Nols alumni expert voice full#

Green and his course-mates graduated from their NOLS course competent and responsible wilderness travelers and leaders.

Students learned risk management, judgment, outdoor living and environmental studies lessons not taught in a traditional classroom setting.

Nols alumni expert voice full#

Green’s Australia Backpacking was full of exploration and bonds that will last a lifetime. Students had a three-day cultural experience with local Aboriginal people learning about their lifestyle. Overall, the group hiked 102 miles through open savannah grasslands, with pockets of tropical rainforests. After instructors deemed the group competent wilderness travelers, the course culminated with a five-day independent student expedition. Highlights of this course included viewing native wildlife, visiting rock art sites and a 40-hour solo. Curriculum on this course focused on navigation, first aid skills, leadership and Australian natural history. For most of the course, days were hot and sunny. Navigation through tall cane grass and loose, rocky terrain made travel challenging. On each section of this semester course, students were accompanied by instructors who are experts in the field.įor 29 days, Green and his nine course-mates backpacked in the Kimberly region of Western Australia. A NOLS education stresses leadership can be learned and is based on the belief that the outdoors is a challenging environment where students will learn technical skills and about themselves. During the Australia Backpacking course, students did not have access to modern conveniences and were challenged to step outside their comfort zones. NOLS believes people thrive when challenged.