2015 National Geographic Student Expeditions

SUMMER 2015

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Dear Student Traveler, What if you could venture to Belize and monitor dolphins, rays, and turtles alongside a marine biologist? Or go zip-lining in the Swiss Alps with one of National Geographic’s top adventure photographers? What if you could help rebuild a school in Peru, or encounter China’s giant pandas with a conservationist? This past summer, our students did all of that and more, following in the footsteps of National Geographic’s explorers and learning about the world—and themselves—along the way.

Summer 2015 promises to be our best yet with an exciting lineup of expeditions, conservation in action trips, photo workshops, and community service trips. This year, we’re also introducing a new program: National Geographic On Campus, based at the University of Colorado Boulder. During seminars, hands-on workshops, and excursions, students will learn from leading experts in the fields of climate change, conservation, and adventure photography and film.

This year, we’ve expanded our conservation in action series with two fantastic trips. In Tuscany, students will immerse themselves in Italy’s sustainable food movement on a program inspired by National Geographic’s Future of Food Initiative. And they’ll join National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tierney Thys in Bali to participate in ongoing initiatives to protect the island’s tropical ecosystem. Other new trips include a journey to South Africa to encounter wildlife and delve into human origins with paleontologist Lee Berger, and community service programs in Fiji and Nepal.

At the end of each season, we receive letters from our students and their parents describing how their travel experiences have inspired them, changed their perspective, and sparked their curiosity and their passion. Take a look at what a few of them had to say on page 12, and then picture yourself on your own adventure with National Geographic next summer.

We hope to see you in the field!

Sincerely,

Gary E. Knell, President and CEO National Geographic Society

WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITH US, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Proceeds from our student expeditions help fund the National Geographic Society’s core mission programs. By traveling with us, you are helping support our grantees and explorers in their efforts to preserve species and habitats, protect cultures, and advance understanding of our incredible planet.

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ON CAMPUS

Tuscany

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Future of Food

University of Colorado Boulder

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Bali

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Tropical Ecology: Sea to Summit

Namibia

EXPEDITIONS Costa Rica

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From Tropical Forests to the Pacific Coast

Alaska

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Wildlife, Fjords, and Glaciers

Peru

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Mysteries of the Inca Empire

Ecuador and the Galápagos

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Biodiversity Hotspot

Switzerland and France

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Alpine Adventure

Italy and Greece Ireland

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Discovering the Emerald Isle

Iceland

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Land of Fire and Ice

South Africa

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Human Origins and Wildlife Encounters

Tanzania

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Wildlife Conservation and Tribal Life

Australia

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Outback, Rain Forest, and Reef

India

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Crossroads of Cultures

WEB

Journey to the Middle Kingdom

CONSERVATION IN ACTION Belize

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Oceans and Underwater Exploration

Pacific Northwest

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Wildlife Habitat Restoration

Brazil’s Amazon and Pantanal Biodiversity Conservation

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COMMUNITY SERVICE Costa Rica Peru Fiji Thailand Nepal Tanzania

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Empires of the Mediterranean

China

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Wildlife Conservation

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PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS Yellowstone Paris Barcelona Prague London

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RESOURCES About Our Trips Choose Your Experience National Geographic Experts Trip Leaders Student Experiences Scholarship Program Family Expeditions How to Apply Trip Calendar Terms and Conditions

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“

I gained a lot from this amazing adventure: memories that I will keep with me forever, knowledge of a whole new culture and environment, a new sense of confidence, and friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Eleanor K., AUSTRALIA, 2014

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EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH NAT GEO INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

EDUCATION + ADVENTURE

The same spirit of adventure that has driven National Geographic explorers since our earliest days also shapes each of our trips. We tap into our vast network of researchers and explorers across the globe to design our programs, and select seasoned trip leaders who are pursuing careers in science, storytelling, and exploration and are passionate about sharing their love of travel with high school students. To make these unique trips possible, we have partnered with Putney Student Travel—a highly respected student travel organization that has offered quality student expeditions for more than 60 years.

On each program, get immersed in the local culture, interacting directly with community members and learning about their daily life.

Then set out to discover the area on outdoor excursions. To help you prepare, we’ll send you National Geographic books, magazines, or maps about your destination so you can get the most from your trip. You’ll also receive a complimentary one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

A National Geographic expert—a photographer, writer, researcher or explorer—joins a portion of each expedition and conservation in action trip. On our photography workshops, a National Geographic photographer accompanies the entire program. Two or more experts join our on campus program for presentations about their work and a related hands-on workshop.

Roll up your sleeves and pitch in by participating in community service projects that allow you to become more engaged with the place you’re exploring. Many of our trips offer an opportunity for you to make a useful contribution, working on small-scale construction, tutoring students in English, cleaning up a park, or supporting a local conservation effort, depending on the location and the community’s needs. Or, focus on service work throughout the trip on one of our community service programs.

GO ON ASSIGNMENT

AUTHENTIC AND SUSTAINABLE EXPERIENCES

No matter which trip you choose, your experience will be focused on a hands-on project such as crafting a photography portfolio or researching threats to wildlife with scientists. Your assignment will deepen your understanding of the cultures and environments you visit while enhancing your own skills and knowledge. Plus, you’ll return home with a meaningful and tangible project, whether it’s a short story or a documentary film.

National Geographic is committed to sustaining the character and integrity of each place we visit—its environment, culture, heritage, and the well being of its residents. In providing authentic travel experiences for students, we strive to protect the sites we visit, support local economies in our choice of accommodations and services, and increase students’ understanding and appreciation of other peoples and customs through meaningful friendships and cultural exchange. National Geographic strives to minimize environmental impact and invests in offset projects for the carbon emissions associated with all activities and travel once you're at your destination.

ACCESS TO THE EXPERTS

STAY IN AMAZING PLACES From deep in the jungle to the heart of a traditional village, your accommodations themselves are part of the adventure! The places we stay are comfortable, well-located, and give you a true feel for the local culture and environment. On most programs, we stay in small, family-run inns and hostels; university housing; or research stations.

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FOLLOW YOUR PASSION CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE Choose from our five types of programs and experience what it’s like to be on assignment for National Geographic. On expeditions, choose the area of interest you want to pursue—from photography to archaeology. Or, dig deeper into a specific focus on our conservation in action trips, photo workshops, or community service programs. And this year, we introduce On Campus, where you’ll explore important global issues alongside top experts and instructors at University of Colorado Boulder.

On each program you’ll pursue a project related to your area of interest. That could mean creating a field guide, a portfolio of photographs, or a proposal for a project to carry out at home. At the end of the trip, you’ll share what you’ve created with your group. If you wish, you can submit your work to be published on the National Geographic website.

Flip to our trip calendar on page 66 to see which projects are offered in each destination.

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EXPEDITIONS Geared for our most adventurous travelers, our expeditions are an in-depth exploration of a region, and offer a choice of two or three areas of focus—On Assignment projects. Throughout the trip you will pursue your selected project through hands-on activities and excursions, with the guidance of your trip leaders and a National Geographic expert.

PHOTOGRAPHY Set out on photo shoots to improve your photography skills and capture the character of the places you encounter.

Develop a photo-essay about a topic that sparks your interest.

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

FILM & VIDEO Work in production teams to document your journey, the people you meet, and the adventures you experience. Learn how to create time lapses, capture great GoPro footage or even use your phone to craft short digital stories.

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY Cultivate a sense of “space and place” by discovering the connections between people and their environment. Think like a geographer while exploring the history, ecology and culture of the places you visit.

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE Uncover complex layers of past civilizations by exploring ancient ruins, discovering the rich mythology behind treasured sites, and finding the links between ancient and modern worlds.

CREATIVE WRITING Develop your writing skills with the assistance of a published writer. Learn how to incorporate a strong sense of place into your work as you explore your destination.

HUMAN ORIGINS & EVOLUTION Work with scientists to excavate and analyze human fossils, learning about our own evolution. Record, photograph, and conserve paleontological sites, and develop projects to communicate the importance of protecting our heritage.

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY Examine earth processes, witness dramatic geological forces at work and discuss the science of global climate change. Learn how volcanoes, geothermal activity and glaciers have shaped landscapes and civilizations.

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CONSERVATION IN ACTION

COMMUNITY SERVICE

As part of the Society’s continuing legacy of protecting and understanding the world’s treasures, you’ll participate in ongoing research and conservation efforts with local scientists and a National Geographic grantee.

Throughout the program, work as a group using photography, film, and other storytelling tools to develop a compelling presentation that helps raise awareness about the conservation issues you have encountered.

Based in small villages, work alongside members of the community on collaborative service projects focusing on infrastructure, education, and sustainability. Spend your days working alongside villagers and a team of students; and documenting your experience through photos, journals, and video.

Collaborative community projects provide an opportunity for deeper cultural interactions and insight into daily life in our host communities.

PHOTO WORKSHOPS

ON CAMPUS

Through assignments in the field, classes, and critiques, our photo workshops will challenge and inspire you to take your photography to the next level. Each day, you will have the opportunity to learn important photography lessons and apply them at exciting destinations in and around some of the world’s most photogenic places. National Geographic photography experts spend each day of the workshop with our students; teaching, shooting, and editing. We then work together to organize, curate, and install an exhibit featuring each student’s original work.

Based on University of Colorado Boulder’s campus, delve into important global challenges and build skills in science, leadership, and storytelling to effect positive change in your local community. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in stimulating seminars, hands-on workshops, and active excursions.

Meet leading National Geographic experts and get inspired by their innovative work in our areas of focus. Develop a capstone project to raise awareness about the issues you’ve encountered and inspire action.

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I loved my On Assignment project. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, enabled me to try new things and gave me a purpose when exploring the country.

I also started to notice more details about the people we met and the places we traveled to. I would not have learned as much as I did without the project.

Grant G., ICELAND, 2014

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

ULLA LOHMANN Photojournalist, filmmaker, and adventurer Ulla Lohmann has sailed around the world, explored volcanoes in some of the most remote places on the planet, and traversed the African continent using only biodiesel. She spends much of her time working with indigenous cultures in Australia and the South Pacific. Ulla will join the Australia Expedition. p36

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LEE BERGER National Geographic Explorer-inResidence and paleoanthropologist Lee Berger has been exploring human origins on the African continent, Asia, and Micronesia for the past two and a half decades, resulting in many notable discoveries: the most complete early hominin fossils found so far, belonging to a new species of early human ancestor; and the richest early hominin site yet found on the continent of Africa. Lee is a strong advocate for the potential of exploration and discovery, dedicating much of his work to the public understanding of science. Lee will join the South Africa expedition in the Cradle of Humankind—the site of his most famous discoveries. p32 TIERNEY THYS National Geographic Emerging Explorer and grantee Tierney Thys is a marine biologist and filmmaker studying some of the ocean’s largest animals, including the giant ocean sunfish. She has led and participated in research expeditions worldwide from Alaska to Galápagos, and from Indonesia to Africa.

Tierney works with all ages to promote ocean conservation through numerous creative means: from teaching underwater fieldwork methodology to leading beachcleanups to filmmaking. Tierney will join the Bali conservation in action trip. p48

JERRY GLOVER

ASHIMA NARAIN

National Geographic Emerging Explorer and agricultural ecologist Jerry Glover works with organic and alternative farms around the world to develop innovative small-scale farming systems that could revolutionize agriculture and solve problems far beyond farm fields.

From researching the environmental sustainability of organic orchards to advocating for the use of perennial crops, Jerry believes our farms could be the key to saving biodiversity, polluted ecosystems, and starving people. Jerry will join the Tuscany Conservation in Action trip. p46

Ashima is a photographer, filmmaker, and the former photo editor for National Geographic Traveler India. She has covered a diverse range of topics that have sent her wading through mudflats in search of flamingos in Mumbai, hiding out in bear caves, climbing sail masts mid-sea, dining with Maharajas, and documenting the conditions of sari weavers in the holy city of Varanasi. Ashima’s work has been published in National Geographic Traveler, Vanity Fair, Vogue, GQ, Marie Claire, Elle, and Teen People magazines. Ashima will join the India expedition. p38

KEITH LADZINSKI An adventurer, photographer, and filmmaker, Keith’s assignments have sent him on mountain bike expeditions, traveling with a Shao Lin Grandmaster through China, big wall rock climbing first ascents, and swimming with great white sharks in South Africa. His work has been featured in National Geographic magazine, The New York Times, Outside, and ESPN magazine, among others. Also an accomplished filmmaker, he has produced more than 20 adventure films. Keith will join our on campus program and the Switzerland & France expedition. p14; p24

DAVID GRUBER National Geographic Emerging Explorer and grantee David Gruber is a marine biologist and ocean explorer who searches the undersea world for bioluminescent and biofluorescent marine animals. On land, he designs submersibles and cameras to better capture and understand the secret “language” of shining colors and patterns that many marine creatures use to communicate, interact and avoid enemies.

David is excited to join our students on the conservation in action trip to Belize, where he first developed his interest in glowing marine creatures. p40

I could listen to Tierney Thys talk forever! She has so much “experience and is someone I truly look up to. Her work and the

way she explained what she does helped me decide that I not only want to pursue a career in marine biology but also educate others on conservation efforts.

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Yasmin Y., BELIZE, 2014

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MEET SOME OF OUR TRIP LEADERS Heading up each program is a team of talented, dynamic trip leaders who have extensive experience in the field—and love working with high school students.

With no more than nine students to every leader, we’ll have the freedom to break into teams to pursue our On Assignment projects.

PATRICK MCGLAUGHLIN

JUSTINE SHANTI ALEXANDER

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

McGill University, B.S. Imperial College London, M.S. Beijing Forestry University, Ph.D. candidate

Patrick developed a passion for field research and travel as a biology and environmental studies major, and was awarded a university fellowship in field biology. He has worked as a marine science instructor in the Florida Keys, a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Vermont, a naturalist guide in Yellowstone, and a director of the environmental education program for the Grand Teton Lodge Company. Over the past five years, Patrick has discovered three new frog species while working on his doctoral research focused on amphibian ecology and biodiversity conservation in central Africa.

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Justine’s passion for travel and conservation developed at an early age while growing up in New Delhi, India and Geneva, Switzerland.

Currently, Justine’s work is focused on the conservation of snow leopards in China, which earned her a National Geographic Young Explorers grant. Justine also studied wildlife hunting and consumption in rural West Africa, has worked at Canada’s Calgary Zoo and co-founded an organization dedicated to raising awareness about conservation topics in China, the Wildlife Conservation Student Conference. She has volunteered and worked in local communities across India, South Africa, Canada, Panama and Ghana; and is fluent in French and Mandarin.

BRETT GARNER UCLA, B.S. Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, M.A.S. A conservation biologist, photographer, and educator, Brett (pictured above) has worked and traveled extensively through Asia, Oceania, the Americas and the Middle East. In 2014, Brett received a Rapid Ocean Conservation grant from the Waitt Foundation to spend several months in Fiji producing the multimedia project, “Kia Over There,” highlighting traditional Fijian fishermen and the environmental challenges they face. Previously, he has worked as a marine science instructor for the Mission Bay Aquatic Center and a staff photographer for the Joshua Wilderness Institute. Brett holds certifications as a PADI divemaster, Wilderness First Responder and American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard.

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FEDERICO PARDO

JILL SCHNEIDER

ALEXANDRA SILVA

Universidad de los Andes, B.S.c.

Montana State University, MFA

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

Cornell University, B.S. University of Illinois at Chicago, M.S. & M.Ed. candidate

Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Federico has filmed and photographed cultural, scientific and conservation stories in the U.S., Latin America, and Mozambique. He won an Emmy award for his cinematography in National Geographic’s Untamed Americas, and also won Smithsonian’s In Motion contest for his documentary about discovering new species in the Amazon. Federico is co-founder and co-director of EverydayLatinAmerica, an Instagram group highlighting the work of Latin American photographers, and works as a media producer for Colombia’s Humboldt Biodiversity Research Institute.

He is currently working on a multimedia documentary about Colombia’s primates.

While working toward her MFA at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Jill (pictured above) spent nine months documenting Himalayan life in Nepal, Northern India, Kashmir, Bhutan, and Tibet for her master’s thesis. Jill later attended the prestigious Missouri Photo Workshop and was a freelance photojournalist for the San Francisco Chronicle. She is now a freelance photographer and photography instructor, and is a contributing photographer for National Geographic Traveler guidebooks.

In her free time, Jill works on independent stories profiling unique characters, from families living in Manila’s cemeteries due to overcrowding to the last remaining matchmaker in Ireland.

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Alex was an Animal Science major and a Natural Resources minor at Cornell, with a special emphasis on wildlife and habitat preservation. After graduating, she spent a year working with Environment America, an environmental advocacy organization.

Currently, Alex is pursuing a M.S. degree in Ecology and Evolution, as well as a M.Ed. in Science Education with a focus on urban ecology and the use of technology in science education. Alex works with the university’s Learning Sciences Research Institute, developing science education programs that engage middle school students in investigations of backyard wildlife diversity and behavior using camera traps.

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LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCES Our students may come from different backgrounds with varied interests, but to hear them tell it, they all come back with three things in common . . . great memories, new passions, and inspiration to share.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE VALUABLE LESSONS YOU LEARNED? I wasn’t just traveling through quaint little Italian towns; I was exploring each cobblestone street with my leaders and newfound friends having unforgettable experiences. After the conclusion of our final project—a pop-up exhibit at the town market—I had the greatest sense of accomplishment as we showcased our achievements. This trip not only taught me vital skills as a writer, but as a person.

I learned how to live in the moment, to immerse myself in new surroundings, to step outside my comfort zone, to be flexible to changes, and to take on unexpected challenges: never say no.

WHICH EXPERIENCE INSPIRED YOU MOST?

WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT YOUR TRIP?

Our main project while on the Olympic Peninsula was helping scientists restore and monitor the Elwha River, home to the largest dam removal project in United States history. As I walked along the newly created beaches, I realized I was part of a huge and meaningful project impacting keystone species like chinook salmon and orca whales. Words I had learned in environmental science class like ecosystem, hatcheries, aquaculture, and forestry came alive and I felt proud to be a part of such positive change.

Meeting great people and sharing experiences that made our time together unforgettable: meeting the editors of National Geographic magazine’s China edition, visiting little markets and learning to bargain with vendors, interacting with pandas at the breeding center, and our hikes along the Great Wall. I felt the greatest sense of accomplishment in my improved photography skills. Our leader taught me so much about my camera, perspective, and being ready to capture a great photographic moment—I really noticed a change in my work by the end of the trip.

RACHEL M., AGE 17 HOMETOWN: NORTHRIDGE, CA NGSE TRIP: PACIFIC NORTHWEST, 2014

FRANCES C., AGE 15 HOMETOWN: SHANGHAI, CHINA NGSE TRIP: TUSCANY, 2014

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SHIVANI H., AGE 17 HOMETOWN: MADRID, SPAIN NGSE TRIP: CHINA, 2014

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The NGSE scholarship program provides a once-in-alifetime opportunity to academically focused students like myself who wish to explore the world and learn with and from the National Geographic Society.

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—SAM M., ICELAND, 2014

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OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The National Geographic Student Expeditions Scholarship Program provides financial support for students seeking educational summer experiences who could not otherwise afford them. Last summer, we awarded full scholarships to 23 students from all around the country, providing learning opportunities to students from a wide variety of backgrounds, and creating a richer and more diverse experience for every student involved.

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

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

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ON CAMPUS

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ON CAMPUS UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

Delve into the science, technology, and storytelling tools used by National Geographic explorers.

Explore climate change, wildlife conservation, and adventure storytelling through seminars and hands-on activities.

Develop a campaign or multimedia project to raise awareness about environmental and social issues.

Enjoy Colorado’s great outdoors.

PROGRAM THEMES Explore each of these three topics over the course of the program:

Adventure Photography and Film Utilizing the crafts of adventure photography and filmmaking, explore the power of visual storytelling to communicate ideas and affect change in our increasingly connected world.

Grab your camera equipment or strap on a GoPro to record footage as you hike, climb, and mountain bike.

Wildlife Conservation and the Protection of Wild Places Discover the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains. Learn about the threat of deforestation to native flora and fauna. Assist scientists in monitoring the park’s wildlife populations and investigate ongoing efforts to preserve this natural treasure.

Global Climate and Local Solutions Learn about the science behind global climate change and its impact locally.

Examine an ice core recovered from a glacier, analyze the connection between invasive species and rising temperatures, and help to raise awareness about the health of the Colorado River.

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For more than a century, National

Geographic has combined science, exploration, and storytelling to tackle our world’s biggest challenges. Meet some of National Geographic’s leading experts and delve into important global issues during a unique program at the University of Colorado Boulder. Take part in stimulating seminars and discuss topics that drive our explorers today, then get hands-on experience at the university’s facilities and in the field. Learn how to use photography and film to tell compelling stories, and develop a grant proposal or a media project to inspire action in your own community.

I T I N E R A RY–9 DAYS Join a diverse group of students, instructors, and National Geographic experts at the University of Colorado Boulder, and settle into our dormitory on the historic, tree-lined campus. Get to know your group during an orientation and a tour of the university’s beautiful sandstone buildings, framed by the jagged peaks of the Flatirons and the Rocky Mountains beyond.

Throughout the program we will explore three core themes: Adventure Photography

and Film, Wildlife Conservation and the Protection of Wild Places, and Global Climate and Local Solutions. Two or more experts will join the group to deliver keynote presentations about their innovative work, and to participate in an activity related to their areas of expertise.

Each day begins with a lively, discussion-based seminar followed by a hands-on workshop or field project to further examine and apply what we’ve learned. We’ll spend our afternoons exploring the mountains, rivers, and hiking trails around Boulder, and meeting with local organizations to learn about their efforts to protect Colorado’s natural treasures for future generations.

Named by National Geographic as one of the country’s best adventure towns, Boulder is an ideal location to learn adventure photography and filmmaking—powerful tools that help our explorers share transformative stories and communicate important issues.

Discover the technical and creative aspects in the classroom, and venture out on hikes in the nearby foothills to build your visual storytelling skills. Shoot your friends in action during an outdoor rock climbing class and capture the thrill of riding the rapids on Boulder Creek.

During seminars on wildlife conservation, learn about the effects of deforestation on native species such as elk and bighorn sheep. Venture to Rocky Mountain National Park to interview park rangers about wildlife management strategies, and take photographs

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ABOUT THE CAMPUS For more than fifty years, National Geographic has collaborated with researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder—one the top research universities in the country. Here, state-of-the-art facilities and resources provide an enriching environment for learning, exploration, and storytelling. A lively college town, Boulder bustles with bookstores, cafés, and a wealth of recreational activities.

Nearby, the pristine wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park offers opportunities to actively examine topics presented in the classroom.

MEET YOUR EXPERTS JOEL HARTTER to contribute to National Geographic’s multimedia Great Nature Project. Trek to subalpine forests and stunning lakes, and work with biologists at the university’s Mountain Research Station to collect data on pika populations. Later, collaborate as a team on a BioBlitz—counting, photographing, and identifying the species you discover while hiking in the Flatirons. Develop a campaign to highlight the importance of protecting the biodiversity of this extraordinary place.

Delve into the history, science, and politics of climate change, and help to develop sustainable solutions to protect our planet.

At the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR), view an ice core that was drilled out of a glacier and learn how scientists utilize cutting-edge technology to analyze ice samples and reconstruct a detailed climate record.

On excursions in the field, study the impact of shifting weather patterns on freshwater resources including the iconic Colorado River.

Then visit Boulder’s historic farmers’ market to meet with local farmers and find out how climate change has affected agriculture in the area.

Each evening, gather on campus for a group activity such as a presentation by one of our National Geographic experts, a film screening, a concert, or a student and leader talent show.

CA P S T O N E P ROJ E C T With the guidance of our instructors, develop a capstone project. Choose one of the two following options: Community Campaign: Develop a proposal for a project or campaign that helps to address an important environmental or social issue in your local community. Pitch your proposal to a panel of experts for a chance to receive a seed grant from National Geographic to launch your project.

Awareness-Raising Media Project: Create a final photographic portfolio or short film that documents your journey on campus in a compelling way. Shed light on one of the issues you’ve studied during the program or capture the true essence of the Rockies.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 27—JULY 5, JULY 7—15 TUITION: $3,850 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Boulder, Colorado. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in a comfortable dormitory on campus. Rooms are double occupancy with shared bathrooms. We will utilize the university’s stateof-the-art classrooms for seminars and expert talks.

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National Geographic grantee and geographer Joel Hartter has spent more than a decade working in communities around national parks. From the American west to Uganda’s Albertine Rift, he is on the front lines of conservation, working with local people who are facing the challenges of poverty and climate change. A professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, Joel is excited to share his knowledge of Colorado’s wild places. Joel will join the June 27 program.

KEITH LADZINSKI Boulder-based adventurer, photographer, and filmmaker Keith Ladzinski has gone on assignments mountain biking, traveling with a Shao Lin Grandmaster through China, big wall rock climbing first ascents, and swimming with great white sharks in South Africa. His work has been featured in National Geographic magazine, The New York Times, and ESPN magazine, among others, and he has produced more than 20 films. Keith will join both departures of the program.

ON CAMPUS

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EXPEDITION

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

COSTA RICA

Work with scientists to document rain forest and marine biodiversity.

FROM TROPICAL FORESTS TO THE PACIFIC COAST

Photograph monkeys, sloths, rare birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Go rafting through a tropical forest and swim beneath a waterfall.

Interview leatherback turtle researchers on the coast.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY Create a photo-essay depicting Costa Rica’s spectacular biodiversity–from monkeys and rare birds to crocodiles, frogs, and the endangered leatherback turtle. Practice night photography as you explore tide pools and marine life on the coast under the stars.

Capture portraits of local organic farmers while you learn about their sustainability practices. Explore the intersection of photographic storytelling and Costa Rica’s groundbreaking conservation efforts.

Costa Rica has protected nearly a

quarter of its land from development, creating a refuge for countless species and ensuring that its cloud forests, steaming volcanoes, and pristine beaches will thrive for generations to come. From the lowland rain forest to the cloud forest to the coast, discover Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity alongside researchers doing vital work in the field. Through an On Assignment project of your choice— Photography or Wildlife & Conservation— set out to explore, investigate, and document Costa Rica’s stewardship of its diverse ecosystems.

universities and research institutions that uses the tropical forest as their laboratory.

After a brief orientation and an introduction to the field station, begin your exploration of the surrounding rain forest, collecting data alongside researchers or photographing native species such as spider monkeys, poison dart frogs, sloths, and rainbow-plumed parrots. Get to know your fellow participants on a whitewater rafting adventure, paddling along lush river banks populated by tropical flora, wildlife, and a variety of birds. In the evenings, share your discoveries with your group, go on a hike to spot nocturnal species, or relax in a hammock serenaded by the echoing calls of howler monkeys.

I T I N E R A RY–14 DAYS WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION Delve into Costa Rica’s unique and innovative conservation efforts with local experts in the field. Engage in an in-depth investigation of endemic plant and animal species, or set out in teams to interview community members about local sustainability practices. Learn about Costa Rica’s astounding biodiversity through explorations of primary tropical rainforest, cloud forest, and the Pacific coast.

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DAYS 1-3 CARIBBEAN LOWLANDS The expedition begins at La Selva, a biological research station located on more than 1,000 hectares at the confluence of two rivers in northern Costa Rica. Encompassing one of the most pristine rain forest habitats on the planet, this private reserve is the headquarters of the Organization for Tropical Studies—a world-renowned consortium of

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Lago Nicaragua G UA N ACA S T E

C O STA T RIIICA CAA La Selva

Biologcial Station Playa Monteverde Grande San Luis

Pacific Ocean

From ziplining through “ the clouds in Monteverde

DAYS 4-9 MONTEVERDE AND SAN LUIS

DAYS 10-14 NORTHWEST COAST

Travel west to San Luis, a beautiful, selfsustaining village located on the southern edge of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve—our base as we explore this unique ecosystem.

Begin each day with an exercise focused on your On Assignment project—an early morning photo shoot of toucans as they flock to feed in the papaya trees, a workshop on medicinal plants, or a visit with local farmers to learn about their daily lives and help out in the fields.

We’ll spend our afternoons discovering the region on field assignments and active excursions. Swim under the spray of the spectacular San Luis waterfall, which emerges from the jungle mist and tumbles some 300 feet. Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest from top to bottom: hike the trails in search of the elusive quetzal, glide through the canopy on a zip line, and ride horseback deep into the forest to find untouched primary growth. Visit a coffee cooperative or volunteer to plant trees with the biological corridor project. Learn to cook traditional Costa Rican staples such as gallo pinto, tamales, and tortillas; and play soccer with the local schoolchildren. In the evenings, participate in discussions with resident naturalists.

From the mountains of Monteverde, head west to Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast. Using a marine research station as our base, explore the coastal ecosystem and the tropical dry forests of Guanacaste. Meet with conservation biologists to discuss the endangered leatherback turtle, and work with students at a local elementary school on their environmental education program. Spend an afternoon at the beach and take a surfing lesson at one of Costa Rica’s premier surfing spots.

Wrap up your On Assignment projects and share them with the group on the final night.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JULY 9—22, JULY 26—AUGUST 8 TUITION: $5,390 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Houston to San Jose, Costa Rica, and return from Liberia, Costa Rica to Houston. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: At the La Selva and Pacific coast research stations, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations. At the San Luis Ecolodge we stay in cozy bungalows nestled among the trees.

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to cooking dinner with locals in San Luis, Costa Rica was unforgettable, culturally educational, and exciting!

”

Madelyn K. COSTA RICA, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT TAYLOR EDWARDS A staff scientist at the University of Arizona, conservation biologist Taylor Edwards worked on the National Geographic Genographic Project. Taylor is currently involved in a variety of research projects on topics ranging from endangered tortoises to giant frogs. He says that he wishes he was raised by wolves, but he believes a career as a biologist is the next best thing. Taylor will join the July 9 departure at the La Selva research station.

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

ALASKA

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

WILDLIFE, FJORDS, AND GLACIERS

Delve into Alaska’s vibrant cultural heritage, meeting members of its native peoples.

Trek into Denali’s backcountry.

Hike to the foot of the largest glacier in the United States.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY Take advantage of long summer days to capture different light on the glaciers, fjords, and the immense snowfields of Denali.

Zoom in on a herd of caribou sky-lined on a high ridge, work on portraits with Alaska’s indigenous peoples, or try for a rare shot of a breaching whale or a bear fishing for salmon. Learn new photographic techniques, and develop a portfolio.

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

FILM & VIDEO Work in teams to document your travels through Alaska. Develop a story line about conservation efforts around the borders of Denali National Park, or interview park rangers and locals about the effects of climate change in Alaska. Capture grand landscapes and spectacular wildlife as you hone your filmmaking skills.

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In Alaska’s undeveloped wilderness,

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

dwellings. Examine the threats facing Alaska’s indigenous cultures and the steps being taken to preserve their endangered languages.

DAYS 4-7 DENALI NATIONAL PARK From Anchorage, travel north to Denali National Park, a remote and unspoiled wilderness cradling the icy summit of North America’s highest mountain, Mount McKinley.

I T I N E R A RY–1 2 DAYS DAYS 1-3 ANCHORAGE Our adventure begins in the far northern city of Anchorage. We’ll get to know each other during an orientation covering Alaska’s history, geography, and wilderness skills, and then set out to explore Anchorage in our On Assignment teams. Go for an acclimation hike, and get acquainted with the native peoples of the north at the acclaimed Alaska Native Heritage Center.

At the center, try your hand at traditional native Alaskan games, get lost in timeless legends during an afternoon of storytelling, or visit with cultural ambassadors at their authentic

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

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ALASKA LAS Mt. McKinley (Denali)

Denali National Park and Preserve Kenai Peninsula Kenai Fjords National Park

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As we hiked to the “ mountaintop, I felt a great feeding on blueberries. Track a wolf pack loping along a glacial riverbed, or catch a glimpse of a flock of white Dall sheep perched high on a mountainside. Learn about dogsledding at a working mushing kennel, bike alongside the Savage River, or trek to remote ridges to get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the colossal Mount McKinley, the mountain the Athabascans call “the great one": Denali.

DAYS 8-12 SEWARD AND THE KENAI PENINSULA Stop over in the quirky mountain town of Talkeetna, then head south to the mountains, fjords, and glaciers of the Kenai Peninsula.

Our base is Seward, a traditional fishing village surrounded by glaciers and jagged peaks.

Seward is the jumping-off point for exploring Kenai Fjords National Park, one of America’s newest and most dramatic national parks.

At the Alaska SeaLife Center, the only coldwater marine science facility in the Western Hemisphere, learn about the region’s incredibly rich marine life and the effects of climate change on the Bering Sea ecosystem. Hike into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park, past towering blue-ice glacial crevasses, to the spectacular Harding Icefield, an immense glacial relic from the last ice age. Scan the cliffs for mountain goats, spot bright-red salmon running in the river rapids, and watch for bald eagles and bears taking advantage of the easy snack. Paddle

a sea kayak through the fjords, taking in the incredible scenery and keeping your eye out for sea lions, otters, puffins, and orcas. Spend one night at a kayakers-only hostel in a remote cove of beautiful Resurrection Bay. Our adventure concludes with presentations of On Assignment projects. Fly home from Anchorage.

-Fiona M.

”

ALASKA, 2014

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 26—JULY 7 TUITION: $5,690 Airfare is not included. An escorted round-trip flight is available between Minneapolis and Anchorage. Students may also meet the group in Anchorage. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

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

NOTE: This expedition includes several full-day hikes in Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. To get the most out of the program, students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about hiking.

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sense of accomplishment.

I’m inspired to live my life seeing, doing, and feeling more.

MEET YOUR EXPERT JASON MATTHEWS Jason is a professional naturalist, environmental educator, wildlife photographer, and videographer who has led expeditions from the equator to the Arctic Circle for nearly 20 years. He is a certified Master Naturalist specializing in wolf and bear ecology. Jason’s work has appeared on the National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD, and he was recently part of a National Geographic team studying brown bears and polar bears in Alaska. Called an “encyclopedia” by the New York Times, Jason loves to share his passion for wild places. He will join the group in Denali National Park.

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

PERU

Explore Inca fortresses and the incomparable Machu Picchu.

MYSTERIES OF THE INCA EMPIRE

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

Learn the ancient practice of Peruvian weaving.

Hike to remote Andean villages.

Volunteer at a local orphanage or school.

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

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

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE Examine Inca culture—past and present.

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

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Welcome to the land of the Inca—a

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

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 volunteering in the village of Chinchero, located an hour from Cusco.

Take on a service project such as repairing a greenhouse, teaching English to students, or organizing engaging after-school activities for local children. Visit National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa’s textile center, and try your hand at the ancient art of Andean weaving, a tradition that continues today thanks to Nilda’s efforts.

I T I N E R A RY–2 0 DAYS DAYS 1-7 CUSCO AND CHINCHERO Our expedition kicks off in the imperial city of Cusco, known to the Inca as the “navel of the Earth.” Here, we begin with an orientation and discover the city’s rich history. Delve into Incan culture as we visit Coricancha, the once-golden temple at the heart of the Inca Empire, and step into a colonial cathedral built with stones from the original Inca walls. Stroll through the city’s winding streets and discover relics of an empire

DAYS 8-10 MACHU PICCHU Travel by train to Machu Picchu, a citadel built atop cliffs that drop thousands of feet into the cloud forests below. Recently voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham

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Hiking to Puma Marca “ was an amazing experience. in 1911 and excavated by a team from National Geographic. Explore the iconic maze of temples and dwellings to uncover the secrets of its past inhabitants. Take an early-morning hike up the surrounding slopes to see the sun rise over the spectacular ruins.

DAYS 11-18 THE SACRED VALLEY AND OLLANTAYTAMBO Travel to the Sacred Valley of the Inca and settle in at Ollantaytambo, a lively village that has been occupied continuously for more than 500 years.

With its cobblestoned lanes and sophisticated system of working aqueducts, Ollantaytambo is the best existing example of Inca city planning.

Follow old Inca trails to forgotten ruins and isolated stone villages where families live as they have for centuries. The mountains here are some of the Southern Hemisphere’s highest peaks—considered sacred protectors by the Inca. Glaciers spill into valleys where llamas and alpacas graze. We’ll hike through a beautiful mountain pass for breathtaking views of the valley. Go white-water rafting on the Urubamba River, and explore the town of Pisac and important archaeological sites such as the Ollantaytambo fortress. In vibrant street markets, discover indigenous foods and colorful textiles. In the evenings, play soccer with new village friends. During your last days in Ollantaytambo, finalize your On Assignment projects and present them to the group.

DAYS 19-20 LIMA End your expedition with a stay in the vibrant city of Lima. Visit the world-famous archaeological museum. Meet National Geographic grantee Guillermo Cock, a Peruvian archaeologist whose groundbreaking discovery of thousands of Inca mummies was featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine in May 2002. Have a final dinner of ceviche and other local specialties with your group before returning home.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N

-Skyeler M.

”

PERU, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT PETER FROST

2015 DATES: JUNE 22—JULY 11 TUITION: $6,190 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Lima, Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Lima, and return to Miami. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We will stay in small, family-run inns and hostels throughout the expedition.

NOTE: We will be traveling at high elevations while in Cusco and Machu Picchu. Cusco is at an altitude of 11,200 feet and Machu Picchu, 8,000 feet. Participants should be physically fit.

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Seeing the stars from the top of the mountain was magnificent.

Peter Frost is a writer, photographer, and National Geographic grantee who has spent most of his life exploring Peru. His published works include a guide to the Cusco region and a wellknown book on Machu Picchu. Peter has led National Geographic archaeological expeditions into the remote region of Vilcabamba, where he discovered the Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina (featured in National Geographic magazine, February 2004). Peter lives in Cusco and will join the group in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

ECUADOR AND THE GALÁPAGOS BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT

Snorkel with playful sea lions and penguins in the Galápagos.

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

Ride horseback in the sweeping páramo landscape of the Andes.

Work on conservation projects near Cotopaxi National Park.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY Create a photo-essay depicting Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, or spectacular wildlife. Capture the swirl of colors at an Andean market or assemble a series of portraits of townspeople you meet.

Practice your wildlife photography skills on the amazingly approachable animals of the Galápagos Islands.

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION Study Ecuador’s conservation policies with local experts in the field. Set out in teams to interview community members about local conservation efforts. Conduct an ecological survey of the páramo, or research the symbolism of the Andean condor and the threats it faces. Learn about evolution, biodiversity, and animal behavior first-hand by observing turtles and marine iguanas.

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Mist shrouded cloud forests, rolling

Andean highlands, and the species-rich Galápagos Islands have put Ecuador on the map as a biodiversity hotspot. In recent decades, the country has embarked on an ambitious program of environmental conservation. Discover ecological treasures ranging from toucans and condors to the endemic marine iguanas and giant tortoises of the Galápagos Islands. Explore Ecuador’s natural wonders through an On Assignment project of your choice— Photography or Wildlife & Conservation.

I T I N E R A RY–1 8 DAYS

DAYS 4-6 COTOPAXI VOLCANO AND THE HIGH PÁRAMO From Quito, head south to our next base, a working hacienda high in the central Andes.

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

DAYS 1-3 QUITO Located at 9,000 feet in a high-Andean valley ringed by snowcapped volcanoes, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world. Its rich colonial architecture, built on the remains of an Inca city, earned its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll along streets that have scarcely changed since the 17th century, past the well-preserved buildings of the Spanish Empire. Step into the bustle of everyday life in an ancient city plaza, where Andean music fills the air and vendors hawk exotic rain forest herbs and natural medicines.

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This trip opened my “ eyes to new cultures and

DAYS 7-10 MINDO AND THE CLOUD FOREST Travel northwest to the lower-altitude slopes of the Andes and settle into the relaxed and welcoming village of Mindo. Break into your On Assignment teams, and set out on daily adventures in the region’s impressive array of protected natural areas. Catch the tarabita, an open-air tram, to ride over a deep ravine into the unspoiled cloud forest of the Bosque Protector Mindo-Nambillo reserve. Swim in freshwater pools, where waterfalls cascade down cliffs overgrown with orchids. Hone your wildlife observation skills by identifying some of Ecuador’s 1,500 bird species. Fly through the cloud forest canopy on zip lines, and float down the river on a tubing adventure. Get to know young Ecuadorians by playing soccer together, and spend an afternoon teaching English at the local elementary school.

DAYS 11-18 GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS Set off on an island-hopping adventure in the legendary Galápagos Islands. This volcanic archipelago, cut off from humans for millennia, helped shape Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Discover the distinct character of each island we visit and get acquainted with its incredible endemic species. Climb to the crater of an active volcano, and explore the remarkable landscape formed by recent lava flows. Spot

fire-red Sally Lightfoot crabs sunning on the rocks alongside spiky marine iguanas—the only sea lizard on the planet. Learn about the late Lonesome George, the last member of one of the islands’ 11 tortoise subspecies, and the conservation efforts he inspired. Get closer than you ever imagined to blue-footed boobies; and snorkel with penguins, sea lions, and sea turtles in one of the most fascinating and fragile environments in the world.

Return to Quito for the final night of our adventure, and share On Assignment projects before flying home.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 28—JULY 15, JULY 5—22, JULY 19—AUGUST 5 TUITION: $6,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Quito, Quito to the Galápagos, the Galápagos to Quito, and return to Miami. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We will stay at a hacienda in the páramo, in rustic cabanas in Mindo, and in family-run inns and small hotels in Quito and the Galápagos Islands.

NOTE: We will be traveling at high elevations while in Quito and the Paramo. Quito is at an altitude of 9,350 feet and our hacienda in the paramo is at 11,800 feet.

Participants should be physically fit.

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wildlife! My favorite part was the diversity of the landscape—playing in snow one day and laying on the beach the next.

-Kezia M.

”

ECUADOR AND THE GALÁPAGOS, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT MARIA FADIMAN Emerging Explorer and ethnobotanist Maria Fadiman works in rural communities around the world to help conserve native cultures and ecosystems. Combining her interests in biology and indigenous cultures to better understand the relationship between people and plants, Maria has conducted research throughout the world from Zimbabwe to Tibet, often focused on the rainforests of Latin America. She has worked in Ecuador for the past 25 years exploring a variety of issues including oil exploration in the Amazon and organic coffee production in the Galápagos Islands. Maria will join the July 19 departure in the Páramo.

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE ALPINE ADVENTURE

Try your hand at canyoneering in dramatic Alpine gorges.

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

Go glacier-trekking, hiking, and zip-lining.

Learn adventure photography and filmmaking skills as you explore.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY Capture the thrill of adventure in the Swiss and French Alps with the sky-scraping peaks of the Jungfrau, the Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc as your backdrop. Work on panning as your friends swing by on zip lines, and learn what makes a great landscape shot more than just a pretty view. Investigate depth of field as you frame Alpine flora and fauna, and practice adventure photography techniques that catch the spirit of mountain sports in motion.

Out of lush green valleys, the Alps

burst into the sky in jagged sculptures of rock and ice. The highest mountains in Western Europe, these glittering peaks are the birthplace of modern trekking. Their highest summit, Mont Blanc, was first conquered in 1786 by two natives of nearby Chamonix who were equipped with little more than ropes and iron-tipped walking sticks. These days, there are myriad ways to explore the Alps: by zip line or mountain bike, rock climbing or canyoneering. Using photography and filmmaking to document your adventure, set off on an Alpine journey from the foot of the Jungfrau to the crooked peak of the Matterhorn.

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.

Trek to Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, and see ice sculptures at the magical Ice Palace along the way. Join experienced guides to try out canyoneering, an exhilarating experience that combines rappelling, climbing, and watersliding through deep gorges. Hone your action photography skills or capture the sense of adventure on film while hiking through narrow ravines.

FILM & VIDEO Delve into the exhilarating art of creating adventure film. Grab your camera equipment or strap on a GoPro and record footage as you climb, hike, mountain bike, and trek across glaciers. Interview fellow students or local mountaineers about their experiences in the mountains. Film the snowy peaks from a soaring cable car or a historic cogwheel train. Working with your peers, use mobile editing technology to produce short films.

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I T I N E R A RY–1 5 DAYS DAYS 1-5 GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND Fly into Zürich 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. Take the historic cogwheel train to Schynige Platte and head off on a variety of hikes, photographing and CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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I’ll never forget “ watching the sunrise with

DAYS 6-9 ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND Travel south across high mountain passes to the charming Alpine village of Zermatt, gateway to the mighty Matterhorn. Take the highest cable car in Europe to Klein Matterhorn, photographing or filming nearly 360-degree views of glaciers and peaks from mid-air. Spend a day mountain biking through pine forests with the magnificent mountains as your backdrop, or go zip-lining with professional outfitters.

Trace the history of mountaineering at the Matterhorn Museum and 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.

on crampons and grab an ice axe for a walk on the spectacular glacier known as the Mer de Glace and then try ice climbing with the help of professional guides. 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.

After a chance to put the final touches on your On Assignment project, enjoy a celebratory fondue dinner and share your final presentation with your group.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JULY 1—15, JULY 16—30

DAYS 10-15 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 the village and take to the trails, trekking to Alpine lakes and meadows scattered with wildflowers and ringing with cowbells. Ride the funicular to the Col de Balme and hike up to the Croix-de-Fer pass for incredible views and a chance to slide on the snow. Stay for a night at a mountain hut near the Aiguille du Midi and enjoy a picnic lunch beneath the mountain’s sharp pinnacles, first climbed in 1818. Strap

TUITION: $7,190 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Zurich, and return from Geneva.

Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in small mountain hostels and huts throughout the program.

APPLY ONLINE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

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my friends at the refuge above Chamonix. It’s moments like these that inspire me to explore and preserve this place.

-Maren A.

”

SWITZERLAND & FRANCE, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT KEITH LADZINSKI After starting out as a skateboard photographer, Keith began photographing outdoor adventure stories. His assignments have sent him on mountain bike expeditions, traveling with a Shao Lin Grandmaster through China, hanging off big walls during rock climbing first ascents, and swimming with great white sharks in South Africa. His work has been featured in National Geographic magazine, The New York Times, Outside, and ESPN magazine, among others. Also an accomplished filmmaker, Keith co-founded 3 Strings Productions and has produced more than 20 adventure films. He will join the July 1 departure in Chamonix and the July 16 departure in Grindelwald.

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

ITALY AND GREECE EMPIRES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

Photograph the Parthenon of Athens at sunset.

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

Examine Michelangelo’s masterful Sistine Chapel.

Hike up to a remote monastery on the island of Hydra.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY Document your adventure on photography assignments in the field. Evoke the classical past by shooting tumbled columns in the Roman Forum or the rugged landscape of Delphi. Take to the street to capture the flavors of contemporary life and the relics of an ancient world.

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE Step back in time to investigate the rich civilizations of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Study legends of gods and goddesses, and explore the ruins of temples built in their honor. Sketch the Parthenon or the Colosseum as they might have appeared thousands of years ago, and delve into the fascinating history of Pompeii.

CREATIVE WRITING Approach the ancient world from a writer’s perspective, and develop your storytelling skills through a series of writing workshops in the field. Craft a biographical portrait of a local character, pen a narrative about exploring Capri, or write a story on the excavation of Pompeii.

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M ore than 2,000 years ago, the ancient

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

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.

I T I N E R A RY–17 DAYS DAYS 1-5 ROME, ITALY Begin in magical, timeless Rome. Set out with your On Assignment team to discover the many wonders of this great city. Walk through the Roman Forum, where 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.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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Náfplio Ídra (Hydra)

Meeting exciting new “ people and experiencing the

DAYS 6-8 POMPEII, CAPRI, AND SALERNO Head south to Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities that were blanketed by thick layers of scorching ash and volcanic mud when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79. Step into the past in palaces still adorned with original frescoes, and see the haunting figures of townspeople frozen in time.

From our base in the small city of Salerno, travel by hydrofoil to Capri. Explore the island’s Roman palaces and extraordinary scenery, and take a refreshing swim from its rocky shoreline.

DAYS 9-10 DELPHI, GREECE Return to Rome, fly to Athens, and continue to Delphi, perched on the shoulder of Mount Parnassus. Settle into this tiny, picturesque village, just a short walk from the Temple of Apollo. Wander through the well-preserved ruins of theatres, treasuries, altars, and stadiums while taking in amazing views of the mountains and the turquoise sea. Tell the story of the stone statues that immortalize the history and mythos of ancient athletes through photography or writing.

DAYS 11-12 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. Then, experience the bustling street life, markets,

and cuisine of the modern city. Capture the intersection of ancient and modern life with your pen and camera.

DAYS 13-17 NÁFPLIO Náfplio, our base for the next five days, is set on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese in the shadow of a cliff-top castle. The town’s pedestrian streets wind down the hillside to a tiny beach.

During our time here, get to know the locals, join in a pickup game of soccer, attend a street fair, or stroll down to the beach for a swim in the crystalclear water of the Gulf of Argos. On day trips, discover the legendary home of Agamemnon at Mycenae; view one of the world’s best preserved Greek theaters at Epidaurus; and hike the slopes of Hydra, a starkly beautiful island where cars are forbidden. In Náfplio’s idyllic setting, we present our On Assignment projects to the group. Return to Athens for our flight home.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 23—JULY 9, JULY 14—30 TUITION: $7,390 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Rome, Rome to Athens, and return from Athens. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

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

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grandeur of the Roman and Greek civilizations with fun, energetic leaders made for an unforgettable experience!

-Kryn D.

”

ITALY & GREECE, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT MASSIMO BASSANO Massimo’s work has been published in National Geographic Traveler and on nationalgeographic.com. He has developed quite a following teaching National Geographic photography workshops in Tuscany and Venice as well as leading expeditions around the world. His September 2011 story in National Geographic Traveler, “Italy’s Forgotten Towns,” led him to travel thousands of miles through the southern Italian countryside. Most recently, Massimo traveled to Mozambique to photograph a story for the July/August 2015 issue of National Geographic Traveler. Massimo will join both departures in Italy.

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IRELAND

Photograph Ireland’s renowned musicians in Dublin and Galway.

DISCOVERING THE EMERALD ISLE

Hike the Wicklow Mountains and visit fishing villages on the Irish Sea. Go on photo and writing assignments on the magical Aran Islands.

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY Tell stories of the people and places you encounter on the Emerald Isle through photographic field assignments. Bring Irish landscapes to life as you train your camera lens on towering cliffs and crashing waves along the western coast. Take portraits of sheep farmers on Inishmore and street musicians on High Street in Galway. 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 the present in a photo essay about a fishing family in Howth.

CREATIVE WRITING Tap into Ireland’s storytelling legacy during field-based writing workshops. Review a restaurant serving twists on traditional Irish dishes or let your imagination fly in a story about fictional residents living behind one of Dublin’s famous painted doors. Visiting the ruins of Clonmacnoise, an early Christian monastic site, envision the lives of the monks who lived there and draft a piece of historical fiction. Capture telling details in a travel narrative about your time in Galway, or set a poem in the Aran Islands’ rocky landscape.

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Ireland’s rolling green landscapes and

cliff-lined coasts have long inspired storytellers. From the cobbled streets of Dublin to the lunar-like landscapes of the Aran Islands, delve into Ireland’s storied 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. Document the mystical beauty of the Emerald Isle with your pen or camera lens through your On Assignment project—either Photography or Creative Writing.

I T I N E R A RY–14 DAYS

and W. B. Yeats, all of whom lived on beautiful Merrion Square. Take in the sights and sounds of Dublin as you bike along neighborhood lanes and historic canals. Visit Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane or the Dublin Writers Museum and take in a show at the Abbey Theatre, founded

by W. B. 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 shopkeepers along O’Connell Street. Walk the cobbled 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 1-7 DUBLIN On the streets of Dublin, revolutionaries once rose up to end 500 years of British rule, and impassioned writers penned works that would become classics. The city that once saw so much strife is now a spirited hub of Irish culture, increasingly infused with an international vibe.

Grab your notebook or your camera and head out to capture the pulse of Dublin. Photograph buskers strumming on Grafton Street and stroll in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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Seeing Clonmacnoise, “ Kilmainham, and Inishmore

DAYS 8-11 GALWAY Travel west from Dublin, taking in the boglands and rolling green hills, and stopping to photograph green pastures and glassy lakes along the way. Artsy, seaside Galway, sometimes called Ireland’s most Irish city, is our base on the dramatic west coast. From here, explore the Gaeltacht, where Ireland’s traditional ways of life hold strong and Irish (Gaelic) is still the language of the land. Together with your peers, transform your exploration of this city 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 nearby countryside to explore village life. Visit family-run dairies and sheep farms, chat with locals over traditional Irish breakfast, and wander past thatched-roof homes lining cobbled streets.

Atlantic and visit the ruins of ancient fortresses, castles, and churches to capture a sense of place in your writing or photography. Talk to local shopkeepers, farmers, fishermen, and innkeepers about their daily lives and let the mystical atmosphere of the islands fuel your imagination as we work to finish our projects.

Return to Dublin for a student-organized public show of the photography, poetry, and prose created during the expedition.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JULY 6—19 TUITION: $5,390 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Dublin. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

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

DAYS 12-14 THE ARAN ISLANDS Hop a ferry for a two-day photo and writing assignment on the magical Aran Islands, where writers like J. M. Synge found inspiration among Celtic ruins and barren expanses of limestone.

Walk atop craggy cliffs overlooking the North APPLY ONLINE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

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was amazing, but the highlight of the trip was presenting my writing about these spectacular places during our public show.

-Gabriella P.

”

IRELAND, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT ANDREW EVANS Writer and globetrotter Andrew Evans has arguably one of the coolest jobs out there: he’s a digital explorer wandering the globe in pursuit of authentic travel experiences, while using the internet, digital mapping, and social media to make his experiences interactive online. Andrew has tweeted from glaciers, jungles, mountain summits, and a camel’s back, from all seven continents, and in more than 40 languages. A contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler, Andrew is the author of four books and the winner of numerous journalism awards.

Andrew will join the group in Galway and the Aran Islands.

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ICELAND

Trek across glaciers and lava fields.

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

LAND OF FIRE AND ICE

Discuss climate change and biodiversity with Icelandic scientists.

Explore black-sand beaches and ride colorful Icelandic horses.

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

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

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY Delve into the science behind global climate change and thermodynamic energy. Initiate a GPS project to measure and map the recession of glacial tongues. Build a model glacier, or measure your group’s carbon footprint. Trek up a glacier with a professional guide to learn about glacial dynamics and morphology.

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

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Iceland is a nation of dramatic extremes,

where geysers and steaming lava flows coexist with powerful waterfalls and vast calving glaciers. Located at the edge of the Arctic Circle, much of the country remains under ice. Yet it is also one of the most volcanically active countries on the planet.

Take advantage of long days and bright nights to explore the stunning beauty and unforgettable natural wonders of this otherworldly landscape. Choose your On Assignment project—Photography, Climate & Geology, or Film & Video—and set out to discover one of the most dynamic physical environments on Earth.

I T I N E R A RY–1 5 DAYS

to the Golden Circle and discover Gulfoss, a thundering waterfall that appears to vanish into the earth. Then continue to Geysir—the earliest geyser known to Europeans—where boiling water can rocket up to 210 feet in the air. Follow a guide through an ultramodern geothermal plant that provides much of Reykjavík’s energy.

Iceland is at the forefront of the sustainable power movement, with 70 percent of its energy renewable and much of that derived from its prodigious geothermal sources. Explore ancient lava flows to learn how volcanism continues to shape Iceland’s dynamic landscape. Hike along the shores of Thingvallavatn, the country’s largest lake, 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 in a single day.

DAYS 1-4 REYKJAVÍK AND THE GOLDEN CIRCLE The expedition begins with a swim in Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon geothermal pool, followed by an orientation in Reykjavík, Europe’s northernmost capital. Get essential background on the geology of this subarctic island nation, and learn the basics of climate change. Hike to the top of a nearby volcano and learn about Viking heritage at some of Reykjavík’s cutting-edge historical museums. Head out CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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Ar Jökulsárgljúfur National Park

Akureyri

I CCEELAND LAND

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I loved working with our “ trip leader on improving my

DAYS 5-10 HÖFN AND THE VATNA JŐKULL GLACIER From Reykjavík, journey east to Höfn, a remote gateway to the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, the world’s largest ice cap outside of the Arctic and Antarctica. Cruise through a glacial lagoon between fantastically shaped icebergs.

Participate in dynamic field-based seminars with experts on glaciology and climate change. Camp on a vast glacial moraine in the heart of Skaftafell National Park. Don crampons and ice axes to trek over the massive ice cap with certified local guides. Ride Icelandic horses; photograph unique rock formations along black-sand beaches; or visit the remote original landing place of the Vikings, a peninsula 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 back to the group on what you find.

DAYS 11-15 LAKE MÝVATN AND THE NORTHERN COAST Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge. This unique position makes it one of the most volcanically active countries in the world.

Head north across the uninhabited interior to the wild volcanic area around Lake Mývatn.

Explore bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents,

and the craters of dormant volcanoes. Hike on congealed lava flows from a series of massive eruptions that occurred in the late 1970s. Visit magnificent Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where gray glacial meltwater from Iceland’s interior blasts through a spectacular basalt canyon.

Bathe in the blue mineral waters of a natural thermal pool surrounded by black lava beds, and visit Akureyri, a thriving modern city on the Arctic Ocean. Hike to roaring glacial waterfalls, wander through a 3,500 year old ice cave, interview local researchers, and enjoy your last days together as you put the finishing touches on your On Assignment projects. Then, return to Reykjavík to present your work before flying home.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JULY 1—15, JULY 16—30 TUITION: $7,290 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Reykjavík. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

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

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photography—the moments I was able to capture from a new perspective gave me the greatest sense of joy and accomplishment.

-Grant C.

”

ICELAND, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT FORD COCHRAN An environmental scientist, writer, and Web producer, Ford descended into ice caves and an active volcano on his first visit to Iceland while on assignment for National Geographic Television. Ford was principal contributing writer for the Society’s Historical Atlas of the United States and has written for National Geographic magazine.

He helped launch nationalgeographic.com in 1996 and has been an editorial director and daily blogger for the website. Ford will join both departures in Reykjavík and Höfn.

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SOUTH AFRICA HUMAN ORIGINS AND WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Join top National Geographic researchers and explore caves with remains of some of humankind’s oldest ancestors.

Spot elephants, rhinos, and leopards on safari in Kruger National Park.

Take in a bird’s-eye view of Cape Town from atop Table Mountain.

Meet the San people and delve into their ancient hunter-gatherer culture.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY Document your journey through South Africa in photographs. Alongside a team of paleoanthropologists, learn about photography’s crucial role in recording excavated artifacts and document your own expedition’s findings. Capture images of the Cape Peninsula’s striking landscapes, illustrate the distinctive culture of the San people, and zoom in on some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife in Kruger National Park.

HUMAN ORIGINS & EVOLUTION Delve into the study of evolution and discover why the country of South Africa holds many of the keys to understanding how our species has evolved. Learn how researchers work in teams to find, excavate, and preserve fossils in the sites where these important discoveries have been made.

Try out cutting-edge excavation methods and receive hands-on training in the bone and stone-tools identification labs at Witwatersrand University’s Evolutionary Studies Institute. Join scientists in both mock and active excavations of fossil sites.

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South Africa, with its modern mosaic

of cultures, also hosts an ancient human history dating back millions of years.

Join National Geographic Explorer-inResidence Lee Berger in the lab and in the field to explore our human origins, visiting ongoing excavations that have revealed key clues about our earliest ancestors.

On safari, watch for the glow of eyes on a night game drive, observe a jaw-dropping array of wild species in the company of trackers, and watch the setting sun melt into the bush. From vibrant Cape Town to active excavation sites in the Cradle of Humankind, experience incredible South Africa through your On Assignment project—Human Origins & Evolution or Photography.

Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was once held, and the District Six Museum, memorializing the eviction of some 60,000 Cape Town residents during apartheid. Head out of the city to !Khwa ttu, the San Education and Culture Centre, to meet San hunter-gatherers.

Interview them about their ancient traditions, photograph their daily life, and with their help, try shooting a bow and arrow or igniting a fire using sticks. Then head south along the Cape Peninsula on a spectacular drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Stop in harbor towns and historic villages along the way, and go on a hike overlooking False Bay. Climb to the lighthouse atop rugged cliffs at Cape Point, near the boundary between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and walk amid African penguins on Boulders Beach.

I T I N E R A RY–1 8 DAYS DAYS 1-6 CAPE TOWN Begin your expedition with an orientation in the breathtaking port of Cape Town, and get acquainted with the city’s history and landscape with your On Assignment teams. Ride an aerial cable car to the summit of Table Mountain and discover the unusual tropical plants of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Visit Robben

DAYS 7-11 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg and head north to Kruger National Park, one of the

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Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa

Kruger National Park Johannesburg

S OUTT H A FRICA !Khwa ttu San Education and Culture Centre

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By understanding our “past—where we come

largest and most abundant game reserves in Africa. Kruger was established as a protected area in 1898 and is home to an incredible range of creatures, including the famous “big five”: elephants, lions, Cape buffalos, rhinoceroses, and leopards. Venture into the park with local trackers and observe an astonishing variety of creatures— from cheetahs and wild dogs to marabou storks.

Identify animal tracks and scat, and take bush walks to discover the plants and smaller wildlife of the lowveld. Cap off one afternoon by visiting an ancient San rock art site. On night safaris, learn lighting techniques to photograph nocturnal animals in action. Meet with park rangers to discuss poaching in Kruger, then listen to the wild sounds of the savanna while camping in the bush.

DAYS 12-18 THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND Travel to the Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa, a UNESCO World Heritage site often called the “Cradle of Humankind,” where key clues to human evolution have been discovered, including two-million-year-old fossils uncovered by expert Lee Berger (pictured above), which shed light on a critical period during which our ancestors began to walk upright, use tools, and develop a capacity for language. Join Lee’s team at Witwatersrand University for an introduction to archaeological methods and get hands-on training in the Evolutionary Studies Institute’s bone and stonetool identification labs. Learn how researchers uncover clues about African prehistory and go behind the scenes at the Origins Centre. Join Lee

in the field and explore the caves of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, and Coopers, where 3.5-million-yearold fossils of our ancestor Australopithecus were unearthed, and learn how to map or photograph these ancient sites. At Rising Star cave, hear how Lee and his team discovered more than 1,200 hominid fossils last year, and why he thinks they could add significantly to our understanding of human evolution. Put your photographic and anthropological skills to the test during a twoday hominid site excavation with Lee and his team. Work together to record, photograph, and preserve your finds. In the evenings, discuss the importance of preserving our cultural heritage with Lee and other researchers, enjoy performances of traditional South African music, or go on a late-night wildlife drive. Present your final On Assignment projects before flying home.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 28—JULY 15, JULY 15—AUGUST 1 TUITION: $7,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Cape Town, Cape Town to Johannesburg, and Johannesburg to New York. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We will stay in small hotels in Cape Town, safari tents in Kruger National Park, and dormitory-style housing at the Cradle of Humankind.

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from, why we behave the way we do—we can better understand our place on this planet and perhaps become more sensitive to humankind’s place in nature.

”

— Lee Berger National Geographic Expert

MEET YOUR EXPERT LEE BERGER National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and paleoanthropologist Lee Berger has been exploring human origins on the African continent, Asia, and Micronesia for the past two-and-a-half decades, resulting in many notable discoveries: the most complete early hominin fossils found so far, belonging to a new species of early human ancestor; and in 2013, the richest early hominin site yet found on the continent of Africa. Lee is a strong advocate for the potential of exploration and discovery, dedicating much of his work to the public understanding of science. Lee will join both departures in the Cradle of Humankind.

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TANZANIA

Go on safari and encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and hippos.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND TRIBAL LIFE

Experience life in a rural village at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Lend a hand on a National Geographic project to build a boma fence.

Hike on sacred lands with Maasai warriors.

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

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

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

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Tanzania is renowned for its incredible

wildlife, yet its diverse cultures and welcoming people are equally fascinating.

Though the Maasai are perhaps the most widely recognized tribal group, Tanzania is home to more than 120 ethnicities.

Immerse yourself in village life, and discover how tribal communities have interacted with their environment for centuries. From vibrant villages to open savanna plains, examine the challenges of preserving Tanzania’s prized wildlife and cultural traditions through an On Assignment project of your choice— Photography or Wildlife & Conservation.

of interdependent community developed

by Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere.

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

I T I N E R A RY–2 0 DAYS DAYS 1-9 MAJI YA CHAI VILLAGE, NORTHERN TANZANIA Settle into a small agricultural village in a rural area near Mount Kilimanjaro to get acquainted with Tanzania and our group. Spend the first couple of days working together with the villagers on a community service project, such as developing a water-delivery system or helping with repairs to the local school. Learn firsthand about ujamaa, the uniquely African concept

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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

Ngorongoro Crater Lake Manyara

TANZANIA TAN A

I made lifelong “ connections with the

DAYS 10-17 WILDLIFE SAFARI AND MAASAI TRIBAL LANDS Our safari begins with a special invitation to spend two days on the Maasai Steppe at Noloholo, an environmental research station run by National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantees Laly Lichtenfeld and Charles Trout.

Discuss conservation efforts and land use issues with field biologists, and participate in the National Geographic-sponsored Build a Boma project, helping to construct a “living wall” of trees to keep predatory animals away from a Maasai community’s livestock. Dressed in brightly colored robes and adorned with intricate beaded jewelry, the Maasai welcome our group into their lives. Meet schoolchildren who split their time between tending cattle and attending school. Witness drumming and jumping contests. Learn how these nomadic herders are adapting to the modern world. Then move to the Oldonyo Sambu Wilderness Area outside of Tarangire National Park. Here, set up camp and spend the next two days on hikes with traditional Maasai warriors through their ancestral hunting grounds.

Then head to a site among the baobab trees deep in magnificent Tarangire National Park. On daily game drives, get up close to lions, zebras, cheetahs, elephants, baboons, and jackals in their natural habitat. With our professionally trained guides, discuss natural selection, animal behavior, and the wildlife-management challenges facing the people of Tanzania.

Continue to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best game-viewing spots in the world. Situated on the edge of the vast Serengeti plain, this volcanic caldera contains almost 30,000 animals at any given time. Spot lions, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and even black rhinoceroses from the safety of our safari jeep.

Continue on to flamingo-fringed Lake Manyara National Park for more game viewing.

DAYS 18-20 CULTURAL CENTER IN NORTHERN TANZANIA Spend your last few days at a cultural center that brings young Americans and Tanzanians together. Learn traditional dancing and drumming from local teenagers, make your final presentations to the group and the community, and enjoy a farewell celebration before flying home.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 29—JULY 18, JULY 17—AUGUST 5 TUITION: $8,190 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Arusha. Please refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: While in the village, we stay in dormitory-style housing with bunk beds. Boys and girls have separate spaces, and bathrooms are shared. In the Maasai tribal lands and on safari, we stay in tented camps.

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people I met in Tanzania, and formed bonds with others interested in wildlife conservation.

”

-Shelby K. TANZANIA, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT LALY LICHTENFELD National Geographic grantee and wildlife conservationist Laly Lichtenfeld is cofounder and executive director of the African People & Wildlife Fund. She has over 15 years of experience in East Africa working with large carnivores, local communities, and community-based conservation programs.

In partnership with National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative, Laly launched the Build a Boma campaign, which has crowd-funded innovative solutions to protect African livestock and wildlife. Laly will join the June 29 trip during the safari.

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EXPEDITION

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

AUSTRALIA OUTBACK, RAIN FOREST, AND REEF

Interact with Aboriginal people and learn about their unique culture and spirituality.

Set out on a two-day snorkeling adventure along the Great Barrier Reef.

Set up camp in the Outback and sleep under the stars.

Discover vibrant Sydney and see koalas and kangaroos at the worldfamous Taronga Zoo.

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

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

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

With roughly the population of

metropolitan New York City and the landmass of the continental United States, Australia is the most sparsely populated continent on the planet after Antarctica.

Its isolation for millennia allowed unique ecosystems and cultures to thrive. Explore rain forests, deserts, and the world’s largest coral reef, observing fascinating wildlife along the way. Meet members of the Aboriginal community—the world’s oldest living culture—which settled here more than 50,000 years ago. Experience Australia through the lens of your On Assignment project: Photography, Wildlife & Conservation, or Film & Video.

I T I N E R A RY–2 0 DAYS DAYS 6-10 ULURU AND THE OUTBACK DAYS 1-5 SYDNEY

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

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Meet your first koalas and kangaroos at the famous Taronga Zoo, and visit the Sydney Aquarium to get acquainted with the marine life you will encounter on the Great Barrier Reef.

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

Fly from Sydney to the outback, and experience life in Alice Springs, the region’s largest city.

Interact with Aboriginal culture, and learn how their people have survived for more than 50,000 years. Understand the role of fire in one of the driest places on Earth, and spend your first night around a campfire on traditional Aboriginal land.

From Alice Springs, journey through the outback towards the largest monolith on Earth,

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Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock). Steeped in mythology, this colossal piece of sandstone rises abruptly from the desert plain. Trek between the giant rounded dome of the adjacent Kata Tjuta on the lookout for bright green ring-necked parrots. Visit a working cattle ranch, examine ancient rock art and medicinal plants, and listen to dreamtime stories told by our Aboriginal guides. Set up camp in the bush, help collect fire wood and prepare dinner, and sleep under the stars. Spot Scorpio and the Southern Cross, and learn a whole new set of Southern Hemisphere constellations.

DAYS 11-20 QUEENSLAND AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF Fly to the northern Queensland city of Cairns, and transfer to Port Douglas, our hub for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Set out on a private boat for a two-day snorkeling adventure with marine biologists. Anchor at the outer reef and snorkel along brilliant fields of coral.

Spot sea turtles, giant parrotfish, harmless reef sharks, and maybe even a migrating humpback whale. Gain insights about the reef from the marine biologists on board, and learn about the threats to this unique ecosystem and the efforts being made to protect it.

Back on land, head north into the 125 millionyear-old Daintree Rain Forest. Hike through the lush vegetation to see cassowaries, crocodiles, tree kangaroos, and other endemic wildlife.

Spend the night in a rain forest lodge and

encounter the native species of the surrounding rain forest, wetlands, and reef. Soar high into the canopy of the rain forest on an educational zip line tour, and examine the canopy up-close on the observation deck at the local research station.

Wind down on the coastal side of the park on the white-sand beaches of Cape Tribulation.

Explore mangrove habitat where the jungle meets the ocean and kayak along the reef. Trek out to the furthest point of the Cape in search of whales and other marine life passing by.

Return to Cairns for two final nights and present your On Assignment project to the rest of the group. Enjoy a final meal and celebration with your fellow participants.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 29—JULY 18, JULY 19—AUGUST 7 TUITION: $8,590 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Sydney, Sydney to Alice Springs, Ayers Rock to Cairns, and return to Los Angeles. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

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

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art of storytelling through the On Assignment project gave me a head start as an aspiring filmmaker.

-Rui O.

”

AUSTRALIA, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT ULLA LOHMANN Photojournalist, filmmaker, and adventurer Ulla Lohmann has sailed around the world, explored volcanoes in some of the most remote places on the planet, and traversed the African continent using only biodiesel. She spends much of her time working with indigenous cultures in Australia and the South Pacific. Based in the German Alps, she is a regular contributor to the National Geographic Channel and National Geographic magazine (France and Germany), and is represented by National Geographic Creative. Ulla will join both groups at the Great Barrier Reef.

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EXPEDITION

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

INDIA

Ride a camel through desert dunes at sunset.

CROSSROADS OF CULTURES

Go on a three-day trek in the majestic Himalaya.

Experience a Buddhist ceremony alongside Tibetan monks.

Tutor children in a Himalayan mountain school.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY Build a portfolio that tells a tale of India’s complex history and spiritual diversity.

Shrines, palaces, markets, terraced rice paddies, elephants, kite-flying children, dazzling saris, and clamorous street life provide unparalleled opportunities for the photographer.

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY Discover the connections between India’s culture and environment. Examine the dramatic history of Old Delhi, and learn how the walled city became one of the largest metropolises in the world. Compare the customs and rituals of Rajasthan with those of Ladakh. Interview elders about the spiritual significance of the Himalaya, or document the movements of India’s ethnicities over the past century. Delve into the origins of a local festival and participate in the preparations.

38 E X P E D I T I O N

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Numbering more than one billion

people, India’s diverse population is made up of Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Christians, and Buddhists who live side by side in remarkable harmony. Such rich cultural and spiritual diversity is evident in the animated streets of New Delhi and the quiet temples of the Himalaya. Northern India is scattered with majestic vestiges of the past, from the Taj Mahal to the palaces of Jaipur. Immerse yourself in the intriguing cultures of India as you pursue an On Assignment project of your choice— Photography or Cultural Geography.

DAYS 4-11 LADAKH AND THE HIMALAYA Rising out of India’s northernmost region, the Himalaya are a vast stretch of craggy passes and snow-covered mountains culminating with Mount Everest. While it remains the least populated region of India, Ladakh has become the cultural center of Tibetan exiles, as thousands of ethnic Tibetans have resettled here. The influence of Tibetan Buddhism is visible in prayer flags, the red of monks’ robes, and the intricate architecture of shrines and temples.

I T I N E R A RY–2 1 DAYS DAYS 1-3 NEW DELHI Begin in New Delhi where the sheer density of people in the chaotic slums contrasts sharply with the elegant districts patronized by India’s emerging middle class. Spend two days exploring the incredible sites of the city—many of them declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. Meander through the maze of streets in Old Delhi and the pavilions of the Red Fort. Visit the immense Jama Masjid mosque, Humayun’s Tomb, and the soaring Qutb Minar tower.

Then set out in teams and dive into your On Assignment projects.

In the lively trade town of Leh, where whitewashed houses are nestled in a lush valley ringed by jagged peaks, we’ll get acclimatized to the altitude (11,500 feet). Settle into a community school, and help young Ladakhis prepare for college entrance exams. Join in the daily routine, cooking meals, tending gardens, and helping the school maintain its

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solar energy system. Get to know the students, and tutor them in English. Then set out with professional guides on a three-day trek from Likir to Tingmosgang. Stay overnight in familyrun guesthouses, and walk from village to village. Discuss Buddhist traditions with monks, learn about micro-hydroelectric generation projects with local conservationists, and visit organizations that promote sustainable development. As we walk, take in hillsides dotted with temples and monasteries, and exquisite vistas of the Himalaya.

DAYS 12-21 RAJASTHAN AND THE HIGH DESERT The Mughal influence is strong in Rajasthan, where walled fortresses dominate strategic hilltops and palaces anchor the larger towns with ornate Islamic architecture. The locals are warm and colorful—the women are draped in yards of vibrant orange and red fabric, and the men don bright turbans. Elephants amble through town laden with freight, and monkeys scamper over the polished marble of Hindu and Jain temples.

Encounter the Taj Mahal in Agra and the fortified Mughal ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri.

Spot wildlife in Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

Continue to the town of Samode, where we’ll stay amid 20 acres of trees and ruins at a 250-year-old Mughal-style royal retreat. Ride a camel on a short safari through the nearby village to the desert beyond. Join locals for drumming and dancing around a roaring fire. Explore Jaipur,

from its massive pink-hued palace to its medieval observatory. Venture into the labyrinthine City Palace, and trace its line of maharajas to the current occupant. Built as a citadel for the ruling elite, wind your way up the serpentine staircases of Jaipur’s Amber Fort, exploring its courtyards, arches, and ramparts as you catch a glimpse of Maota Lake below. Try your hand at cotton block printing with local artisans who have revitalized this disappearing art.

The journey concludes in Delhi, where we’ll put the finishing touches on our On Assignment projects and share them with the group.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 26—JULY 16, JULY 9—29 TUITION: $6,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Delhi, Delhi to Leh, Leh to Delhi, and return to New York. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: In Delhi and Rajasthan, we stay in small hotels. In Ladakh, we stay in dormitory-style rooms at a school with very basic amenities.

NOTE: The three-day trek involves rigorous hiking at altitudes up to 14,000 feet. Participants must be physically fit. Those with known altitude sensitivity should not apply.

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We experienced everything there like locals—I felt like I was a traveler and not a tourist.

-Sophia B.

”

INDIA, 2014

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

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CONSERVATION IN ACTION

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

BELIZE

Snorkel or SCUBA dive on the world’s second-largest barrier reef.

OCEANS AND UNDERWATER EXPLORATION

Work with marine biologists to collect data underwater and on land.

Learn the art of underwater photography.

Explore the world-famous Blue Hole.

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

OCEANS AND UNDERWATER EXPLORATION In 2002, National Geographic supported an expedition that explored Belize’s immense barrier reef from end to end to bring attention to the threatened state of coral reefs worldwide. Today, National Geographic’s Ocean Initiative seeks to highlight the importance of protecting our marine habitats.

Work with scientists underwater and on land to help research and photograph Belize’s coral reefs. Document reef species, remove invasive lion fish, conduct an acoustic survey of bottle nose dolphins, or use high-tech equipment to detect sharks and rays on the sea floor. Interview fisherman and local conservationists about the interplay of conservation, livelihoods, and sustainable development.

Both as a group and individually, work on presentations about Belize’s marine wonders and the importance of conserving our “Blue Planet.”

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Blanketed with thick jungle and edged

by the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, Belize is a small country with extraordinary biodiversity and great natural beauty. Its rich marine life makes it a perfect laboratory for learning about our planet’s amazing ocean habitats and for exploring ways to preserve them for future generations. Join top marine biologists, scientists, and conservationists to conduct research on the barrier reef. Photograph underwater species, snorkel the famous Blue Hole, and learn about local ecotourism and conservation initiatives.

get settled at the Oceanic Society’s research facility on Blackbird Caye. Here, spend each day snorkeling in the warm coastal waters and assisting in the collection of data and the monitoring of reef health. Come face-to-face with countless species of marine life—from colorful parrotfish and damsel fish to eels, rays, and turtles. Join researchers to conduct a survey of the bottlenose dolphin population and assist with the removal and dissection of invasive lionfish. Participate in ongoing initiatives to protect dolphins, turtles, and reef sharks, and examine the threats to coral reefs around the planet.

I T I N E R A RY–1 2 DAYS DAY 1 TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER Our expedition begins with an orientation at a research station outside of Belize City, the Tropical Education Center. During a night tour of the world-famous Belize Zoo led by professional keepers, hand-feed the national animal of Belize, the tapir, and meet an orphaned jaguar known as Lucky Boy. DAYS 2-7 BLACKBIRD CAYE Take a boat from the marina across the clear blue waters to Turneffe Atoll, where we’ll

Improve your underwater photography and video techniques during one-on-one lessons with our highly qualified trip leaders and experts, and learn to use photography as a storytelling

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

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tool to portray the integral role of our oceans and seas in maintaining the health of the planet.

Begin work on group and individual projects designed to raise awareness about the critical need to protect and conserve our marine habitat. Then put your new marine biology and photography skills to the test during a full-day excursion to Lighthouse Reef, home of the world-famous Blue Hole, a remarkable circular limestone sinkhole in the seafloor stretching nearly 1,000 feet across and more than 400 feet deep. Made famous by Jacques Cousteau, this spectacular sunken cave is home to diverse marine life and jagged stalactites.

In the evenings, unwind back on shore. Enjoy discussions with marine biologists, get to know your fellow travelers, and share fresh coconuts straight off the tree while watching the sun set over the thick Belizean jungle.

DAYS 8-12 CAYE CAULKER Leave the outer reef and head north to Caye Caulker, one of the more developed cayes (pronounced keys). Spend time working with local students and participate in community service and environmental stewardship projects.

Get out on the water with researchers working to preserve their fragile marine habitat, and learn firsthand how overfishing and reef destruction impact the local ecology and economy. Snorkel and dive among groupers, rays, and nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley, part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the southern

tip of Ambergris Caye. Hol Chan was declared a marine reserve—the first in Belize—25 years ago, and has helped pave the road for marine protection throughout coastal Belize and the rest of the world. Spend a day kayaking around the shallow waterways, keeping an eye out for endangered manatees and sea turtles. Learn about the development of marine protected areas, and examine the role of ecotourism and local conservation efforts in reef preservation.

Present your final project to community members and local experts.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JULY 5—16, JULY 12—23, JULY 19—30, JULY 26—AUGUST 6 TUITION: $5,790 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Houston and Belize City. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: At the Tropical Education Center we stay in dormatory-style rooms and shared cabanas.

On Blackbird Caye we stay in seaside cabanas at the Oceanic Society’s research facility. On Caye Caulker we stay in a small, family-run hotel.

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

our oceans clean and safe for the creatures that live in it. By sharing what I’ve learned, I hope to make the world a better place above and below the water’s surface.

-Jared N. BELIZE, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT GREG MARSHALL Discover the marine life of Belize with biologist and filmmaker Greg Marshall. Greg invented the Crittercam, a device that can be attached to an animal to study its behavior. Greg’s Crittercam has enabled him to document life in the oceans and on land from the perspective of animals such as blue whales, black turtles, manta rays, seals, and—most recently—giant oceanic manta rays. Greg will join the July 19 and July 26 departures on Blackbird Caye. Marine biologist David Gruber will join the July 5 and July 12 trips.

See David’s bio on page 9.

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CONSERVATION IN ACTION

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

PACIFIC NORTHWEST WILDLIFE HABITAT RESTORATION

Work alongside conservationists to reforest river ecosystems.

Monitor orca populations with local researchers.

Go river rafting in Olympic National Park.

Set out on a two-day kayaking adventure in the San Juan Islands.

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

WILDLIFE HABITAT RESTORATION The Puget Sound watershed is home to many hundreds of species and ecosystems.

With toxic runoff, overfishing, and human population growth threatening this fragile place, scientists are hard at work to restore this important habitat and the creatures who call it home.

Join conservationists and researchers both on land and on the water to help protect two distinct ecosystems. In Olympic National Park, investigate the drastic effects of a century-old dam—and its removal—on the Elwha River habitat, and work with scientists to evaluate the area’s regeneration. Plant native trees and remove invasive species to encourage habitat restoration, document local wildlife, and use sampling techniques to test water quality.

In the San Juan Islands, collect and record data on endangered orca populations; track and monitor whales and other marine mammals; and educate visitors about the state of the Sound’s orcas.

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In Washington State’s Puget Sound

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

DAYS 3-7 OLYMPIC PENINSULA Ride a ferry across Puget Sound to the Olympic Peninsula and settle into our base on the shores of Lake Crescent within Olympic National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is home to sandy beaches, rain forests where green comes in all shades, glaciertopped mountains, and natural hot springs.

Lake Crescent, left behind by the last ice age, harbors numerous fish species, and hiking and kayaking opportunities here abound. Join local conservationists and scientists to work on the park’s major conservation initiatives.

In photographs and interviews, document the story of the Elwha River, whose century-old dam was recently removed, paving the way for the resurgence of salmon populations.

I T I N E R A RY–1 2 DAYS DAYS 1-2 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON Our program starts and ends in the vibrant city of Seattle, perched on the edge of Puget Sound.

Get to know your group during an orientation and visit some of the city’s sights, including the famous Pike Place Market. Take a behind-thescenes tour of the Seattle Aquarium and learn about local conservation issues.

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San Juan Islands Friday Harbor

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Exploring the Pacific “Northwest with other Hike up the old riverbed to record the dam’s impact on old-growth forest and witness how the unleashed river is now reclaiming the land.

Use satellites to map the new path of the river, collect water samples in search of fish eggs, help with reforestation efforts, survey wildlife along the river, and monitor the growth of native and invasive species. Raft down the newly opened section of the river on the lookout for bald eagles, bears, and elk.

DAYS 8-12 SAN JUAN ISLANDS Scattered across the Puget Sound lie the San Juan Islands, several hundred pristine islands that range from the largest—Orcas Island—to tiny, tree-topped tufts. Our home here is Friday Harbor, on the island of San Juan. Here, your National Geographic expert joins the group as we focus our efforts on marine conservation.

Learn about the region’s largest marine mammals at the Whale Museum, then hop in a boat with local researchers to spot and study the sound’s wildlife. The narrow inlets and passages that carve between the islands are home to both resident and transient pods of orca whales.

Matriarchal groups, the resident families can be found traveling through Puget Sound in search of salmon and other food sources. Despite being some of the most studied populations of orcas in the world, their numbers are still dwindling due to overfishing of their food stocks and contamination from pollution runoff. Meet with members of local research groups and collect

data on these charismatic animals, recording their movement, measuring their population size, and tracking them through acoustic listening devices. Use what you’ve learned to help staff an education station and teach visitors about orcas and the threats they face.

Set out to discover the wilds of the San Juans on a two-day kayak excursion. With professional guides at our helm, paddle past rugged sea cliffs and into pristine coves, on the lookout for falcons, seals, porpoises, and whales. Each night, we’ll set up camp on a secluded beach and make dinner together under the stars. Along the way, we’ll collaborate with the Washington State Parks system to help clean beaches, maintain trails, and educate the public about conservation issues.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 27—JULY 8, JULY 25—AUGUST 5 TUITION: $5,690 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Seattle, Washington. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: In Seattle we stay in small hotels.

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

people who were just as passionate and enthusiastic was an incredible experience.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT SHAH SELBE National Geographic Emerging Explorer and grantee Shah Selbe believes technology could be the answer to solving complex conservation issues around the world. His project, FishNET, uses technology to empower local communities to change our ocean’s future. He integrates crowdsourcing, smartphone apps, drones, and acoustic sensors to address ocean conservation issues including illegal poaching, overfishing, and the monitoring of Marine Protected Areas. Shah is excited to join both departures in the San Juan Islands.

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”

-Catalina C.

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CONSERVATION IN ACTION

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

BRAZIL’S AMAZON AND PANTANAL BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

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

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

Ride horseback through the Pantanal.

Explore legendary Rio de Janeiro and stroll along the beach at Ipanema.

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

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION The unparalleled biodiversity of the Amazon rain forest, the Pantanal, and the Atlantic Forest—each a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve—has drawn National Geographic’s scientists and conservationists for decades. Even as our researchers work to protect these threatened areas, they are discovering new species and learning the critical role of each of these habitats in the complex interplay of the world’s ecosystems.

In the Amazon, meet a local researcher and learn about efforts to preserve this critical ecosystem. Then work closely with scientists from the Golden Lion Tamarin Association to monitor these endangered primates and help create wildlife corridors connecting fragments of the Atlantic Forest.

Together, we will create a group presentation on the integral role of Brazil’s biodiversity in maintaining the health of the planet.

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When it comes to natural resources,

Brazil is full of superlatives. It is home to the largest rain forest in the world, one of the largest wetlands, the greatest number of species, and nearly 5,000 miles of coast. Delve into three distinct biodiversity hotspots: the Amazon rain forest, the Pantanal floodplains, and the Atlantic Forest. Encounter an incredible array of species as you explore these habitats, learning the successes of and challenges to conservation efforts here.

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

I T I N E R A RY–1 9 DAYS DAYS 1-6 THE AMAZON RAIN FOREST AND MANAUS Arrive in Manaus for a day of orientation and acclimatization. Meet a scientist working on a National Geographic-funded project tracking the effects of forest fragmentation and get introduced to conservation efforts in the Amazon rain forest. Then travel by bus and boat to a lodge deep in the jungle. Blanketing more than half of Brazil, the Amazon rain forest produces about 20 percent of the world’s oxygen, and is home to one in five of the world’s bird species. We’ll spend our time experiencing the forest’s biodiversity firsthand as we explore by foot and by boat. Glide along

DAYS 7-12 PANTANAL AND BONITO Travel to Campo Grande and take a short bus ride to our lodge in the Pantanal wetlands.

Known as the “Serengeti of South America,” the Pantanal is an excellent place for spotting wildlife including giant river otters, hyacinth macaws, capybaras, and many more. Venture

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to Brazil gave “meTraveling a wider perspective on into this pristine wilderness on foot and on horseback, keeping an eye out for elusive jaguars. Travel to nearby Bonito to explore the rivers that seasonally flood the Pantanal. Snorkel with colorful fish in crystal clear waters. Cap off our stay with a hike and a refreshing swim beneath a waterfall.

DAYS 13-19 RIO DE JANEIRO AND THE ATLANTIC FOREST During an interlude in legendary Rio de Janeiro, photograph the city and its island-scattered bay from the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue or the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. Then hit the beach at Ipanema, and with luck, catch a spontaneous performance of the Brazilian martial art capoeira.

Stretching along the southeastern coast of Brazil, the Atlantic Forest is home to tens of thousands of plant and animal species—as well as about 70% of the country’s human population. The habitat is fragmented and highly threatened, and some 250 native species here have gone extinct. One of its most famous endemic species, the golden lion tamarin, was recently brought back from the brink of extinction thanks to the work of award-winning conservationist and National Geographic grantee Denise Rambaldi.

Our base in the Atlantic Forest is the Golden Lion Tamarin Association’s headquarters, where we’ll work alongside Denise and Brazilian conservationists on environmental service and

education projects. Rise at dawn and set out into the forest with radio telemetry equipment to locate golden lion tamarin groups. Observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, and meet with scientists to learn about efforts to reconnect the region’s fragmented forests.

Contribute to the reforestation efforts by planting trees, and monitor new forest corridors by measuring tree growth. Collaborate on a final group project using a variety of media to compare and contrast the diverse ecosystems you’ve encountered and the conservation efforts at play.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 27—JULY 15 TUITION: $6,590 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Rio de Janeiro, Rio to Manaus, Manaus to Bonito, Bonito to Rio, and return to Miami. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

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

the world. I’m no longer afraid to take risks and try new things.

-Andrea G. BRAZIL, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT DENISE RAMBALDI Denise has dedicated her career to the conservation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

As director of the Golden Lion Tamarin Association, she achieved remarkable success in pulling back from the brink of extinction this highly endangered primate species that lives in the Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most critically endangered biodiversity hotspots. In 2008, she received the National Geographic Society/Buffett Award for Leadership in Conservation, and currently serves as the Director of Biodiversity and Forests for the Rio de Janeiro State Environmental Agency. Denise will join our group in the Atlantic Forest.

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CONSERVATION IN ACTION

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

TUSCANY

Work alongside food ecologists, local farmers, and pioneers of Italy’s sustainable food movement.

FUTURE OF FOOD

Forage for truffles, visit a biodynamic vineyard, and learn how gelato is made.

Go hiking in the fishing villages of the Cinque Terre and learn about traditional fishing practices.

Examine sustainable practices on an organic farm.

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

FUTURE OF FOOD By 2050, Earth will likely be home to more than nine billion people. How will we feed our growing population without overwhelming the planet? That question is central to National Geographic’s Future of Food initiative, launched in 2014 to find solutions to feed our hungry planet.

Long at the cutting edge of the sustainable food movement, Tuscany offers unique opportunities to meet with local producers, food ecologists, and agricultural conservationists to learn about sustainable food production. Explore the connection between cultural demand and conservation at markets and restaurants. Interview fishermen and researchers about the impact of fishing on the health of our oceans. At a working farm in the Val d’Orcia, forage for wild truffles and examine the science behind heirloom plant varieties. Collaborate on projects to enhance water conservation and composting efforts, and conduct an analysis on the farm’s sustainable practices.

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In Tuscany, small, family-run farms

punctuate hills studded with olive groves; wild boar roam through hemlock forests; and markets brim with garden-fresh ingredients. It’s no surprise that Italy— where delicious, healthy food is woven into the fabric of life—has long been at the forefront of the sustainable food movement. Go behind the scenes with local producers and agricultural conservationists to explore and taste Tuscan cuisine from the field to the fork, and work on a traditional farm to learn sustainable ways to feed our growing planet.

challenges facing our growing planet. During a Tuscan cooking class, collaborate with your group to prepare a delicious, locally sourced meal.

I T I N E R A RY–14 DAYS DAYS 1-5 LUCCA Our program begins in the beautiful walled city of Lucca, nestled in the Tuscan countryside amid cypress-spired hills and orchards. Get to know your peers during an orientation and begin exploring Italy’s rich and varied food culture.

Sample the flavors in one of the world’s oldest family-run gelaterias and visit local markets and restaurants, where cultural demand for certain ingredients can have a direct impact on conservation. Meet with culinary professionals, food ecologists, and pioneers of the Slow Food movement to examine some of the food

On excursions to neighboring towns, delve into Italy’s artisanal food production. Interview vendors at Florence’s Mercato Centrale and restaurateurs in Siena who serve wild boar, or cinghiale, to manage the overpopulation of the species. Apprentice with local beekeepers, try your hand at making ricotta and pecorino cheeses at an organic dairy, go behind the scenes at a meat-processing facility, and visit a biodynamic vineyard.

DAYS 6-7 CINQUE TERRE Broaden your understanding of Italian cuisine during two days in the Cinque Terre—a stretch

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of the Ligurian coast where pastel-hued villages cling to rocky shores. Interview families who have been fishing here for generations, and learn about the links between sustainable fishing practices and the health of our oceans. After tasting the day’s catch, hike the slopes high above the Mediterranean and go for a swim.

DAYS 8-14 VAL D’ORCIA AND FARM LIFE Travel over rolling hills into the sunflowerspeckled valleys south of Siena, and settle into an agriturismo, a traditional working farm where guests learn about and take part in daily operations. Our new home is situated in Val d’Orcia, a rich agricultural region and UNESCO World Heritage site of outstanding natural beauty. Together with our National Geographic expert, join agricultural conservationists and farmers to explore and document food production from farm to table. Participate in the planning, planting, and tending of an heirloom garden and work on a project to reduce carbon emissions at the farm. Collect soil samples to research crop rotation, help with composting and water conservation efforts, and monitor water runoff.

In the surrounding hills, go foraging for the coveted white truffle with a tartufaio (truffle hunter) and his dog and search for wild berries and mint. Visit the historic Castello di Spannocchia to learn about methods for breeding native Cinta Senese pigs, and challenge your palate during a tasting of locally cured

salumi. In the evening, take turns preparing dinner for the group and dine under the stars.

Work on an analysis of our host agriturismo and several nearby restaurants and make recommendations on areas where sustainable practices could be improved. Collaborate on a final group project that highlights how we can grow, cook, and eat food while protecting our planet. On the last night of our adventure, celebrate your work during a multi-course feast of your own design.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JULY 3—16, JULY 10—23 TUITION: $5,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Milan. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: In Lucca we stay in dormitorystyle accommodations in the heart of downtown. Lucca is a quintessential Tuscan town just a short train ride from Florence, Pisa, Siena, and Cinque Terre. In Val d’Orcia we stay in a renovated farmhouse on an organic, family-run agriturismo.

attention on farmland could transform our ability to preserve sites we all treasure.

”

-Jerry Glover National Geographic Expert

MEET YOUR EXPERT JERRY GLOVER National Geographic Emerging Explorer and agricultural ecologist Jerry Glover works with organic and alternative farms around the world to develop innovative small-scale farming systems that could revolutionize agriculture and solve problems far beyond farm fields. From researching the environmental sustainability of organic orchards to advocating for the use of perennial crops, Jerry believes our farms could be the key to saving biodiversity, polluted ecosystems, and starving people.

Jerry will join both departures at the agriturismo.

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CONSERVATION IN ACTION

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

BALI TROPICAL ECOLOGY: SEA TO SUMMIT

Immerse yourself in tropical waters, snorkeling or diving among colorful fish and working with coral biologists.

Volunteer at the Pemuteran Turtle Hatchery and learn about efforts to repopulate the reefs around Bali.

Try your hand at surfing on one of Bali’s famous pristine beaches.

Go on a night safari, identifying the wildlife of Bali’s rice paddies and rain forests.

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

TROPICAL ECOLOGY: SEA TO SUMMIT National Geographic’s researchers have worked for decades to understand and protect the unique species living on and around the island of Bali, a hotbed for both marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

Work alongside National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tierney Thys and local researchers on Bali’s conservation issues—from agricultural development of forests to coral reef health. Learn how to collect samples for DNA analysis, rig baited underwater cameras, or run reef transects to catalog the abundance and health of floral and faunal species. Spend time with students and faculty at the Green School, get your hands dirty as you learn secrets of organic gardening, and discover how bamboo can be used as a sustainable building material. As a group, work on a short presentation about sustainability and conservation issues and the importance of protecting our green and blue spaces.

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The enchanting Indonesian island of Bali

lies within the western Pacific’s “coral triangle,” home to the highest diversity of marine species in the world with more than 400 species of reef-building coral and large ocean dwellers including turtles, manta rays, and sharks. On shore, the active volcano of Mount Agung looms above terraced rice paddies and ancient temples.

This tropical ecosystem is the perfect place to learn about some of our planet’s most critically endangered habitats—both on and off shore—and to explore how we can protect them. Put these lessons to work alongside top Balinese scientists, and local conservationists.

cutting-edge photographic and scientific technologies to monitor the reef, and work with local researchers to listen in on the sounds of reef creatures using hydrophones. Observe sparkling bioluminescence during a magical nighttime snorkeling excursion.

Learn advanced snorkeling techniques from dive professionals to increase the time you can spend underwater observing and researching marine life. Using your new skills, explore the

I T I N E R A RY–17 DAYS DAYS 1-5 AMED AND THE VILLAGE OF TULAMBEN Our expedition begins with a scenic drive through rice terraces and past mountain lakes to our base in the northeastern corner of Bali. Get to know your fellow students while exploring volcanic black-sand beaches and learning about Balinese culture. At Jemeluk Bay, swim along a wall of corals protecting colorful fish, or paddle a kayak over crystal clear waves. Employ

U.S.A.T. Liberty, a famous shipwreck surrounded by gorgeous coral and schools of bright tropical anthias fish. On shore, trek with local guides through the surrounding forest and discuss the challenges of habitat protection, crop irrigation, and freshwater conservation. Work on group and individual projects that raise awareness about the need to protect these beautiful places.

DAYS 6-10 PEMUTERAN Travel along the northern coast of Bali to

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terres“trialWithandspectacular marine diversity, the coastal village of Pemuteran and the Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center.

Learn how to assess reef health and discuss the impact that our actions on land have on this important marine habitat. Then, work with local researchers on their coral restoration program and help release endangered sea turtles back into the wild. Set baited underwater camera traps to spot elusive marine life, study specialized clownfish populations that have evolved across the Indonesian archipelago, or learn how shark DNA is analyzed.

DAYS 11-14 UBUD Based in a traditional bamboo yurt camp on the campus of the world-famous Green School, work alongside local students, and participate in community service and conservation projects.

Located in the jungle along the Ayung River, the school is one of the most sustainable on Earth.

Learn how the Green School campus supports native species, habitats, and people through its unique architecture and programming. Explore the surrounding landscape on a traditional subak trek, and learn about community-based water management utilizing canals, terraces, and water temples that Balinese locals have developed over generations. Wander through the organic gardens on campus, help build community composting facilities, and cultivate native plants.

Embark on an early morning trek to watch the sunrise from the top of a volcano, and explore vibrant markets and festivals in a nearby village.

Cool off with a swim in the river, discover the jungle after dark, or venture into the nearby countryside on a canyoneering excursion.

DAYS 15-17 SEMINYAK Head south to the town of Seminyak where we’ll venture to some of Bali’s best surfing spots. After a day of learning to ride waves with professional surf instructors, watch the sun dip below the horizon as you relax in open-air huts and reflect on your experiences of the past two weeks. Wrap up the trip by presenting your final project to your peers, demonstrating your new understanding of Bali’s marine and terrestrial habitats and local efforts to protect them.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 26—JULY 12, JULY 2—18 TUITION: $6,890 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Los Angeles and Denpasar, Bali.

Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: In Ubud we stay on the campus of the Green School in sustainably built bamboo houses.

At all other locations we stay in small, locally-run guest houses or hotels.

NOTE: While SCUBA diving is not the main focus of this trip, students who are certified will have the opportunity to participate in up to four dives, dependent on conditions. The supplemental fee for diving is $250.

Bali offers the perfect place to explore, understand, and conserve our green and blue places.

”

— Tierney Thys National Geographic Expert

MEET YOUR EXPERT TIERNEY THYS National Geographic Emerging Explorer and grantee Tierney Thys is a marine biologist and filmmaker studying some of the ocean’s largest animals, including the giant ocean sunfish. She has led and participated in research expeditions worldwide from Alaska to Galápagos, and from Indonesia to Africa.

Tierney works with all ages to promote ocean conservation through numerous creative means: from teaching underwater fieldwork methodology to leading beachcleanups to filmmaking. Tierney will join both departures in Pemuteran.

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CONSERVATION IN ACTION

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

NAMIBIA

Track and monitor cheetahs, leopards, and rhinos with researchers.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Observe elephants, lions, and giraffes on safari in Etosha National Park.

Lend a hand in an environmental education classroom for preschoolers.

Sandboard down the dunes of the Namib Desert.

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

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Africa’s wildlife is legendary, aweinspiring, and seriously threatened.

Cheetahs have disappeared from 75% of their original range, and, as profiled in National Geographic magazine’s March 2012 issue, poaching of black rhinos is on the rise. In 2009, National Geographic launched the Big Cats Initiative to bring attention to the diminishing populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other feline species around the world, and to fund a variety of innovative conservation projects.

Working together with researchers at three renowned conservation organizations, you can participate in the effort to save Namibia’s big cats and other wildlife.

Track leopards with National Geographic grantee Stuart Munro, discuss the plight of the cheetah, monitor endangered black rhinos, and develop a group presentation on the importance of conservation.

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The landscapes of Namibia are stunning,

stark, and home to a wealth of desertadapted wildlife that National Geographic scientists are working hard to protect.

Work with National Geographic grantees in the field on two important conservation projects that are part of the Society’s Big Cats Initiative, and participate in rhino protection efforts. Along the way, encounter elephants, giraffes, and oryx on safari; go whale-watching on Walvis Bay; and climb the dunes of the Namib Desert.

I T I N E R A RY–2 1 DAYS DAYS 1-6 WINDHOEK AND N/A’AN KU SÊ Get settled at the N/a’an Ku Sê Carnivore Conservation Centre, where National Geographic 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, collartracking exercises, or to set up camera traps at watering holes. Help prepare meals for animals at the rehabilitation center, and spend a day at a preschool running an environmental education camp. Visit a San Bushman camp and hear stories passed down from San ancestors, and

head out into the bush to discover both edible and medicinal plants.

DAYS 7-11 SOSSUSVLEI, SWAKOPMUND, AND THE NAMIB DESERT Head south to Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei.

Camp overnight in the National Park and wake early to watch the sun rise over the massive orange-red dunes. Pay a visit to the iconic Dead Vlei, a beautiful white salt pan dotted with ancient and skeletal camel thorn trees that have been dead for over 700 years. Our next base is the seaside city of Swakopmund, a lively hub of surfers and adventure-seekers. Visit Cape Cross to observe a vast breeding colony of some 100,000 Cape fur seals. Venture into the Namib Desert to learn about its unique ecology and the animals that have adapted to its harsh conditions, and take in the sunset on the dunes. Try your hand at sandboarding—a popular adventure sport on Namibia’s dunes. Then go on a whalewatching cruise on Walvis Bay, keeping an eye out for turtles, seals, and penguins.

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Witnessing the elephant “behaviors that I’d read

DAYS 12-15 DAMARALAND Journey into Damaraland, where the stark desert is dotted with unusually succulent plants fed by Atlantic mists. Pay a visit to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at one of the largest and finest collection of petroglyphs in Africa. View stone tools and other artifacts found here, and discover what they convey about the huntergatherers who once lived in this region.

Visit nearby Himba and Herero villages with knowledgeable local guides. Spend a day with conservationists from the Save the Rhino Trust learning about their community outreach efforts to protect critically endangered black rhinoceroses. Meet with rangers and see firsthand the effects of conservation education in this region.

DAYS 19-21 CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND Delve into the plight of the cheetah at the world-renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) near Otavi. Talk with scientists about predator conservation outreach efforts and their collaboration with local farmers. Join trackers on census walks, help care for rehabilitated cheetahs, visit the genetics lab, and observe a training session of livestock guard dogs—an integral part of CCF’s conservation plan. Cap off your expedition with a group presentation illustrating the delicate balance of wildlife and human populations and the importance of conservation efforts in Namibia.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N

DAYS 16-18 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

2015 DATES: JUNE 28—JULY 18, JULY 18—AUGUST 7

April to October is Namibia’s dry season, when herds of plains game flock to the waterholes of Etosha National Park, and their predators—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—are close behind. Enjoy three days on safari here, looking for big cats, giraffes, oryx, rare black-faced impalas, and endemic birds like the bare-cheeked babbler.

Stop at waterholes to observe bathing elephants, zebras at the water’s edge, and hartebeests and springboks splashing in the shallows.

TUITION: $7,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Windhoek. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

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

about, and seeing conservation practices in action solidified my dream to work with animals in Africa.

-Jaimi M.

”

NAMIBIA, 2014

MEET YOUR EXPERT STUART MUNRO National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantee Stuart Munro is a lead researcher at the N/a’an ku se Carnivore Conservation Research Programme. Stuart moved to Namibia in 2011 to join N/a’an ku sê’s research team, working to reduce conflicts between large cats and local farmers. The team’s work on human-wildlife conflict has been featured in publications such as National Geographic magazine and Financial Times London. Stuart has also developed a project focusing on the venomous snakes of Namibia to better understand their life history and ecology. Stuart will join both departures at N/a’an ku se.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

COSTA RICA

Experience everyday life in a traditional village.

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

Go kayaking or horseback riding in the shadow of Arenal Volcano.

Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity

and its pioneering conservation efforts.

Steaming volcanoes poke out of thick, green jungle; and protected tropical rain forests, teeming with wildlife, reach all the way to the pristine coast. Immerse yourself in a mountain village and work alongside community members on a variety of service projects, documenting life in the village through photos, journals, and video. Then set off to explore Costa Rica’s most active volcano and the breathtaking western coast.

I T I N E R A RY–14 DAYS DAYS 1-8 COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE After a day of orientation at the beach, travel to our village in the mountainous northwestern province of Guanacaste, and settle into everyday life. Our days start with a typical breakfast of rice, beans, eggs, and fresh fruit. Then split into teams and head out with members of the community to work on a variety of service projects. Clear forest trails, teach English to students at the elementary school, or paint a health center. Help build local housing, or pitch in on the restoration of a community building.

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area. Hike to a nearby swimming hole with your new Costa Rican friends, or arrange a game of pickup fútbol. Go for a walk in the tropical forests to look for monkeys and unusual flora. Join some of the local women in the kitchen to learn how to make tortillas and gallo pinto, or try your hand at milking at the town dairy farm. Throughout your time in the village, record your service project work through photographs, journal entries, and video. With the guidance of your leaders, craft a story about your experience, the challenges facing the community, or of the impact of your work.

DAYS 9-11 ARENAL VOLCANO After wrapping up our community service projects, we’ll move on to Arenal, the most active volcano in Costa Rica, flanked by thick rain forest. Our home here is a small, sustainable, family-run ranch that has its own organic garden, a reforestation corridor, hot springs, and a rehabilitation center for injured or abandoned wildlife.

Spend an afternoon exploring the rain forest on horseback, or go kayaking on Lake Arenal. Take a day trip to the Catarata de la Fortuna, a spectacular waterfall located at the base of the dormant Chato Volcano.

Go for a swim in the natural pools of crystal clear water below the falls.

DAYS 12-14 NORTHWEST COAST Descend from the mountains to the pristine Pacific coast, where we’ll spend our final days in a small beachside village. Snorkel amid spectacular marine life, kayak across the bay, and enjoy an afternoon at one of Costa Rica’s white-sand beaches.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 26–JULY 9, JULY 3–16, JULY 10–23, JULY 17–30 TUITION: $4,290 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Accommodations in the village are simple. The group sleeps in sleeping bags on the floor of the community center. Boys and girls have separate spaces, and bathrooms are shared.

We prepare our meals alongside volunteers from the community. At Arenal, we sleep in private bungalows and eat buffet-style meals in an open-air restaurant.

At the beach, we stay in a family-run villa.

SERVICE PROJECT DETAILS: On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

PERU

Immerse yourself in everyday life in a traditional Peruvian village.

Rehabilitate a community center or build a greenhouse.

Explore the mysterious mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu.

In Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Inca,

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

a classroom, painting a mural, constructing a community center, and helping young students improve their English. Get further involved in village life by volunteering at the village clinic, learning to cook a typical Andean meal, or spending a day practicing traditional agriculture with local farmers.

In the afternoons, play soccer with village friends, hike remnants of ancient Inca footpaths into the surrounding mountains, or relax and play music with your Peruvian peers. Chronicle your experience in the village through an independent project of your choice: create a Quechua phrasebook, try your hand at weaving, or photograph local children and display their portraits at the school.

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

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 29–JULY 12, JULY 20–AUGUST 2

I T I N E R A RY–14 DAYS

TUITION: $5,090 Airfare is not included. We have arranged roundtrip group flights from Miami to Cusco. Please refer to page 64 for transportation details.

DAYS 1-3 CUSCO The program begins in the Sacred Valley of the Inca with an orientation and introduction to the ancient city of Cusco. Delve into Incan culture as we explore Sacsayhuaman, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Spanish conquest, and stunning colonial cathedrals built with stones from ancient Inca fortresses.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Accommodations in the village are simple. The group sleeps in sleeping bags on the floor of the community center. Boys and girls have separate spaces, and bathrooms are shared. In Cusco and Machu Picchu we stay in small, family-run inns and hostels.

DAYS 4-11 COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE From Cusco, head deeper into the valley to our community service village. Settle into the rhythm of rural life by immersing yourself in the local culture and working alongside community members on a range of service projects. Possible projects include building

DAYS 12-14 MACHU PICCHU

From your base in the village, take day trips to nearby towns and Inca ruins, and to visit local markets. At the end of your stay, join village friends and community members for a farewell celebration with local music and traditional dancing.

NOTE: We will be traveling at high elevations while in Cusco and Machu Picchu. Cusco is at an altitude of 11,200 feet and Machu Picchu, 8,000 feet.

Participants should be physically fit.

SERVICE PROJECT DETAILS: On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

FIJI

Work alongside our village hosts to plant a community garden or build a playground at a school.

Learn about Fijian traditions while tutoring local children.

Snorkel or SCUBA dive on some of Fiji’s spectacular coral reefs.

The island nation of Fiji is known for

its lush green peaks, turquoise waters and some of the most hospitable people on earth. Though tourism is booming on the main island, the smaller, outer islands are barely touched by Western influences and life remains simple.

Settle into a village on the island of Taveuni and work alongside community members on improvement projects at the local elementary school, documenting the experience through photos, journals and video. Explore Fiji’s natural beauty on hikes to remote waterfalls and while snorkeling on spectacular coral reefs.

DAYS 4-13 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. We’ll get to work alongside members of the community on a variety of projects.

Help build a playground at the village school, and tutor the students in English.

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

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Our adventure wraps up in the city of Nadi, on the main island of Viti Levu, where we’ll explore its unique Indo-Fijian culture.

Explore a peaceful Hindu temple and taste the city’s fusion cuisine. Relax in mud baths and hot springs, browse artisan markets, and enjoy the last days of Fijian sun on a quiet beach.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 28–JULY 12, JULY 13–27 TUITION: $4,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Nadi, Nadi to Taveuni, Taveuni to Nadi, and Nadi to Los Angeles. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

I T I N E R A RY–1 5 DAYS DAYS 1-3 MATEI, TAVEUNI ISLAND

DAYS 14-15 NADI, VITI LEVU ISLAND

Lend a hand planting a community garden or painting a mural at the local health clinic.

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 the traditional arts of their ancestors. 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 and then prepare your catch the traditional Fijian way. Gather inside the community house for a kava ceremony with the village elders. Capture your experiences with photos, video, or writing, and share your story with your new friends.

ACCOMMODATIONS: In the village, the group sleeps in sleeping bags in a simple village house.

Electricity is limited. Boys and girls have separate spaces, and bathrooms are shared. We work in teams with local women to help to prepare meals.

Elsewhere on Taveuni and while in Nadi, we will stay in small, rustic resorts.

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

SERVICE PROJECT DETAILS: On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

THAILAND

Tutor novice monks and learn about their Buddhist traditions.

Work with mahouts and their elephants at an elephant conservation center.

Snorkel off of white-sand beaches.

Spectacular landscapes dotted with

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

I T I N E R A RY–1 5 DAYS

derived from Thai martial arts; hike to a mountaintop temple; or learn about Buddhist “merit-making.” Shop for dinner at an outdoor market, then take a traditional Thai cooking class so you can recreate your favorite dishes at home. Throughout the week, report on your experiences through photographs, writing, or video, and develop a narrative about your time in the village.

DAYS 10-12 ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER AND JUNGLE TREK Head into the countryside to visit an elephant conservation center and work with elephants and their mahouts, or keepers.

Learn about threats to the elephants’ habitat and talk to mahouts about their unique bond to the animals and the uncertain future of their profession. Then climb on for a

DAYS 1-9 COMMUNITY SERVICE SITE Our home in Thailand lies just outside the bustling northern city of Chiang Mai. Spend a day getting oriented and exploring Chiang Mai’s legendary markets and temples.

Then split into small groups to work with local residents on a variety of communityinitiated projects. Tutor novice Buddhist monks in English at a temple school, which provides education for disadvantaged teenage boys of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Participate in painting and construction projects at a primary school, and engage the students in fun learning activities during an after-school program.

In the late afternoons, get into the rhythm of daily life and explore the surrounding area. Discover the sport of Thai kickboxing,

DAYS 13-15 BANGKOK AND THE BEACH Travel south to Bangkok and delve into its vibrant bustle, visiting the Grand Palace and the city’s incredible temples. At Wat Pho, examine a famous reclining Buddha figure that stretches more than 140 feet. Glide along the city’s waterways in a river ferry and meander through a lively night market. Our final stop is the island of Koh Samet, where we’ll spend two days snorkeling in crystal clear waters and relaxing on the white-sand beach. We will gather for a final evening and share stories of our adventures before returning to Bangkok for our flights home.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 26—JULY 10, JULY 7—21, JULY 17—31 TUITION: $5,090 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Chiang Mai and return from Bangkok. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ride through the forest and get a chance to bathe the elephants in the Mae Kuang River. A second excursion brings us into the northern mountains for an overnight jungle trek. Hike through a lush valley to a village of the Karen hill tribe and discover their unique traditions. Along the way, stop at a Buddhist sanctuary and take a dip at the foot of a waterfall.

ACCOMMODATIONS: At our community service site, the group sleeps in a simple but comfortable guesthouse in double or triple rooms. We stay in a mountain lodge on our trek, and in hotels in Bangkok and Koh Samet.

SERVICE PROJECT DETAILS: On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed.

APPLY ONLINE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS Immerse yourself in peaceful village life at the foot of the soaring Himalaya.

NEPAL

Teach children English and computer skills, harvest local produce, or work at a community orphanage.

Go on safari and visit an elephant breeding center.

From soaring Himalayan peaks to lush

rain forests, Nepal’s dramatic landscape is home to vibrant festivals and unique architecture, food, and traditions.

In Kathmandu, busy urban bazaars surround Buddhist and Hindu temples, while outside the city most Nepalese people live in agricultural communities.

Work alongside community members on service projects in your host village, while learning about the complexities of newly democratic Nepal. Trek Himalayan foothills, practice meditation with Buddhist monks, ride elephants through Chitwan National Park, and share your experiences through photography, video, and writing.

of the city, set against a dramatic backdrop of the Himalaya. Our hosts, ethnic Tamang people, welcome us to village life. Settle into a guesthouse overlooking a fertile valley filled with coffee plants, mango and banana trees, and fields of rice and corn.

We’ll spend our days working on a variety of service projects. Help children at an orphanage, hit the fields to help with the harvest, collaborate with locals on small construction projects, or teach English and basic computer skills to village students.

In the late afternoons, play soccer with local kids or practice yoga on the rooftop of our home. Join Tamang women to make momo dumplings or other Nepalese dishes. Share the story of your work in the community through photography, video, and writing projects.

DAYS 14-18 WILDLIFE SAFARI IN CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK Descend to Nepal’s southern plains, where rhinos, monkeys, elephants, and exotic birds live in misty jungles. Head out on safari and wade into a river to help bathe elephants.

Go in the field with researchers from the National Trust for Nature Conservation, a national NGO working on biodiversity conservation and community development, to learn how they monitor and protect tigers and rhinos in Nepal’s jungles. Visit a traditional Tharu village and take a dugout canoe to the Elephant Breeding Center to learn about elephant conservation and to help tend to baby elephants.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 26–JULY 13, JULY 15–AUGUST 1

I T I N E R A RY–18 DAYS

TUITION: $5,190 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Los Angeles and Kathmandu, Nepal. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

DAYS 1-4 KATHMANDU Stay in the heart of Kathmandu’s old city, where temples overhang narrow streets teeming with bicyclists, cows, street vendors, and holy men. Visit a Hindu temple crawling with monkeys, join Tibetan Buddhist nuns and monks in a walking meditation around Asia’s largest stupa, and experience a Hindu ceremony on the banks of the Bagmati River.

DAYS 12-13 NAMO BUDDHA MONASTERY RETREAT AND MINI-TREK

Escape the bustle of Kathmandu and journey to an agricultural community north

Trek through the Kathmandu valley to the sacred pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha. Visit magnificent Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, and practice yoga or meditation with Tibetan monks under a canopy of prayer flags.

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DAYS 5-11 COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE: TALAMARANG

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ACCOMMODATIONS: In Kathmandu we stay in a hotel in the heart of the old city. In our host village, girls and boys will bunk separately in a basic guesthouse with shared bathrooms and a group kitchen. We stay in cottages on an eco-resort during our monastery retreat and in a small hotel in Chitwan National Park.

SERVICE PROJECT DETAILS: On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS Get into the rhythm of village life at the base of Mount Meru.

TANZANIA

Volunteer at an orphanage or help build a water-delivery system in our host village.

Spend a night with the Maasai.

Encounter amazing wildlife on safari in three parks.

Thanks to its fantastically rich wildlife,

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

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

DAYS 9-13 WILDLIFE SAFARI AND MAASAI VILLAGE Head into the highlands where, at the invitation of Maasai tribal leaders, we’ll stay a night in a traditional boma settlement—a group of traditional mud huts ringed by thorns to keep away predators. We’ll get to know the customs of the iconic Maasai, witness drumming and jumping contests, and learn about their pastoral lifestyle.

DAYS 14-15 VILLAGE WRAP-UP Return from safari to a village outside of Arusha and spend your last two days at a cultural center that brings young Americans and Tanzanians together. We’ll have a farewell celebration before flying home.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JUNE 26–JULY 10

DAYS 1-8 COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE Our home in Tanzania is a small agricultural village in the lush hills below Mount Kilimanjaro. We’ll split into small groups and spend our days working with the village residents on a variety of communityinitiated projects. Improve a local water supply system, help with repairs at the school, or lend a hand at a nearby orphanage. Roll up your sleeves and pitch in with planting and harvesting at a local farm, or help farmers sell their produce at market.

In the late afternoons, get into the rhythm of village life and explore the area.

Play soccer with kids from the village, discover a waterfall in the surrounding rain forest, shop for dinner at an outdoor

hippos, rare rhinos, and many more species.

Finally, stop for more game viewing at Lake Manyara, a Rift Valley lake whose vast colonies of flamingos often turn its edges pink.

With our experienced safari guides, discuss strategies for addressing human-wildlife conflict and learn about animal behavior, symbiosis, and wildlife migration in each park we explore.

TUITION: $6,590 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Arusha.

Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

Then set out on a safari adventure in three incredible—and very different—wildlife parks. In the low woodlands of Tarangire National Park, watch elephant families interact; look for tree-climbing lions; and spot a myriad of bird species. Descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, a massive volcanic caldera that is home to zebras, cheetahs,

ACCOMMODATIONS: In the village, the group sleeps on bunk beds in a simple village house. Boys and girls have separate spaces, and bathrooms are shared. We work in teams to help prepare meals.

In the Maasai tribal lands and on safari, we stay in tented camps.

SERVICE PROJECT DETAILS: On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. At the end of the program, students will receive a certificate stating the number of service hours completed.

APPLY ONLINE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

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10/16/14 5:40 PM

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

YELLOWSTONE

Photograph native wildlife and stunning landscapes in America’s first national park.

Alongside a National Geographic photographer, capture the lively and historic Livingston Roundup Rodeo.

Exhibit your work at a local gallery in downtown Bozeman.

With its soaring peaks, 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 these vast landscapes alongside a National Geographic photographer to document bears and bison, bighorn sheep, wolves, elk, bald eagles, and more. Explore the techniques and craft of photography during daily hands-on classes, take compelling landscape photos that capture the magic of this national park, and discover its unusual geologic phenomena through the lens of your camera.

on a white-water rafting trip down the Yellowstone River. Hone your eye for great landscape shots during visits to colorful hot springs, geyser fields, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Learn how to use camera traps to capture images of bears, bison, elk, and deer in their natural habitats.

Take an excursion to the old-west town of Livingston, Montana, and take portraits of cowboys and cowgirls at the famous Livingston Roundup Rodeo.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JULY 2—13 TUITION: $5,390 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Bozeman, Montana. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: In Bozeman, we stay in dormitory-style accommodations on the Montana State University campus. In Yellowstone, our home is the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

A classroom will be set up at the lodge with computers and a projector.

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

I T I N E R A RY–1 2 DAYS The workshop begins with a night in Bozeman, Montana, then travel to Mammoth Hot Springs, our base in northern Yellowstone National Park. Delve into the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and National Geographic photographer.

Begin each day exploring Yellowstone’s rugged terrain and searching for wildlife while practicing new photographic techniques, from managing light and depth of field to working with flash and improving your composition. Then return to the classroom to review and edit your images and prepare for the next day’s assignment.

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In the evenings, review your day’s work, gather for talks by your photography expert, and learn low-light photography techniques.

Head out to document Yellowstone’s nocturnal creatures and the night sky over Yellowstone’s vast landscape.

Throughout the workshop, we’ll prepare for a gallery show of large-format digital prints of the group’s original work. Spend your last three days in the quaint town of Bozeman, organizing, curating, and installing your exhibit. At the final opening, celebrate your work on display in a local gallery.

MEET YOUR EXPERT ERIKA LARSEN Erika uses photography to document cultures that maintain strong connections with nature.

Her work has been published in numerous publications and shown in museums around the world. Erika has spent the past year photographing Yellowstone National Park for an upcoming story in National Geographic magazine. Erika will join the entire workshop.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

10/16/14 5:43 PM

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

PARIS

Go on photo shoots with a National Geographic photographer.

Explore Chartres, Versailles, and Giverny on photo assignments.

Learn new techniques in hands-on classes and seminars.

Show your work at a gallery.

Part of what makes Paris so photogenic

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

to the catacombs far below the streets to hone your low-light photography skills. Take an excursion to Versailles to capture the “golden hour” at the palace and gardens.

Travel to nearby Chartres to photograph the majestic gothic spires and dazzling stained glass of one of the world’s most celebrated cathedrals. Capture the stunning landscapes of Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny. Visit the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay to examine the works of artists like da Vinci, Rodin, Picasso, and Stieglitz.

2015 DATES: JUNE 28—JULY 9, JULY 12—23 TUITION: $6,190 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Paris. Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in centrally-located, dormitory-style accommodations. Breakfast is provided at the residence, while lunches and dinners range from picnics to sit-down meals at restaurants.

Our classrooms are equipped with computer workstations and digital projectors.

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

I T I N E R A RY–1 2 DAYS From our home in the heart of Paris, break into small groups and set out on daily photo shoots amid some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Each morning, we’ll gather in the classroom with our instructors and our National Geographic photographer to edit and critique our images and learn different elements of photography, such as working with light and shadow, composition, depth of field, and motion.

Set out on a photo assignment each day, using your new skills to capture the city’s extraordinary architecture, the pulse of modern-day life, and elegant monuments.

Catch fearless roller skaters at the foot of Notre Dame, street artists in the winding lanes of Montmartre, songbirds at the Sunday market on the Île de la Cité, and boats churning up the Seine. Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, or descend

DAT E S & T U I T I O N

In the evenings, we’ll review our day’s work, then photograph Paris by night.

Capture the bustling scene in the hip Left Bank neighborhoods, or the Eiffel Tower as it shimmers against the night sky. On certain evenings, our National Geographic photographer and photography instructors will hold seminars to discuss their professional experience.

During the workshop, organize, curate, and install an exhibition of large-format prints of the group’s best work. At the final gallery opening on our last evening together, share your images and the stories behind them.

APPLY ONLINE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

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MEET YOUR EXPERT DAVE YODER Based in Milan, Dave is a contributing photographer to National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Traveler. He has pursued subjects ranging from bounty hunters to a children’s circus, and is most drawn to human-interest projects. Dave will join the June 28 workshop.

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10/16/14 5:44 PM

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS Capture Barcelona’s lively street life and fanciful architecture.

BARCELONA

Set out on photo assignments in the ancient towns of Figueres, Cadaqués, and Girona.

Organize a gallery opening featuring large-format prints of your photographs.

Barcelona is a city with a pulse, where

ancient Roman walls meet the wild curves of modernist architecture, and Spanish culture blends with a strong local Catalan identity. Delve into the technical and creative aspects of photography in this city full of cuttingedge design, practicing new techniques on photo shoots at street festivals and markets, along the bustling port and in centuries-old neighborhoods. Immerse yourself in Barcelona’s creativity, passion, and style, and learn how to evoke the soul of the city through photography.

Passeig de Gràcia. Much of the city shuts down for a mid-afternoon siesta—a perfect pause to edit your photographs or attend a seminar by our instructors.

When night falls, Barcelona lights up.

Shooting in low light, document the busy seaside boardwalk on the way to an avantgarde flamenco dance performance; or enjoy dinner in the hip, multicultural Raval neighborhood.

Head out of the city to photograph the Spanish countryside. Camera in hand, wander the cobbled streets of Girona as you discover the ancient Roman walls, Arab baths, and the old Jewish quarter. Visit the

2015 DATES: JUNE 30—JULY 11 TUITION: $5,890 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Barcelona.

Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in comfortable rooms in a new university dorm overlooking the Parc de la Ciutadella. We’ll have breakfast at the dorm, while lunches and dinners range from picnics to sit-down meals at restaurants and bodegas. Classrooms are equipped with computer workstations and digital projectors.

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

I T I N E R A RY–1 2 DAYS From our home overlooking the Parc de la Ciutadella, explore the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and our National Geographic photographer. Learn new skills—from managing light and depth of field to fine-tuning composition—in the classroom. Then grab your camera and hit the streets, photographing the kaleidoscope of foods at La Boquería covered market, street performers on La Rambla, and Antoni Gaudí’s eccentric architecture at the Sagrada Família church and Parc Güell.

Shoot movement while watching the sardana, Catalonia’s traditional dance, and at a rooftop techno-jazz concert. Wander through the Olympic Park sports complex and practice your Spanish at the cafés along

town of Figueres, home to the fascinating and bizarre Dalí Theatre-Museum. Venture into the medieval village of Castellar de N’Hug in the Pyrenees, take a guided hike along mountain trails with panoramic views, and then dive into a hearty meal of regional specialties.

Throughout the workshop, prepare for a final gallery opening of large-format prints of the group’s best work. Help organize, curate, and install the exhibit, and celebrate your growth as a photographer on our final night.

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DAT E S & T U I T I O N

MEET YOUR EXPERT TINO SORIANO A Barcelona native, Tino divides his work between photojournalism and travel photography. An award-winning photographer, Tino has photographed seven National Geographic Traveler guidebooks, and his work has appeared in National Geographic magazine, Smithsonian magazine and The New York Times. Tino will join the entire workshop.

10/16/14 6:05 PM

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

PRAGUE

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

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

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

At once ancient and modern,

Prague provides a unique and inspiring backdrop to explore the creative and technical aspects of photography. From Bohemian kings to Communist rule and revolution, this city has a story to tell.

Learn how to seize that story through images during hands-on classes led by our instructors and a National Geographic photographer. Then hit the streets to experience the grandeur, grit, and enchantment of a city that has captured the hearts of artists, musicians, and writers for centuries.

skateboarders in action and panoramic views of the city.

In the evenings, review the day’s work or attend seminars by our National Geographic photographer and instructors as they share their professional experiences and insights, then head out to photograph the city at night. Document street life against the dazzling lights of Wenceslas Square, or train your lens on the illuminated arches of the Charles Bridge as they cast reflections on the river below.

2015 DATES: JUNE 28—JULY 9 TUITION: $5,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and Prague.

Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in dormitory-style accommodations near central Prague. Breakfast is provided at our residence, while other meals range from picnics to sit-down meals at restaurants.

Classrooms are equipped with computer workstations and digital projectors.

WORKSHOP DETAILS: Throughout the workshop, students will participate in daily photo shoots and edit-and-critique sessions. The program culminates with a gallery opening on the final evening featuring large-format prints of the students’ work.

I T I N E R A RY–1 2 DAYS Prague is a visual feast where Gothic, baroque, art nouveau, and cubist architecture mingle with weird and witty modern sculpture, and a creative energy fills the streets. Our base in this captivating city is at the junction of the Old and New Towns, just steps from the National Museum. Spend time in our classroom each day, learning how to develop your eye and improve your technical skills. Then take to the streets in small groups, practicing what you’ve learned on photo shoots. Climb up to Prague Castle at the “golden hour” to capture the city’s iconic skyline, punctuated by a multitude of spires. Ride a boat down the winding Vltava River to catch the city from a different vantage point. At Letná Park, perched on a hilltop overlooking Prague, frame

DAT E S & T U I T I O N

Escape to the wooded hills and storied villages of South Bohemia on a two-day photo assignment. Stay in a 14th-century hunting estate and work on your landscape photography while hiking through the Šumava forest and canoeing pristine rivers.

Capture the faces of our village neighbors and step back in time on a shoot in the labyrinthine medieval city of Český Krumlov.

Throughout the workshop we will prepare for a gallery opening that will feature largeprint photos of the group’s best work. Help organize and curate the exhibit, and share your images on our final night.

APPLY ONLINE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

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MEET YOUR EXPERT MATTHIEU PALEY Matthieu’s passion for photography has sent him on incredible adventures all over the world. He recently completed a global story for National Geographic magazine on the evolution of diet. His work has also been published in Geo, Newsweek, Time, Outside, and Le Monde. Matthieu will join the entire workshop.

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PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

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

LONDON

Learn new techniques through special seminars and daily photography classes.

Go on photo shoots in Oxford, Stonehenge, and the Cotswolds.

Exhibit your work in a gallery.

Artsy and historic, elegant and

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

I T I N E R A RY–1 2 DAYS From our base in the heart of London, delve into the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and National Geographic photographer. The workshop’s structured, in-depth curriculum covers a broad range of themes, including light and shadow, composition, depth of field, motion, photographing people, and much more.

Mornings are devoted to editing, group critiques, and lessons in the classroom, while afternoons are spent on photography assignments in the field. Practice newly acquired techniques amid the rich architecture and historical neighborhoods of London and nearby sites. Get a new angle on the iconic Buckingham Palace. Travel

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to Stonehenge to capture the “golden hour.” Hit the streets of nearby Oxford to photograph the university town’s towering spires. Shoot the age-old stone cottages of the Cotswolds or go for a hike in search of the perfect landscape shot.

In the evenings, we’ll have time to upload photos, review the day’s work, and explore the city together by night. On nighttime shoots, photograph the bustling crowds in Piccadilly Circus, or frame the iconic Big Ben clock tower from a unique angle. On select evenings, take advantage of seminars by your National Geographic photographer and photography instructors. Hear stories about their favorite photographic subjects, most challenging assignments, and lessons learned along the way.

DAT E S & T U I T I O N 2015 DATES: JULY 12—23 TUITION: $5,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a roundtrip group flight between New York and London.

Refer to page 64 for transportation details.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in the heart of London. Breakfast and lunch are provided at the residence, while dinners range from picnics to authentic pub fare and sit-down meals at restaurants.

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

MEET YOUR EXPERT GIANLUCA COLLA Throughout the workshop, you’ll organize and curate an exhibition of large-format prints of the group’s best work. During the formal gallery opening, celebrate the work you’ve accomplished during your time in London.

Gianluca has traveled and photographed around the world, from the Arctic Circle to Africa’s deserts; from the Amazon to the streets of London. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including National Geographic magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, Newsweek, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Gianluca will join the entire workshop.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION WITH YOUR WHOLE FAMILY!

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FAMILY EXPEDITIONS Family expeditions inspire and enrich travelers of any age, drawing on National Geographic’s contacts around the globe to create experiences in incredible places that are authentic, immersive, and fun. Watch humpback whales breach and kayak into remote fjords in Alaska; spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and more on safari in Tanzania; or go ziplining through a Costa Rican cloud forest. Our expedition leaders and local experts enrich your understanding of the culture, wildlife, and natural wonders of each incredible destination; and on many of our family trips, a young explorer leader facilitates fun learning activities for kids.

Join us on a National Geographic Family Adventure in any of these incredible destinations: • HAWAII

• YOSEMITE

• PERU

• GREECE

• GALÁPAGOS

• SOUTH AFRICA

• GRAND CANYON

• SPAIN

• ICELAND

• SWITZERLAND

• TUSCANY

• VIETNAM

• ALASKA

• TANZANIA

• AND MANY MORE

For more information about National Geographic Family Expeditions, call 1-888-966-8687 or visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.com

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HOW TO APPLY VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND APPLY NOW! STEP 1: APPLICATION FORM & DEPOSIT Click on the How to Apply link on our home page and fill out the online Application Form. As part of the application process, you will create an online account and choose a password. When you have completed the online Application Form, you will be prompted to provide the $700 Application Deposit via credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or to mail a check made payable to National Geographic Student Expeditions.

STEP 2: APPLICANT STATEMENT Upon completion of the Application Form and Application Deposit, you will receive access to your personal digital locker. Your digital locker will provide the resources you will need to complete the application process and prepare for your trip.

Through your digital locker, you will be prompted to submit your Applicant Statement explaining why you would like to join a National Geographic Student Expedition as well as a signed Agreement Form.

STEP 3: TEACHER REFERENCES In your digital locker, you’ll find the Teacher Reference Form. Fill out the forms with your teachers’ names and email addresses and they will be sent a link asking them to complete and submit your Reference online.

ELIGIBILITY Students completing 9th through 12th grades are eligible to participate in National Geographic Student Expeditions.

GROUP SIZE AND COMPOSITION Group sizes generally range between 14 and 28 participants. Our community service programs are limited to 18 participants, the size of photography workshops is generally 25–30 students, and our on campus program accommodates 100 students. The student-totrip-leader ratio is usually between six and eight to one and never more than nine to one. In addition to the trip leaders, a National Geographic expert joins a portion of each expedition, generally for a period of four to eight days. On our photography workshops, the National Geographic expert joins the entire program. On our on campus program, two or more National Geographic experts join a portion of the program.

TRANSPORTATION DETAILS

Upon receipt of all materials (Application Form, Application Deposit, Applicant Statement, two completed Teacher Reference Forms, and signed Agreement Form), we will process the application and make a prompt decision. You will receive an email from our Admissions Committee shortly thereafter.

If you wish to apply through the mail rather than online, call us at 1-877-877-8759 and we will be happy to mail you an application.

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

NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMMAKING Students who choose the Photography On Assignment project on an expedition must bring their own digital camera. There is a

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MORE ON OUR WEBSITE

supplemental fee of $150 to cover additional supplies and on-site computing facilities for this On Assignment project. For students who choose the Film & Video On Assignment project, we provide video cameras, camera stock, and computers for editing. There is a $250 supplemental fee to cover additional equipment and facilities necessary for on-site editing for this On Assignment project. Students on photography workshops must bring their own digital SLR camera, external hard drive, and laptop computer. More information about what equipment to bring on each program will be provided in the pre-trip materials.

EXPECTATIONS We expect student participants to maintain high standards of personal behavior.

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

APPLICATION PROCESS Applications are carefully reviewed by our Admissions Committee, and students are selected on the basis of their maturity, enthusiasm, motivation, and willingness to live and participate constructively in a supportive team environment. We will temporarily reserve a space for an applicant in a particular program upon receipt of the Application Form and the $700 Application Deposit. For applications received after March 16, final payment is due within five business days after the initial deposit is made. An applicant’s file is not complete and cannot be considered for admission until we have received a completed application, which consists of the Application Form, Application Deposit, Applicant Statement, two completed Teacher Reference Forms, and signed Agreement Form. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions on page 67 for information on payment terms.

Visit us online at ngstudentexpeditions.com for 2015 trips not featured in this catalog (such as our China Expedition). You’ll also find videos, photos, and blogs from last summer’s trips, application information, and more!

Sign up for our email newsletter: ngstudentexpeditions.com/email Read blog posts from past trips: ngstudentexpeditions.com/blog Find us on Facebook: ngstudentexpeditions Follow us on Tumblr natgeostudentexpeditions Follow us on Instagram @natgeotravel #ngstudentexpeditions Visit our homepage to check out our new Live Your World video featuring some of the best footage from past summers, and a video from our action-packed Switzerland and France Alpine Adventure!

APPLY ONLINE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS.COM

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2015 TRIP CALENDAR

TE

DESTINATION

PAGE

DAYS

DATE

TUITION

RE

PROJECTS

Na edu Exp and em suc cor adm tra oth exp Pro the ope ent NG kin loc

ON CAMPUS UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

14

9

Jun 27–Jul 5, Jul 7–15

$3,850

COSTA RICA

16

14

Jul 9–22, Jul 26–Aug 8

$5,390

ALASKA

18

12

Jun 26–Jul 7

$5,690

PERU

20

20

Jun 22–Jul 11

$6,190

ECUADOR & THE GALÁPAGOS

22

18

Jun 28–Jul 15, Jul 5–22, Jul 19–Aug 5

$6,990

SWITZERLAND & FRANCE

24

15

Jul 1–15, Jul 16–30

$7,190

ITALY & GREECE

26

17

Jun 23–Jul 9, Jul 14–30

$7,390

IRELAND

28

14

Jul 6–19

$5,390

ICELAND

30

15

Jul 1–15, Jul 16–30

$7,290

SOUTH AFRICA

32

18

Jun 28–Jul 15, Jul 15–Aug 1

$7,690

TE

TANZANIA

34

20

Jun 29–Jul 18, Jul 17–Aug 5

$8,190

AUSTRALIA

36

20

Jun 29–Jul 18, Jul 19–Aug 7

$8,590

INDIA

38

21

Jun 26–Jul 16, Jul 9–29

$6,690

CHINA

WEB

21

Jun 22–Jul 12

$6,890

BA The cha do it is to d

EXPEDITIONS

ELI gra

CONSERVATION IN ACTION BELIZE

40

12

Jul 5–16, Jul 12–23, Jul 19–30, Jul 26–Aug 6

$5,790

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

42

12

Jun 27–Jul 8, Jul 25–Aug 5

$5,690

BRAZIL

44

19

Jun 27–Jul 15

$6,590

TUSCANY

46

14

Jul 3–16, Jul 10–23

$5,990

BALI

48

17

Jun 26–Jul 12, Jul 2–18

$6,890

NAMIBIA

50

21

Jun 28–Jul 18, Jul 18–Aug 7

$7,690

COSTA RICA

52

14

Jun 26–Jul 9, Jul 3–16, Jul 10–23, Jul 17–30

$4,290

NO and bag trav any

PERU

53

14

Jun 29–Jul 12, Jul 20–Aug 2

$5,090

TER

FIJI

54

15

Jun 28–Jul 12, Jul 13–27

$4,690

THAILAND

55

15

Jun 26–Jul 10, Jul 7–21, Jul 17–31

$5,090

DE all a tot Ap

NEPAL

56

18

Jun 26–Jul 13, Jul 15–Aug 1

$5,190

TANZANIA

57

15

Jun 26–Jul 10

$6,590

YELLOWSTONE

58

12

Jul 2–13

$5,390

PARIS

59

12

Jun 28–Jul 9, Jul 12–23

$6,190

BARCELONA

60

12

Jun 30–Jul 11

$5,890

PRAGUE

61

12

Jun 28–Jul 9

$5,690

LONDON

62

12

Jul 12–23

$5,990

TU exc pre in p the and Ad fee

COMMUNITY SERVICE

FIN due Ma day be mu Ple Stu on con

PHOTO WORKSHOPS

ON CAMPUS

PHOTOGRAPHY

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION

calendar_terms_CS6.indd 66

FILM & VIDEO

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY

CREATIVE WRITING

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY

HUMAN ORIGINS & EVOLUTION

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE

COMMUNITY SERVICE

CONSERVATION IN ACTION

10/16/14 5:52 PM

If a ava dep tuit wil

TERMS AND CONDITIONS RESPONSIBILITY National Geographic Society (NGS) will provide educational enrichment for National Geographic Student Expeditions (NGSE) as the sponsoring organization and has licensed Putney Student Travel, Inc., its employees, shareholders, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, and assigns, (collectively, PST), a Vermont corporation based in Putney, Vermont, to organize and administer NGSE. PST, in turn, has selected independent transportation carriers, hotels, ground operators, and other suppliers of the services connected with these expeditions (“Other Providers”), and those Other Providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. Neither NGS nor PST owns, operates, supervises, and/or manages any person or entity which is to or does provide goods or services for NGSE, including, for example, lodging facilities of any kind, airline, vessel or other transportation companies, local guides, guide services, or local ground operators

TERMS AND CONDITIONS BASIS OF RATES: All tuitions are quoted in U.S. dollars.

The rates are based on current tariffs and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed tuitions, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, we reserve the right to do so.

ELIGIBILITY: Students completing 9th through 12th grades are eligible to participate in NGSE. TUITION INCLUDES: All meals, lodging, activities, excursions, ground transportation, taxes, gratuities, and pre-trip materials are included. For students participating in photography and filmmaking On Assignment projects, there is a supplement to cover the cost of equipment and other materials required for these assignments. See Admissions Details on page 64 for these supplemental fees.

(even if they use the PST or NGSE name), providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, neither NGS nor PST is liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party.

In addition and without limitation, neither NGS nor PST is responsible for 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,

WAIT-LIST: Wait-listed applications must include the $700 Application 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 a student withdraws from an expedition for any reason, either before or after their application is accepted, the following terms will govern any refunds. For a withdrawal on or before March 16, all payments will be refunded, less a $200 administrative fee. For a withdrawal after March 16, no refunds will be made.

CANCELLATION: We reserve the right to cancel applications that are not completed in a timely manner; however, we will communicate with applicants to facilitate the admissions process prior to cancelling applications. We further reserve the right to revoke an acceptance when payment is past due.

NOT INCLUDED: Tuition specifically excludes airfare and related fees, costs of obtaining passports or visas, baggage charges, trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance, personal expenses such as laundry, and any other items not specifically noted as included.

If we cancel an application on or before March 16, all payments will be refunded, less a $200 administrative fee. If we cancel an application or revoke an acceptance after March 16, the $700 Application Deposit will be forfeited.

TERMS OF PAYMENT

If we cancel an application or revoke an acceptance, we will send written notification to the address provided on the application form.

DEPOSIT: An Application Deposit of $700 is required with all applications. The Application Deposit is credited to the total tuition fee for accepted students. Payment of the Application Deposit may be made by check or credit card.

FINAL PAYMENT: Final payment of the full tuition is due on March 16, 2015. For Applications submitted after March 16, final payment is due within five (5) business days after the initial 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 National Geographic Student Expeditions and write the student’s name clearly on the check. For payment by wire transfer, please consult our office for wiring information.

If an application is not accepted or if space is not available in the program listed as first choice, the full deposit amount will be refunded, or if payment of the full tuition has been made, the amount of the full payment will be refunded.

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. We reserve the right to cancel any trip because of inadequate enrollment that makes the trip economically unfeasible to operate or because of good faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the participants. If NGS or PST cancels a trip prior to departure, PST will provide a full refund of monies paid, except in the event the cancellation is due to a significant event that makes it infeasible to operate the trip as planned, in which case PST will provide a refund and/or trip credit equivalent to monies paid. If we cancel the trip in progress, you will receive a prorated refund based on the number of days not completed on the trip. We will not be responsible for any refund for any expenses related to nonrefundable airline tickets.

mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely, loss, damage or delay in delivery of luggage and/or personal effects. I accept the entire risk attendant thereto and voluntarily accept the same as risks of my child/ward’s participation in the program. In addition, I agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions attached hereto including policies on refunds.

NGS and PST reserve the right to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a National Geographic Student Expedition or to, without penalty, make a change in the published itinerary as they deem necessary or desirable.

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

TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: Trip cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost and is strongly recommended. We will send you information about trip cancellation insurance with your pre-trip materials.

ITINERARY CHANGES: We have carefully planned each of the trips in this catalog; however, there may be instances where the trip descriptions and staff presented in this catalog 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, participants 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 us for the latest requirements and assistance. For destinations that require a visa for U.S. citizens, we will provide detailed information on how to obtain a visa. Non-U.S. citizens must check on their own visa requirements or contact us for help determining those requirements.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Participants must be in good physical condition and mental health. Any condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment must be reported to us before May 20, 2015.

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PHOTOGRAPHERS WHOSE WORK IS FEATURED IN THIS CATALOG: Claire Bangser, Britt Basel, Aaron Berkovich, James Bernal, Justin Bowen, Emma Casey, Lisa Cates, Taylor Chiu, Thomas Egli, David Estrada, Nick Fitzhugh, Gemina Garland-Lewis, Brett Garner, Hannah Gilkenson, Colton Graub, Laura Hanson, Larson Harley, Lisa Hornak, Josh Howard, Megan Hughes, Mairead Kahn, Mike Kautz, Scott Kish, Rachel Langosch, Simone Levine, Ulla Lohmann, Lindsay MacKenzie, Jeff Mauritzen, Patrick McLaughlin, Diego Merino, Chris Montero, Federico Pardo, Steve Pickard, Peter Richards, Jill Schneider, Erika Skogg, Winston Struye, Jes Therkelsen, Ross Weinberg

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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

1145 17th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

4951-15

Get out and

Explore!

Alaska Australia Bali Belize Brazil Costa Rica

Ecuador & the Galรกpagos Fiji France Iceland India

Ireland Italy & Greece Namibia Nepal Peru South Africa

Switzerland Tanzania Thailand Tuscany Yellowstone and more!

Call 1-877-877-8759 or visit ngstudentexpeditions.com.

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