NOLS changes how you look at modern society Past Review

By (ESCI, Western Washington University) for

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): Semester in Patagonia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
NOLS showed me that you don't need so many things in your life to survive.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Outdoor education is a whole different style of learning, you learn as much about yourself as you do your surroundings.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were 17 students and 4 instructors, and much more individual learning.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was camping.

* Food:

Backpacking food has its limits.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We drank Mate with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

NOLS is an extremely safety first outdoor program, but when help is so far away it is hard to ensure complete safety.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • It was outside.
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? People that like being outside should do NOLS.