country with a civilization more than 5,000 years old! This region is steeped in history, and we’ll celebrate its past as we embark on countless adventures.
Photographer Ian Teh’s work is often driven by a concern for social, environmental, and political issues. He honed his craft while traveling through China in his early twenties, documenting the enormous political and economic changes the country was undergoing. Ian’s work on China’s Yellow River was featured in the July 2017 issue of National Geographic magazine, and has appeared in numerous other publications, such as 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. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: June 24–July 14 Tuition: $7,790 We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Shanghai, Chengdu to Dunhuang, Dunhuang to Beijing, and Beijing to Los Angeles. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in small hotels and guesthouses in Shanghai, Chengdu, Dunhuang, and Beijing. At the Great Wall, we stay in a villager’s farmhouse inn.
—Ian Teh National Geographic Expert
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
SOUTHEAST ASIA EXPEDITION: MY S T I C A L R U I N S A N D T I M E L E S S T R A D I T I O N S
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• E xplore the ancient, tree-tangled city of Angkor by bike and photograph its mystical temple ruins. • E xplore Vietnam’s mountainous north and observe the age-old customs of the area’s hill tribes. • Cruise the Mekong River to a Buddhist shrine, taking photos of timeless fishing villages along the way. • S pend a night aboard a traditional sailing vessel in Ha Long Bay, and go swimming and kayaking among spectacular limestone islands.
O N A S S I G N M E N T P ROJ E C T S Choose an On Assignment project, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.
P H OTO G R A P H Y Take panoramic shots of Angkor Wat at sunrise, and frame postcard-perfect images of the Mekong River. Document Hanoi’s colorful streets, and capture the people, wildlife, and architecture we find in towns and villages across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
A N T H RO P O LO GY & LO C A L C U LT U R E S Compare the languages and traditions of the distinct ethnic groups we encounter. Examine how animist and Buddhist beliefs are woven into peoples’ daily lives, and discuss cultural similarities and differences within your own community back home.
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Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam share a history that dates back thousands of years, from ancient Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms to French colonization and communist revolutions. Journey to these three fascinating countries to explore jungle-shrouded ruins and glimmering temples, experience daily life in colorful markets and bustling city streets, and meet with conservationists working to protect the region’s precious wildlife. On hiking and biking excursions into the countryside, discover remote villages seemingly forgotten by time. DAYS 1–4 I SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Our adventure begins in Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor—the 12th-century capital of the Khmer Empire. Make your way through the jungle to this mystical stone city, and photograph larger-than-life sculptures and intricate doorways; then train your lens on the spires of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument ever built. Later, hop into a wooden boat to explore the floating villages of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Learn about how ethnic Vietnamese families—displaced by the Vietnam War and related conflicts— took refuge on the lake, building their homes on boats and rafts. Float among these watery settlements and discuss the importance of maintaining the lake’s ecosystem, a critical wildlife habitat and vital source of food for much of the country.
Back on land, spend time learning about Cambodia’s tragic 20th-century history. Visit sites and exhibits that commemorate the “killing fields” of the Khmer Rouge, a brutal regime that held power during the 1970s, and analyze the ways in which these historical events continue to affect life in modern Cambodia. DAYS 5–9 I LUANG PRABANG, LAOS Our next stop is Luang Prabang, nestled at the meeting point of the great Mekong River and its tributary, the Nam Khan. Wander the sleepy streets of this enchanting city, snapping photos of elegant Buddhist temples and exquisite French colonial architecture. Venture outside the city on a trek to the mountain villages of
Above, left to right: A Vietnamese rice worker sets out amid terraced paddies; the ethereal Kuang Si waterfall is found in the remote mountains of Laos; three Buddhist monks walk towards Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.
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ethnic hill tribes, and spend two nights in a traditional stilted hut. Get to know local youth, and discuss the ways in which daily life in these remote villages contrasts with your own routine back home. Cool off with a swim beneath one of the area’s magical waterfalls, and observe sun bears and other local wildlife at an animal rescue center. Cap off your Laos experience with a cruise along the Mekong River, and explore a Buddhist shrine set deep in a cave. DAYS 10–18 I H ANOI, SA PA, AND HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM Take a short flight to vibrant Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. Stroll the narrow streets of the bustling Old Quarter, where the sizzle of street food mingles with the beeping of motorbikes; and sample authentic pho, Vietnam’s signature noodle soup. Then discuss how the country’s
struggles for independence—including the “American war” and conflicts with French and Chinese occupiers—have shaped its culture and national identity. Leaving the city behind, take a trip to the scenic town of Sa Pa. Hike and bike in the crisp mountain air, and capture rippling rice paddies and mist-laden peaks through your lens. Chat with the area’s friendly locals, talking about ways to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the region. Cap off the expedition with an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, where we’ll sleep aboard a junk boat—a traditional Chinese sailing vessel. Reflect on all you have seen and learned during your trip while swimming and kayaking in the bay’s turquoise waters, and present your On Assignment project before flying home from Hanoi.
Natasha Daly is a writer and editor at National Geographic, where she covers the welfare, exploitation, and conservation of wildlife. Her investigative feature on the global wildlife tourism industry was the cover story of the June 2019 issue of National Geographic magazine. Natasha was named Reporter of the Year in 2017 by the Humane Society of the United States for her work on animal welfare, and was a recipient of a 2017 Society for Environmental Journalism storytelling grant. She will join the July 1 departure in Luang Prabang. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: July 1–18 | July 8–25 Tuition: $6,790 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Siem Reap, Siem Reap to Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang to Hanoi, and Hanoi to Los Angeles. Refer to page 79 for transportation details.
Southeast Asia is home to stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. It’s the first part of the world I explored outside of North America, and I will always be pulled back.
Accommodations: Throughout the expedition we stay in simple but comfortable guesthouses, small hotels, and village homes. In Ha Long Bay, we spend one night aboard a traditional-style wooden junk (sailboat). Note: This expedition includes several active excursions such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and swimming. To get the most out of the program, participants should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
—Natasha Daly National Geographic Expert
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UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP
J O U R N A L I S M A N D M U LT I M E D I A AT N AT G E O I N WA S H I N G T O N , D . C .
• Practice filmmaking and editing with National Geographic producers and videographers. • Go behind the scenes at National Geographic headquarters, learning about the organization’s history and current initiatives. • Meet a National Geographic magazine photo editor, and hear how they piece together stories for the publication. • E xplore the National Mall, and see our nation’s iconic monuments during a boat trip along the Potomac River.
P RO G R A M T H E M E S Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program:
MU LT I M E D I A J O U R N A L I S M Learn the fundamentals of journalism and how National Geographic approaches reporting on a topic. Hear from National Geographic Experts on how they assemble a story—from an initial idea to the finalized piece of work that employs a variety of storytelling elements. Then, craft your own narrative on an issue that resonates with you.
V I S UA L STO RY T E L L I N G Learn about the many tools that National Geographic uses to create compelling stories—from writing and photography to video and design. Try your hand at shooting and editing your own photography and short videos, and practice techniques to enhance your work through editing and design.
N AT I O N A L G E O G RA P H I C : PA ST A N D P R E S E N T Get an inside look at the remarkable history of National Geographic, and see how the organization has pushed the boundaries of exploration and storytelling to gather and disseminate knowledge about our planet in engaging ways.
C AP STONE PROJ ECT With guidance from our instructors, develop a proposal for a project that uses photography, film, writing, or art to address an important global issue in your community. Share your idea with your peers during a closing celebration, and submit a written proposal to a committee of National Geographic staff for a chance to receive funding to pursue your project.
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Since its founding more than 130 years ago, National Geographic has been instrumental in the evolution of storytelling by pushing the boundaries of how critical knowledge is collected and shared. From our base at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., get an inside look at National Geographic headquarters to see how this organization harnesses the power of visual media and journalism to effect change on a global scale; and work with photo editors, videographers, and a public speaking coach to create compelling media of your own design. Travel to Washington, D.C. and settle into your dormitory at Georgetown University. The workshop will be led by instructors who have experience in the themes of our program: Multimedia Journalism, Visual Storytelling, and National Geographic: Past and Present. Each day begins with a hands-on workshop or field
project followed by a lively seminar to further apply what we’ve learned. Our instructors will guide us through each activity and facilitate workshops and discussions with National Geographic Experts. We’ll have inside access to National Geographic headquarters; and Georgetown University—located within steps of trendy shops and lively restaurants—will serve as our classroom as we build the skills necessary to tell stories that make a difference. The program kicks off with a behind-the-scenes tour of National Geographic headquarters, where we’ll hear about the organization’s storied history and the latest initiatives being launched from within this epicenter of exploration. Sit down with Susan Goldberg,
Above, left to right: Early morning rewards students with a prime view of the Washington Monument; browsing the photo archives at Nat Geo; students pose in front of a display of the iconic magazine covers at National Geographic headquarters; students pose with the beloved yellow Nat Geo border.
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UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP
editor in chief of National Geographic magazine, to get an insider’s perspective on how the magazine’s powerful storytelling has shed light on global issues and served as a change agent throughout history. Browse the photo and video archives for a look at how storytelling methods have evolved over time, and hear from the in-house editorial team on the ways in which their work supports National Geographic’s mission. Then meet the engineers who develop field equipment for National Geographic explorers to use in remote places around the world, and visit the National Geographic Museum to see the latest exhibit. Spend time with National Geographic senior producer Sarah Joseph to learn how she and her team of videographers and producers use film to illuminate important issues, such as wildlife conservation and vanishing cultures; and hear how their films have been instrumental in some of the organization’s most successful conservation campaigns. Then join a workshop on the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking. Choose a topic you wish to investigate, and bring it to life through filmmaking and video editing as you learn about how National Geographic uses science-based storytelling
to protect critical environments. Participate in a public speaking workshop led by a National Geographic staff member who helps explorers craft stories for live events at headquarters, and practice presenting your own story. Meet with Whitney Johnson, the director of visual and immersive experiences at National Geographic, to hear how she works with photographers to tell impactful stories through imagery. Discuss the strategy behind photo selection, master the basics of magazine layout and graphic design, and join National Geographic staff for a conversation about the changing landscape of journalism and media. Then hit the streets to apply what you’ve learned, taking pictures and conducting interviews on an issue of importance to you. In the evenings, take a break from your workshop to explore Washington, D.C. Wander past the White House, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial; cruise the Potomac River on a boat tour, or track down the city’s best food trucks. Cap off your workshop with a private celebration at Nat Geo headquarters, where you will have the opportunity to share your capstone project proposal with staff.
The National Geographic Experts were extremely patient with us and taught us so much! The experience would not have been the same without them.
Filmmaker and wildlife biologist Sarah Joseph is a senior video producer at the National Geographic Society. Sarah has journeyed across the globe to create films that spotlight the work of National Geographic Grantees, covering topics that range from translocating leopards in Namibia to unearthing mummies in Peru. Whitney Johnson leads the team responsible for photography, video, emerging formats, and podcast operations at National Geographic. She was previously the director of photography at the New Yorker, where her work earned her multiple awards— including a Peabody in collaboration with Human Rights Watch. Whitney enjoys being a teacher and mentor to aspiring photographers. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: July 15–24 Tuition: $5,490 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Washington, D.C. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in a comfortable dormitory on the Georgetown University campus. Rooms are single or double occupancy with shared bathrooms. We will use National Geographic headquarters and the university’s state-of-the-art classrooms for seminars and hands-on workshops.
—Brianna C. Student Traveler, 2019
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UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP
ENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS ON THE MIT CAMPUS
• Try your hand at building a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and learn about the latest innovations in underwater robotics. • Harness microcomputers and biology to make your own renewable energy system in a STEM workshop. • Hear about developments in space exploration and brainstorm ideas for the next generation of space technology at a workshop. • E xplore the historic streets of Boston, kayak along the Charles River, or browse the bookstores in Harvard Square.
PROGR A M THEME S Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Engineering the Future • Technology for Remote Exploration • Innovations in Robotics C AP STONE PROJ ECT With guidance from our instructors, develop a proposal for a project that uses cutting-edge technologies to address an important issue in your community. Share your idea with your peers during a closing celebration, and submit a written proposal to a committee of experts for a chance to receive funding to pursue your project. I T I N E R A RY
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Arrive at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus and begin exploring the program’s three core themes through meetings with engineers and explorers and on visits to working labs. Learn about the latest innovations in micro and soft robotics at the Harvard Microrobotics Lab, founded by National Geographic Explorer Robert Wood, and hear how this new class of robots may one day play a transformative role
in fields such as medicine and agriculture. Then delve deeper into robotics technology during a meeting with Dr. Katy Croff Bell—a National Geographic Fellow and MIT researcher—and hear how underwater ROVs are charting a new course for ocean exploration. Then work with a team to assemble your own ROV, and deploy it from the dock to collect your own data. Alongside members of the MIT Media Lab’s Space Exploration Initiative, learn about cutting-edge space technologies. Pioneer the future of space exploration by assembling your own small satellite, then launch it into the sky to collect images of your group from above. Join National Geographic Emerging Explorer T.H. Culhane to discuss technological solutions to environmental issues. Learn how food waste can be transformed into fuel and fertilizer, and back into food, during a workshop. Build skills in engineering and computer programming as you create your own biodigester. We’ll take breaks from our seminars to explore the vibrant cities of Cambridge and Boston. Peruse the bookstores in Harvard Square, kayak along the Charles River, meet culinary entrepreneurs at the Boston Public Market, or visit one of the area’s world-famous museums. Each evening, gather on campus for a group activity, such as a presentation by one of our National Geographic Experts or a film screening. Enjoy a celebratory sunset cruise along the Charles River on your final night.
Above: Two students team up to work on their ROV project.
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National Geographic Fellow and oceanographer Katy Croff Bell has participated in numerous oceanographic and archaeological projects, using robotics and telepresence technologies to probe the depths of the oceans. She leads the MIT Media Lab Open Ocean Initiative, dedicated to reimagining the future of underwater exploration and storytelling. National Geographic Emerging Explorer and urban ecologist T.H. Culhane is a professor of environmental sustainability and justice. He is a pioneer in the creation and deployment of renewable, lowcost energy production tools and is the co-founder of Solar CITIES Inc., which trains residents of impoverished communities to build their own biodigesters. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: July 22–31 Tuition: $5,690 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in a comfortable dormitory on campus. Rooms are single or double occupancy with shared bathrooms. We will host seminars and expert talks in classrooms or conference rooms in the university’s student center. Note: This program uses the facilities of MIT and is organized and operated by National Geographic.
UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP
T E C H N O L O G Y A N D I N N O VA T I O N I N T H E S I L I C O N VA L L E Y
• Work with Google engineers who are designing mapping and virtual exploration software. • Meet the teams behind tech companies such as EMOTIV which were started by National Geographic Emerging Explorers. • Visit the Virtual Human Interaction Lab at Stanford University, and spend time with a Stanford creativity and leadership coach. • Get a unique view of the Golden Gate Bridge as you hike to a hawk’s eye vantage point, or take a sunset cruise on the bay.
PROGR A M THEME S Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Innovation in Design • Technology for Social Change • Unleashing Creativity C AP STONE PROJ ECT With guidance from our instructors, develop a proposal for a project that uses cuttingedge technologies to address an important issue in your community. Share your idea with your peers during a closing celebration, and submit a written proposal to a committee of experts for a chance to receive funding to pursue your project. I T I N E R A RY
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Join a diverse group of students, instructors, and National Geographic Experts at the University of California, Berkeley—our base for exploring the Silicon Valley. Kick off the week working alongside National Geographic Explorer Diego Ponce de Leon Barido, founder of energy analytics company Xinampa, and National Geographic Fellow Bronwyn Agrios, who uses location data technology to change the way people interact with the natural world. Meet with innovators from EMOTIV, a bioinformatics company founded by
National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tan Le that designs devices to measure neurological activity. Then learn about cutting-edge oceanographic exploration from marine biologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tierney Thys. Travel to Stanford University for a session with a Stanford Business School leadership and creativity coach. Visit the Virtual Human Interaction Lab, where scientists like National Geographic Explorer Jeremy Bailenson are studying the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) environments, and learn how VR experiences could be used to improve everyday life. Visit the headquarters of companies like Apple and Google for a behind-the-scenes look at these digital technology powerhouses. Stop by the Apple Park Visitor Center and learn how researchers are pushing the boundaries of design. Then tour the Google campus for an insider’s view of life as a “Googler.” Attend a tech talk by a team of Google Education engineers who are developing software that allows students to virtually explore the globe alongside National Geographic explorers via the Google Earth Voyager platform. Later, meet National Geographic Emerging Explorer Grace Young, a research engineer at X, Google’s moonshot company, which works to create radical technological solutions to global problems.
Bronwyn Agrios is a geographer and National Geographic Fellow who develops technologies that make location data more powerful and accessible. Bronwyn co-founded the space startup Astro Digital and led the launch of the company’s first satellites. She has also worked with Science Channel and Discovery Channel to bring science and tech stories to the public. National Geographic Emerging Explorer and Grantee Tierney Thys is a marine biologist and filmmaker. She has led research expeditions across the globe, and she is currently working with Tan Le to study the brain’s response to nature. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: July 8–17 Tuition: $5,590 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in San Francisco, California. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in a comfortable dormitory on the University of California, Berkeley campus. Rooms are single or double occupancy with shared bathrooms. We will utilize the university’s state-of-theart classrooms for seminars and expert talks.
Collaborate with your group leaders to generate ideas for innovation, and develop your own solutions to an issue that motivates you. Between seminars, explore the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area.
Above: A group of students test out virtual reality at Stanford University.
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P H OTO G RA P H Y WO R KS H O P
YELLOWSTONE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
• Practice landscape photography amid the wilds of America’s first national park, documenting gem-colored pools and rugged canyons. • Enjoy a swim in the naturally heated Boiling River, or learn the art of fly-fishing. • Head out on a sunset shoot to document bison and wolves at dusk, then point your camera skyward and master the art of star photography. • Spend two days in lively Bozeman, and exhibit your work at a pop-up gallery show downtown.
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9 DAY S
With its erupting geysers, endless grasslands teeming with wildlife, and gem-colored geothermal pools, Yellowstone National Park is an ideal setting to explore the field of photography. Venture into this geological wonderland with a National Geographic photographer to document bears and bison, pronghorns, wolves, elk, bald eagles, and more. Explore the techniques and craft of photography during daily hands-on lessons, take compelling landscape photos that capture the magic of this national park, and discover its unique geologic phenomena through your camera’s lens. The workshop begins with two nights in the mountain town of Bozeman, Montana, where we’ll get to know each other and prepare for our time in Yellowstone National Park. Once inside the park, delve into the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and National Geographic photographer. Head out on photo shoots each day, trying out new techniques with the wildlife and landscapes you encounter. Practice managing light and depth of field, work with flash, and learn to improve your composition. Then return to the classroom to review and edit your images and prepare for the next day’s assignment.
Settle into our rustic cabins on the banks of the Yellowstone River, where we’ll enjoy regular opportunities to go fly-fishing and watch for the park’s fascinating wildlife. Hone your eye for great landscape shots during visits to vibrant hot springs, geyser basins, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Find your adventurous spirit while white-water rafting down the Yellowstone River and hiking through fields of alpine wildflowers. In the evenings, tell stories around a campfire, review the day’s images, work on editing your photos for the final gallery show, and attend talks given by our National Geographic photographer. Then head out after dark to photograph Yellowstone’s nocturnal ecosystems. Capture the glow of the golden hour during a sunset shoot in the Lamar Valley, practice taking wildlife photos in low lighting, and master the art of star photography under Yellowstone’s vast night sky. Throughout the workshop, we’ll prepare for a gallery show of large-format digital prints of the group’s original work. Spend your last two days back in the lively mountain town of Bozeman, organizing, curating, and installing your exhibit. Celebrate your work with an opening party at the gallery on the final night.
Above: Students pause for a photo during a jaunt through lush Yellowstone National Park.
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Drew Rush is a wildlife and natural history photographer with a passion for following wildlife in national parks around the world. Drew has a long history of working in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem and Grand Tetons region on several long-term photographic projects for National Geographic magazine. His photography has appeared in numerous publications, such as National Parks magazine and National Geographic: Complete Photography, and has also been displayed at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming. He will join the entire workshop. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: July 10–18 Tuition: $5,990 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Bozeman, Montana. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in Bozeman and in a mountain lodge at the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Classrooms are equipped with projectors so we can share and critique our work. Workshop Details: This photo workshop includes several active excursions such as hiking and trekking. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration. Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening featuring large-format prints of the students’ work.
P H OTO G RA P H Y WO R KS H O P
YO S E M I T E A N D SA N F R A N C I S C O PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
• Capture the majesty of Yosemite National Park in photos of its towering granite domes, soaring sequoias, and crashing waterfalls. • Document the action of rock climbers, the vibrancy of San Francisco’s streets, and the stillness of a Wild West-era ghost town. • Finesse your artistic vision and edit your images with the guidance of a National Geographic photographer. • Celebrate with your group at a pop-up gallery show in San Francisco, displaying your best work.
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1 2 DAY S
Yosemite National Park spellbinds at every angle, with wonders like waterfall-laced cliffs, gemstone lakes, and soaring sequoia forests. This scenery has inspired countless photographers, including top National Geographic photojournalists and the master of landscape shots, Ansel Adams. Learn new techniques in the classroom, then follow in the footsteps of these experts, setting out on photo assignments from bustling San Francisco to the rugged wilds of Yosemite’s backcountry. The workshop begins in San Francisco, California, where we’ll spend two days photographing the city’s colorful streets. Take portraits of sidewalk merchants in Chinatown, and frame landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. Go on a photo shoot in the Old West-era town of Mariposa on the way to Yosemite National Park, one of California’s most magnificent natural treasures. Spend time each day learning to develop your photographic eye and improving your technical skills. Then set out into the wilderness to document scenery made famous by Ansel Adams. The prolific photographer depicted Yosemite Valley’s massive granite
walls and cascading waterfalls in his landscape shots—images that were instrumental in establishing Yosemite as a national park. Find 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 outdoor photography as you document your group hiking across alpine meadows. Visit the Bodie ghost town to take pictures of its deserted streets, houses, and saloons. In the evening, capture sunset reflections and the dramatic landscapes of Mono Lake. In the evenings, upload photos, review the day’s work, and enjoy talks given by your National Geographic photographer. Head out on evening photo shoots and experiment with light as the sun sets on the numerous alpine lakes hidden around the Sierra, or point your lens skyward to snap photos of the twinkling stars in the night sky. Throughout the workshop we will prepare for a gallery opening that features large-format prints of the group’s best work. Return to San Francisco for the final three days of the program to help curate the pop-up show in one of the city’s galleries. On our last night, celebrate your work at an opening party.
Photographer Katie Orlinsky has spent over a decade covering news stories and feature assignments around the world. Her work has been published in National Geographic magazine, the New York Times, the New Yorker, and Smithsonian. Katie has won numerous awards over the course of her career, and was named the 2016 Paris Match Female Photojournalist of the Year. Since 2014, she has been working on a long-term photographic project exploring how climate change is challenging communities across Alaska and the Arctic. Katie has also received a National Geographic grant for a camera trapping project in Yellowstone National Park. Katie will join the entire workshop. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: June 26–July 7 Tuition: $6,490 Airfare is not included. The workshop begins and ends in San Francisco, California. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in San Francisco and in small cabins in Yosemite National Park. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work. Workshop Details: This photo workshop includes several active excursions such as hiking, swimming, and trekking. Students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration. Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening featuring large-format prints of the students’ work.
Above: A student sets up to photograph the ephemeral morning mist.
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P H OTO G RA P H Y WO R KS H O P
BERLIN PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
NEW
• Set out on photo assignments in Berlin’s vibrant neighborhoods, from hipster haunts to bastions of the city’s counterculture movement. • Hear about Berlin’s role in World War II while exploring important historical sites. • Bike along the path of the Berlin Wall, documenting the art and memorials that tell the tale of the city’s divided past. • Learn photo-editing techniques from a National Geographic photographer, and feature your best work in a final gallery show.
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1 2 DAY S
Berlin is a city with many stories to tell. Bursting with counterculture and contemporary art, the eclectic German capital echoes with powerful reminders of a turbulent past. From war memorials and graffitied remnants of the Berlin Wall to the elaborate murals that paint the city’s trendsetting neighborhoods, explore these streets through the lens of your camera, guided by our instructors and a National Geographic photographer. Then venture beyond the city limits to document the romantic palaces and cobblestoned alleyways of Potsdam and Dresden. Our base in Berlin is just outside the city center. Spend time in our classroom, learning how to develop your eye and improve your technical skills; then take to the streets in small groups, practicing what you’ve learned. Explore the city by foot, documenting its many architectural eras—from Gothic to modernist, Soviet to neoclassical. Photograph the iconic murals of the open-air East Side Gallery, painted on a standing section of the Berlin Wall; and learn about the city’s Jewish history at the moving Holocaust memorial. Venture into avant-garde areas to capture street artists at work; then
document the stories of some of the refugees who have made new lives for themselves in Berlin on a tour with a recently resettled resident. Hike to the top of the Kreuzberg hill in Viktoriapark for sweeping views of the city, then head out to experience—and shoot— Berlin’s buzzing night life. Escape the bustle of the city on a day trip to Potsdam, a town filled with enchanting palaces, where King Frederick II (the Great) liked to spend his summers. Wander the leafy, sculpture-strewn paths of Sanssouci Park, and photograph the cobblestoned streets of the Dutch Quarter. Take an overnight excursion to Dresden, devastated by Allied bombings during World War II, and visit the city’s famous Frauenkirche. Grab lunch from a food cart and picnic by the picturesque Elbe River, which runs between what are known as Dresden’s old and new towns. In the evenings, we’ll review the day’s images and attend talks led by our National Geographic photographer, who will share professional experiences and insights. We’ll also prepare images for our gallery show, which will feature large-print photos of the group’s best work. Organize, curate, and install the exhibit at a trendy Berlin gallery, then celebrate your photographic accomplishments on our final night.
Above: The morning sun twinkles over Berlin, a city traversed by the Spree River.
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Award-winning photographer Rena Effendi focuses her lens on people and cultures, as well as issues of conflict, environment, and social justice. Rena’s first international exhibition debuted in Berlin in 2002, and since that visit, she has been fascinated with the city’s photographic appeal, bohemian vibe, and post-war legacy. Rena has covered a range of topics for National Geographic magazine, from the agrarian cultures of Eastern Europe to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi in India. She also received National Geographic’s All Roads Photography Award, and has taught student photo workshops in Prague. Rena will join the entire workshop. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: July 23–Aug. 3 Tuition: $6,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Berlin. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in centrally-located hotels in both Berlin and Dresden. Meeting space is equipped with digital projectors for sharing and critiquing our work. Workshop Details: Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening featuring largeformat prints of the students’ work.
P H OTO G RA P H Y WO R KS H O P
LISBON PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
• E xplore Lisbon alongside a National Geographic photographer to document the city’s pastel-painted architecture and sunsplashed plazas. • Capture symbols of the city’s modern renaissance, snapping shots of avant-garde street murals and art installations. • Venture out on field assignments to photograph the fairy-tale castles of Sintra and the golden sands and sea cliffs of coastal Cascais and Lagos. • O rganize a pop-up show featuring your work for a gallery opening in Lisbon.
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1 2 DAY S
A cultural renaissance is underway in Lisbon, infusing the Portuguese capital’s historic streets with new energy and attracting artists of all types from across the globe. Delve into photography in a city that predates Rome, London, and Paris; where old-world charm meets cutting-edge design. Practice new techniques while capturing images at street festivals, open-air markets, and modern art museums; and curate an exhibit that evokes the soul of the city through photography. Set out from our home base near the city center, working in small groups with our photo instructors and National Geographic photographer. Learn new skills in the classroom, then grab your camera and hit the streets, photographing the Alfama neighborhood’s crooked cobblestoned lanes, painted Portuguese azulejo tiles, and dramatic modern street murals towering over the sidewalks. Zoom in on the evocative exhibits at the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), a modern art mecca housed in a repurposed power station. Stroll the lively Santo Amaro Docks, lined with refurbished warehouses that now harbor stylish restaurants, and pop into bakeries selling pastéis de nata—a Portuguese custard tart.
Capture the motion of dancing fountains, quirky trams clattering up steep streets, and tumbling acrobats at the Chapitô circus school. Head outside the city on a day trip to the enchanting fairy-tale palaces of Sintra and the dramatic coastline of the Cascais Nature Reserve. In the evenings, edit your photos, review the day’s work, and enjoy seminars given by your National Geographic photographer. Capture Lisbon from a new perspective after dark, shooting in low light to document the city’s lively café culture and busy waterfront promenade. Leave the city behind for a few days and head to the beautiful Algarve region, near the coastal town of Lagos. Snap photos of surfers catching waves and fishermen hauling in their daily catch; and practice food photography at local markets. Soak up the sun on the picturesque beaches bordered by red cliffs, and hop in a kayak to capture this stunning scenery from the water. Discover new chromatic palettes during a sunset shoot at Cabo de São Vicente, where famed Portuguese sailors like Henry the Navigator once launched their explorations. Throughout the workshop, prepare for a final exhibit of large-format prints of the group’s best work. Help curate and install the display, and celebrate your growth as a photographer at the opening of our show in a Lisbon gallery.
Born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, award-winning photographer Tino Soriano has photographed numerous National Geographic guidebooks, including publications on Portugal, Spain, and Sicily. He has also worked on three National Geographic television documentaries. Tino has been honored with multiple photo awards, including the World Press Photo of the Year in 1999 and the grand prize at UNESCO’s 2015 Humanity Photo Awards. Tino’s work has taken him across globe, and his photography has appeared in National Geographic magazine, Smithsonian magazine, and the New York Times. Tino will join the entire workshop. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: June 30–July 11 Tuition: $6,290 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Lisbon. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in Lisbon and in a small, family-run hotel in Lagos. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work. Workshop Details: Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening featuring largeformat prints of the students’ work.
Above: The enchanting Pena Palace in Sintra, photographed by student Reese P., is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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P H OTO G RA P H Y WO R KS H O P
TA N Z A N I A P H O T O G R A P H Y W O R K S H O P
• Embark on a photo safari and delve into the art of wildlife photography alongside a National Geographic photographer. • Visit a Maasai boma to capture images of a vibrant welcome ceremony and traditional village life. • Document wildlife conservation in action at the Noloholo Environmental Center, run by National Geographic Grantees Laly Lichtenfeld and her husband Charles Trout. • Celebrate your photographic journey with a pop-up show of your work at a gallery in Arusha.
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1 4 DAY S
Renowned for its incredible wildlife, timeless pastoral cultures, and stunning landscapes, Tanzania offers endless photographic inspiration. Set out on safari with a National Geographic photographer to frame majestic lion prides, herds of elephants and zebras, elusive cheetahs and rhinos, and much more. Capture images of everyday life in an agricultural village, spend time with Maasai elders, and document conservation initiatives with researchers in the field. The workshop begins in an agricultural village nestled between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, where we will spend time getting to know each other and community members. Working in small groups with our photo instructors and National Geographic photographer, practice techniques for shooting under the bright equatorial light. Capture the motion of a vibrant welcome ceremony, and take portraits of villagers you meet throughout your stay. Learn the art of landscape photography on an excursion to a coffee farm, or while hiking the base of Mount Meru. Our photo safari begins with a special invitation to the Noloholo Environmental Center, run by National Geographic Grantees Laly Lichtenfeld and her husband Charles Trout. Learn about lion conservation efforts, run in
partnership with local Maasai communities, and document current projects during an excursion into the field with the program’s biologists. Then set off through the Oldonyo Sambu wilderness, zooming in on herds of gazelles, long-legged giraffes, and other animals that dot the savanna. Visit a traditional Maasai boma, photographing warriors dressed in brightly colored shukas as they welcome our group with festive drumming, singing, and jumping contests. Photograph the tangled tree walls that keep predators from village livestock, and learn about the complex relationships between people and wildlife in Tanzania’s pastoral regions. Next, travel into the heart of Tarangire National Park. From the safety of our safari vehicles, take close-ups of elephants, cheetahs, hyenas, and more. Descend into the famed Ngorongoro Crater, where volcanic slopes shelter more than 25,000 animals. Capture the sun rising above the crater wall, and zoom in on flocks of flamingos, bathing hippos, large herds of zebras, prancing antelope, elusive rhinos, and lions resting up for the nighttime hunt. In the evenings, we’ll cook dinner around an open fire and listen to talks given by our National Geographic photographer. Return to Arusha, where we’ll review and edit our work from the safari, and prepare for a pop-up gallery show that features each student’s best photographs from the workshop.
Above: Students pop out of the top of their safari vehicle for a fantastic photo op.
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Field biologist turned photographer Ronan Donovan has traveled to all seven continents in search of elusive wildlife. Ronan’s first trip to East Africa was in 2008, and he has returned nearly every year since, studying wild chimpanzees in Uganda and hiking volcanoes to photograph mountain gorillas in Rwanda. His assignments for National Geographic include documenting the lives of wild wolves in Yellowstone National Park and producing a TV series about a family of Arctic wolves, which aired on National Geographic WILD in the fall of 2019. Ronan will join the entire workshop. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: July 1–14 Tuition: $7,090 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Arusha. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: In the village, we sleep in dormitory-style accommodations, and sleeping areas are separated by gender. We stay in tented camps while on safari and stay at a family-run eco-lodge in Arusha. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work. Workshop Details: Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening featuring largeformat prints of the students’ work.
P H OTO G RA P H Y WO R KS H O P
TO KYO P H OTO G R A P H Y WO R K S H O P
• Use your camera to capture the essence of futuristic Tokyo, and document the deeply traditional side of Japan during a visit to Kyoto. • Hone your photography skills and develop your artistic vision with help from a National Geographic photographer. • Journey to the gorgeous city of Kyoto, and document the traditional side of Japan on visits to tranquil temples and gardens. • Display your top images at a pop-up gallery opening in downtown Tokyo.
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1 2 DAY S
Tokyo is hurtling into the future at a rapid pace. This is a city where the cutting edge is boldly displayed in eccentric fashion, popculture icons, and avant-garde architecture. Learn how to capture the city’s creativity— and the enduring symbols of centuries-old Japanese culture—during hands-on classes led by our photo instructors and a National Geographic photographer. Then hit the streets to photograph the color and motion of Tokyo and the traditional landmarks of Kyoto. Delve into the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and a National Geographic photographer. Spend time in our classroom, and head out to practice your skills in Tokyo’s unique neighborhoods—from the bustling Ginza district to funky Harajuku, known for cosplay-inspired fashion, candy-colored wigs, and bubble tea stalls. Practice street photography in the buzzing streets of the Akhibara district—a hub of electronics and video games—or focus on the flower blooms and teahouses of the serene Shinjuku Gyoen park. On day trips outside the city, hone your
landscape photography skills in the stunning Japanese countryside; and soak in a traditional onsen, or hot spring. Spend several days in Kyoto, which served as Tokyo’s imperial capital for more than a thousand years. With its many Buddhist temples and shrines, pristine gardens, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a stark contrast to the ultra-modern energy of Tokyo. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, learn about geisha culture in the quaint Gion district, and hike along bamboo-shaded paths. In the evenings, review the day’s images, work on editing your photos for the final gallery show, and attend talks led by our National Geographic photographer. Then head out to photograph Tokyo at night. Try out slow shutter speeds on the crowds passing under the futuristic neon lights at Shibuya crossing, and seek out signs of anime and manga adorning the surrounding buildings. Throughout the workshop, organize and curate an exhibition of large-format prints of the group’s best photos. During the pop-up gallery opening, celebrate the work you’ve accomplished during your time in Japan.
Documentary storyteller James Whitlow Delano has made Tokyo his home for over two decades while pursuing his passion for the environment and human rights. Since 2011, he has documented the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster, and his award-winning work has been featured in National Geographic magazine, the New York Times Magazine, Time, and the New Yorker. James is a grantee at the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, and also founded @EverydayClimateChange on Instagram, where photographers from around the world document global climate change on all seven continents. James will join the entire workshop. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: June 27–July 8 Tuition: $6,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Los Angeles and Tokyo. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in small, centrally located hotels throughout the workshop. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors so we can share and critique our work. Workshop Details: Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a pop-up gallery opening featuring largeformat prints of the students’ work.
Above: A student captures the atmosphere at Sensoji, one of Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temples.
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C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E T R I P
C O S TA R I C A C O M M U N I T Y S E RV I C E : T R O P I C A L E C O S Y S T E M C O N S E R VA T I O N
• E xperience everyday life in a Costa Rican village, learning to prepare local dishes and playing soccer with new friends. • Help develop sustainable infrastructure in your host village by planting an organic garden or restoring community buildings. • E xamine turtle conservation methods at a coastal ranch in the Nicoya Peninsula. • Hike through Caletas-Arío National Wildlife Refuge, and check out wildlife photos captured by camera traps.
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1 4 DAY S
Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity, astounding natural beauty, and pioneering conservation efforts. Steaming volcanoes poke out of thick, green jungle, and protected tropical rainforests 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 the Nicoya Peninsula’s rivers, mangroves, and tropical forests from our base at a family-owned ranch, and lend a hand with local conservation efforts. DAYS 1–2 I NORTHWEST COAST, COSTA RICA Start your journey on the Pacific coast, where we’ll spend two days in a small beachside community. Go swimming, learn to surf, and spend some time volunteering at a research center that protects the endangered leatherback turtle. DAYS 3–9 I GUANACASTE 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 service projects. Restore public parks, plant some trees or an organic garden, or organize a village cleanup. There are also opportunities to help
build local housing or pitch in on the restoration of a community building. If you wish, develop a conservation project that local youth can continue after your visit, such as a new recycling program. During your time in the village, observe how conservation is woven into everyday life in Costa Rica. 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 a traditional dish. Record your service work through photographs, journal entries, and videos, and craft a story about the conservation challenges facing the community or the impact of your work. DAYS 10–14 I NICOYA PENINSULA After saying goodbye to your host village, head south to a family-owned ranch on the coast of the stunning Nicoya Peninsula. Spend time hiking in the Caletas-Arío National Wildlife Refuge, and learn about this nature reserve’s sustainable permaculture practices; then visit the on-site turtle hatchery to see baby turtles being born, and check out wildlife photos captured by camera traps on the refuge grounds. During your downtime, learn to whip up local culinary specialties, or stroll along the beach before turning in for the night at your eco-friendly bungalow.
INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 17–30 | July 2–15 July 24–Aug. 6 Tuition: $4,890 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Miami and Liberia. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: Accommodations in the village are simple. The group sleeps in sleeping bags on the floor of the community center or a local house in the community. Boys and girls share a sleeping area and bathroom with other students of the same gender. At the beach, we stay in a family-run villa. On the Nicoya Peninsula, we stay in bungalows with bunk beds at a family-owned coastal ranch. Service Project Details: 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.
White-faced capuchin monkeys
Above: Students take a dip at a local swimming spot.
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C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E T R I P
D OM I N I C A N R E P U B L I C C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E : S U S T A I N A B L E T O U R I S M I N T H E C A R I B B E A N NEW
• Collaborate with researchers at the Puntacana Center for Sustainability, helping monitor sea turtles and learning about sustainable agriculture initiatives. • Learn about the importance of mangroves to the country’s coastal ecosystems as you explore the Samaná Peninsula. • Visit one of the Caribbean’s largest coral restoration nurseries, and lend a hand collecting data for marine research projects. • Go white-water rafting on the island’s longest river, and swim in breathtaking lagoons in a private reserve.
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The Dominican Republic welcomes more visitors annually than any other Caribbean nation, and local conservationists are working diligently to minimize the impacts of overtourism. From your base at a coastal research facility, work alongside scientists on a variety of eco-service projects, from coral and sea turtle conservation to making compost. Spend time exploring the country’s misty highlands and remote beaches, and cap off your adventure in lively Santo Domingo. DAYS 1–7 I P UNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Settle into your room at the Puntacana Center for Sustainability, dedicated to understanding— and solving—the social and environmental impacts of tourism in the Caribbean. Roll up your sleeves to help with mangrove reforestation, and learn firsthand about sustainable agriculture in the region, from beekeeping to aquaponics. Hear about sea turtle conservation from a local expert, and visit one of the largest coral restoration gardens in the Caribbean. Then travel to the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve for a swim in its turquoise lagoons, and visit a local iguana habitat. DAYS 8–10 I JARABACOA Venture into the Cordillera Central, the highest mountain range in the Caribbean. Spend two
days in the crisp mountain air, enjoying homecooked Dominican meals. Visit a fair-trade coffee cooperative to learn how the popular brew is produced, from bean to cup. Spend your free time hiking misty trails and discovering sparkling waterfalls; and wind down the frothy waters of the Yaque del Norte River on a rafting trip with professional guides. DAYS 11–13 I SAMANÁ PENINSULA Travel east to the Samaná Peninsula, where palm trees outnumber people and humpback whales come to mate and calf. Lend a hand on a permaculture project, learning about sustainable farming, renewable energy practices, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. Tour the area’s mangrove channels by boat, and discuss the ecology of these vital tropical swamps. During the evenings, explore the beaches and coastal groves around our eco-lodge, or take a dip in the inviting Caribbean waters. DAYS 14–15 I SANTO DOMINGO Round off your trip in colorful Santo Domingo—a Spanish colonial city that marks the spot of the first permanent European settlement in the Americas. Get a taste of Dominican culture and history as we stroll through bustling markets and cobblestoned streets, and brush up your dance moves during an outdoor bachata lesson. Gather for a final meal and share stories of our time in the Dominican Republic before returning home.
INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 27–July 11 | July 14–28 Tuition: $5,490 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Punta Cana and return from Santo Domingo to Miami. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: In Punta Cana, the group sleeps in dormitory-style accommodations at a research center. Students share a sleeping area and bathroom with other students of the same gender. In Jarabacoa and Samaná, we stay in small bungalows or a bunkhouse. In Santo Domingo, students stay in a small, family-run hotel. Service Project Details: Students will spend an estimated 35–45 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 research center.
Clear, turquoise waters lap the white-sand beaches of Punta Cana.
Above: A statue of Christopher Columbus occupies the main square of historic Santo Domingo.
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C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E T R I P
H AWA I ‘ I C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E : I S L A N D H A B I TAT R E S T O R AT I O N
• Witness active lava flows and steam vents, and work to preserve the geothermal landscapes of Volcanoes National Park. • Partner with native Hawaiian organizations to work on agricultural conservation efforts and help plant native crops. • Learn to surf in Maui’s aquamarine waters, and set out on a snorkeling adventure along the island’s wildlife-rich bays. • Visit sacred indigenous sites nestled deep in the rainforest, and enjoy a Hawaiian barbecue with local community members.
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On the Big Island of Hawai‘i, the powerful forces behind Earth’s creation are on full display, with active volcanoes adding new layers to an expanding archipelago. These ever-changing landscapes are fragile, and their ecosystems are easily disrupted by human impact. Help preserve the island’s volcanic and marine environments through eco-service projects, and cap off the trip with snorkeling, hiking, and camping on Maui. DAYS 1–2 I K ONA COAST, THE BIG ISLAND, HAWAI‘I Our program begins along the Kona Coast. Set out to discover ancient lava flows, learn about regional coffee cultivation, or snorkel amid coral reefs. We’ll immerse ourselves in Hawaiian culture and learn about environmental threats facing local ecosystems as we prepare for our service projects. DAYS 3–9 I HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK AND WAIMEA Travel to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and settle into our dormitory, located within the park borders. Work alongside conservationists on a variety of preservation initiatives aimed at restoring the natural balance of park habitats. Get your hands dirty planting native vegetation and weeding out invasive species, and educate other visitors about environmental threats facing the island. In the afternoons
and evenings, explore the island’s geothermal landscapes. Witness Kilauea’s lava flows, hike through cavernous lava tubes deep within the jungle, and stargaze from the slopes of the massive Mauna Kea volcano. Head to Waimea and partner with Ulu Mau Puanui on sustainability efforts aimed at preserving ancient Hawaiian agricultural practices. Conduct beach cleanups, collect scientific data to monitor the health of the Kohala watershed, help plant native crops, or educate visitors on the conservation of native coral and fish species. Spend a day with the Kailapa Community Association learning about traditional Hawaiian communities and assisting with their outreach programs. In the afternoons, visit sacred Hawaiian sites hidden in the rainforest or catch a wave at a nearby surf break. As you contribute to these conservation initiatives, record your work in journal entries, photographs, or videos. Create a story that captures your experience and the impact of your work. DAYS 10–14 I MAUI Fly to Maui for our final adventures under the Hawaiian sun. Embark on a full-day snorkeling excursion along the remote bays of West Maui or over the lava caves on the island of Lana‘i. Cap the trip off with a family-style Hawaiian barbecue with activists from the local community, and reflect on the important work you’ve done to preserve these fragile ecosystems.
Above: Emerald bluffs line the beach at Kahakuloa Bay in West Maui.
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INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 29–July 12 | July 15–28 Tuition: $5,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Kailua-Kona, Kailua-Kona to Maui, and Maui to Los Angeles. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: At our community service sites, the group sleeps in simple but comfortable dormitory-style accommodations. Boys and girls share a sleeping area and bathroom with other students of the same gender. On Maui, we stay in tented bungalows at a small oceanside campground. Service Project Details: Students will spend an estimated 35–45 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 vary depending on the needs of the research centers.
Students take part in a beach cleanup in Waimea, photographed by fellow student Filippo D.
C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E T R I P
P U E RTO R I C O C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E : HURRICANE RELIEF
• Settle into a rural Puerto Rican town and help rebuild a local school and farm devastated by Hurricane Maria. • Hike to a waterfall in El Yunque National Forest, and hear about how the park was impacted by the storm. • Volunteer with World Central Kitchen and learn how the group’s novel approaches to disaster relief are empowering local residents. • Participate in beach cleanup projects alongside Puerto Rican environmentalists, and go snorkeling in the Caribbean.
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1 4 DAY S
In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck Puerto Rico, causing extensive damage and intensifying environmental and infrastructural challenges that have long impacted the U.S. territory. Work alongside residents, conservationists, and young Puerto Ricans to restore the island’s ecosystems and rebuild rural communities and farms; and learn how innovative relief programs are changing the way organizations provide aid in the wake of natural disasters. DAYS 1–4 I SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO Our journey begins in the centuries-old port city of San Juan, a mosaic of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino influences. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, and get introduced to organizations that are rebuilding the island’s infrastructure in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Travel to El Yunque National Forest and hike to a pristine waterfall while learning about how this rainforest was affected by the hurricane. Take a salsa or bomba class back in San Juan, or spend an afternoon paddleboarding at a nearby lagoon. DAYS 5–7 I ADJUNTAS Venture to Adjuntas, a community in Puerto Rico’s rural interior with limited access to aid. Learn about grassroots initiatives launched by young Puerto Ricans to expand agriculture and improve education in this impoverished area,
and lend a hand restoring a local farm. Spend the afternoons hiking in the surrounding mountains or taking dips in hidden swimming holes.
INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 25–July 8 | July 10–23 Tuition: $5,590
DAYS 8–10 I RINCÓN Travel west to the small town of Rincón and work with marine conservationists on beach cleanups and water testing. Reflect on the meaningful work you have accomplished so far, and interview residents at the local farmer’s market to gain new perspectives on Puerto Rico. Relax on the pristine beaches of Rincón in the afternoon, and take a surfing lesson or go snorkeling. DAYS 11–14 I MANATÍ Head to the coastal town of Manatí and meet with representatives from the World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, who traveled to Puerto Rico immediately after Hurricane Maria hit. Andrés rallied local chefs and set up a sophisticated network of emergency kitchens and supply chains, serving more than three million meals in the months following the storm. Learn how the group has since shifted its mission, empowering residents to develop their own agricultural capabilities and become more sustainable. Volunteer at a local farm funded by World Central Kitchen, and help plant native trees to restore the island’s ecosystem. We’ll spend our final day in Manatí before returning home.
Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and San Juan. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: The group sleeps in sleeping bags on the floor of local schools and community buildings. Sleeping areas and bathrooms are separated by gender. In San Juan and Rincón, we stay in small, family-run hotels. Service Project Details: 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.
Sunlight catches the historic city walls of Old San Juan.
Above: A student lends a hand with native tree planting in Manatí.
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C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E T R I P
M A DAGA S C A R C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E : BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION
• Stay at the world-renowned Centre ValBio research station, founded by a National Geographic–supported primatologist. • Trek through the rainforests of Ranomafana National Park, learning to analyze the behavior of resident lemurs. • Plant trees for a reforestation project, and work with local communities to help promote wildlife conservation initiatives. • Hike the canyons of Isalo National Park in search of camouflaged geckos and ring-tailed lemurs, and cool off in natural swimming pools.
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2 0 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 alongside local community members to preserve the unique surrounding ecosystems through a variety of conservation service projects. DAYS 1–3 I ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR Begin in the capital city of Antananarivo and learn about the cultural and ecological history of the island as we get to know our group and start to prepare for our community service projects. DAYS 4–8 I CENTRE VALBIO Head southeast towards Ranomafana National Park and settle into our home in the jungle, the Centre ValBio—a research center founded by National Geographic Grantee Patricia Wright, one of the world’s leading experts on lemurs. Work with local conservation clubs on a variety of eco-service projects. Plant trees for a reforestation initiative, paint murals at local schools, 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 afternoons and evenings, take
breaks from your work to search for endemic chameleons near Ranomafana National Park, shadow researchers working at the Centre ValBio, or interview artisans at the Ranomafana village market. DAYS 9–12 I ISALO NATIONAL PARK Travel to Anja Community Reserve and wander amid rock formations as you track Madagascar’s famous 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 in search of desert-adapted wildlife, and cool off in natural swimming pools. DAYS 13–20 I CENTRE VALBIO Return to the Centre ValBio to finish up your community service projects. Learn about endemic silkworms at a women’s silk-weaving cooperative, dance to Malagasy music at an artisan exhibition, or kayak along jungle waterways listening for the calls of rare bird species. Journey into the heart of the rainforest and camp overnight, falling asleep to a forest symphony and waking to the sounds of lemurs as they rise to greet the day. 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 and celebrate our journey with the team. Then return to Antananarivo to catch our flight home.
2020 Date: June 28–July 17 Tuition: $6,890 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Antananarivo. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: 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. Service Project Details: 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. Note: This trip includes several full-day hikes and one day camping overnight in the rainforest. To get the most out of the program, participants should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.
Students set off for an adventurous hike.
Above: A baby ring-tailed lemur clings tightly to its mother.
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INFOR M ATION
C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E T R I P
MO RO C C O C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E : C U L T U R A L C O N S E R VA T I O N
• Work with the Atlas Cultural Foundation and local community members to restore historical architecture. • Ride camels along the Atlantic coast, and catch an ocean wave during a surfing lesson. • Tackle an overnight hiking trek in the High Atlas Mountains, and interview indigenous nomadic and semi-nomadic people. • Stay at a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World built from the ruins of a medieval casbah.
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1 8 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 and markets of Marrakech, then venture into the High Atlas Mountains to work with indigenous Berber communities on projects that promote sustainable development and preserve local culture, history, and language. DAYS 1–4 I MARRAKECH, MOROCCO Our journey begins in Marrakech at Djemaa el Fna, the city’s central square. Snap pictures of magicians and fortune-tellers, then venture into the medina’s maze of market stalls. Stroll Majorelle Garden, and visit the Berber Museum before we head into the High Atlas Mountains to experience the culture of this indigenous group firsthand. DAYS 5–6 I IMLIL 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 casbah, 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 I AHANSAL RIVER VALLEY Continue to our Berber host village in the remote Ahansal River valley, and begin working with community members on a variety of projects. Tutor mountain guides and students in English, plant an organic garden, or help paint a mural at the community health clinic. Meet with representatives from the Atlas Cultural Foundation, an organization that works with rural Moroccan communities to preserve historic architecture using traditional construction methods. Learn these ancient building techniques and hear how local culture is preserved through architecture.
INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 27–July 14 | July 15–Aug. 1 Tuition: $6,890 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Marrakech. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: In our community service village, the group sleeps in a simple village house. Boys and girls share a sleeping area and bathroom with other students of the same gender. We stay in family-run riads in Marrakech and Essaouira, and in Imlil, we stay at Kasbah du Toubkal—a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. Service Project Details: 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.
DAYS 15–18 I 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 along the shore, taking in views of the vast Saharan sands unfolding alongside you. Dive into the ocean and spend an afternoon learning how to surf with experienced guides. Enjoy your last days sharing stories of your adventures in Morocco with your group. Moroccan tea is offered as a sign of hospitality.
Above: Students explore the villages of Imlil Valley in the High Atlas Mountains.
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C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E T R I P
F I J I C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E : C O M M U N I T Y R E S T O R AT I O N
• Work alongside our village hosts to plant a garden at the local school or rebuild a community meeting space. • E xplore the Fijian reef systems with local marine biologists, and lend a hand with marine conservation projects. • Delve into Fijian culture as you help prepare traditional meals, try your hand at spearfishing, and join in a kava ceremony. • Discover hidden waterfalls at Bouma National Heritage Park, and snorkel or scuba dive colorful coral gardens.
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1 6 DAY S
The island nation of Fiji is known for its vibrant coral reefs, emerald peaks, 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 village construction projects. DAYS 1–3 I TAVEUNI ISLAND, FIJI Upon arrival in Fiji, head north to Taveuni, the third largest of Fiji’s more than 330 islands. Known as the “garden island,” Taveuni’s inland rainforests 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 breathtaking Rainbow Reef with guides. Visit the Waitabu Marine Park, gaining insight into the management of this protected marine area, and learn about how these aquatic environments have shaped Fijian culture as we prepare to immerse ourselves in village life.
DAYS 4–14 I COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE We then make our way to our host village, where the chief and the villagers welcome us with traditional songs and a meke, or dance. Help to build a community meeting space or health clinic, and 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 village elders. Capture your experiences with photos, video, or writing, and share your story with your new friends. DAYS 15–16 I 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, go surfing or zip line through the forest, browse artisan markets, and enjoy your last days of Fijian sun on a quiet beach before returning home.
Above: Students work on a community project on Taveuni, the “garden island.”
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INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 25–July 10 | July 10–25 Tuition: $4,890 We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Nadi, Nadi to Taveuni, Taveuni to Nadi, and Nadi to Los Angeles. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: In the village, the group sleeps in sleeping bags in a simple village house. Sleeping areas and bathrooms are separated by gender. Elsewhere on Taveuni and while in Nadi, we will stay in small, rustic resorts. Service Project Details: Students will spend an estimated 40–45 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
Students assist in the construction of a community building.
C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E T R I P
N E PA L C O M M U N I T Y S E RV I C E : S U S TA I N A B L E DEVELOPMENT AND RURAL LIVELIHOODS
• Immerse yourself in village life at the foot of the Himalaya, and share your experiences through photography, video, and writing. • Lend a hand with reconstruction projects, and learn how rural areas were impacted by the 2015 earthquakes. • Hike through the Kathmandu Valley to the pilgrimage site of Pharping and spend two days getting to know young Tibetan monks and learning to meditate. • Meet master artisans and try your hand at sculpting traditional Nepalese pottery.
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1 5 DAY S
Nepal’s dramatic mountain landscapes are home to vibrant cultural groups with rich traditions. In 2015, earthquakes disrupted the lives of many Nepalese people, especially those living in small farming villages. Work alongside community members on agricultural, educational, and rebuilding projects in your host village while learning about Nepal’s colorful heritage. DAYS 1–3 I KATHMANDU, NEPAL Stay in the heart of Bodhnath, one of the holiest Tibetan Buddhist sites outside of Tibet. Join nuns and monks in a walking meditation around Bodhnath Stupa, the largest stupa in Asia; visit a hilltop temple complex teeming with monkeys; and experience a Hindu ceremony on the banks of the Bagmati River. In a workshop led by a local artist, learn the history behind thangkas—Tibetan cloth paintings depicting Buddhist symbols. DAYS 4–9 I TALAMARANG Journey to Talamarang, an agricultural community of ethnic Tamang people set against the dramatic backdrop of the Himalaya. Settle into our guesthouse and spend your days working on a variety of service projects. While many buildings in our host village were destroyed by the earthquakes of April 2015, the community’s resilience has fueled a successful recovery. Lend a hand with
construction projects at the children’s center and school; lead English conversation classes; make repairs to the village fish ponds; or plant trees and help with the harvest. In the late afternoons, play soccer and volleyball 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 I PHARPING MONASTERY RETREAT Hike through the Kathmandu Valley to the sacred pilgrimage site of Pharping, where we’ll spend two days at a secluded monastery. Reflect on your community service experience, play games with young Tibetan monks, and practice meditation under a canopy of prayer flags. DAYS 12–15 I 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. Try your hand at the ancient art of paper making, then hike to Ghyampe Danda for a traditional pottery workshop. Return to Kathmandu to explore the shrines and markets of the old city, then enjoy a farewell dinner before flying home.
INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 20–July 4 | July 4–18 July 23–Aug. 6 Tuition: $5,790 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Kathmandu. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: 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. Service Project Details: Students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
A tika, made from dried turmeric, is applied to a student’s forehead.
Above: Kathmandu’s Bodhnath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world.
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C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E T R I P
T H A I L A N D C OM MU N I T Y S E RV I C E : T E AC H I N G A N D M E N TO R S H I P
• Teach English to primary school students in the province of Chiang Rai, and document your experience through photographs, writing, or video. • Get introduced to Thai culture during cooking and martial arts classes and on visits to Buddhist temples. • Work with caretakers at an elephant conservation center, and walk with free-roaming elephants through their natural habitat. • Hike to remote hill tribe communities, and learn about their unique languages and customs.
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1 7 DAY S
Vibrant traditions, world-renowned cuisine, and spectacular landscapes dotted with glittering temples: it’s easy to see what makes Thailand one of the most enticing places on the planet. Settle into our community and collaborate with teachers at a local primary school to tutor students in English. Spend a weekend at a remote eco-lodge in the lush mountains of Chiang Rai, and learn about the hill tribe communities that live in the region. Cap off the trip volunteering at an elephant conservation center. DAYS 1–10 I CHIANG RAI, THAILAND Our home in Thailand lies in the northern province of Chiang Rai, known for its rugged natural beauty and remote hill tribe communities. Spend two days getting to know your fellow travelers, then split into small groups and work with local teachers on a variety of community-initiated education projects. Create English-language lesson plans and teach vocabulary and pronunciation skills to primary school students. In the late afternoons, get into the rhythm of daily life and explore the surrounding area. Discover the sport of Thai kickboxing, visit the exquisite Wat Rong Khun temple, or take a Thai cooking class. Report on your experiences through photographs, writing, or video, and develop a narrative about your time in the community.
DAYS 11–12 I MOUNTAIN TREK Travel into the mountains to an eco-lodge, located near several hill tribe villages. Set out on hikes to nearby communities, and learn about each tribe’s unique language and customs. Discover the symbolism behind village weaving patterns; learn how to harvest rice on a terraced hillside; or collect native insects with a local guide. DAYS 13–15 I CHIANG RAI Return to Chiang Rai for an enriching cultural exchange with local high school students. Attend classes with a Thai peer, practice your Thai script, or learn about Thai holidays and traditions. To round off your time in Chiang Rai, volunteer for a day at an elephant conservation center. Learn about the animals’ uncertain role in the evolving Thai economy as you help caretakers gather food, and observe the freeroaming elephants in their natural habitat.
INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 24–July 10 | July 8–24 Tuition: $5,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Chiang Mai. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: At our community service site and in Chiang Mai, the group sleeps in simple guesthouses. We stay at a rustic eco-lodge during our time in the mountains. Service Project Details: 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.
DAYS 16–17 I CHIANG MAI Travel south to Chiang Mai for our final days in Thailand. Get a Thai massage, or explore the ancient temples surrounding our guesthouse. Celebrate your final evening as a group with a karaoke party before returning home. Student volunteers read English storybooks to primary school children.
Above: A student works with local Thai schoolchildren.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
BELIZE MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
• Tour the Belize Zoo rehabilitation sanctuary at night and observe jaguars, tapirs, and boa constrictors in their natural environments. • Stay on the tiny tropical island of Calabash Caye, and snorkel the world’s second largest barrier reef. • Team up with Belizeans to run an afterschool program for young children and plant native crops. • Step into the world of the Maya while exploring ancient cities and underground ritual caves.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Mayan Archaeology & Culture • Marine Conservation • Community Service I T I N E R A RY
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9 DAY S
In Belize, thick jungles hide ancient temples, and a dazzling marine world lies just offshore. Discover fascinating ecosystems from our base at a wildlife sanctuary, and get to know local Belizeans while working on service projects in a rural community. Then travel by boat to a research station on the world’s second largest barrier reef, and swim through an underwater world of brightly colored corals, sea turtles, and tropical fish. DAYS 1–4 I M ONKEY BAY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, BELIZE Arrive in Belize and settle into the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a jungle reserve adjacent to the Sibun River. Encounter native wildlife on a nighttime visit to the Belize Zoo, where rescued animals—including jaguars, tapirs, and boa constrictors—are kept in their natural environments. Hear from zookeepers about the threats facing Belizean wildlife, and learn about their initiatives to reintroduce resident animals into the wild.
Discover the world of the ancient Maya while exploring the ruins of Xunantunich, built over a thousand years ago. Climb the steps of El Castillo temple, then descend into the Maya civilization’s spiritual “underworld” at the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. In this ancient burial site, seek out the ceremonial pots and artifacts that mark the locations where secret rituals took place. Spend time in a local village, and work alongside community members on a service project. Run an after-school program, help plant and harvest native crops, or paint classrooms at the local school. In the town of San Ignacio, learn about the work of local artisans, visit an iguana conservation center, and tour a chocolate-making facility. DAYS 5–9 I CALABASH CAYE Set sail for Calabash Caye, a tiny island located within the world’s second largest barrier reef system, and stay at the University of Belize’s field station. Discover mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and patch reefs while snorkeling amid schools of sea turtles, rainbow-colored fish, and manta rays. Learn about this delicate ecosystem from your guides, and discuss the factors impacting the health of the reef. On our final evening, we’ll celebrate our adventures and share what we’ve learned about the history, culture, and ecosystems of Belize.
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. Through her work with Crittercam, Birgit has sidled up to seals, sea lions, and whales; studied the secret lives of great white and tiger sharks; and dived with hawksbill sea turtles. She has personally deployed more than a hundred Crittercams in a broad range of ecosystems around the world, from the poles to Pacific islands. Birgit will join both departures at Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: July 17–25 | July 24–Aug. 1 Tuition: $5,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Miami and Belize City. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: Throughout the expedition, we will stay in dormitory-style accommodations or cabanas. Boys and girls share a sleeping area and bathroom with other students of the same gender. Note: Students will spend an estimated five 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.
Above: A green sea turtle hovers on the ocean floor.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
CANADIAN ARCTIC MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
NEW
• Hop aboard an all-terrain vehicle for a polar bear safari, and learn how to capture the animals’ movements on camera. • Gain insights into indigenous culture and the Arctic way of life at the Itsanitaq Museum. • Paddle in the sapphire-blue waters of the Hudson Bay, surrounded by pods of “singing” beluga whales. • Meet first responders at Churchill’s “polar bear jail,” where wandering polar bears are detained before being relocated to the wild.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Wildlife Conservation • Anthropology & Local Cultures I T I N E R A RY
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9 DAY S
The Canadian Arctic shakes off its frosty cover during the summer, revealing flower-filled fields and a flurry of four-legged activity. With the remote town of Churchill as your base, discover this epic landscape while hiking and kayaking with our experienced Expedition Leaders and a National Geographic Expert. Seek out fascinating wildlife—from polar bears and majestic caribou to beluga whales—and trace the history of this former fur-trading post, inhabited by the native Inuit people for thousands of years. DAYS 1–9 I CHURCHILL, CANADA/ CHURCHILL NORTHERN STUDIES CENTRE Churchill is home to fewer than a thousand people, and owes its fame to the resident polar bears that move through the area in the summer months. Chat with local youth about growing up in this far-flung corner of North America,
and visit Polar Bears International, a global nonprofit dedicated to bear conservation. Meet with first responders at the town’s “polar bear jail”—a holding facility for polar bears that wander into town—and discuss how this practice prevents human-wildlife conflict. Marvel at hundreds of Inuit artifacts at the Itsanitaq Museum, and meet with First Nations elders to immerse yourself in the customs of the area. Venture across the tundra from our base at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, a nonprofit research station that has hosted National Geographic–funded scientists. Head out on foot and in our all-terrain vehicle to photograph the iconic creatures of the Arctic from a safe distance—from the sprightly arctic fox and herds of caribou to snowy white polar bears. Follow in the footsteps of the region’s early European fur traders as you hike from the Prince of Wales Fort to the harbor at Sloop Cove. Hit the waters of the Hudson Bay by kayak, paddling alongside large pods of beluga whales; and learn how scientists are working to decipher their communications. Investigate the ecology of an estuary that serves as a temporary habitat for calving belugas; and walk along tidal flats to collect specimens that we’ll bring back to the lab for further research. Spend the evenings relaxing at the center’s observatory deck, and keep an eye out for the mesmerizing northern lights!
Above: A snowy white polar bear ambles through the springtime tundra.
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Wildlife photographer, cinematographer, and author 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 20 books and his articles and photographs have appeared in National Geographic magazine and BBC Wildlife. Matthias’s documentary, Polar Bear Summer, garnered international awards and was nominated for an Emmy. Matthias is also a founding member of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) and is deeply involved in conservation efforts in the North American Arctic and Subarctic. Matthias will join the group at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: July 26–Aug. 3 Tuition: $6,190 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Winnipeg and Churchill. Students may also join one of our Expedition Leaders on a flight from Minneapolis to Winnipeg, and return. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: During our time at the research station, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations. Note: This expedition includes several active excursions in an Arctic environment. To get the most out of the program, students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor activities. Please note that, although we work with local experts to optimize our chances of spotting wildlife, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
C O S TA R I C A MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
• Venture into the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with an ecologist to learn about the impacts of climate change on the world’s tropical forests. • Help with community restoration projects in a rural village, and learn about Costa Rican culture from your hosts. • Practice wildlife photography using colorful birds, languid sloths, and acrobatic monkeys as your subjects. • Take surfing lessons, and soar through the rainforest canopy on a zip-line course.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Wildlife Conservation • Community Service I T I N E R A RY
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1 2 DAY S
Costa Rica has protected over a quarter of its land from development, creating a refuge for countless species and ensuring that its rainforests and beaches will thrive for generations to come. From the stunning northwest coast to the verdant Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, discover Costa Rica’s innovative conservation efforts and incredible biodiversity alongside your knowledgeable Expedition Leaders and a National Geographic Expert. DAYS 1–2 I NORTHWEST COAST, COSTA RICA Arrive in Costa Rica and travel to the country’s Pacific coast, where we’ll settle into our accommodations on Playa Grande. Spend a morning catching waves with the guidance of professional surf instructors. Discover coastal tide pools sheltering colorful anemones and sea stars, and paddle a canoe through estuaries teeming with exotic birds, capturing photos of their colorful beaks and plumage.
DAYS 3–5 I MONTEVERDE Travel inland to San Luis, situated at the edge of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Learn about local conservation efforts and develop your photography skills as we explore this unique ecosystem. Experience the cloud forest from multiple angles: hike the trails in search of the elusive quetzal, glide through the canopy on a zip line, and ride on horseback to discover pristine, old-growth forests. Embark on a night hike with naturalists, spying sloths, armadillos, and coatis. Swim under the spray of a waterfall, and choose to visit a sustainable coffee cooperative or volunteer to plant trees in a biological corridor. In the evenings, relax in a hammock and scan the treetops for howler and spider monkeys, or practice your nighttime photography skills. DAYS 6–12 I GUANACASTE VILLAGE Head to our rural host village in Guanacaste, and work alongside local residents on a variety of community service projects. Collaborate with local students to paint a mural as you help them with their English, or lend a hand restoring a community building. In the afternoons and evenings, learn about Costa Rican culture and cuisine from our hosts, and practice your Spanish. At the end of our stay here, head back to the coast for a final day of reflection with your group before returning home.
Brazilian-American filmmaker Filipe DeAndrade has a passion for wildlife and adventure. In 2015, Filipe won National Geographic’s Wild to Inspire short film competition; he has also earned multiple New York Emmy Awards for his work as a photographer and producer. Filipe currently hosts Nat Geo WILD’s YouTube show Untamed, where he travels across the United States in search of iconic animal species. In Costa Rica, Filipe is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to create an environmental education curriculum for public middle schools—a project supported by National Geographic. Filipe will join the group in Playa Grande. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: June 26–July 7 Tuition: $5,290 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Miami and Liberia. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: In Playa Grande, we stay in a small hotel. In Monteverde, we stay at a former research station that now serves as an eco-lodge. Accommodations in the Guanacaste village are simple. The group sleeps in sleeping bags on the floor of a community center. Sleeping areas and bathrooms are separated by gender. Note: Students will spend an estimated 10 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in the itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
Above: Middle school students try out surfing on the beaches of northwest Costa Rica.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
H AWA I ‘ I M I D D L E S C H O O L E X P E D I T I O N
• Go hiking through the jungles of the West Maui Mountains, and take a dip beneath hidden waterfalls. • Venture to the Haleakalā Crater and photograph the island from atop this massive volcano. • Meet biologists at the Maui Ocean Center who work to rehabilitate sea turtles and sharks, then go on a snorkeling and whalewatching excursion with local naturalists. • Learn to surf in the gentle waters of a famous Maui break.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Community Service • Marine Conservation I T I N E R A RY
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1 1 DAY S
Rushing waterfalls and soaring volcanic peaks, fascinating heritage and stunning beaches— Maui is the ultimate tropical paradise. With dynamic Expedition Leaders and a National Geographic Expert, capture the island’s natural wonders on camera; get up close to fascinating marine life on snorkeling, surfing, and boating excursions; and lend a hand with service projects to help preserve the island’s delicate ecosystems. DAYS 1–5 I LAHAINA, MAUI, HAWAI‘I Settle into oceanfront tents in Lahaina—once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, then a whaling port, and now an artsy enclave. Dive into turquoise waters on snorkeling and dolphinwatching excursions; and visit the Maui Ocean Center, where biologists work to conserve native sea turtle and shark populations. Venture to the island’s northern shores for an unforgettable hike to ancient lava flows. Search
for mysterious petroglyphs and secret waterfalls in the West Maui Mountains, and take a surfing lesson in calm waters. Enjoy a day in South Maui, where we’ll visit a working sugar factory to see how raw cane is transformed into sweetener. DAYS 6–8 I PUKALANI AND KULA Travel inland to the heart of the island and settle into a small town near the base of the Haleakalā volcano, where traditional ranching and farming still thrive. Step into the cowboy boots of a Hawaiian paniolo, joining in on the action at a local rodeo. Head to the top of Haleakalā Crater, soaring 10,000 feet above sea level, and take in breathtaking views of Maui’s central valley. DAYS 9–11 I KE’ANAE AND HĀNA Drive along the world-famous road to Hāna, making several stops en route to our destination. Splash in waterfalls and swimming holes; seek out green sea turtles along a blacksand beach; and get your hands dirty while farming a patch of taro—a staple in traditional Hawaiian cooking. Upon arrival in Hāna, go hiking through bamboo forests to a stunning waterfall, and take a dip in the pool at the base of the cascade. In the evenings, gaze up at the stars alongside astronomers to learn traditional Hawaiian navigation techniques. On our final evening, we’ll celebrate and reflect on our experiences over a bonfire and barbecue with local Hawaiians.
Above: The coast of Maui is dotted with secluded coves to stop and enjoy a swim in.
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Marine biologist and filmmaker Greg Marshall invented National Geographic’s Crittercam, a device that can be attached to an animal to study its behavior. This technology has allowed Greg to document life in the oceans and on land from the perspective of more than 80 species, including blue whales, green turtles, emperor penguins, Hawaiian monk seals, tiger sharks, and, most recently, giant oceanic manta rays. Through Crittercam, Greg aims to engage audiences with the planet’s incredible wildlife and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Greg will join both departures in Lahaina. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 24–July 4 | June 29–July 9 Tuition: $6,190 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Los Angeles and Maui. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in small, family-run hostels and campsites throughout the expedition. Note: The Haleakalā Crater is at an elevation of 10,000 feet. To get the most out of the program, students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration On this program, students will spend an estimated 10 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in this itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
ICELAND MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
• Photograph Icelandic horses and quirky puffins as you explore the beaches and sea cliffs of the rugged Snæfellsnes Peninsula. • Visit a volcano museum founded by a National Geographic Grantee, and see volcanism in action while exploring geysers and hot springs. • Trek across a glacier with an expert guide to learn about climate science and glacial recession. • Hear riveting sagas of Icelandic heroes, and see the icy lair of a legendary giant.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Icelandic History & Folklore • Climate Science I T I N E R A RY
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Witness the extreme powers of the Earth in Iceland, discovering geological wonders—from massive glaciers to bubbling geysers. With dynamic Expedition Leaders and a National Geographic Expert, photograph rushing waterfalls and craggy lava fields, witness volcanism in action, and delve into Icelandic folklore amid stone monuments built for Icelandic heroes. DAYS 1–3 I REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND Our trip begins in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital and home to nearly one quarter of the country’s population. Learn photography techniques and practice your new skills while exploring the historic streets, then take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon. DAYS 4–6 I SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA Travel north and hike to the top of one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls. Visit a dairy farm and try traditional ice cream before continuing on to our base on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This rugged and wild peninsula holds many
of the incredible geological features found throughout the rest of the country, including lava fields and black-sand beaches. Over the next several days, explore the wonders of these otherworldly landscapes. Ride an Icelandic horse at the base of the Snaefellsjökull glacier, and visit Stykkishólmur’s Volcano Museum, founded and run by world-renowned volcanologist and National Geographic Grantee Dr. Haraldur Sigurôsson. Join a storyteller for a hike among cairns, and go fishing with local anglers, learning how climate change is affecting their trade. DAYS 7–8 I T HE GOLDEN CIRCLE AND LANDMANNALAUGAR Travel to Iceland’s interior highlands and discover the iconic Golden Circle along the way. Create a time-lapse film of the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, and spend a day in Landmannalaugar, trekking across blue lakes, multicolored mountains, and far-reaching lava fields before soaking in some of the area’s natural hot springs. DAYS 9–10 I V ÍK AND THE SOUTHERN COAST Continue to Vík and listen to local legends of Viking gold buried beneath the thundering cascades of Skogafoss. Don crampons and wield ice picks for a trek atop the Sólheimajökull glacier, and witness the impacts of climate change firsthand while examining evidence of the glacier’s recession alongside experienced local guides. DAYS 11–12 I REYKJAVÍK Return to Reykjavík to celebrate your adventure with your friends before flying home.
National Geographic Emerging Explorer, geographer, glaciologist, and TED fellow M Jackson can often be found exploring some of the world’s most remote Arctic environments. M’s research is focused on glacial environments and climate change. She has worked in Iceland for over a decade and completed two U.S. Fulbright grants studying how climate change is affecting communities near the fishing village of Höfn. Her first book, While Glaciers Slept: Being Human in a Time of Climate Change, blends her own personal history with climate science. M’s most recent book, The Secret Lives of Glaciers, explores the complex impacts of glacier change for communities along the southeastern coast of Iceland. M’s research has taken her around the globe, and she has spent more than 10 years as a glacier guide and naturalist. M will join the group in Reykjavík. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 26–July 7 Tuition: $6,790 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Reykjavík. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: 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.
Above: Students pause for a photo at Skógafoss, one of the largest wateralls in Iceland.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
I TA LY A N D G R E E C E MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
• See legends come to life amid the ancient ruins of Delphi and Athens, and write your own myths about the Greek deities. • Practice photography while capturing the extreme lean on the Tower of Pisa and Florence’s Renaissance-era streetscapes. • Taste delicious Mediterranean dishes, try your hand at making pizza, and learn about sustainable food from chefs, farmers, and market vendors. • Immerse yourself in vibrant local culture at Greek street fairs and in tiny Tuscan towns.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Ancient Mythology • Mediterranean Food & Culture I T I N E R A RY
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1 3 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 Expedition Leaders and a National Geographic Expert, immerse yourself in a world of ancient myths and legends, taste delicious Greek and Italian specialties, and photograph the rich traditions of the Mediterranean. DAYS 1–5 I F LORENCE AND TUSCANY, ITALY Settle into our traditional Italian villa overlooking beautiful 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 to 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 local farmers; and in the evenings, sample the rich flavors of family-run gelaterias. DAYS 6–7 I 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. 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 I ATHENS Immerse yourself in Athenian history as we visit some of the city’s most famous sites. Climb the Acropolis, crowned by the iconic ruins of the Parthenon; sample Greek specialties at the Athens Central Market; and examine intriguing artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum, home to more than 11,000 relics of Greek antiquity. DAYS 10–13 I NÁFPLIO Cap off your trip in the charming seaport of Náfplio. Go to a town fair, or take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Argolís. Visit the well-preserved Greek theaters at Epidaurus, and travel to Mycenae to discover the home of the legendary king Agamemnon. Spend the final days of your journey sharing photos and stories with your new friends as we celebrate along Náfplio’s beautiful beach.
Above: With Florence as her subject, a middle school student practices photography techniques.
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National Geographic Explorer William Saturno is an anthropologist and archaeologist who specializes in early civilizations. He has conducted extensive research in Mesoamerica, unearthing the oldest intact Maya mural yet found. He has also been exploring the cities and ruins of Europe—from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia—since childhood. Bill is an expert at narrating the tales of adventurers, artists, commoners, and kings to bring the past vividly to life. He has taught extensively on how Europe’s modern nations continue to build upon their varied classical, medieval, and Renaissance foundations. Bill will join the group in Athens and Náfplio. INFOR M ATION
2020 Date: June 27–July 9 Tuition: $6,190 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Florence, Florence to Athens, and Athens to New York. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: While in Florence, we stay in a traditional Italian villa. In Greece, we stay in small, family-run hotels and inns.
MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
E C UA D O R A N D T H E G A L Á PAG O S MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
• Snorkel with playful sea lions and penguins and encounter endangered Galápagos giant tortoises—capturing it all on camera. • Zoom through the cloud forest canopy on a zip-line excursion, and spot some of Ecuador’s more than 1,500 bird species in the treetops. • Learn about medicinal plants, and prepare a traditional Ecuadorian dish alongside local cooks. • Lend a hand with reforestation efforts in the cloud forest, and participate in a beach cleanup in the Galápagos.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Wildlife Conservation • Community Service I T I N E R A RY
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From pristine cloud forests to the spectacular wildlife sanctuaries of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador is a small country harboring an incredible range of species. Alongside knowledgeable Expedition Leaders and a National Geographic Expert, gain unique perspectives on this biodiversity hotspot— whether exploring the cloud forest treetops on canopy tours or enjoying face time on the ground with blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions. DAYS 1–2 I QUITO, ECUADOR Arrive in Quito, the world’s second highest capital city. Explore streets and plazas that have scarcely changed since the 17th century, and ride an aerial tramway high into the mountains to photograph a panorama of the city below. DAYS 3–7 I M INDO AND THE CLOUD FOREST Travel to the town of Mindo, nestled in the Andean cloud forest. Hike to tumbling
waterfalls and get an introduction to wildlife photography in the Bosque Protector MindoNambillo reserve, home to exotic birds such as the toucan barbet and golden-headed quetzal. Zoom through the forest canopy on zip lines and, with luck, encounter newly discovered species as you hike alongside researchers. Get to know young Ecuadorians while playing soccer together; and work with a local school on service projects. Help with reforestation initiatives, and interview local conservationists about their efforts to preserve this unique habitat in the face of oil and natural gas extraction. DAYS 8–13 I GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS Depart mainland Ecuador and set off on an adventure in the legendary Galápagos Islands. This volcanic archipelago, cut off from humans for thousands of years, helped shape Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Meet with scientists from the Charles Darwin Research Station to hear about tortoise conservation efforts, then hike to the highlands to see Galápagos giant tortoises in the wild. Take part in beach cleanup efforts, come face to face with blue-footed boobies, and snorkel with penguins, sea lions, and sea turtles in one of the world’s most fascinating natural environments. Spend the final days of your trip sharing your photos and stories with your new friends as we celebrate along beautiful Galápagos beaches. Return to Quito and catch an overnight flight home.
Ecologist and National Geographic Grantee Kevin McLean can often be found high up in jungle canopies, studying some of the world’s lesser known wildlife. Kevin combines camera trapping and GPS technologies with field science to study the flora of tropical treetops. He documents his experiences through stories, photos, and videos, providing a unique view of his life as a researcher. Recently, Kevin 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 planet. He will join both groups in Quito and Mindo. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 30–July 12 | July 7–19 Tuition: $6,390 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Quito, Quito to the Galápagos, the Galápagos to Quito, and Quito to Miami. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We will stay in family-run inns, small hotels, and a rustic research station. Note: Quito is at an elevation of 9,350 feet. We will participate in a number of short hikes, and participants should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration. On this program, students will spend an estimated 10 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed. Projects described in the itinerary are examples and vary depending on the needs of the community.
Above: A curious sea lion approaches the camera in the Galápagos.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
JA PA N M I D D L E S C H O O L E X P E D I T I O N
NEW
• B oard a bullet train to Kyoto, catching sight of Mount Fuji’s soaring volcanic peak through the window. • Capture Tokyo’s buzzing street life and colorful fashion through the lens of your camera. • E xplore the link between technology and science at the Sony ExploraScience museum, and see state-of-the-art cars at Toyota’s City Showcase. • Sip tea at a traditional Kyoto teahouse, and release your inner karate kid during a martial arts lesson in Tokyo.
TRIP THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program: • Photography • Fashion & Anime • Technology & Innovation I T I N E R A RY
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Japan is a country of contrasts, where centuries-old shrines stand next to neonlit skyscrapers, and the ancient and modern strike a unique balance. Explore the “land of the rising sun” alongside knowledgeable Expedition Leaders and a National Geographic Expert, traveling from futuristic Tokyo to imperial Kyoto and historic Hiroshima. DAYS 1–5 I TOKYO, JAPAN Our adventure begins in Tokyo—one the most heavily populated cities on Earth! Explore the cutting edge of technology at the Sony ExploraScience museum, and see the cars of the future at Toyota’s City Showcase. For a dose of Japanese pop culture, hit the streets of the Akihabara district—a hub of electronics, video games, anime, and manga. We’ll also learn some basic photography skills while in Tokyo, capturing the city’s fascinating contrasts through our camera lenses.
DAYS 6–9 I KYOTO Hop aboard a bullet train for the ride to Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan. Take a meditation class at a Zen temple, followed by a tea ceremony at a traditional teahouse. We then make our way to Kyoto’s famed geisha district, where you might spot a graceful geisha—a traditional Japanese female entertainer— wearing a colorful kimono and distinctive makeup. Later, head to the countryside to practice your landscape photography skills, and soak in an onsen, or hot spring. DAYS 10–13 I HIROSHIMA Travel by train to Hiroshima, where U.S. forces dropped an atomic bomb toward the end of World War II, devastating the city. Hear the stories of survivors of the bombing at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and then pay a visit to the Children’s Peace Monument, which commemorates the child victims of the bombings. We’ll also have time to indulge our taste buds, discovering hidden ramen shops and sampling traditional sweets. Then try your hand at creating these dishes in a Japanese cooking class. DAYS 14–15 I T OKYO Back in Tokyo, live out your karate dreams during a lesson with a martial arts master, or take part in a heart-pounding taiko drumming class. Celebrate your Japanese journey with your friends, and bid sayonara to the land of the rising sun.
Above: The bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto zooms past snow-covered Mount Fuji.
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Travel writer Andrew Evans has arguably one of the coolest jobs out there: he’s an explorer wandering the globe in pursuit of authentic travel experiences, using the internet, digital mapping, and social media to document his adventures in real time. Andrew has reported live from glaciers, jungles, and mountain summits in more than a hundred countries. A contributor to National Geographic Traveler and a TV host for both the National Geographic Channel and CBS, he is the author of five books and the winner of numerous journalism awards. Andrew will join the July 8 departure in Tokyo and Kyoto. INFOR M ATION
2020 Dates: June 23–July 7 | July 8–22 Tuition: $7,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Los Angeles and Tokyo. Refer to page 79 for transportation details. Accommodations: We stay in a small, centrally located hotels throughout the expedition.
H O W T O A P P LY V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E A N D A P P LY N OW !
1. Application Form and Payment
Click on the Apply Now button in the top-right corner at ngstudentexpeditions.com and fill out the online Application Form. When you have completed the form, you will be asked to make a payment of $700 (a $200 application fee plus a $500
| COSTA RICA MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITION
tuition deposit). You may pay by credit card (Mastercard or Visa) or by check, made payable to Putney Student Travel.
Eligibility
2. Agreement Form
Students ages 13 and older who are completing 7th and 8th grades are eligible to participate in
Once you have submitted the Application Form and payment,
our middle school expeditions. Students who are
you will receive access to a personal digital locker. Your digital
completing 9th through 12th grades are eligible
locker will provide the resources necessary to complete the
to participate in our high school programs.
application process and prepare for your trip. First, find the Agreement Form and sign it. When we receive your signed form,
Group Size and Composition
we will temporarily hold a space for you in the program.
Expedition group size ranges between 14 and 28
3. Applicant Statement and Teacher References
participants. Our community service programs
Submit your Applicant Statement explaining why you would like to join a National Geographic Student Expedition, as well as contact information for two teachers. We will email your teachers a link where they can find and complete a reference for you. Upon receipt of all materials (Application Form, $700 payment,
are limited to 18 participants; photography workshops have generally 25–30 students; and university workshops accommodate up to 50 students. The student-to-Expedition Leader ratio is usually between six and eight to one and never more than nine to one.
signed Agreement Form, Applicant Statement, and two
In addition to Expedition Leaders, a National
completed Teacher References), we will process your application
Geographic Expert joins a portion of each
and make a prompt decision.
expedition for four to eight days. On photography workshops, the National Geographic photographer joins the entire program. On university workshops, a number of National Geographic Experts share their work during the program.
Transportation Details International and domestic airfare and any internal flights during the expedition are not included in the cost of tuition. We have arranged for an escorted round-trip group flight for each of our international programs, and select domestic programs. Learn more about our application process, expectations for student participants, and activity | BOTSWANA HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITION
fees at ngstudentexpeditions.com/admission.
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OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
National Geographic photographer Ruddy Roye instructs scholarship student Keylan C. in New York City.
Going on this trip helped me grow as a photographer and inspired me to continue pursuing my dream career. —Keylan C., Student Traveler, New York City Photo Workshop 2019
The National Geographic Student Expeditions Scholarship Program provides financial support for students seeking educational summer experiences they could not otherwise afford. Last summer, 23 students were awarded full scholarships, providing learning opportunities to students from a wide variety of backgrounds and creating a richer and more diverse experience for every student traveling. Our scholarship students return home with stories of life-changing experiences that instill in them increased confidence, global perspective, independence, and compassion for others. For more details about scholarship eligibility and how to apply, visit: ngstudentexpeditions.com/scholarships.
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RESPONSIBILITY National Geographic Student Expeditions (“NGSE”) (a division of National Geographic Partners, LLC ) will provide educational enrichment for trips as outlined in its catalog and on its website (ngstudentexpeditions.com) (each a “Trip”) and has licensed Putney Student Travel, Inc., its parent, subsidiaries, and assigns, and their respective employees, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, representatives, agents, 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
TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE NOTE: If a court of competent jurisdiction or an arbitrator holds that any provision is invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity will not affect the validity or operation of any other provision and such invalid provision will be deemed to be severed from these Terms and Conditions. BASIS OF RATES: All amounts are quoted in U.S. dollars. The tuitions are based on current tariffs, currency values, airfares and third-party charges as of catalog publication date and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While NGSE and PST do everything possible to maintain the listed tuitions, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, NGSE and PST reserve the right to do so. 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. 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 nationalgeographic. com/student-expeditions/how-to-apply/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 which represents a $200 application fee (“Application Fee”) and a $500 tuition deposit (“Tuition Deposit”) (collectively, “Total 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, 2020. For applications submitted after March 15, 2020, final payment is due within five business days after the Total Deposit 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 Total Deposit 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 Total Deposit, 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, 2020, all payments and (if applicable) group flight airline tickets payments, will be refunded, less the Application Fee. For a withdrawal after March 15, 2020, no refunds of the Total Deposit, 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, 2020, all payments will be refunded, less the Application Fee. If NGSE or PST cancel an
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. NGSE, its parent, subsidiaries, and assigns, and their respective employees, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, representatives, agents, and 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;
application or revoke an acceptance after March 15, 2020, 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 the amount 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 the amount 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. If You elect to leave a Trip in progress of Your own volition, You will not receive any type of refund. NGSE and PST will not be responsible for any refund for any expenses related to nonrefundable airline tickets. If NGSE and PST cancels the Trip in progress and You elect that the Student not immediately return to his/ her original point of departure for the Trip, or if You elect to have the Student leave a Trip in progress of Your own volition, You acknowledge and agree that (i) You shall be solely responsible for the Student’s travel plans once he/ she departs the Trip, (ii) neither National Geographic nor PST shall have any responsibility for or control over the Student’s safety or activities once he/she departs the Trip, and (iii) You release and hold harmless National Geographic and PST from any and all costs, liability, loss, damage, injury, or death that may arise out of the Student’s decision to not return to his/her original point of departure from the cancelled Trip in progress. Except as outlined above when NGSE and PST cancel a Trip, NGSE and PST have no responsibility for any expenses, including any non-refundable expenses, incurred by You in preparing for a cancelled Trip or for any additional arrangements should the Student embark prior to the scheduled group departure date. Optional Excursions: If You or the Student elect to participate in any additional activity or excursion that is not arranged or led by NGSE and PST, neither National Geographic nor PST shall have any responsibility for or control over the Student’s safety or well-being, and You release and hold harmless National Geographic and PST from any and all costs, liability, loss, damage, injury, or death arising from the Student’s participation in such activity or excursion. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: Trip cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost and is strongly recommended. NGSE will send students information about a trip cancellation insurance option with pre-Trip materials. ITINERARY CHANGES: NGSE and PST have carefully planned each of the Trips in this catalog; 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: National Geographic reasonably accommodates Students with disabilities on all of its trips, but not all trips may be suitable for all Students. Any physical condition, diet, or treatment requiring special attention must be reported to PST in writing before May 18, 2020. If the Student requires a slower pace or extra assistance, arrangements may be made at the discretion of our Trip staff. Depending upon the nature of the arrangements, extra costs for such arrangements may be Your responsibility. Please call PST for further details if the Student requires special accommodation to participate on this Trip. NGSE and PST encourage You to consult a doctor for specific medical advice about any activities or destinations.
© 2019 National Geographic Partners, LLC Printed on recycled paper. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPEDITIONS and the Yellow Border Design are trademarks of the National Geographic Society, used under license.
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” or “Your”) waive any claim against National Geographic and/or PST for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. By registering for the Trip, You certify that the Student does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself or herself or other Students. NGSE and PST reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove the Student from the Trip. NGSE and PST reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant or if they deem it necessary or desirable for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the Students. Neither National Geographic nor PST shall be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the Student’s Trip departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the Student.
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 agree to allow the Student’s likeness to be used by NGSE, NGSE-authorized third parties, and PST without compensation to You. If the Student prefers that his/her likeness not be used, You must notify PST in writing prior to departure of the Trip. Copyright of all photographs, video, and related material created by the Student during the operation of any Trip, or part thereof, (“Expedition Materials”) shall belong to the Student upon creation. You grant to PST, National Geographic, and National Geographic–authorized third parties a non-exclusive, worldwide, irrevocable license to use the Expedition Materials, provided to National Geographic and PST in any media for the following limited purposes: editorial use, promotion of this editorial use, promotion of NGSE, promotion of the work of PST, or promotion of the mission of National Geographic. ASSUMPTION OF RISK: By registering the Student for a Trip, You acknowledge that You are aware that travel such as the Trip the Student is undertaking involves potentially dangerous activities, some in remote areas of the world, with a risk of illness, injury, or death which may be caused by forces of nature, illness, or by willful or criminal conduct of third parties or by terrorism. You further acknowledge that weather conditions may be severe, adverse and/or unpleasant, and that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible or consistent with standards in the United States during some or all of the time during which the Student is participating on the Trip and that when available may not be of the quality which exists in the United States. You accept the entire risk attendant thereto and voluntarily accept the same as risks of the Student’s participation in the Trip. In addition, You agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions hereto including policies on refunds. ARBITRATION AGREEMENT: Arbitration Agreement policy and process is available at nationalgeographic.com/student-expeditions/terms-conditions/. PRIVACY POLICY: Our privacy policy can be found at nationalgeographic.com/legal/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 nationalgeographic.com/student-expeditions/ terms-conditions/.
PHOTO CREDITS Thank you to the following photographers whose work is featured in this catalog: Alberto Lopez, Alex Basaraba, Andrea Sarcos, Anna Lynch, Avery Normandin, Ben Yargrough, Brett Monroe Garner, Brian Kastl, Brianna Lopez, Britt Basel, Cameron Zegers, Carolyn Raider, Chris Cilfone, Christian Murillo, Daniel Zietlow, Danielle James, David Estrada, Deeya Sharma, Dimitri Staszewski, Drew Sulock, Dylan Garay, EJ Horstman, Erika Skogg, Erin Davis, Federico Pardo, Filippo DiFranco, Ian Markham, Jacky Li, Jana Asenbrennerova, Jeff Kennel, Jenna Schoenefeld, Jennifer Adler, Jes Therkelsen, John Ralston, Joseph Brookes, Josh Howard, Joshua Hendriksen, Kelly Fitzgerald, Kene Nwosu, Kiki Baxter, Kiliii Yüan, Larson Harley, Lauren Cain, Leonardo Carrizo, Luke Dollar, Maya Higgins, Nicole Buettner, Patrick McLaughlin, Pedro Samper, Rebecca Stumpf, Simone Levine, Sophie Pothering, Spencer Mendelsohn, Sydney Shrewsbury, Therese Pelletier, Tomas Nocera, Trivik Verma, Valerie Sauers, and William Liu.
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2020 TRIP CALENDAR D E S T I N AT I O N
PAG E
DAYS
CANADIAN ARCTIC
14
11
ALASKA
16
BAJA AND THE SEA OF CORTEZ
DAT E S
TUITION
P ROJ E C T S
July 16–26, Aug. 1–11
$6,590
Photography Wildlife Conservation
13
June 30–July 12, July 9–21
$6,490
Photography Wildlife Conservation Film & Video
18
12
July 10–21, July 23–Aug. 3
$6,190
Photography Marine & Tropical Conservation
BELIZE
20
13
June 27–July 9, July 4–16
$6,290
Photography Marine & Tropical Biology
ECUADORIAN AMAZON AND THE GALÁPAGOS
22
15
June 25–July 9, July 2–16
$6,990
Photography Wildlife Conservation
PERU AND THE AMAZON
24
19
June 28–July 16
$6,990
Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures
AZORES
26
14
July 3–16, July 7–20
$6,490
Photography Wildlife Conservation
ICELAND
28
14
July 1–14, July 7–20
$7,990
Photography Climate & Geology Film & Video
IRELAND
30
14
July 10–23
$6,090
Photography Creative Writing
ITALY AND GREECE
32
17
June 16–July 2, June 30–July 16
$7,290
Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures Creative Writing
NORWAY
34
17
June 24–July 10, July 10–26
$7,790
Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures
SWISS AND FRENCH ALPS
36
14
July 10–23
$7,690
Photography Film & Video
BOTSWANA AND VICTORIA FALLS
38
14
June 28–July 11, July 19–Aug. 1
$7,890
Photography Wildlife Conservation
NAMIBIA
40
21
June 26–July 16
$7,990
Photography Wildlife Conservation
AUSTRALIA
42
20
June 26–July 15, July 17–Aug. 5
$8,990
Photography Wildlife Conservation
NEW ZEALAND
44
18
June 27–July 14
$7,990
Photography Film & Video
BHUTAN
46
14
June 26–July 9
$7,390
Photography Creative Writing Anthropology & Local Cultures
CHINA
48
21
June 24–July 14
$7,790
Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures
50
18
July 1–18, July 8–25
$6,790
Photography Anthropology & Local Cultures
HIGH SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS
NEW
SOUTHEAST ASIA
NEW
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D E S T I N AT I O N
PAG E
DAYS
PHOTO JOURNALISM AND MULTIMEDIA AT NAT GEO IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
52
10
ENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS ON THE MIT CAMPUS
54
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IN THE SILICON VALLEY
DAT E S
TUITION
P ROJ E C T S
July 15–24
$5,490
Multimedia Journalism Visual Storytelling National Geographic: Past and Present
10
July 22–31
$5,690
Engineering the Future Technology for Remote Exploration Innovations in Robotics
55
10
July 8–17
$5,590
Innovation in Design Technology for Social Change Unleashing Creativity
YELLOWSTONE
56
9
July 10–18
$5,990
Photography
YOSEMITE AND SAN FRANCISCO
57
12
June 26–July 7
$6,490
Photography
BERLIN
58
12
July 23–Aug. 3
$6,690
Photography
LISBON
59
12
June 30–July 11
$6,290
Photography
TANZANIA
60
14
July 1–14
$7,090
Photography
TOKYO
61
12
June 27–July 8
$6,990
Photography
62
14
June 17–30, July 2–15, July 24–Aug. 6
$4,890
Tropical Ecosystem Conservation
63
15
June 27–July 11, July 14–28
$5,490
Sustainable Tourism
HAWAI‘I
64
14
June 29–July 12, July 15–28
$5,990
Island Habitat Restoration
PUERTO RICO
65
14
June 25–July 8, July 10–23
$5,590
Hurricane Relief
MADAGASCAR
66
20
June 28–July 17
$6,890
Biodiversity Protection
MOROCCO
67
18
June 27–July 14, July 15–Aug. 1
$6,890
Cultural Conservation
FIJI
68
16
June 25–July 10, July 10–25
$4,890
Community Restoration
NEPAL
69
15
June 20–July 4, July 4–18, July 23–Aug. 6
$5,790
Sustainable Development & Rural Livelihoods
THAILAND
70
17
June 24–July 10, July 8–24
$5,690
Teaching & Mentorship
71
9
July 17–25, July 24–Aug. 1
$5,990
Mayan Archaeology & Culture Marine Conservation Community Service
72
9
July 26–Aug. 3
$6,190
Photography Wildlife Conservation Anthropology & Local Cultures
COSTA RICA
73
12
June 26–July 7
$5,290
Photography Wildlife Conservation Community Service
HAWAI‘I
74
11
June 24–July 4, June 29–July 9
$6,190
Photography Community Service Marine Conservation
ICELAND
75
12
June 26–July 7
$6,790
Photography Icelandic History & Folklore Climate Science
ITALY AND GREECE
76
13
June 27–July 9
$6,190
Photography Ancient Mythology Mediterranean Food & Culture
ECUADOR AND THE GALÁPAGOS
77
13
June 30–July 12, July 7–19
$6,390
Photography Wildlife Conservation Community Service
JAPAN
78
15
June 23–July 7, July 8–22
$7,690
Photography Fashion & Anime Technology & Innovation
HIGH SCHOOL UNIVERSITY WORKSHOPS
HIGH SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
NEW
HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE TRIPS COSTA RICA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
NEW
MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPEDITIONS BELIZE
CANADIAN ARCTIC
NEW
NEW
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G E T O U T A N D E X P LO R E T H I S S UM M E R ! C A L L 1 - 87 7- 87 7- 8759 O R V I S I T N G ST U D E N T E X P E D I T I O N S .C OM JOSEPH B., Student Traveler NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITION, 2019
DYLAN G., Student Traveler ICELAND EXPEDITION, 2019
SPENCER M., Student Traveler BELIZE EXPEDITION, 2019