S U M M E R 2 0 1 4

Summer 2014 Trips

Our Conservation in Action trips enable students to participate in ongoing research and conservation efforts with local scientists and a National Geographic grantee.

DEAR STUDENT TRAVELER, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN high school students go exploring with an organization that has been venturing to the far corners of the Earth for 125 years? Judging from this past summer, you end up doing some incredible things—like tagging cheetahs with a wildlife biologist in Namibia, for instance, or discovering the secrets of Peru’s Inca cities with a renowned archaeologist. You might settle into a Costa Rican village and pitch in with community projects, or take to the streets of Paris on photo shoots with a National Geographic photographer.

Whichever adventure you choose, you come back—in the words of last summer’s students—inspired, open to new things, and more in love with the world than ever. Nic Lisi, who traveled with us to Ecuador and the Galápagos, summed it up well: “I wanted to broaden my perspective on the world while learning about something I love,” he said. “It’s mind-blowing to think that a few short weeks with NGSE helped shape me into who I will be for a long time to come.”

Last year we developed a series of trips that had students working alongside our scientists on important conservation projects, participating firsthand in National Geographic’s legacy. They proved to be fantastic, enriching experiences that sparked a passion for conservation in our students. This year, we’ve expanded our Conservation in Action series with two new expeditions. In South Africa and Mozambique, students will work on protecting marine mammals with National Geographic Emerging Explorer Andrea Marshall. In the Pacific Northwest, they’ll tackle important conservation issues with Crittercam inventor Greg Marshall.

We’re introducing a new field workshop in Ireland and a photography workshop in Prague, as well as a community service program in Thailand that combines volunteering at a school, working with elephants, and exploring Bangkok and the coast. In the Alps, focus on adventure photography and filmmaking as we hike, climb, and raft beneath icy peaks.

As one student simply put it, when asked to give advice to those who are considering one of our trips, “DEFINITELY GO!” We’ll hope to see you in the field!

Sincerely,

Your participation in a National Geographic Student

Expedition provides support to National Geographic’s

mission of increasing global understanding through

exploration, geography education, and research.

Copyright © 2013 National Geographic Society c Recycled paper

John Fahey Chairman The National Geographic Society

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTE XPEDI T IONS.CO M 3

52 Costa Rica53 Peru54 Thailand 55 Tanzania

2 CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

EXPEDITIONS

14 Brazil’s Amazon & Pantanal Biodiversity Conservation

16 Belize Oceans and Underwater Exploration

18 Pacific Northwest Protecting the Puget Sound Watershed

20 Peru Mysteries of the Inca Empire

22 Ecuador & the Galápagos Biodiversity Hotspot

RESOURCES

48 London49 Prague 50 Paris 51 San Francisco

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

FIELD WORKSHOPS42 Costa Rica 43 Grand Canyon & the Southwest44 Alaska 45 Tuscany 46 Barcelona 47 IrelandW Yellowstone & Montana

4 About Our Trips6 On Assignment Projects8 National Geographic Experts10 Trip Leaders11 Scholarship Program12 Our Students56 Admissions Details56 How to Apply58 Trip Calendar59 Terms and Conditions

36 Switzerland & France Alpine Adventure

38 Italy & Greece Empires of the Mediterranean

40 Iceland Land of Fire and Ice

THE AMERICAS EUROPE COMMUNITY SERVICE

24 South Africa & Mozambique Megafauna of the Land and Sea

26 Namibia Wildlife Conservation

28 Tanzania Wildlife Conservation and Tribal Life

AFRICA

30 Australia Outback, Rain Forest, and Reef

32 India Crossroads of Cultures

34 China Journey to the Middle Kingdom

ASIA / OCEANIA

Summer 2014 Trips

Our Conservation in Action trips enable students to participate in ongoing research and conservation efforts with local scientists and a National Geographic grantee.

DEAR STUDENT TRAVELER, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN high school students go exploring with an organization that has been venturing to the far corners of the Earth for 125 years? Judging from this past summer, you end up doing some incredible things—like tagging cheetahs with a wildlife biologist in Namibia, for instance, or discovering the secrets of Peru’s Inca cities with a renowned archaeologist. You might settle into a Costa Rican village and pitch in with community projects, or take to the streets of Paris on photo shoots with a National Geographic photographer.

Whichever adventure you choose, you come back—in the words of last summer’s students—inspired, open to new things, and more in love with the world than ever. Nic Lisi, who traveled with us to Ecuador and the Galápagos, summed it up well: “I wanted to broaden my perspective on the world while learning about something I love,” he said. “It’s mind-blowing to think that a few short weeks with NGSE helped shape me into who I will be for a long time to come.”

Last year we developed a series of trips that had students working alongside our scientists on important conservation projects, participating firsthand in National Geographic’s legacy. They proved to be fantastic, enriching experiences that sparked a passion for conservation in our students. This year, we’ve expanded our Conservation in Action series with two new expeditions. In South Africa and Mozambique, students will work on protecting marine mammals with National Geographic Emerging Explorer Andrea Marshall. In the Pacific Northwest, they’ll tackle important conservation issues with Crittercam inventor Greg Marshall.

We’re introducing a new field workshop in Ireland and a photography workshop in Prague, as well as a community service program in Thailand that combines volunteering at a school, working with elephants, and exploring Bangkok and the coast. In the Alps, focus on adventure photography and filmmaking as we hike, climb, and raft beneath icy peaks.

As one student simply put it, when asked to give advice to those who are considering one of our trips, “DEFINITELY GO!” We’ll hope to see you in the field!

Sincerely,

Your participation in a National Geographic Student

Expedition provides support to National Geographic’s

mission of increasing global understanding through

exploration, geography education, and research.

Copyright © 2013 National Geographic Society c Recycled paper

John Fahey Chairman The National Geographic Society

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTE XPEDI T IONS.CO M 3

52 Costa Rica53 Peru54 Thailand 55 Tanzania

2 CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

EXPEDITIONS

14 Brazil’s Amazon & Pantanal Biodiversity Conservation

16 Belize Oceans and Underwater Exploration

18 Pacific Northwest Protecting the Puget Sound Watershed

20 Peru Mysteries of the Inca Empire

22 Ecuador & the Galápagos Biodiversity Hotspot

RESOURCES

48 London49 Prague 50 Paris 51 San Francisco

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

FIELD WORKSHOPS42 Costa Rica 43 Grand Canyon & the Southwest44 Alaska 45 Tuscany 46 Barcelona 47 IrelandW Yellowstone & Montana

4 About Our Trips6 On Assignment Projects8 National Geographic Experts10 Trip Leaders11 Scholarship Program12 Our Students56 Admissions Details56 How to Apply58 Trip Calendar59 Terms and Conditions

36 Switzerland & France Alpine Adventure

38 Italy & Greece Empires of the Mediterranean

40 Iceland Land of Fire and Ice

THE AMERICAS EUROPE COMMUNITY SERVICE

24 South Africa & Mozambique Megafauna of the Land and Sea

26 Namibia Wildlife Conservation

28 Tanzania Wildlife Conservation and Tribal Life

AFRICA

30 Australia Outback, Rain Forest, and Reef

32 India Crossroads of Cultures

34 China Journey to the Middle Kingdom

ASIA / OCEANIA

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M 54 CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Explore the World with Nat Geo

There is a certain spirit of adventure that has driven National Geographic explorers since our earliest days. It’s an irrepressible desire to discover, to learn, and to understand our planet. That spirit sent marine conservationist Jacques Cousteau plunging hundreds of feet to the ocean depths in a “diving saucer” named Denise that he invented. It sent National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Will Steger skimming across Greenland’s massive ice cap behind a team of tireless huskies on the longest unsupported dogsled expedition in history. As any of our explorers will tell you, discovering the unknown can change your life.

We invite the next generation of explorers to get out in the field and follow in the footsteps of National Geographic’s photogra-phers, writers, and scientists. You might tag and track cheetahs with wildlife biologists in Namibia, go on photo shoots in Prague with a National Geographic photographer, or work on a community project at an elementary school in Thailand. It only takes a little digging to find that there is wonder—big and small—all around the world. Come discover it with us.

OUR LONG HISTORY OF EXPLORATION National Geographic has been exploring the planet since 1888, and our network of experts and contacts across the globe is vast and deep. We tap into these resources to create unique and exciting travel opportunities for students. Live among local students in the Himalaya of India, or meet traditional musicians on Ireland’s Aran Islands. Conduct research on orcas with scientists in the San Juan Islands, and monitor manta rays while snorkeling or diving off the stunning coast of Mozambique with a National Geographic Emerg-ing Explorer. To make these innovative 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. Putney is a leader in its field, delivering innovative, safe, and fun expeditions all around the world.

OUR TRIPSWe offer four types of programs: expeditions, field workshops, photo workshops, and community service programs. On our special Conservation in Action expeditions, we celebrate the legacy of National Geographic through hands-on programs that will have you working closely with scientists and researchers on some of National Geographic’s top conservation priorities. (See the box on page 7 for more information.) Our trips range from eleven days to three weeks. On our expeditions, you’ll experience the best of the destination through in-depth exploration of a coun-try or region. Our field and photography workshops are shorter, generally 12 days, with one or two bases from which you’ll set out to explore our spectacular surroundings. On our community service programs, you’ll settle into a local community and take part in everyday life while working on a variety of service projects. Throughout each program you’ll work on an On

Assignment project, whether it’s a slideshow presen-tation, a field guide, a portfolio of photographs, or a gallery opening for an exhibition of your work. (See pages 6 and 7 for more information about our On Assignment projects.)

OUR EXPEDITION TEAMSSTUDENTS. Traveling with your peers naturally creates a spirit of collaboration and teamwork. You’ll develop strong bonds while working in teams on your projects. Plus, seeing a place alongside your new friends brings a whole new dimension to your experience. Our expeditions range between 14 and 28 students. Community service programs are limited to 18 students and our field and photo workshops average 25-30 students.

TRIP LEADERS. Our trip leaders are dynamic col-lege graduates who are pursuing careers in fields such as photojournalism, conservation biology, and cultural anthropology. They are energetic, creative,

responsible, knowledgeable, and fun. They know the destination well and seek to share their love of travel with high school students. Our student-to-trip-leader ratio is usually between six and eight to one.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERTS. On each expedition and field workshop, a National Geo-graphic expert—a photographer, writer, researcher, or explorer—joins a portion of the trip. On our pho-tography workshops, a National Geographic pho-tographer accompanies the entire program. Our experts are leaders in their field who will enrich the trip with their stories and insights. (See our experts and trip leaders on pages 8, 9, and 10.)

OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOMEThe accommodations we use are well located and comfortable. On most programs, we stay in small, family-run inns and hostels; student centers; university housing; or research stations. Sometimes our accommodations are part of the adventure. For instance, we’ll settle into safari camps in South Af-rica’s Kruger National Park, enjoy seaside cabanas in Belize, and sleep under canvas “swags” in the Australian Outback.

OUR BLEND OF EDUCATION AND ADVENTUREEach of our trips builds in outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, rafting, glacier trekking, or horseback riding; as well as immersion in the local community, where you’ll play sports with kids, cook with local women, or visit artisans in their homes. Prior to your adventure, we will send you materials to

help you prepare for your trip—National Geographic books, magazines, or maps—as well as a complimen-tary one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

OUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTOn many trips, you have an opportunity to partici-pate in community service projects that allow you to become more engaged with the place you’re exploring and to make a useful contribution. Depending on the location and the community’s needs, you may work on small-scale construction, tutor students in English, clean up a park, or help out at an orphanage. Or, you can focus on service work on one of our community service programs in Peru, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Tanzania. Estimates of community service hours for each of these pro-grams are listed on the itineraries (pages 52–55). Visit our website for additional information about community service hours on all of our programs.

“So many thrilling and exciting things happened in our day trips, and I loved the adventurous aspect of the workshop. It was eye-opening to realize how much there is to discover in my

own backyard: an American city!”Anna G., San Francisco Photo Workshop, 2013

“This program was a life-changing experience. Everything we did made our time in Tanzania amazing. We were able to interact and truly connect with the people of our host town. It really made us travelers and not tourists.”

Katherine B., Tanzania Expedition, 2013OUR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL PHILOSOPHYAs an organization that seeks to inspire others to care about the planet, National Geographic is com-mitted 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.

OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Each year we provide financial support for students seeking educational summer experiences who could otherwise not afford them. For more infor-mation about the National Geographic Student Expeditions Scholarship Program, see page 11.

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APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M 54 CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Explore the World with Nat Geo

There is a certain spirit of adventure that has driven National Geographic explorers since our earliest days. It’s an irrepressible desire to discover, to learn, and to understand our planet. That spirit sent marine conservationist Jacques Cousteau plunging hundreds of feet to the ocean depths in a “diving saucer” named Denise that he invented. It sent National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Will Steger skimming across Greenland’s massive ice cap behind a team of tireless huskies on the longest unsupported dogsled expedition in history. As any of our explorers will tell you, discovering the unknown can change your life.

We invite the next generation of explorers to get out in the field and follow in the footsteps of National Geographic’s photogra-phers, writers, and scientists. You might tag and track cheetahs with wildlife biologists in Namibia, go on photo shoots in Prague with a National Geographic photographer, or work on a community project at an elementary school in Thailand. It only takes a little digging to find that there is wonder—big and small—all around the world. Come discover it with us.

OUR LONG HISTORY OF EXPLORATION National Geographic has been exploring the planet since 1888, and our network of experts and contacts across the globe is vast and deep. We tap into these resources to create unique and exciting travel opportunities for students. Live among local students in the Himalaya of India, or meet traditional musicians on Ireland’s Aran Islands. Conduct research on orcas with scientists in the San Juan Islands, and monitor manta rays while snorkeling or diving off the stunning coast of Mozambique with a National Geographic Emerg-ing Explorer. To make these innovative 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. Putney is a leader in its field, delivering innovative, safe, and fun expeditions all around the world.

OUR TRIPSWe offer four types of programs: expeditions, field workshops, photo workshops, and community service programs. On our special Conservation in Action expeditions, we celebrate the legacy of National Geographic through hands-on programs that will have you working closely with scientists and researchers on some of National Geographic’s top conservation priorities. (See the box on page 7 for more information.) Our trips range from eleven days to three weeks. On our expeditions, you’ll experience the best of the destination through in-depth exploration of a coun-try or region. Our field and photography workshops are shorter, generally 12 days, with one or two bases from which you’ll set out to explore our spectacular surroundings. On our community service programs, you’ll settle into a local community and take part in everyday life while working on a variety of service projects. Throughout each program you’ll work on an On

Assignment project, whether it’s a slideshow presen-tation, a field guide, a portfolio of photographs, or a gallery opening for an exhibition of your work. (See pages 6 and 7 for more information about our On Assignment projects.)

OUR EXPEDITION TEAMSSTUDENTS. Traveling with your peers naturally creates a spirit of collaboration and teamwork. You’ll develop strong bonds while working in teams on your projects. Plus, seeing a place alongside your new friends brings a whole new dimension to your experience. Our expeditions range between 14 and 28 students. Community service programs are limited to 18 students and our field and photo workshops average 25-30 students.

TRIP LEADERS. Our trip leaders are dynamic col-lege graduates who are pursuing careers in fields such as photojournalism, conservation biology, and cultural anthropology. They are energetic, creative,

responsible, knowledgeable, and fun. They know the destination well and seek to share their love of travel with high school students. Our student-to-trip-leader ratio is usually between six and eight to one.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERTS. On each expedition and field workshop, a National Geo-graphic expert—a photographer, writer, researcher, or explorer—joins a portion of the trip. On our pho-tography workshops, a National Geographic pho-tographer accompanies the entire program. Our experts are leaders in their field who will enrich the trip with their stories and insights. (See our experts and trip leaders on pages 8, 9, and 10.)

OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOMEThe accommodations we use are well located and comfortable. On most programs, we stay in small, family-run inns and hostels; student centers; university housing; or research stations. Sometimes our accommodations are part of the adventure. For instance, we’ll settle into safari camps in South Af-rica’s Kruger National Park, enjoy seaside cabanas in Belize, and sleep under canvas “swags” in the Australian Outback.

OUR BLEND OF EDUCATION AND ADVENTUREEach of our trips builds in outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, rafting, glacier trekking, or horseback riding; as well as immersion in the local community, where you’ll play sports with kids, cook with local women, or visit artisans in their homes. Prior to your adventure, we will send you materials to

help you prepare for your trip—National Geographic books, magazines, or maps—as well as a complimen-tary one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

OUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTOn many trips, you have an opportunity to partici-pate in community service projects that allow you to become more engaged with the place you’re exploring and to make a useful contribution. Depending on the location and the community’s needs, you may work on small-scale construction, tutor students in English, clean up a park, or help out at an orphanage. Or, you can focus on service work on one of our community service programs in Peru, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Tanzania. Estimates of community service hours for each of these pro-grams are listed on the itineraries (pages 52–55). Visit our website for additional information about community service hours on all of our programs.

“So many thrilling and exciting things happened in our day trips, and I loved the adventurous aspect of the workshop. It was eye-opening to realize how much there is to discover in my

own backyard: an American city!”Anna G., San Francisco Photo Workshop, 2013

“This program was a life-changing experience. Everything we did made our time in Tanzania amazing. We were able to interact and truly connect with the people of our host town. It really made us travelers and not tourists.”

Katherine B., Tanzania Expedition, 2013OUR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL PHILOSOPHYAs an organization that seeks to inspire others to care about the planet, National Geographic is com-mitted 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.

OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Each year we provide financial support for students seeking educational summer experiences who could otherwise not afford them. For more infor-mation about the National Geographic Student Expeditions Scholarship Program, see page 11.

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the people you meet, and the adventures you experience. Create a narrative that captures the sights, sounds, and personality of a place through the versatile medium of film.

Australia • Alaska • Iceland • Switzerland & France

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY: Cultivate a sense of “space and place” by discover-ing the connections between people and

their environment. Ever wonder why mountainous people adapt differently to their environment than desert nomads? Or how to differentiate be-tween a Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery? Think like a geographer while exploring the his-tory, ecology, and culture of the places you visit.

China • India

CREATIVE WRITING: Develop your writing skills with the assistance of a published writer. Learn how to incorpo-

rate a strong sense of place into your work. Spend time in a busy marketplace using all five senses to capture the scene, interview a local personality for a character sketch, or bring the past alive in the evocative silence of an ancient ruin.

Italy & Greece • Barcelona • Tuscany • Ireland

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY: Examine earth processes and witness dramatic geolog-ic forces at work. Get out into the field

to learn how volcanoes, geothermal activity, and glaciers have shaped landscapes and civilizations throughout history. Meet geologists to discuss the science of global climate change.

Iceland

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Spend your days working alongside villagers and a team of students. Teach English to chil-

dren at the local school. Participate in building or restoration projects, clean up a park, or help paint a community health center. Collaborative com-munity projects provide an opportunity for deeper cultural interaction and insight into daily life in our host communities. Costa Rica • Tanzania • Peru • Thailand

6 CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Go On AssignmentOver the years, National Geographic has made a name for itself by telling stories through photography, writing, film, and research. Now it’s your turn. On Assignment with National Geographic, dig deeper into a country’s landscape and culture to develop your own story through research, photography, or hands-on field activities. As you soar through the Swiss Alps on a zip-line, learn to identify lion tracks with wildlife experts in South Africa, or listen to Aboriginal storytellers in the Australian outback, you’ll experience your surroundings through the personalized lens of your On Assignment project.

Thumb through the pages that follow and select the destination and project that capture your imagination. With the guidance of trip leaders and our National Geographic expert, you’ll work in teams to pursue your On Assignment projects through a series of hands-on activities and excursions. Perhaps you’ll choose to research and report on the effects of wildfires on habitats in Yellowstone or assemble a photo essay about the whimsical

works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona. You might make a documentary film on dog-mushing in Alaska or write a story inspired by Ireland’s rich mythology. At the end of the trip, you’ll share what you’ve created with your group. Your participation in an On Assignment project will enhance your understanding of the cultures and environments you visit, and improve your skills and knowledge in your selected focus area. Plus, you’ll return home with a tangible

product—whether it’s a short story or essay, a documentary film, or a slide show—that you can share with your family and friends.* You will also have the opportunity to submit your material to be published on the National Geographic website. On the next page, you’ll find a description of each On Assignment project as well as the destinations in which they’re offered. Pick the place and project you find most intriguing. Then get ready to set out into the world and create your own story.

“I feel proud of my On Assignment project. It made me feel like I really found and followed a story while in Iceland. Having that final project made it feel like

we were really ‘on assignment’ for National Geographic.” Grant S., Iceland, 2013

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M 7

Choose your passion. Take a look at our On Assignment projects and the destinations in which they’re offered.

*See details about each of our On Assignment projects

on page 7 and on each trip’s itinerary page.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Set out on photo shoots to improve your photography skills and capture the color and character of the

places you encounter. Develop a photo-essay about a topic that sparks your interest. This On Assignment project is offered on all expeditions and workshops.

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.

Alaska • Ecuador & the Galápagos • Tanzania • Australia • Yellowstone & Montana • Costa Rica

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE: Venture out with fellow students to uncover the complex layers of past civi-

lizations. Explore ancient ruins, discover the rich mythology behind treasured sites, and find the links between ancient and modern worlds.

Peru • Italy & Greece • Grand Canyon & the Southwest

FILMMAKING: Today’s cameras shoot incredible video. Using your own digital SLR or an expedition video camera, work

in production teams to document your journey,

THE CHOICE IS YOURS.

Put National Geographic’s core mis-sion—to inspire people to care about the planet—into action! 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, whether it’s preserving the biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest, Belize’s fragile barrier reefs, or the megafauna of southeastern Africa.

Belize • Brazil • Namibia • Pacific Northwest • South Africa and Mozambique

{ }

the people you meet, and the adventures you experience. Create a narrative that captures the sights, sounds, and personality of a place through the versatile medium of film.

Australia • Alaska • Iceland • Switzerland & France

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY: Cultivate a sense of “space and place” by discover-ing the connections between people and

their environment. Ever wonder why mountainous people adapt differently to their environment than desert nomads? Or how to differentiate be-tween a Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery? Think like a geographer while exploring the his-tory, ecology, and culture of the places you visit.

China • India

CREATIVE WRITING: Develop your writing skills with the assistance of a published writer. Learn how to incorpo-

rate a strong sense of place into your work. Spend time in a busy marketplace using all five senses to capture the scene, interview a local personality for a character sketch, or bring the past alive in the evocative silence of an ancient ruin.

Italy & Greece • Barcelona • Tuscany • Ireland

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY: Examine earth processes and witness dramatic geolog-ic forces at work. Get out into the field

to learn how volcanoes, geothermal activity, and glaciers have shaped landscapes and civilizations throughout history. Meet geologists to discuss the science of global climate change.

Iceland

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Spend your days working alongside villagers and a team of students. Teach English to chil-

dren at the local school. Participate in building or restoration projects, clean up a park, or help paint a community health center. Collaborative com-munity projects provide an opportunity for deeper cultural interaction and insight into daily life in our host communities. Costa Rica • Tanzania • Peru • Thailand

6 CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Go On AssignmentOver the years, National Geographic has made a name for itself by telling stories through photography, writing, film, and research. Now it’s your turn. On Assignment with National Geographic, dig deeper into a country’s landscape and culture to develop your own story through research, photography, or hands-on field activities. As you soar through the Swiss Alps on a zip-line, learn to identify lion tracks with wildlife experts in South Africa, or listen to Aboriginal storytellers in the Australian outback, you’ll experience your surroundings through the personalized lens of your On Assignment project.

Thumb through the pages that follow and select the destination and project that capture your imagination. With the guidance of trip leaders and our National Geographic expert, you’ll work in teams to pursue your On Assignment projects through a series of hands-on activities and excursions. Perhaps you’ll choose to research and report on the effects of wildfires on habitats in Yellowstone or assemble a photo essay about the whimsical

works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona. You might make a documentary film on dog-mushing in Alaska or write a story inspired by Ireland’s rich mythology. At the end of the trip, you’ll share what you’ve created with your group. Your participation in an On Assignment project will enhance your understanding of the cultures and environments you visit, and improve your skills and knowledge in your selected focus area. Plus, you’ll return home with a tangible

product—whether it’s a short story or essay, a documentary film, or a slide show—that you can share with your family and friends.* You will also have the opportunity to submit your material to be published on the National Geographic website. On the next page, you’ll find a description of each On Assignment project as well as the destinations in which they’re offered. Pick the place and project you find most intriguing. Then get ready to set out into the world and create your own story.

“I feel proud of my On Assignment project. It made me feel like I really found and followed a story while in Iceland. Having that final project made it feel like

we were really ‘on assignment’ for National Geographic.” Grant S., Iceland, 2013

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M 7

Choose your passion. Take a look at our On Assignment projects and the destinations in which they’re offered.

*See details about each of our On Assignment projects

on page 7 and on each trip’s itinerary page.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Set out on photo shoots to improve your photography skills and capture the color and character of the

places you encounter. Develop a photo-essay about a topic that sparks your interest. This On Assignment project is offered on all expeditions and workshops.

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.

Alaska • Ecuador & the Galápagos • Tanzania • Australia • Yellowstone & Montana • Costa Rica

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE: Venture out with fellow students to uncover the complex layers of past civi-

lizations. Explore ancient ruins, discover the rich mythology behind treasured sites, and find the links between ancient and modern worlds.

Peru • Italy & Greece • Grand Canyon & the Southwest

FILMMAKING: Today’s cameras shoot incredible video. Using your own digital SLR or an expedition video camera, work

in production teams to document your journey,

THE CHOICE IS YOURS.

Put National Geographic’s core mis-sion—to inspire people to care about the planet—into action! 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, whether it’s preserving the biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest, Belize’s fragile barrier reefs, or the megafauna of southeastern Africa.

Belize • Brazil • Namibia • Pacific Northwest • South Africa and Mozambique

{ }

There are some careers out there that we all dream of having someday. An archaeologist or a filmmaker, perhaps, or a National Geographic photogra-pher. National Geographic’s experts are explorers and writers, anthropolo-gists and wildlife biologists who have pursued their dreams and become leaders in their fields. One of our experts joins part of each expedition and field workshop, and they accompany the entire program on our photo work-shops. As you explore together, they share their insights and experience, give you guidance in crafting your On Assignment project, and inspire you with their passion for the work they do and the places you discover. Meet a few of our experts here, and find out more about the trips they will join.

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 con-tinent 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 for the National Geographic Chan-nel and National Geographic magazine (France and Germany), and is represented by National Geographic Creative. Ulla will join our Australia expedition (p. 30).

Discover the marine and terrestrial life of the Pacific Northwest with biologist and filmmaker GREG MARSHALL (below). Greg invented the Crittercam, a video 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—great white sharks. Greg will join the Pacific Northwest expedition (p. 18).

Climber and visual story-teller CORY RICHARDS is one of the world’s leading editorial and adventure pho-tographers. Named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in 2012, Cory’s camera has taken him from the con-trolled and complex studio

to the wild and remote corners of Asia, Africa, Pakistan, and the South Pacific. His photography has appeared in National Geographic magazine, Outside, and the New York Times; and his film work has won awards at nearly every major adventure film festival including the grand prize at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Cory will join the Switzerland & France Alpine expedition (p. 36)..

Delve into the biodiversity of Costa Rica with conservation biologist TAYLOR EDWARDS, who worked on the National Geographic Genographic Project. A staff scientist at the University of Arizona, Taylor works on a variety of research projects ranging from endan-

gered tortoises to giant frogs. He says that he wishes he was raised by wolves, but believes a career as a biologist is the next best thing. Taylor will join the Costa Rica field workshop (p. 42) and the June 30 Ecuador & the Galápagos expedition (p. 22).

Photographer and filmmaker ASHIMA NARAIN is the for-mer 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 Maha-rajas, 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 maga-zines. Ashima will join the India expedition (p. 32).

Following a three-month adventure through Mongolia, French photographer MATTHIEU PALEY’S first job was an expedition for National Geographic Adven-ture magazine in Bhutan, which took him to the highest unclimbed mountain in the

world. Twelve years, four books and numerous assign-ments later, his passion to always look “over the next ridge” has provided him with countless opportunities to witness our common humanity. Matthieu’s work has been published in National Geographic magazine, Newsweek, Time, and Outside magazines. Matthieu will lead the June 20 Paris workshop (p. 50).

National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantee FLORIAN WEISE is the lead researcher at the Carnivore Conservation Research Project in Namibia. Florian combines his passion for the outdoors with his re-search on African wildlife and has spent almost ten years

working to protect endangered species. His efforts to reduce conflicts between large cats like cheetah and leopard and local farmers have been featured in publi-cations such as National Geographic magazine and the Financial Times London. Florian will join the Namibia expedition (p. 26).

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M 9

National Geographic Emerging Explorer ANDREA MARSHALL (below) is one of the world’s leading experts on manta rays. As a conservation biologist she works to protect some of the largest fish in our oceans. During her 22-year diving career Andrea has traveled to the ends of the globe both as a scientist and as a professional underwater photographer. Andrea will join the South Africa & Mozambique expedition (p. 24) and looks forward to sharing some of her favorite spots along the southern Mozambican coast with our students.

Pulitzer Prize–winning pho-tographer JAY DICKMAN has worked in photojournalism for more than 35 years, covering topics as diverse as the war in El Salvador, the Olympics, national political conventions, and six Super Bowls. Among his over 25 assignments for

National Geographic magazine, Jay has lived for three months in a Stone Age village in Papua New Guinea and spent a week under the Arctic ice in a nuclear attack sub in addition to having photographed many stories on cultures built around rivers. Jay will join the Grand Canyon & the Southwest field workshop (p. 43).

National Geographic Emerg-ing 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 world-

wide from Alaska to Galápagos, and from Indonesia to Africa. Tierney will join the July 8 and July 15 Belize expeditions and looks forward to exploring the larg-est barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere with our students (p. 16).

Meet our experts.

“Greg Marshall was awesome! His enthusiasm for his work and exploration in general was contagious. He motivated us in our own projects and helped us to maximize our

experience on the trip, and overall just made everything more fun.”

Emily P., Ecuador & the Galápagos, 2013{ }“Florian Weise certainly has the best job in the world. He gets to live in Namibia and work with cheetahs, caracals, and springboks everyday. He truly made me realize

the importance of conservation, more so than the multiple teachers who have spent entire semesters explaining the concept to me.”

Trevor H., Namibia, 2013{ }

8 CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

There are some careers out there that we all dream of having someday. An archaeologist or a filmmaker, perhaps, or a National Geographic photogra-pher. National Geographic’s experts are explorers and writers, anthropolo-gists and wildlife biologists who have pursued their dreams and become leaders in their fields. One of our experts joins part of each expedition and field workshop, and they accompany the entire program on our photo work-shops. As you explore together, they share their insights and experience, give you guidance in crafting your On Assignment project, and inspire you with their passion for the work they do and the places you discover. Meet a few of our experts here, and find out more about the trips they will join.

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 con-tinent 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 for the National Geographic Chan-nel and National Geographic magazine (France and Germany), and is represented by National Geographic Creative. Ulla will join our Australia expedition (p. 30).

Discover the marine and terrestrial life of the Pacific Northwest with biologist and filmmaker GREG MARSHALL (below). Greg invented the Crittercam, a video 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—great white sharks. Greg will join the Pacific Northwest expedition (p. 18).

Climber and visual story-teller CORY RICHARDS is one of the world’s leading editorial and adventure pho-tographers. Named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in 2012, Cory’s camera has taken him from the con-trolled and complex studio

to the wild and remote corners of Asia, Africa, Pakistan, and the South Pacific. His photography has appeared in National Geographic magazine, Outside, and the New York Times; and his film work has won awards at nearly every major adventure film festival including the grand prize at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Cory will join the Switzerland & France Alpine expedition (p. 36)..

Delve into the biodiversity of Costa Rica with conservation biologist TAYLOR EDWARDS, who worked on the National Geographic Genographic Project. A staff scientist at the University of Arizona, Taylor works on a variety of research projects ranging from endan-

gered tortoises to giant frogs. He says that he wishes he was raised by wolves, but believes a career as a biologist is the next best thing. Taylor will join the Costa Rica field workshop (p. 42) and the June 30 Ecuador & the Galápagos expedition (p. 22).

Photographer and filmmaker ASHIMA NARAIN is the for-mer 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 Maha-rajas, 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 maga-zines. Ashima will join the India expedition (p. 32).

Following a three-month adventure through Mongolia, French photographer MATTHIEU PALEY’S first job was an expedition for National Geographic Adven-ture magazine in Bhutan, which took him to the highest unclimbed mountain in the

world. Twelve years, four books and numerous assign-ments later, his passion to always look “over the next ridge” has provided him with countless opportunities to witness our common humanity. Matthieu’s work has been published in National Geographic magazine, Newsweek, Time, and Outside magazines. Matthieu will lead the June 20 Paris workshop (p. 50).

National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantee FLORIAN WEISE is the lead researcher at the Carnivore Conservation Research Project in Namibia. Florian combines his passion for the outdoors with his re-search on African wildlife and has spent almost ten years

working to protect endangered species. His efforts to reduce conflicts between large cats like cheetah and leopard and local farmers have been featured in publi-cations such as National Geographic magazine and the Financial Times London. Florian will join the Namibia expedition (p. 26).

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M 9

National Geographic Emerging Explorer ANDREA MARSHALL (below) is one of the world’s leading experts on manta rays. As a conservation biologist she works to protect some of the largest fish in our oceans. During her 22-year diving career Andrea has traveled to the ends of the globe both as a scientist and as a professional underwater photographer. Andrea will join the South Africa & Mozambique expedition (p. 24) and looks forward to sharing some of her favorite spots along the southern Mozambican coast with our students.

Pulitzer Prize–winning pho-tographer JAY DICKMAN has worked in photojournalism for more than 35 years, covering topics as diverse as the war in El Salvador, the Olympics, national political conventions, and six Super Bowls. Among his over 25 assignments for

National Geographic magazine, Jay has lived for three months in a Stone Age village in Papua New Guinea and spent a week under the Arctic ice in a nuclear attack sub in addition to having photographed many stories on cultures built around rivers. Jay will join the Grand Canyon & the Southwest field workshop (p. 43).

National Geographic Emerg-ing 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 world-

wide from Alaska to Galápagos, and from Indonesia to Africa. Tierney will join the July 8 and July 15 Belize expeditions and looks forward to exploring the larg-est barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere with our students (p. 16).

Meet our experts.

“Greg Marshall was awesome! His enthusiasm for his work and exploration in general was contagious. He motivated us in our own projects and helped us to maximize our

experience on the trip, and overall just made everything more fun.”

Emily P., Ecuador & the Galápagos, 2013{ }“Florian Weise certainly has the best job in the world. He gets to live in Namibia and work with cheetahs, caracals, and springboks everyday. He truly made me realize

the importance of conservation, more so than the multiple teachers who have spent entire semesters explaining the concept to me.”

Trevor H., Namibia, 2013{ }

8 CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

10 CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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 work-ing 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. Here are a few of the outstanding trip leaders who may accompany you on a National Geographic Student Expedition.

Our Scholarship Program

PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN St. Lawrence University, B.S. Drexel 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 biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-vice in Vermont, a naturalist guide in Yellowstone, and a director of the environmental education program for the Grand Teton Lodge Company. His current doctorate research focuses on amphibian ecology and biodiver-sity conservation in central Africa.

SASHA DRISCOLL STORTZLewis & Clark College, B.A. Northern Arizona University, M.S. candidate

Born and raised in Southeast Alaska, Sasha has worked as a bi-

ological technician in the Sitka National Historical Park and studied Arctic bird species with the U.S. Geological Service Alaska Science Center. As a graduate student in environmental science and policy, her studies focus on ecology and land use in the West. Sasha is also an accomplished violinist and violin teacher.

“I couldn’t ask for a better set of leaders. Katie and John were phenomenal. They were just the

right balance of fun and business, and their energy was

never-ending.”

Emilee H. Tanzania Community Service, 2013

PHILLIP TORRES Cornell University, B.S. Rice University, Ph.D. candidate

Phil (below) has participated in scientific expeditions around the globe since the age of 15. He majored in entomology and biology at Cornell, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Rice University. For the last two years, Phil has been based in remote areas of the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon where he conducts surveys of a multitude of species for conservation research.

FEDERICO PARDOUniversidad de los Andes, B.S.c.Montana State University, MFA

Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Federico’s documen-tary work has taken him from

Jackson Hole Wyoming to Mozambique, where he has filmed and photographed cultural, scientific and conservation stories. Federico recently won an Emmy award for his cinematography in National Geographic’s Untamed Americas. He also won Smithsonian’s In Motion contest for his documentary about discover-ing new species in the Amazon, created for The Field Museum of Natural History.

LINDSAY MACKENZIEColgate University, B.A.Newcastle University, M.A.

Lindsay is a photographer and multimedia journalist currently based near Barcelona, Spain. Since early 2011, Lindsay has

covered the Arab Spring revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, El País, The National and on the BBC and AP. Lindsay also frequently produces radio documenta-ries for the CBC. An avid traveler, Lindsay spent three years working as a tour leader in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America before moving into full-time photojournalism.

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

Jill majored in Psychology at the University of Arizona and received her MFA from the

Academy of Art University in San Francisco. For her master’s thesis she spent nine months document-ing Himalayan life in Nepal, Northern India, Kashmir, Bhutan, and Tibet. Jill is now a freelance photographer and photography instructor. She is represented by National Geographic Creative and has photographed for National Geographic Traveler guidebooks.

MATT KOSTAKISMcGill University, B.A. American University in Cairo, M.A. candidate

Matt’s love of travel and passion for learning about other cultures

led him to major in international development and Latin American studies. After teaching Spanish for sev-eral years, he began a journey that would take him to five continents and over 40 countries—from backpack-ing through the Balkans to learning traditional fishing techniques off the coast of Sri Lanka. Finally settled in Cairo, Matt is currently pursuing a Masters in Human Rights Law. Matt is fluent in Spanish and Greek, and is proficient in Italian, French, Portuguese, Arabic, and Turkish.

“I gained so much from this trip: a greater global perspective, a newly invigorated love of conservation, and a unique appreciation for the beauty and diversity of nature. The greatest thing I took away, though, was a confirmation that a career in wildlife conser-vation is for me.”

Ben J., Namibia

“My greatest success was trying everything throughout the trip! I am a little scared of swimming in deep waters, but I tried snorkeling and surfing anyway. I’m a shy person, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try interacting with more people. I think success comes from trying activities that originally gave you doubt. Being fear-less! I didn’t let fear get in the way of things.”

Claudia W., Costa Rica Community Service

The National Geographic Student Expedition Scholarship Program provides financial support for students seeking educational summer experiences who could not otherwise afford them. Last summer, we awarded full scholarships to 25 students from all around the country. Here’s what a few of them had to say about their expeditions.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .COM 1 1

National Geographic makes an annual donation to the scholarship fund. However, the long-term success of this important program will depend on the generosity of donors. For more details about scholarship eligibility and how to apply—or to make a contribution—please visit ngstudentexpeditions.com/scholarships.

“I learned how to fully open up to the cultures I encountered. I was able to let go of my concerns, discomfort, and hesitation, which allowed me to better embrace the people I came across and the traditions they hold dear. I thought this trip would quell the sense of urgency I felt to venture out and explore the world. However, it has done quite the opposite. I am now even more curious about the diverse cultures and regions the world has to offer.”

Nina M., India

“I was stunned to be surrounded by such a diversity of well-educated peers. In our group, every major ethnicity was represented. My peers and I found endless topics for conversation right up until the airport on the last day.”

Manny S., Barcelona

“Everything that I did on this trip was incredible. I swam in the Amazon River and fished for red-bellied piranhas. I made new friends, and bonded with them as we looked up to the bright stars. I was blessed to have gotten such an incredible oppor-tunity to travel with a group of incredible people and to learn from them as much as they learned from me.”

Elizabeth C., Brazil’s Amazon & Pantanal

{ }

Ben J.

Elizabeth C.

Nina M.

Manny S.

10 CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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 work-ing 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. Here are a few of the outstanding trip leaders who may accompany you on a National Geographic Student Expedition.

Our Scholarship Program

PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN St. Lawrence University, B.S. Drexel 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 biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-vice in Vermont, a naturalist guide in Yellowstone, and a director of the environmental education program for the Grand Teton Lodge Company. His current doctorate research focuses on amphibian ecology and biodiver-sity conservation in central Africa.

SASHA DRISCOLL STORTZLewis & Clark College, B.A. Northern Arizona University, M.S. candidate

Born and raised in Southeast Alaska, Sasha has worked as a bi-

ological technician in the Sitka National Historical Park and studied Arctic bird species with the U.S. Geological Service Alaska Science Center. As a graduate student in environmental science and policy, her studies focus on ecology and land use in the West. Sasha is also an accomplished violinist and violin teacher.

“I couldn’t ask for a better set of leaders. Katie and John were phenomenal. They were just the

right balance of fun and business, and their energy was

never-ending.”

Emilee H. Tanzania Community Service, 2013

PHILLIP TORRES Cornell University, B.S. Rice University, Ph.D. candidate

Phil (below) has participated in scientific expeditions around the globe since the age of 15. He majored in entomology and biology at Cornell, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Rice University. For the last two years, Phil has been based in remote areas of the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon where he conducts surveys of a multitude of species for conservation research.

FEDERICO PARDOUniversidad de los Andes, B.S.c.Montana State University, MFA

Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Federico’s documen-tary work has taken him from

Jackson Hole Wyoming to Mozambique, where he has filmed and photographed cultural, scientific and conservation stories. Federico recently won an Emmy award for his cinematography in National Geographic’s Untamed Americas. He also won Smithsonian’s In Motion contest for his documentary about discover-ing new species in the Amazon, created for The Field Museum of Natural History.

LINDSAY MACKENZIEColgate University, B.A.Newcastle University, M.A.

Lindsay is a photographer and multimedia journalist currently based near Barcelona, Spain. Since early 2011, Lindsay has

covered the Arab Spring revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, El País, The National and on the BBC and AP. Lindsay also frequently produces radio documenta-ries for the CBC. An avid traveler, Lindsay spent three years working as a tour leader in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America before moving into full-time photojournalism.

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

Jill majored in Psychology at the University of Arizona and received her MFA from the

Academy of Art University in San Francisco. For her master’s thesis she spent nine months document-ing Himalayan life in Nepal, Northern India, Kashmir, Bhutan, and Tibet. Jill is now a freelance photographer and photography instructor. She is represented by National Geographic Creative and has photographed for National Geographic Traveler guidebooks.

MATT KOSTAKISMcGill University, B.A. American University in Cairo, M.A. candidate

Matt’s love of travel and passion for learning about other cultures

led him to major in international development and Latin American studies. After teaching Spanish for sev-eral years, he began a journey that would take him to five continents and over 40 countries—from backpack-ing through the Balkans to learning traditional fishing techniques off the coast of Sri Lanka. Finally settled in Cairo, Matt is currently pursuing a Masters in Human Rights Law. Matt is fluent in Spanish and Greek, and is proficient in Italian, French, Portuguese, Arabic, and Turkish.

“I gained so much from this trip: a greater global perspective, a newly invigorated love of conservation, and a unique appreciation for the beauty and diversity of nature. The greatest thing I took away, though, was a confirmation that a career in wildlife conser-vation is for me.”

Ben J., Namibia

“My greatest success was trying everything throughout the trip! I am a little scared of swimming in deep waters, but I tried snorkeling and surfing anyway. I’m a shy person, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try interacting with more people. I think success comes from trying activities that originally gave you doubt. Being fear-less! I didn’t let fear get in the way of things.”

Claudia W., Costa Rica Community Service

The National Geographic Student Expedition Scholarship Program provides financial support for students seeking educational summer experiences who could not otherwise afford them. Last summer, we awarded full scholarships to 25 students from all around the country. Here’s what a few of them had to say about their expeditions.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M 1 1

National Geographic makes an annual donation to the scholarship fund. However, the long-term success of this important program will depend on the generosity of donors. For more details about scholarship eligibility and how to apply—or to make a contribution—please visit ngstudentexpeditions.com/scholarships.

“I learned how to fully open up to the cultures I encountered. I was able to let go of my concerns, discomfort, and hesitation, which allowed me to better embrace the people I came across and the traditions they hold dear. I thought this trip would quell the sense of urgency I felt to venture out and explore the world. However, it has done quite the opposite. I am now even more curious about the diverse cultures and regions the world has to offer.”

Nina M., India

“I was stunned to be surrounded by such a diversity of well-educated peers. In our group, every major ethnicity was represented. My peers and I found endless topics for conversation right up until the airport on the last day.”

Manny S., Barcelona

“Everything that I did on this trip was incredible. I swam in the Amazon River and fished for red-bellied piranhas. I made new friends, and bonded with them as we looked up to the bright stars. I was blessed to have gotten such an incredible oppor-tunity to travel with a group of incredible people and to learn from them as much as they learned from me.”

Elizabeth C., Brazil’s Amazon & Pantanal

{ }

Ben J.

Elizabeth C.

Nina M.

Manny S.

apply onl ine at ngstudente xpedi t ions.co m 1 312 Call toll-free 1-877-877-8759

our whole group went out on a boat tour in Paris and it was beautiful. our workshop leaders didn’t pressure us to take photos. they respected the importance of just ab-sorbing the lifestyle and beautiful scenery that Paris has to offer.—NADIM I., PARIS

the last day that we snorkeled off of Caye Caulker was unforgettable. My heart still races when I think about the moment that I swam around the reef and saw the two huge manatees staring back at me. My love for the ocean skyrocketed in that moment.—LINDSEY W., BELIZE

at sunset, we ran to a massive dune and scaled up the almost-vertical side. as we were lying out of breath on the crest, overlooking miles of desert, the golden sunlight illuminated the peaks of sand all around us. the wind had picked up and cast the sand like little gold flakes swirling all around us. after taking a panoramic shot we raced down the face of the dune where we collapsed, covered in sand.—DAVID S., NAMIBIA

Photos (clockwise): Trevor H., Casey W., Tiger K., David S., Nadim I.

Meet a few of our students. THEY WERE MOVED AND INSPIRED.turning into the Piazza della rotonda and recog-nizing the Pantheon was an incredible moment for me. Seeing a building that I’ve researched and seen in movies was amazing. I couldn’t help but stop and stare before freaking out and jumping around in glee.—SAVANNA B., ITALY & GREECE

Walking into N/a’an Ku Sê conservation center for the first time was an unforgettable moment. We saw dozens of people of different races and ages working together to help take care of the wonder-ful animals of the region. the site was beautiful to boot, with the acacia trees, wildlife, and red sand all in one small location. —TREVOR H., NAMIBIA

Mama Maggie is one of the few female safari guides in tanzania. She has boundless energy and enthusiasm for her job, which I believe she sees more as a gift than an occupation. She has started her own foundation, which focuses on the empowerment and education of tanzanian women. Maggie is a phenomenal role model and someone who taught me that anyone, no matter how daunting the odds, can make a difference. —EMILEE H., TANZANIA COMMUNITY SERVICE

last summer, 10 of our students had 10 very different experiences in 10 different countries. But to hear them tell it, they all came back

full of great memories, new passions, and inspiration.

During a talk with a rhino conservationist, I realized that millions like me back in the U.S. are probably oblivious to the harsh reality of poach-ing and habitat destruction. Since my NGSe trip, I have been inspired to start a wildlife conserva-tion club at my school, as I now feel that I am an ambassador for National Geographic, and have a duty to care for this planet.—DAVID S., NAMIBIA

THEY CAME HOME A LITTLE RICHER.I learned that the world is far bigger and far wilder than anything I could have ever imagined. My trip taught me how much greater purpose we can have when traveling. I realized that even a little group of students with shovels and pick-axes can make a huge difference for a commu-nity halfway around the world, and that definitely means something.—EMILEE H., TANZANIA COMMUNITY SERVICE

I am now really into long hikes. When I got home from alaska I was so sad that my trip had ended that I called up my friend from the trip who lives near me and we went for a hike!—JANE B., ALASKA

Being on this trip changed me, I have learned how to enjoy the little things, to not be afraid to go up to complete strangers and start a conversation with them. the leaders of this trip were just amazing, wonderful people who inspired me.—NADIM I., PARIS

I now realize that the world is not confined to my small town. every time I think back to my trip, I wonder, “What is flo, our NG expert, doing right now? are the Bushman schoolkids enjoying the sandbox we built for them? are our guides leading other americans today?” every day I think about my trip, I expand my small community a little more.—TREVOR H., NAMIBIA

this trip taught me exactly how much I love being behind a camera and discovering the world. I am confident now that I am capable of traveling all around the world, and I can’t wait to see what else the world has to offer.—KAREN J., ECUADOR & THE GALÁPAGOS

THEY EXPERIENCED A LITTLE MAGIC.a small group of us would stay up late pho-tographing star trails in the outback and I will always treasure that as one of the best times of my life. It was incredible to learn about my camera while talking to some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met and joking under the Milky Way.—CASEY W., AUSTRALIA

When we were mountain biking in the Pyr-enees Mountains, I felt a light rain start to sprinkle, and before we knew it, it turned in to a full-on hailstorm. We finally made it to a bridge that was wide enough for everyone to sit under. only, no sitting was going on. We gathered around to do crazy eights, moving our limbs crazily in hopes of getting warmer. We should have been miserable, but all we could do was smile about how truly breath-taking this moment was.—TIGER K., BARCELONA

apply onl ine at ngstudente xpedi t ions.co m 1 312 Call toll-free 1-877-877-8759

our whole group went out on a boat tour in Paris and it was beautiful. our workshop leaders didn’t pressure us to take photos. they respected the importance of just ab-sorbing the lifestyle and beautiful scenery that Paris has to offer.—NADIM I., PARIS

the last day that we snorkeled off of Caye Caulker was unforgettable. My heart still races when I think about the moment that I swam around the reef and saw the two huge manatees staring back at me. My love for the ocean skyrocketed in that moment.—LINDSEY W., BELIZE

at sunset, we ran to a massive dune and scaled up the almost-vertical side. as we were lying out of breath on the crest, overlooking miles of desert, the golden sunlight illuminated the peaks of sand all around us. the wind had picked up and cast the sand like little gold flakes swirling all around us. after taking a panoramic shot we raced down the face of the dune where we collapsed, covered in sand.—DAVID S., NAMIBIA

Photos (clockwise): Trevor H., Casey W., Tiger K., David S., Nadim I.

Meet a few of our students. THEY WERE MOVED AND INSPIRED.turning into the Piazza della rotonda and recog-nizing the Pantheon was an incredible moment for me. Seeing a building that I’ve researched and seen in movies was amazing. I couldn’t help but stop and stare before freaking out and jumping around in glee.—SAVANNA B., ITALY & GREECE

Walking into N/a’an Ku Sê conservation center for the first time was an unforgettable moment. We saw dozens of people of different races and ages working together to help take care of the wonder-ful animals of the region. the site was beautiful to boot, with the acacia trees, wildlife, and red sand all in one small location. —TREVOR H., NAMIBIA

Mama Maggie is one of the few female safari guides in tanzania. She has boundless energy and enthusiasm for her job, which I believe she sees more as a gift than an occupation. She has started her own foundation, which focuses on the empowerment and education of tanzanian women. Maggie is a phenomenal role model and someone who taught me that anyone, no matter how daunting the odds, can make a difference. —EMILEE H., TANZANIA COMMUNITY SERVICE

last summer, 10 of our students had 10 very different experiences in 10 different countries. But to hear them tell it, they all came back

full of great memories, new passions, and inspiration.

During a talk with a rhino conservationist, I realized that millions like me back in the U.S. are probably oblivious to the harsh reality of poach-ing and habitat destruction. Since my NGSe trip, I have been inspired to start a wildlife conserva-tion club at my school, as I now feel that I am an ambassador for National Geographic, and have a duty to care for this planet.—DAVID S., NAMIBIA

THEY CAME HOME A LITTLE RICHER.I learned that the world is far bigger and far wilder than anything I could have ever imagined. My trip taught me how much greater purpose we can have when traveling. I realized that even a little group of students with shovels and pick-axes can make a huge difference for a commu-nity halfway around the world, and that definitely means something.—EMILEE H., TANZANIA COMMUNITY SERVICE

I am now really into long hikes. When I got home from alaska I was so sad that my trip had ended that I called up my friend from the trip who lives near me and we went for a hike!—JANE B., ALASKA

Being on this trip changed me, I have learned how to enjoy the little things, to not be afraid to go up to complete strangers and start a conversation with them. the leaders of this trip were just amazing, wonderful people who inspired me.—NADIM I., PARIS

I now realize that the world is not confined to my small town. every time I think back to my trip, I wonder, “What is flo, our NG expert, doing right now? are the Bushman schoolkids enjoying the sandbox we built for them? are our guides leading other americans today?” every day I think about my trip, I expand my small community a little more.—TREVOR H., NAMIBIA

this trip taught me exactly how much I love being behind a camera and discovering the world. I am confident now that I am capable of traveling all around the world, and I can’t wait to see what else the world has to offer.—KAREN J., ECUADOR & THE GALÁPAGOS

THEY EXPERIENCED A LITTLE MAGIC.a small group of us would stay up late pho-tographing star trails in the outback and I will always treasure that as one of the best times of my life. It was incredible to learn about my camera while talking to some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met and joking under the Milky Way.—CASEY W., AUSTRALIA

When we were mountain biking in the Pyr-enees Mountains, I felt a light rain start to sprinkle, and before we knew it, it turned in to a full-on hailstorm. We finally made it to a bridge that was wide enough for everyone to sit under. only, no sitting was going on. We gathered around to do crazy eights, moving our limbs crazily in hopes of getting warmer. We should have been miserable, but all we could do was smile about how truly breath-taking this moment was.—TIGER K., BARCELONA

Brazil’s Amazon & Pantanal: Biodiversity Conservation

THE AMAZON RAIN FOREST AND MANAUS

6 days. 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 conserva-

tion efforts in the Amazon rain forest. Then travel by

bus and boat to a lodge deep in the jungle. Blanket-

ing 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

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 1 514 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

0 550 Miles275

0 550 KM275

Manaus

Campo Grande

Rio de Janeiro

BRAZIL

Bonito

AtlanticOcean

ATLA

NTIC

FOREST

Amazon

A M A Z O N B A S I N

3000

MILES

2014 DATES: July 18–August 5 • July 23–August 10

TUITION: $6,290Airfare 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 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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.

firsthand as we explore by foot and by boat. Glide along

waterways on the lookout for sloths and capuchin

monkeys lounging on branches, pink dolphins swim-

ming by, and scarlet macaws or toucans in the canopy.

Try your hand at piranha fishing and capture images

of the large, electric-blue 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 motorboat at night in search

of the Amazon caiman, a relative of the alligator.

PANTANAL AND BONITO

6 days. 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 the giant

river otter, hyacinth macaws, capybaras, and much

more. Venture into this pristine wilderness on foot and

on horseback, keeping an eye out for the elusive jaguar.

Travel to nearby Bonito to explore the rivers that sea-

sonally flood the Pantanal. Snorkel with colorful fish in

Itinerary (19 DAYS)

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 by horseback, boat, and foot, learning the successes of and challenges to conservation efforts here. Then join scientists to work on the preservation of the golden lion tamarin in the jungles north of Rio.

crystal-clear waters. Cap off our stay with a hike

and a refreshing swim beneath a waterfall.

RIO DE JANEIRO AND THE ATLANTIC FOREST

6 days. During an interlude in legendary Rio de

Janeiro, photograph the city and its island-scat-

tered 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 spe-

cies 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. Ob-

serve these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat,

and meet with scientists to learn about efforts to re-

connect 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.

.

ExpertBrazilian conservationist and National Geographic grantee DENISE RAMBALDI will join both departures in the Atlantic Forest. See her bio on our website.

Highlightsu Look for nocturnal wildlife in the

Amazon on a night safari by boat.

u Track and monitor golden lion tama-rins with scientists in the Atlantic Forest.

u Ride horseback through the wet-lands of the Pantanal.

u Stroll along the beach at Ipanema.

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 pho-tography 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. Meet a researcher from a National Geographic-funded research project in the Amazon. 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 bio-diversity in maintaining the health of the planet.

”I was encouraged to leap outside my comfort zone and embrace everything with an open mind and great attitude.

My greatest sense of accomplish-ment came each time I pushed myself

beyond my limits.”

Madeleine K. Brazil, 2013

{ }

Brazil’s Amazon & Pantanal: Biodiversity Conservation

THE AMAZON RAIN FOREST AND MANAUS

6 days. 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 conserva-

tion efforts in the Amazon rain forest. Then travel by

bus and boat to a lodge deep in the jungle. Blanket-

ing 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

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 1 514 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

0 550 Miles275

0 550 KM275

Manaus

Campo Grande

Rio de Janeiro

BRAZIL

Bonito

AtlanticOcean

ATLA

NTIC

FOREST

Amazon

A M A Z O N B A S I N

3000

MILES

2014 DATES: July 18–August 5 • July 23–August 10

TUITION: $6,290Airfare 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 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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.

firsthand as we explore by foot and by boat. Glide along

waterways on the lookout for sloths and capuchin

monkeys lounging on branches, pink dolphins swim-

ming by, and scarlet macaws or toucans in the canopy.

Try your hand at piranha fishing and capture images

of the large, electric-blue 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 motorboat at night in search

of the Amazon caiman, a relative of the alligator.

PANTANAL AND BONITO

6 days. 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 the giant

river otter, hyacinth macaws, capybaras, and much

more. Venture into this pristine wilderness on foot and

on horseback, keeping an eye out for the elusive jaguar.

Travel to nearby Bonito to explore the rivers that sea-

sonally flood the Pantanal. Snorkel with colorful fish in

Itinerary (19 DAYS)

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 by horseback, boat, and foot, learning the successes of and challenges to conservation efforts here. Then join scientists to work on the preservation of the golden lion tamarin in the jungles north of Rio.

crystal-clear waters. Cap off our stay with a hike

and a refreshing swim beneath a waterfall.

RIO DE JANEIRO AND THE ATLANTIC FOREST

6 days. During an interlude in legendary Rio de

Janeiro, photograph the city and its island-scat-

tered 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 spe-

cies 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. Ob-

serve these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat,

and meet with scientists to learn about efforts to re-

connect 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.

.

ExpertBrazilian conservationist and National Geographic grantee DENISE RAMBALDI will join both departures in the Atlantic Forest. See her bio on our website.

Highlightsu Look for nocturnal wildlife in the

Amazon on a night safari by boat.

u Track and monitor golden lion tama-rins with scientists in the Atlantic Forest.

u Ride horseback through the wet-lands of the Pantanal.

u Stroll along the beach at Ipanema.

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 pho-tography 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. Meet a researcher from a National Geographic-funded research project in the Amazon. 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 bio-diversity in maintaining the health of the planet.

”I was encouraged to leap outside my comfort zone and embrace everything with an open mind and great attitude.

My greatest sense of accomplish-ment came each time I pushed myself

beyond my limits.”

Madeleine K. Brazil, 2013

{ }

TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER

1 day. 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.

BLACKBIRD CAYE

6 days. Take a boat from the marina across the clear blue waters to Turneffe Atoll, where we’ll get settled at the Oceanic Society’s research facility on Blackbird

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 1 716 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Belize City

MEXICO

GUATEMALA

TurneffeIslands Lighthouse

Reef

Caye Caulker (Cay Corker)

Shark Ray Alley

Ambergris Caye

Blackbird Caye

CaribbeanSea

BELIZE

200

MILES

17° 25' N

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 bar-rier reef. Photograph underwater species, snorkel the famous Blue Hole, and learn about local ecotourism and conservation initiatives.

2014 DATES: JULY 8–19 • JULY 15–26 • JULY 22–AUGUST 2

TUITION: $5,590 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Miami and Belize City. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions. Note: Students who are SCUBA certified may SCUBA dive during the trip. The scuba supplement is $300.

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.

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 pho-tography 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.”

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 a manatee-tagging project. Participate in ongoing initiatives to protect dolphins, turtles, and reef sharks, and examine the threats to

coral reefs around the planet.

Improve your underwater photography and video

techniques during one-on-one lessons with our highly

qualified trip leaders and experts, and learn to use pho-

tography as a storytelling 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 remark-

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

able 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.

CAYE CAULKER

5 days. 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 par-

ticipate in community service and environmental stew-

ardship 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.

ExpertMarine biologist and filmmaker TIERNEY THYS will join the July 8 departure on Caye Caulker and the July 15 departure on Blackbird Caye. See her bio on page 8.

“These were the most amazing 12 days of my life! I’ll take with me a

heightened awareness of my ecological footprint, a renewed re-

spect for the ocean and the life in it, and a sense of empowerment to go

home and make change.”

Alexandra D. Belize, 2013

Highlights u Snorkel or SCUBA dive on the

world’s second-largest barrier reef.

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

u Learn the art of underwater photography.

u Explore the world-famous Blue Hole.

{ }

Belize: Oceans and Underwater Exploration

TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER

1 day. 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.

BLACKBIRD CAYE

6 days. Take a boat from the marina across the clear blue waters to Turneffe Atoll, where we’ll get settled at the Oceanic Society’s research facility on Blackbird

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 1 716 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Belize City

MEXICO

GUATEMALA

TurneffeIslands Lighthouse

Reef

Caye Caulker (Cay Corker)

Shark Ray Alley

Ambergris Caye

Blackbird Caye

CaribbeanSea

BELIZE

200

MILES

17° 25' N

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 bar-rier reef. Photograph underwater species, snorkel the famous Blue Hole, and learn about local ecotourism and conservation initiatives.

2014 DATES: JULY 8–19 • JULY 15–26 • JULY 22–AUGUST 2

TUITION: $5,590 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Miami and Belize City. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions. Note: Students who are SCUBA certified may SCUBA dive during the trip. The scuba supplement is $300.

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.

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 pho-tography 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.”

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 a manatee-tagging project. Participate in ongoing initiatives to protect dolphins, turtles, and reef sharks, and examine the threats to

coral reefs around the planet.

Improve your underwater photography and video

techniques during one-on-one lessons with our highly

qualified trip leaders and experts, and learn to use pho-

tography as a storytelling 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 remark-

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

able 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.

CAYE CAULKER

5 days. 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 par-

ticipate in community service and environmental stew-

ardship 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.

ExpertMarine biologist and filmmaker TIERNEY THYS will join the July 8 departure on Caye Caulker and the July 15 departure on Blackbird Caye. See her bio on page 8.

“These were the most amazing 12 days of my life! I’ll take with me a

heightened awareness of my ecological footprint, a renewed re-

spect for the ocean and the life in it, and a sense of empowerment to go

home and make change.”

Alexandra D. Belize, 2013

Highlights u Snorkel or SCUBA dive on the

world’s second-largest barrier reef.

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

u Learn the art of underwater photography.

u Explore the world-famous Blue Hole.

{ }

Belize: Oceans and Underwater Exploration

SeattleOlympic

National Park

OLY M PIC PE NIN S U L A

San JuanIslands

UNITED STATES200

MILES

PacificOcean

PugetSound

Friday Harbor

Lake Crescent

Pacific Northwest: Protecting the Puget Sound Watershed

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,

glacier-topped mountains, and natural hot springs.

Lake Crescent, left behind by the last ice age, harbors

numerous fish species, and hiking and kayaking op-

portunities 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 resur-

gence of salmon populations. 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. Collect water samples, 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.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 1 9

SAN JUAN ISLANDS

5 days. Scattered across 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, National

Geographic Expert Greg Marshall joins us 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 research-

ers 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, record-

ing 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

three-day kayak excursion. With professional guides at

our helm, paddle past rugged sea cliffs and into pris-

tine 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.

2014 DATES: JUNE 27–JULY 8 • JULY 26–AUGUST 6

TUITION: $5,490Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Seattle, Washington. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

2 days. 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-the-scenes tour of the Seattle

Aquarium and learn about local conservation issues.

OLYMPIC PENINSULA

5 days. Ride a ferry across Puget Sound to the Olympic

Peninsula and settle into our base on the shores of

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. Puget Sound is an immense estuary where rivers mix freshwater with the saltwater of the Pacific, creating 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 three-day kayaking adventure.

Highlightsu Work alongside conservationists to

reforest river ecosystems.

u Monitor orca populations with local researchers.

u Go river rafting in Olympic National Park.

u Kayak with Steller sea lions in the San Juan Islands.

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

ExpertBiologist and Crittercam inventor GREG MARSHALL will join the group in the San Juan Islands. See his bio on page 9.

18 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

“For me, this is the best kind of adventure—one which marries the

pure joy of discovery, the opportunity to share ideas, and the participation

in research destined to solve mysteries, enlighten us, and impact

conservation strategies.” Greg Marshall National Geographic Expert

{ }

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 pho-tography and video to help raise awareness about important conservation issues.

PROTECTING THE PUGET SOUND WATERSHED 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 save the watershed and its creatures. Join conservationists and researchers both on land and on the water to help protect two distinct ecosystems. In Olympic National Park, investi-gate 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 restora-tion, 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.

SeattleOlympic

National Park

OLY M PIC PE NIN S U L A

San JuanIslands

UNITED STATES200

MILES

PacificOcean

PugetSound

Friday Harbor

Lake Crescent

Pacific Northwest: Protecting the Puget Sound Watershed

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,

glacier-topped mountains, and natural hot springs.

Lake Crescent, left behind by the last ice age, harbors

numerous fish species, and hiking and kayaking op-

portunities 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 resur-

gence of salmon populations. 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. Collect water samples, 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.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 1 9

SAN JUAN ISLANDS

5 days. Scattered across 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, National

Geographic Expert Greg Marshall joins us 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 research-

ers 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, record-

ing 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

three-day kayak excursion. With professional guides at

our helm, paddle past rugged sea cliffs and into pris-

tine 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.

2014 DATES: JUNE 27–JULY 8 • JULY 26–AUGUST 6

TUITION: $5,490Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Seattle, Washington. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

2 days. 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-the-scenes tour of the Seattle

Aquarium and learn about local conservation issues.

OLYMPIC PENINSULA

5 days. Ride a ferry across Puget Sound to the Olympic

Peninsula and settle into our base on the shores of

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. Puget Sound is an immense estuary where rivers mix freshwater with the saltwater of the Pacific, creating 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 three-day kayaking adventure.

Highlightsu Work alongside conservationists to

reforest river ecosystems.

u Monitor orca populations with local researchers.

u Go river rafting in Olympic National Park.

u Kayak with Steller sea lions in the San Juan Islands.

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

ExpertBiologist and Crittercam inventor GREG MARSHALL will join the group in the San Juan Islands. See his bio on page 9.

18 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

“For me, this is the best kind of adventure—one which marries the

pure joy of discovery, the opportunity to share ideas, and the participation

in research destined to solve mysteries, enlighten us, and impact

conservation strategies.” Greg Marshall National Geographic Expert

{ }

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 pho-tography and video to help raise awareness about important conservation issues.

PROTECTING THE PUGET SOUND WATERSHED 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 save the watershed and its creatures. Join conservationists and researchers both on land and on the water to help protect two distinct ecosystems. In Olympic National Park, investi-gate 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 restora-tion, 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.

Peru: Mysteries of the Inca Empire

CUSCO AND CHINCHERO

7 days. 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 form our On

Assignment teams. 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 long gone but not forgotten. Then explore the

colossal fortress of Sacsayhuaman, site of one of the

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 2 120 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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.

MACHU PICCHU

3 days. 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 in 1911 and excavated by a team

from National Geographic. Follow National Geographic

expert Peter Frost into the maze of temples and dwell-

ings 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.

PERU

CuscoOllantaytamboMachu

Picchu

Pa c i f i cO c e an

Lima

0 200

MILES

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 Archae-ology & Ancient Culture.

Highlightsu Explore Inca fortresses and the

incomparable Machu Picchu.

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

u Learn the ancient practice of Peruvian weaving.

u Hike to remote Andean villages.

u Volunteer at a local orphanage.

2014 DATES: JUNE 23–JULY 12 • JULY 16–AUGUST 4

TUITION: $6,090 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 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We will stay in small, family-run inns and hostels throughout the expedition. Note: Cusco is at an elevation of 11,200 feet, and Machu Picchu is at an elevation of 8,000 feet.

Itinerary (20 DAYS)

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYCreate 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 CULTUREExamine 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.

THE SACRED VALLEY AND OLLANTAYTAMBO

8 days. 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 South-

ern 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 archaeologi-

cal 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 Ollantaytanbo, finalize

your On Assignment projects and present them to

the group.

LIMA

2 days. 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 to Miami.

ExpertPETER FROST is a writer and photographer based in Cusco. He will join both departures in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu. See his bio on our website.

”Climbing Wayna Picchu and doing the extra loop was really amazing! I enjoyed pushing myself and felt such a sense of accomplishment

afterward.”

Addison L. Peru, 2013

}{

Peru: Mysteries of the Inca Empire

CUSCO AND CHINCHERO

7 days. 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 form our On

Assignment teams. 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 long gone but not forgotten. Then explore the

colossal fortress of Sacsayhuaman, site of one of the

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 2 120 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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.

MACHU PICCHU

3 days. 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 in 1911 and excavated by a team

from National Geographic. Follow National Geographic

expert Peter Frost into the maze of temples and dwell-

ings 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.

PERU

CuscoOllantaytamboMachu

Picchu

Pa c i f i cO c e an

Lima

0 200

MILES

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 Archae-ology & Ancient Culture.

Highlightsu Explore Inca fortresses and the

incomparable Machu Picchu.

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

u Learn the ancient practice of Peruvian weaving.

u Hike to remote Andean villages.

u Volunteer at a local orphanage.

2014 DATES: JUNE 23–JULY 12 • JULY 16–AUGUST 4

TUITION: $6,090 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 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We will stay in small, family-run inns and hostels throughout the expedition. Note: Cusco is at an elevation of 11,200 feet, and Machu Picchu is at an elevation of 8,000 feet.

Itinerary (20 DAYS)

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYCreate 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 CULTUREExamine 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.

THE SACRED VALLEY AND OLLANTAYTAMBO

8 days. 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 South-

ern 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 archaeologi-

cal 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 Ollantaytanbo, finalize

your On Assignment projects and present them to

the group.

LIMA

2 days. 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 to Miami.

ExpertPETER FROST is a writer and photographer based in Cusco. He will join both departures in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu. See his bio on our website.

”Climbing Wayna Picchu and doing the extra loop was really amazing! I enjoyed pushing myself and felt such a sense of accomplishment

afterward.”

Addison L. Peru, 2013

}{

Ecuador & the Galápagos: Biodiversity Hotspot

QUITO3 days. Located at 9,000 feet in a high-Andean valley

ringed by snowcapped volcanoes, Quito is the sec-

ond 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.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 2 322 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

COTOPAXI VOLCANO AND THE HIGH PÁRAMO3 days. 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).

MINDO AND THE CLOUD FOREST

4 days. 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 impres-

sive array of protected natural areas. Catch the tarabita,

ECUADOR

Pa c i f i cO c e an

QuitoMindo

CotopaxiNational Park

0 200

MILES

GalápagosIslands

0 100

MILES

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.

Highlightsu Snorkel with playful sea lions

and penguins in the Galápagos.

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

u Ride horseback in the sweeping páramo landscape of the Andes.

u Work on conservation projects near Cotopaxi National Park.

2014 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 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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: Quito is at an elevation of 9,350 feet and our hacienda in the páramo is at 11,800 feet.

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYCreate a photo-essay depicting Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, or spec-tacular 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 approach-able animals of the Galápagos Islands.

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATIONStudy Ecuador’s conservation policies with local experts in the field. Set out in teams to interview community members about local conserva-tion 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 firsthand by observing turtles and marine iguanas.

PHOTOGRAPHY

ARCHAEOLOGY &ANCIENT CULTURE

WILDLIFE &CONSERVATION

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY

CREATIVE WRITING

FILMMAKING

COMMUNITY SERVICE

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

PHOTOGRAPHY

ARCHAEOLOGY &ANCIENT CULTURE

WILDLIFE &CONSERVATION

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY

CREATIVE WRITING

FILMMAKING

COMMUNITY SERVICE

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

“I feel like I discovered myself on this trip! The people I met really gave me a new view of the world and its sur-

prises. The memories and friendships I made while in Ecuador will stay with

me forever.” Lauren C. Ecuador & the Galápagos, 2013

Itinerary (18 DAYS)

an open-air tram, to ride over a deep ravine into

the unspoiled cloud forest of the Bosque Protec-

tor Mindo-Nambillo reserve. Swim in freshwater

pools, where waterfalls cascade down cliffs over-

grown with orchids. Hone your wildlife observa-

tion 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.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS 8 days. 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 subspe-

cies, 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.

ExpertPhotographer IVAN KASHINSKY will join the July 5 and 19 trips. Biologist TAYLOR EDWARDS will join the June 28 trip. See Taylor’s bio on page 9, and see Ivan’s bio on our website.

{ }

Ecuador & the Galápagos: Biodiversity Hotspot

QUITO3 days. Located at 9,000 feet in a high-Andean valley

ringed by snowcapped volcanoes, Quito is the sec-

ond 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.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 2 322 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

COTOPAXI VOLCANO AND THE HIGH PÁRAMO3 days. 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).

MINDO AND THE CLOUD FOREST

4 days. 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 impres-

sive array of protected natural areas. Catch the tarabita,

ECUADOR

Pa c i f i cO c e an

QuitoMindo

CotopaxiNational Park

0 200

MILES

GalápagosIslands

0 100

MILES

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.

Highlightsu Snorkel with playful sea lions

and penguins in the Galápagos.

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

u Ride horseback in the sweeping páramo landscape of the Andes.

u Work on conservation projects near Cotopaxi National Park.

2014 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 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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: Quito is at an elevation of 9,350 feet and our hacienda in the páramo is at 11,800 feet.

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYCreate a photo-essay depicting Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, or spec-tacular 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 approach-able animals of the Galápagos Islands.

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATIONStudy Ecuador’s conservation policies with local experts in the field. Set out in teams to interview community members about local conserva-tion 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 firsthand by observing turtles and marine iguanas.

PHOTOGRAPHY

ARCHAEOLOGY &ANCIENT CULTURE

WILDLIFE &CONSERVATION

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY

CREATIVE WRITING

FILMMAKING

COMMUNITY SERVICE

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

PHOTOGRAPHY

ARCHAEOLOGY &ANCIENT CULTURE

WILDLIFE &CONSERVATION

CLIMATE & GEOLOGY

CREATIVE WRITING

FILMMAKING

COMMUNITY SERVICE

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

“I feel like I discovered myself on this trip! The people I met really gave me a new view of the world and its sur-

prises. The memories and friendships I made while in Ecuador will stay with

me forever.” Lauren C. Ecuador & the Galápagos, 2013

Itinerary (18 DAYS)

an open-air tram, to ride over a deep ravine into

the unspoiled cloud forest of the Bosque Protec-

tor Mindo-Nambillo reserve. Swim in freshwater

pools, where waterfalls cascade down cliffs over-

grown with orchids. Hone your wildlife observa-

tion 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.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS 8 days. 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 subspe-

cies, 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.

ExpertPhotographer IVAN KASHINSKY will join the July 5 and 19 trips. Biologist TAYLOR EDWARDS will join the June 28 trip. See Taylor’s bio on page 9, and see Ivan’s bio on our website.

{ }

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 2 5

Johannesburg

Vilanculos

SOUTHAFRICA

MOZAMBIQUEBazaruto Archipelago National ParkKruger

National Park Tofo Beach

3000

MILES

Indian Ocean

Maputo

2014 DATES: JUNE 23–JULY 12 • JULY 11–30

TUITION: $7,690Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Johannesburg, and return from Vilanculos. Please refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions. Note: Students who are SCUBA certified may SCUBA dive during the trip. The SCUBA supplement is $300.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in dormitory-style housing, small hotels, safari tents, and small casitas on the beach..

Geographic Emerging Explorer Andrea Marshall.

Our days here will be spent with the foundation’s

scientists, learning about the wide spectrum of

wildlife here, with a special focus on large marine

species. Snorkel or dive a site called Manta Reef

with marine researchers, collecting data and

monitoring marine life from ethereal manta rays

and whale sharks to sea turtles and moray eels.

Venture out on an ocean safari, cruising in search of

dolphin pods and migrating humpback whales. Gather

in the evenings for a barbecue on the beach or a

discussion on coastal conservation efforts with

marine researchers.

VILANCULOS AND BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO

NATIONAL PARK

6 days. Follow the coast to Vilanculos, home to the

Marine Megafauna Foundation’s northern partner and

the gateway to Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. A

swirl of unspoiled islands with soaring dunes and few

inhabitants, the archipelago is one of the most serene

and spectacular places on Earth. Meet with Andrea

Marshall to learn about her megafauna conserva-

tion initiatives and her work to protect the dugong, a

relative of the manatee whose largest populations in

East Africa used to be found here. Learn about threats

to the marine ecosystem and help survey dugong and

other marine megafauna while snorkeling or diving in

the reef-filled waters surrounding the islands. Board

a dhow, or traditional sailboat, to explore remote parts

of the coast, and relax on some of the most pristine

beaches in Africa.

Present your final On Assignment projects to the

group before flying home.

South Africa & Mozambique: Megafauna of the Land and Sea

SOUTH AFRICA AND KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

7 days. Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa, and head

north to Kruger National Park, one of the largest game

reserves in Africa and one of the world’s top wildlife-

viewing destinations. Stretching along South Africa’s

border with Mozambique, Kruger was established as a

protected area beginning in 1898, and is home to an

incredible range of creatures, including the famous “big

five”: African elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros,

and leopard. From our home base at the South African

Wildlife College, venture out into the park with local

From the wildlife-packed savanna of Kruger National Park to the serene ocean depths of Mozambique’s Bazaruto archipelago, southeastern Africa is endowed with a staggering wealth of megafauna. Explore a host of conservation issues as you work with naturalists in these two very different environments. Follow trackers into the Kruger wilderness, learning to identify species and observing their behavior. Then head to the rich waters along Mozambique’s pristine coast and encounter manta rays, dugongs, whale sharks, and much more with scientists from the Marine Megafauna Foundation.

Highlightsu Learn tracking techniques on game

drives in Kruger National Park.

u Monitor marine wildlife with scientists off Tofo Beach.

u Spot humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and manta rays on an ocean safari.

u Snorkel with whale sharks and dugongs in the Bazaruto archipelago.

Itinerary (20 DAYS)

trackers on daily game drives. Observe an astonish-

ing variety of creatures in their natural habitats—from

cheetahs and wild dogs to marabou storks—and study

their behavior first hand. Learn to identify animal

tracks and scat, and take bush walks to discover the

plant life and smaller wildlife of the lowveld. Go on

night safaris to watch nocturnal animals in action. Meet

with rangers and instructors at the college to discuss

what is being done to limit poaching within Kruger

National Park and hear about the challenges they

face. Listen to the wild sounds of the savanna around a

fire during a night of camping in the bush with experi-

enced guides.

TOFO BEACH, MOZAMBIQUE

5 days. Travel east to Mozambique, passing through

the cosmopolitan capital of Maputo on our way to

Tofo Beach. A stunning miles-long stretch of sand

that curves along the Mozambique Channel, Tofo

is home to the main research center of the Marine

Megafauna Foundation, established by National

}{“Mantas are some of the most engag-ing and charismatic underwater ani-mals you’ll ever encounter. But if we don’t act now, these amazing species

could disappear from our oceans.” Andrea Marshall National Geographic Expert

ExpertNational Geographic Emerging Explorer and conservation biologist ANDREA MARSHALL will join the group in Vilanculos, Mozambique. See her bio on page 8.

24 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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 pho-tography and video to help raise awareness about important conservation issues.

MEGAFAUNA OF THE LAND AND SEA From wild dogs to big cats to manta rays, National Geographic’s researchers have been working for decades to protect the majestic wildlife of southeast Africa. Delve right in to the efforts to protect South Africa and Mozambique’s largest wild creatures on land and in the sea. At the South African Wildlife College, meet with park rangers and educators to learn about their efforts to promote community-based natural re-source management and minimize human-wildlife conflict outside of the parks. Interview members of the anti-poaching team and hear about their challenges and successes. In Mozambique, join a team of researchers at the Marine Megafauna Foundation as they gather data on manta rays, dugongs, and other species. Learn about efforts to reduce poaching of sea turtles, survey marine mammals on dives and snorkeling excursions, and discuss environmental threats such as destructive fishing practices in the Mozambique Channel.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 2 5

Johannesburg

Vilanculos

SOUTHAFRICA

MOZAMBIQUEBazaruto Archipelago National ParkKruger

National Park Tofo Beach

3000

MILES

Indian Ocean

Maputo

2014 DATES: JUNE 23–JULY 12 • JULY 11–30

TUITION: $7,690Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Johannesburg, and return from Vilanculos. Please refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions. Note: Students who are SCUBA certified may SCUBA dive during the trip. The SCUBA supplement is $300.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in dormitory-style housing, small hotels, safari tents, and small casitas on the beach..

Geographic Emerging Explorer Andrea Marshall.

Our days here will be spent with the foundation’s

scientists, learning about the wide spectrum of

wildlife here, with a special focus on large marine

species. Snorkel or dive a site called Manta Reef

with marine researchers, collecting data and

monitoring marine life from ethereal manta rays

and whale sharks to sea turtles and moray eels.

Venture out on an ocean safari, cruising in search of

dolphin pods and migrating humpback whales. Gather

in the evenings for a barbecue on the beach or a

discussion on coastal conservation efforts with

marine researchers.

VILANCULOS AND BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO

NATIONAL PARK

6 days. Follow the coast to Vilanculos, home to the

Marine Megafauna Foundation’s northern partner and

the gateway to Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. A

swirl of unspoiled islands with soaring dunes and few

inhabitants, the archipelago is one of the most serene

and spectacular places on Earth. Meet with Andrea

Marshall to learn about her megafauna conserva-

tion initiatives and her work to protect the dugong, a

relative of the manatee whose largest populations in

East Africa used to be found here. Learn about threats

to the marine ecosystem and help survey dugong and

other marine megafauna while snorkeling or diving in

the reef-filled waters surrounding the islands. Board

a dhow, or traditional sailboat, to explore remote parts

of the coast, and relax on some of the most pristine

beaches in Africa.

Present your final On Assignment projects to the

group before flying home.

South Africa & Mozambique: Megafauna of the Land and Sea

SOUTH AFRICA AND KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

7 days. Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa, and head

north to Kruger National Park, one of the largest game

reserves in Africa and one of the world’s top wildlife-

viewing destinations. Stretching along South Africa’s

border with Mozambique, Kruger was established as a

protected area beginning in 1898, and is home to an

incredible range of creatures, including the famous “big

five”: African elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros,

and leopard. From our home base at the South African

Wildlife College, venture out into the park with local

From the wildlife-packed savanna of Kruger National Park to the serene ocean depths of Mozambique’s Bazaruto archipelago, southeastern Africa is endowed with a staggering wealth of megafauna. Explore a host of conservation issues as you work with naturalists in these two very different environments. Follow trackers into the Kruger wilderness, learning to identify species and observing their behavior. Then head to the rich waters along Mozambique’s pristine coast and encounter manta rays, dugongs, whale sharks, and much more with scientists from the Marine Megafauna Foundation.

Highlightsu Learn tracking techniques on game

drives in Kruger National Park.

u Monitor marine wildlife with scientists off Tofo Beach.

u Spot humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and manta rays on an ocean safari.

u Snorkel with whale sharks and dugongs in the Bazaruto archipelago.

Itinerary (20 DAYS)

trackers on daily game drives. Observe an astonish-

ing variety of creatures in their natural habitats—from

cheetahs and wild dogs to marabou storks—and study

their behavior first hand. Learn to identify animal

tracks and scat, and take bush walks to discover the

plant life and smaller wildlife of the lowveld. Go on

night safaris to watch nocturnal animals in action. Meet

with rangers and instructors at the college to discuss

what is being done to limit poaching within Kruger

National Park and hear about the challenges they

face. Listen to the wild sounds of the savanna around a

fire during a night of camping in the bush with experi-

enced guides.

TOFO BEACH, MOZAMBIQUE

5 days. Travel east to Mozambique, passing through

the cosmopolitan capital of Maputo on our way to

Tofo Beach. A stunning miles-long stretch of sand

that curves along the Mozambique Channel, Tofo

is home to the main research center of the Marine

Megafauna Foundation, established by National

}{“Mantas are some of the most engag-ing and charismatic underwater ani-mals you’ll ever encounter. But if we don’t act now, these amazing species

could disappear from our oceans.” Andrea Marshall National Geographic Expert

ExpertNational Geographic Emerging Explorer and conservation biologist ANDREA MARSHALL will join the group in Vilanculos, Mozambique. See her bio on page 8.

24 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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 pho-tography and video to help raise awareness about important conservation issues.

MEGAFAUNA OF THE LAND AND SEA From wild dogs to big cats to manta rays, National Geographic’s researchers have been working for decades to protect the majestic wildlife of southeast Africa. Delve right in to the efforts to protect South Africa and Mozambique’s largest wild creatures on land and in the sea. At the South African Wildlife College, meet with park rangers and educators to learn about their efforts to promote community-based natural re-source management and minimize human-wildlife conflict outside of the parks. Interview members of the anti-poaching team and hear about their challenges and successes. In Mozambique, join a team of researchers at the Marine Megafauna Foundation as they gather data on manta rays, dugongs, and other species. Learn about efforts to reduce poaching of sea turtles, survey marine mammals on dives and snorkeling excursions, and discuss environmental threats such as destructive fishing practices in the Mozambique Channel.

Namibia: Wildlife Conservation

WINDHOEK AND N/A’AN KU SÊ 6 days. Our expedition begins in the capital city of Windhoek, located at Namibia’s geographic center. Visit Christuskirche and Heinitzburg castle, remnants of the German colonial era, and meet with local conservation-ists to discuss their efforts to integrate conservation and sustainable development in rural Namibia.

Get settled at the N/a’an Ku Sê Carnivore Conservation Centre, where National Geographic grantee and lead researcher Florian Weise has devel-oped an innovative approach to protecting predators while reducing attacks on local livestock. With Florian’s

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 2 726 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Etosha National Park

Sossusvlei NamibRand Nature Reserve

CheetahConservation Fund

Swakopmund Windhoek

Otavi

NAMIBIA

Atlantic Ocean

Etosha Pan

1000

MILES

2014 DATES: JUNE 26–JULY 16 • JULY 15–AUGUST 4

TUITION: $7,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Windhoek. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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

guidance, learn about the use of GPS and Google Earth to track leopards and cheetahs, and head into the field with local researchers on game counts, collar-tracking exercises, or to set up camera traps at watering holes. Help prepare meals for animals at the rehabilitation center, and spend a day at a preschool running an environmental education camp.

SOSSUSVLEI, SWAKOPMUND, AND THE NAMIB DESERT5 days. From here, travel south to Sossusvlei and the Sesriem Canyon. Pay a visit to the iconic Dead Vlei, where ancient and skeletal camel thorn trees stand in sharp contrast to the white salt pan and vibrant orange sand dunes. 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 col-ony 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 and keep an eye out for turtles, seals, sunfish, and penguins too.

Itinerary (21 DAYS)

The landscapes of Namibia are stunning, stark, and home to a wealth of desert-adapted wildlife that National Geographic scientists are hard at work protecting. 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, the oldest in the world.

Highlightsu Track and monitor cheetahs, leopards,

and rhinos with researchers.

u Set out on safari in Etosha National Park.

u Get to know the Bushmen and their traditions.

u Go sandboarding on the dunes of the Namib Desert.

DAMARALAND4 days. Journey into Damaraland, where the stark desert is dotted with unusually succulent plants fed by Atlantic mists. Here, we’ll visit a Save the Rhino Trust base camp. The Trust col-laborates with local communities to protect the critically endangered black rhinoceros. Meet with senior researchers and set out on patrol with trackers to search for rhinos. Pay a visit to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at one of the largest and fin-est collection of petroglyphs in Africa. View stone tools and other artifacts found here, and discover what they convey about the hunter-gatherers who once lived in this region. Visit nearby Himba and Herero villages with knowledgeable local guides.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK 3 days. 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, the rare black-faced impala, 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.

CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND 3 days. Delve into the plight of the cheetah at the world-renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) near Otavi. Talk with scientists about predator conser-vation outreach efforts and their collaboration with lo-cal farmers. Join trackers on census walks, help care for orphaned cheetahs, visit the genetics lab, and observe a training session of livestock guard dogs—an integral part of CCF’s conservation plan. Cap off our expedition with a group presentation illustrating the delicate bal-ance of wildlife and human populations in Namibia and the importance of conservation efforts here.

ExpertWildlife biologist FLORIAN WEISE is a National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantee. He will join the group at the N/a’an ku sê Research Center. See his bio on page 8.

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 pho-tography and video to help raise awareness about important conservation issues.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Africa’s wildlife is legendary, awe-inspiring, and seriously threatened. Cheetahs have disap-peared from 75% of their original range, and, according to an article 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 Florian Weise, discuss the plight of the cheetah, monitor endangered black rhinos, and develop a group presentation on the importance of conservation.

“The experience and opportunity that comes with these trips is so unique.

Working closely with the researchers and veterinarians, I was able to actu-ally experience what it’s like to be a

conservationist.”David S., Namibia, 2013

}{

Namibia: Wildlife Conservation

WINDHOEK AND N/A’AN KU SÊ 6 days. Our expedition begins in the capital city of Windhoek, located at Namibia’s geographic center. Visit Christuskirche and Heinitzburg castle, remnants of the German colonial era, and meet with local conservation-ists to discuss their efforts to integrate conservation and sustainable development in rural Namibia.

Get settled at the N/a’an Ku Sê Carnivore Conservation Centre, where National Geographic grantee and lead researcher Florian Weise has devel-oped an innovative approach to protecting predators while reducing attacks on local livestock. With Florian’s

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 2 726 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Etosha National Park

Sossusvlei NamibRand Nature Reserve

CheetahConservation Fund

Swakopmund Windhoek

Otavi

NAMIBIA

Atlantic Ocean

Etosha Pan

1000

MILES

2014 DATES: JUNE 26–JULY 16 • JULY 15–AUGUST 4

TUITION: $7,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Windhoek. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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

guidance, learn about the use of GPS and Google Earth to track leopards and cheetahs, and head into the field with local researchers on game counts, collar-tracking exercises, or to set up camera traps at watering holes. Help prepare meals for animals at the rehabilitation center, and spend a day at a preschool running an environmental education camp.

SOSSUSVLEI, SWAKOPMUND, AND THE NAMIB DESERT5 days. From here, travel south to Sossusvlei and the Sesriem Canyon. Pay a visit to the iconic Dead Vlei, where ancient and skeletal camel thorn trees stand in sharp contrast to the white salt pan and vibrant orange sand dunes. 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 col-ony 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 and keep an eye out for turtles, seals, sunfish, and penguins too.

Itinerary (21 DAYS)

The landscapes of Namibia are stunning, stark, and home to a wealth of desert-adapted wildlife that National Geographic scientists are hard at work protecting. 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, the oldest in the world.

Highlightsu Track and monitor cheetahs, leopards,

and rhinos with researchers.

u Set out on safari in Etosha National Park.

u Get to know the Bushmen and their traditions.

u Go sandboarding on the dunes of the Namib Desert.

DAMARALAND4 days. Journey into Damaraland, where the stark desert is dotted with unusually succulent plants fed by Atlantic mists. Here, we’ll visit a Save the Rhino Trust base camp. The Trust col-laborates with local communities to protect the critically endangered black rhinoceros. Meet with senior researchers and set out on patrol with trackers to search for rhinos. Pay a visit to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at one of the largest and fin-est collection of petroglyphs in Africa. View stone tools and other artifacts found here, and discover what they convey about the hunter-gatherers who once lived in this region. Visit nearby Himba and Herero villages with knowledgeable local guides.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK 3 days. 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, the rare black-faced impala, 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.

CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND 3 days. Delve into the plight of the cheetah at the world-renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) near Otavi. Talk with scientists about predator conser-vation outreach efforts and their collaboration with lo-cal farmers. Join trackers on census walks, help care for orphaned cheetahs, visit the genetics lab, and observe a training session of livestock guard dogs—an integral part of CCF’s conservation plan. Cap off our expedition with a group presentation illustrating the delicate bal-ance of wildlife and human populations in Namibia and the importance of conservation efforts here.

ExpertWildlife biologist FLORIAN WEISE is a National Geographic Big Cats Initiative grantee. He will join the group at the N/a’an ku sê Research Center. See his bio on page 8.

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 pho-tography and video to help raise awareness about important conservation issues.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Africa’s wildlife is legendary, awe-inspiring, and seriously threatened. Cheetahs have disap-peared from 75% of their original range, and, according to an article 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 Florian Weise, discuss the plight of the cheetah, monitor endangered black rhinos, and develop a group presentation on the importance of conservation.

“The experience and opportunity that comes with these trips is so unique.

Working closely with the researchers and veterinarians, I was able to actu-ally experience what it’s like to be a

conservationist.”David S., Namibia, 2013

}{

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 2 9

0 100

MILES

TANZANIA

Kilimanjaro

OldonyoSambuWildernessArea

Ngorongoro Crater

LakeManyara

Maji ya Chai

Arusha

SerengetiNational Park

Tarangire National Park

2014 DATES: JUNE 30–JULY 19 • JULY 18–AUGUST 6

TUITION: $7,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Arusha. Please refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

ACCOMMODATIONS: While in the village, we stay in dormitory-style housing with bunk beds. In the Maasai tribal lands and on safari, we stay in tented camps..

tory 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 Wil-

derness 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 selec-

tion, 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.

CULTURAL CENTER IN NORTHERN TANZANIA

3 days. 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.

Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Tribal Life

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYDocument your exploration of Tanzania in photographs. Capture images of market-bound 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 & CONSERVATIONInvestigate 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.

VILLAGE IN NORTHERN TANZANIA 8 days. 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

of interdependent community developed by Tanzania’s

first president, Julius Nyerere. Break into your On

Assignment teams to plan projects and interact with

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 cen-turies. 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.

Highlights u Go on safari and encounter elephants,

lions, giraffes, zebras, and hippos.

u Experience life in a rural village.

u Work on a National Geographic Project to build a boma fence.

u Hike on tribal lands with Maasai warriors.

Itinerary (20 DAYS)

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.

WILDLIFE SAFARI AND MAASAI TRIBAL LANDS

7 days. 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 grantee Laly Lichten-

feld. 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 local trees to keep preda-

“My favorite memory is walking into a boma for the first time. We learned about the Maasai people’s culture as

it was happening in front of us.” Sarah G. Tanzania, 2012

ExpertNational Geographic grantee and wildlife ecologist LALY LICHTENFELD will join both departures during the safari. See her bio on our website.

28 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

{ }

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 2 9

0 100

MILES

TANZANIA

Kilimanjaro

OldonyoSambuWildernessArea

Ngorongoro Crater

LakeManyara

Maji ya Chai

Arusha

SerengetiNational Park

Tarangire National Park

2014 DATES: JUNE 30–JULY 19 • JULY 18–AUGUST 6

TUITION: $7,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Arusha. Please refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

ACCOMMODATIONS: While in the village, we stay in dormitory-style housing with bunk beds. In the Maasai tribal lands and on safari, we stay in tented camps..

tory 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 Wil-

derness 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 selec-

tion, 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.

CULTURAL CENTER IN NORTHERN TANZANIA

3 days. 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.

Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Tribal Life

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYDocument your exploration of Tanzania in photographs. Capture images of market-bound 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 & CONSERVATIONInvestigate 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.

VILLAGE IN NORTHERN TANZANIA 8 days. 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

of interdependent community developed by Tanzania’s

first president, Julius Nyerere. Break into your On

Assignment teams to plan projects and interact with

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 cen-turies. 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.

Highlights u Go on safari and encounter elephants,

lions, giraffes, zebras, and hippos.

u Experience life in a rural village.

u Work on a National Geographic Project to build a boma fence.

u Hike on tribal lands with Maasai warriors.

Itinerary (20 DAYS)

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.

WILDLIFE SAFARI AND MAASAI TRIBAL LANDS

7 days. 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 grantee Laly Lichten-

feld. 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 local trees to keep preda-

“My favorite memory is walking into a boma for the first time. We learned about the Maasai people’s culture as

it was happening in front of us.” Sarah G. Tanzania, 2012

ExpertNational Geographic grantee and wildlife ecologist LALY LICHTENFELD will join both departures during the safari. See her bio on our website.

28 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

{ }

Australia: Outback, Rain Forest, and Reef

SYDNEY 3 days. 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 visit the Opera House. Meet

your first koalas and kangaroos at the famous Taronga

Zoo, and visit the Sydney Aquarium to get acquainted

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 3 130 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Cora lS e a

Great B

arrie r Reef

AUSTRALIA

Cairns

Sydney

Alice Springs

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Daintree National Park

0 500

MILES

With roughly the population of metropolitan New York City and the landmass of the con-tinental 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; and spot fascinating wildlife. 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 Filmmaking.

Highlights u Meet Aboriginal people and learn

about their spiritual beliefs.

u Snorkel with marine biologists along the Great Barrier Reef.

u Explore the flora and fauna of the oldest rain forest on Earth.

u See koalas and kangaroos at the world-famous Taronga Zoo.

2014 DATES: JUNE 28–JULY 17 • JULY 18–AUGUST 6

TUITION: $8,390 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 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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.

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYCapture 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 & CONSERVATIONExplore 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.

FILMMAKINGJoin 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.

Itinerary (20 DAYS)

the ‘bush,’ and help collect fire wood, prepare

dinner, and sleep under the stars. Spot Scorpio

and the Southern Cross, and learn a whole new

set of Southern Hemisphere constellations.

QUEENSLAND AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF 10 days. 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, the harmless reef shark, and maybe even a migrating humpback whale. Discover the reef and gain insights 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 million-year-old Daintree Rainforest. Hike through the lush vegeta-tion 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. Then, present

your final On Assignment project to the group. The program ends in Cairns with a final group meal and celebration.

Expert Photojournalist, filmmaker, and adventurer ULLA LOHMANN will join both departures at the Great Barrier Reef. See her bio on page 8.

“In the Outback, we climbed to the top of a rock and everyone was snap-ping pictures and talking. Our leader

suggested that we put everything down and just take in the moment.

So we did, and the magnitude of the experience suddenly hit us all . . . and

it was absolutely amazing.” Kifaya T. Australia, 2013

}{with the marine life you will encounter on the Great

Barrier Reef.

ULURU AND THE OUTBACK

5 days. Fly from Sydney to the outback, and experience

life in Alice Springs, the region’s largest city. Have your

first interactions with Aboriginal culture, and learn how

their people have survived for more than 50,000 years.

Discover 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 to-

wards the largest monolith on earth, Uluru (also known

as Ayers Rock). Steeped in mythology, this colossal

piece of sandstone rises abruptly from the desert plain.

Trek between the giant rounded 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

Australia: Outback, Rain Forest, and Reef

SYDNEY 3 days. 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 visit the Opera House. Meet

your first koalas and kangaroos at the famous Taronga

Zoo, and visit the Sydney Aquarium to get acquainted

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 3 130 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Cora lS e a

Great B

arrie r Reef

AUSTRALIA

Cairns

Sydney

Alice Springs

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Daintree National Park

0 500

MILES

With roughly the population of metropolitan New York City and the landmass of the con-tinental 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; and spot fascinating wildlife. 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 Filmmaking.

Highlights u Meet Aboriginal people and learn

about their spiritual beliefs.

u Snorkel with marine biologists along the Great Barrier Reef.

u Explore the flora and fauna of the oldest rain forest on Earth.

u See koalas and kangaroos at the world-famous Taronga Zoo.

2014 DATES: JUNE 28–JULY 17 • JULY 18–AUGUST 6

TUITION: $8,390 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 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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.

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYCapture 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 & CONSERVATIONExplore 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.

FILMMAKINGJoin 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.

Itinerary (20 DAYS)

the ‘bush,’ and help collect fire wood, prepare

dinner, and sleep under the stars. Spot Scorpio

and the Southern Cross, and learn a whole new

set of Southern Hemisphere constellations.

QUEENSLAND AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF 10 days. 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, the harmless reef shark, and maybe even a migrating humpback whale. Discover the reef and gain insights 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 million-year-old Daintree Rainforest. Hike through the lush vegeta-tion 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. Then, present

your final On Assignment project to the group. The program ends in Cairns with a final group meal and celebration.

Expert Photojournalist, filmmaker, and adventurer ULLA LOHMANN will join both departures at the Great Barrier Reef. See her bio on page 8.

“In the Outback, we climbed to the top of a rock and everyone was snap-ping pictures and talking. Our leader

suggested that we put everything down and just take in the moment.

So we did, and the magnitude of the experience suddenly hit us all . . . and

it was absolutely amazing.” Kifaya T. Australia, 2013

}{with the marine life you will encounter on the Great

Barrier Reef.

ULURU AND THE OUTBACK

5 days. Fly from Sydney to the outback, and experience

life in Alice Springs, the region’s largest city. Have your

first interactions with Aboriginal culture, and learn how

their people have survived for more than 50,000 years.

Discover 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 to-

wards the largest monolith on earth, Uluru (also known

as Ayers Rock). Steeped in mythology, this colossal

piece of sandstone rises abruptly from the desert plain.

Trek between the giant rounded 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

India: Crossroads of Cultures

NEW DELHI

3 days. We 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.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 3 332 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

2014 DATE: JULY 3–JULY 23

TUITION: $6,590 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 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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.

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYBuild a portfolio that tells a tale of India’s complex history or 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 GEOGRAPHYDiscover 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.

LADAKH AND THE HIMALAYA

8 days. Rising out of India’s northernmost region, the

Himalaya are a vast stretch of craggy passes and snow-

covered mountains culminating at 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.

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 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 family-run guesthouses, and walk from village to

Itinerary (21 DAYS)

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.

Highlightsu Ride a camel through desert dunes.

u Go on a three-day trek in the foot-hills of the Himalaya.

u Participate in a Buddhist ceremony with Tibetan monks.

u Tutor children in a Himalayan school.

”The time we spent in Ladakh truly gave me a sense of accomplishment. I found myself living among the lo-

cals not as a tourist, but as a friend.” Pietro C. India, 2013

village. Discuss Buddhist traditions with monks,

learn about micro-hydroelectric generation

projects with local conservationists, and visit

organizations that promote sustainable develop-

ment. As we walk, take in hillsides dotted with

temples and monasteries, and exquisite vistas of

the Himalaya.

RAJASTHAN AND THE HIGH DESERT

8 days. The Mughal influence is strong in Rajasthan,

where walled fortresses dominate strategic hilltops and

palaces anchor the larger towns with ornate Islamic ar-

chitecture. 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 amidst 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. 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.

ExpertIndian photographer and filmmaker ASHIMA NARAIN will join the group in Rajasthan. See her bio on page 9.

{ }

India: Crossroads of Cultures

NEW DELHI

3 days. We 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.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 3 332 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

2014 DATE: JULY 3–JULY 23

TUITION: $6,590 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 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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.

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYBuild a portfolio that tells a tale of India’s complex history or 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 GEOGRAPHYDiscover 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.

LADAKH AND THE HIMALAYA

8 days. Rising out of India’s northernmost region, the

Himalaya are a vast stretch of craggy passes and snow-

covered mountains culminating at 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.

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 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 family-run guesthouses, and walk from village to

Itinerary (21 DAYS)

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.

Highlightsu Ride a camel through desert dunes.

u Go on a three-day trek in the foot-hills of the Himalaya.

u Participate in a Buddhist ceremony with Tibetan monks.

u Tutor children in a Himalayan school.

”The time we spent in Ladakh truly gave me a sense of accomplishment. I found myself living among the lo-

cals not as a tourist, but as a friend.” Pietro C. India, 2013

village. Discuss Buddhist traditions with monks,

learn about micro-hydroelectric generation

projects with local conservationists, and visit

organizations that promote sustainable develop-

ment. As we walk, take in hillsides dotted with

temples and monasteries, and exquisite vistas of

the Himalaya.

RAJASTHAN AND THE HIGH DESERT

8 days. The Mughal influence is strong in Rajasthan,

where walled fortresses dominate strategic hilltops and

palaces anchor the larger towns with ornate Islamic ar-

chitecture. 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 amidst 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. 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.

ExpertIndian photographer and filmmaker ASHIMA NARAIN will join the group in Rajasthan. See her bio on page 9.

{ }

China: Journey to the Middle Kingdom

BEIJING AND THE GREAT WALL8 days. Beijing is a city of color and motion: bicycles blur past crimson-walled temples, crowds bustle down neon-flanked shopping streets, and new buildings and businesses seem to sprout up on a daily basis. But Beijing’s ancient roots are still visible among the modern high-rises and the flashy billboards. We’ll explore the city in all its guises, from the ornate court-yards of the Forbidden City to the avant-garde studios of the 798 art district. Partake in the popular pastime of flying kites in historic Tiananmen Square; and in the gardens of the Temple of Heaven, join in on leisure activities

APPLY ONL INE AT WWW.NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 3 534 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

ShanghaiHangzhou

Chengdu

Beijing

CHINA

Taiwan

South ChinaSea

YellowSea

Wolong National

Nature Reserve

0 500

MILES

“I gained a true appreciation for China’s culture on this trip. I was

fascinated by the contrast of the rich history and the modern society that

define the country.” Meagan A. China, 2013

Brimming with ancient monuments and skyscrapers alike, China has catapulted into the 21st century as a major economic power. Yet a timeless way of life continues away from the burgeoning cities, in a countryside carved with rugged mountains and deep gorges, and speckled with traditional farming villages. Some of China’s most famous residents, the giant pandas, make their home in the wilderness of Sichuan. Meet pandas with expert Marc Brody, explore the pagodas of lakeside Hangzhou, and delve into the excitement of Shang-hai and Beijing, seeing China from the unique angle of your On Assignment project.

Highlightsu Work with giant pandas at a

renowned breeding center.

u Venture into limestone caves to discover hidden Buddha statues.

u Ride a bike through the ancient hutong neighborhoods of Beijing.

u Hike a remote part of the Great Wall at sunrise.

2014 DATE: JUNE 23–JULY 13

TUITION: $6,690Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Beijing, Beijing to Chengdu, Chengdu to Hangzhou, and return from Shanghai. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in small hotels and guesthouses in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. At the Great Wall we stay in a local villager’s farmhouse inn. In Hetaoping we stay in dormitory-style hous-ing at the panda research center.

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects and break into teams to delve further into your selected area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYAssemble a portfolio that addresses a facet of life in China. Shoot portraits of local farmers or document Beijing’s ancient neighborhoods. From children playing on Tiananmen Square to dense bamboo forests housing rare pandas to Shanghai’s serene temple gardens, capture the many faces of China.

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHYDelve deeper into the interconnection between land and people in the world’s most populous country. Examine the history and urban planning of two of the world’s largest cities, Beijing and Shanghai. Learn how farmers and fisher-men have adapted to their geography, and investigate China’s rapid economic transforma-tion from the perspectives of local merchants, entrepreneurs, or environmentalists. Chart the traditions and origins of China’s ethnic minori-ties, or explore the relationship between giant pandas and local populations in rural Sichuan.

of all kinds—from checkers to rhythmic gymnastics. Bike through a hutong, an age-old neighborhood of Ming dynasty courtyard homes. In one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of Tibet, spin a prayer wheel and observe practicing monks. Enjoy a unique chance to meet editors at National Geographic magazine’s China headquarters, and-watch acrobats spin and climb through the air at an evening performance. Venture outside the city to a tiny farming village next to a seldom-visited section of the Great Wall. We spend two nights at a simple guesthouse here and enjoy meals prepared by our hosts. See the Great Wall as few visitors do: wake up early for a hike to watch the sunrise over the wall.

THE PANDAS OF RURAL SICHUAN 5 days. A flight and a bus ride bring us to Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, west of Chengdu. At the invitation of the director of Wolong’s Panda Centers, we’ll have an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit of this new interna-tionally renowned panda facility for research and medi-cal treatment, guided by panda expert Marc Brody.

Itinerary (21 DAYS)

Spend a day feeding the bears, participating in all aspects of their care, and even observing these gentle giants close-up in their enclosure. Our next stop is the Wolong Nature Reserve, part of the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, a World Heritage site. Settle into the village of Het-aoping, located in a region of steep, lushly forested mountains where many of the few remaining wild giant pandas still roam. Our village is the site of a panda research and conservation center supported by Panda Mountain—part of Marc Brody’s organization, the U.S.-China Environmental Fund. Learn from experts about the challenges of breeding, reintroduction of pandas to the wild, and forest conservation as you ex-plore panda habitats on guided hikes. Get acquainted with village life, helping ethnic Tibetan farmers as they harvest crops; and visit local Buddhist temples.

HANGZHOU2 days. Fly far to the east to the former capital city of Hangzhou. With its peaceful Buddhist temples, tea plantations, and lush parks bordering scenic West Lake, Hangzhou has been a favored destination for Chinese visitors for more than a thousand years. Explore an in-tricate network of limestone caves filled with Buddhist statues, and ascend the many levels of a richly painted pagoda for spectacular views.

SHANGHAI5 days. The center of Shanghai is a patchwork of futur-istic skyscrapers, stately colonial neighborhoods, and traditional Chinese architecture. From the top of the 88-story Jin Mao Tower, see the massive scale of China’s economic boom with your own eyes. Learn about the city’s controversial past and discover some of its ambitious plans for the future at the Shanghai Ur-ban Planning Exhibition Hall. Meet high school students to talk about the effects of globalization and economic development on their lives. Our journey concludes after sharing our On Assignment projects with the group.

ExpertConservationist and National Geographic grantee MARC BRODY will join the group in Sichuan Province. See his bio on our website.

{ }

China: Journey to the Middle Kingdom

BEIJING AND THE GREAT WALL8 days. Beijing is a city of color and motion: bicycles blur past crimson-walled temples, crowds bustle down neon-flanked shopping streets, and new buildings and businesses seem to sprout up on a daily basis. But Beijing’s ancient roots are still visible among the modern high-rises and the flashy billboards. We’ll explore the city in all its guises, from the ornate court-yards of the Forbidden City to the avant-garde studios of the 798 art district. Partake in the popular pastime of flying kites in historic Tiananmen Square; and in the gardens of the Temple of Heaven, join in on leisure activities

APPLY ONL INE AT WWW.NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 3 534 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

ShanghaiHangzhou

Chengdu

Beijing

CHINA

Taiwan

South ChinaSea

YellowSea

Wolong National

Nature Reserve

0 500

MILES

“I gained a true appreciation for China’s culture on this trip. I was

fascinated by the contrast of the rich history and the modern society that

define the country.” Meagan A. China, 2013

Brimming with ancient monuments and skyscrapers alike, China has catapulted into the 21st century as a major economic power. Yet a timeless way of life continues away from the burgeoning cities, in a countryside carved with rugged mountains and deep gorges, and speckled with traditional farming villages. Some of China’s most famous residents, the giant pandas, make their home in the wilderness of Sichuan. Meet pandas with expert Marc Brody, explore the pagodas of lakeside Hangzhou, and delve into the excitement of Shang-hai and Beijing, seeing China from the unique angle of your On Assignment project.

Highlightsu Work with giant pandas at a

renowned breeding center.

u Venture into limestone caves to discover hidden Buddha statues.

u Ride a bike through the ancient hutong neighborhoods of Beijing.

u Hike a remote part of the Great Wall at sunrise.

2014 DATE: JUNE 23–JULY 13

TUITION: $6,690Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Los Angeles to Beijing, Beijing to Chengdu, Chengdu to Hangzhou, and return from Shanghai. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in small hotels and guesthouses in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. At the Great Wall we stay in a local villager’s farmhouse inn. In Hetaoping we stay in dormitory-style hous-ing at the panda research center.

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects and break into teams to delve further into your selected area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYAssemble a portfolio that addresses a facet of life in China. Shoot portraits of local farmers or document Beijing’s ancient neighborhoods. From children playing on Tiananmen Square to dense bamboo forests housing rare pandas to Shanghai’s serene temple gardens, capture the many faces of China.

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHYDelve deeper into the interconnection between land and people in the world’s most populous country. Examine the history and urban planning of two of the world’s largest cities, Beijing and Shanghai. Learn how farmers and fisher-men have adapted to their geography, and investigate China’s rapid economic transforma-tion from the perspectives of local merchants, entrepreneurs, or environmentalists. Chart the traditions and origins of China’s ethnic minori-ties, or explore the relationship between giant pandas and local populations in rural Sichuan.

of all kinds—from checkers to rhythmic gymnastics. Bike through a hutong, an age-old neighborhood of Ming dynasty courtyard homes. In one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of Tibet, spin a prayer wheel and observe practicing monks. Enjoy a unique chance to meet editors at National Geographic magazine’s China headquarters, and-watch acrobats spin and climb through the air at an evening performance. Venture outside the city to a tiny farming village next to a seldom-visited section of the Great Wall. We spend two nights at a simple guesthouse here and enjoy meals prepared by our hosts. See the Great Wall as few visitors do: wake up early for a hike to watch the sunrise over the wall.

THE PANDAS OF RURAL SICHUAN 5 days. A flight and a bus ride bring us to Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, west of Chengdu. At the invitation of the director of Wolong’s Panda Centers, we’ll have an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit of this new interna-tionally renowned panda facility for research and medi-cal treatment, guided by panda expert Marc Brody.

Itinerary (21 DAYS)

Spend a day feeding the bears, participating in all aspects of their care, and even observing these gentle giants close-up in their enclosure. Our next stop is the Wolong Nature Reserve, part of the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, a World Heritage site. Settle into the village of Het-aoping, located in a region of steep, lushly forested mountains where many of the few remaining wild giant pandas still roam. Our village is the site of a panda research and conservation center supported by Panda Mountain—part of Marc Brody’s organization, the U.S.-China Environmental Fund. Learn from experts about the challenges of breeding, reintroduction of pandas to the wild, and forest conservation as you ex-plore panda habitats on guided hikes. Get acquainted with village life, helping ethnic Tibetan farmers as they harvest crops; and visit local Buddhist temples.

HANGZHOU2 days. Fly far to the east to the former capital city of Hangzhou. With its peaceful Buddhist temples, tea plantations, and lush parks bordering scenic West Lake, Hangzhou has been a favored destination for Chinese visitors for more than a thousand years. Explore an in-tricate network of limestone caves filled with Buddhist statues, and ascend the many levels of a richly painted pagoda for spectacular views.

SHANGHAI5 days. The center of Shanghai is a patchwork of futur-istic skyscrapers, stately colonial neighborhoods, and traditional Chinese architecture. From the top of the 88-story Jin Mao Tower, see the massive scale of China’s economic boom with your own eyes. Learn about the city’s controversial past and discover some of its ambitious plans for the future at the Shanghai Ur-ban Planning Exhibition Hall. Meet high school students to talk about the effects of globalization and economic development on their lives. Our journey concludes after sharing our On Assignment projects with the group.

ExpertConservationist and National Geographic grantee MARC BRODY will join the group in Sichuan Province. See his bio on our website.

{ }

Switzerland & France: Alpine Adventure

INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND

5 days. Fly into Zürich and take a scenic train ride to

Interlaken, perched between 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, Interlaken 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 filming the amphitheater

of ice-glazed peaks that surrounds you. Examine the

unusual plant species that thrive above the tree line on

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 3 736 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Zürich

Interlaken

ZermattChamonix

SWITZERLAND

FRANCE

Grindelwald

Lake Zürich

300

MILES

Lake Geneva

Geneva

2014 DATES: June 27–July 11 • July 12–26

TUITION: $6,990Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Zurich, and return from Geneva. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in mountain hostels in the Interlaken region and in Zermatt, a mountain chalet in Chamonix, and a small hotel in Geneva.

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYCapture 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 sport in motion.

FILMMAKINGDelve into the exhilarating art of creating adven-ture 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.

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, zip-lining, and watersliding through deep

gorges. Hone your action photography skills or capture

the sense of adventure on film while rafting on glacial

rivers or hiking through narrow ravines.

ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND

3 days. A train ride south across high mountain passes

brings us to the charming Alpine village of Zermatt,

gateway to the mighty Matterhorn. Take the highest ca-

ble 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 learn tales of the daredevils and pioneers

Itinerary (15 DAYS)

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 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.

Highlightsu Try your hand at canyoneering in

dramatic Alpine gorges.

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

u Go glacier-trekking, rafting, and zip-lining.

u Learn adventure photography and filmmaking skills as you explore.

”Photography and exploration are not only relevant but vital. Together, they expose not only what we have,

but what we have to lose if we aren’t mindful of our actions.”

Cory Richards National Geographic Expert

who have tackled the Alps’ highest summits.

CHAMONIX, FRANCE

5 days. 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 incred-

ible views and a chance to slide on the snow. Explore

the Aiguille du Midi and enjoy a picnic lunch beneath

the mountain’s sharp pinnacles, first climbed in 1818.

Participate in a ropes course that includes zip-lining

and luge, and go canyoneering or rock-climbing with

the help of professional guides. Strap on crampons

and grab an ice axe for a walk on the spectacular

glacier known as the Mer de Glace. 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.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

2 days. Our journey wraps up in the international city

of Geneva. Walk the Promenade des Bastions and

photograph the iconic Jet d’Eau, a fountain in Lake

Geneva that shoots water more than 450 feet into the

air. After a chance to put the final touches on your On

Assignment project, enjoy a celebratory fondue dinner

and share final presentations with your group.

ExpertVisual storyteller and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year CORY RICHARDS will join the June 27 trip in Chamonix and the July 12 trip in Interlaken.

}{

Switzerland & France: Alpine Adventure

INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND

5 days. Fly into Zürich and take a scenic train ride to

Interlaken, perched between 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, Interlaken 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 filming the amphitheater

of ice-glazed peaks that surrounds you. Examine the

unusual plant species that thrive above the tree line on

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 3 736 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Zürich

Interlaken

ZermattChamonix

SWITZERLAND

FRANCE

Grindelwald

Lake Zürich

300

MILES

Lake Geneva

Geneva

2014 DATES: June 27–July 11 • July 12–26

TUITION: $6,990Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Zurich, and return from Geneva. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in mountain hostels in the Interlaken region and in Zermatt, a mountain chalet in Chamonix, and a small hotel in Geneva.

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYCapture 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 sport in motion.

FILMMAKINGDelve into the exhilarating art of creating adven-ture 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.

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, zip-lining, and watersliding through deep

gorges. Hone your action photography skills or capture

the sense of adventure on film while rafting on glacial

rivers or hiking through narrow ravines.

ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND

3 days. A train ride south across high mountain passes

brings us to the charming Alpine village of Zermatt,

gateway to the mighty Matterhorn. Take the highest ca-

ble 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 learn tales of the daredevils and pioneers

Itinerary (15 DAYS)

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 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.

Highlightsu Try your hand at canyoneering in

dramatic Alpine gorges.

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

u Go glacier-trekking, rafting, and zip-lining.

u Learn adventure photography and filmmaking skills as you explore.

”Photography and exploration are not only relevant but vital. Together, they expose not only what we have,

but what we have to lose if we aren’t mindful of our actions.”

Cory Richards National Geographic Expert

who have tackled the Alps’ highest summits.

CHAMONIX, FRANCE

5 days. 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 incred-

ible views and a chance to slide on the snow. Explore

the Aiguille du Midi and enjoy a picnic lunch beneath

the mountain’s sharp pinnacles, first climbed in 1818.

Participate in a ropes course that includes zip-lining

and luge, and go canyoneering or rock-climbing with

the help of professional guides. Strap on crampons

and grab an ice axe for a walk on the spectacular

glacier known as the Mer de Glace. 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.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

2 days. Our journey wraps up in the international city

of Geneva. Walk the Promenade des Bastions and

photograph the iconic Jet d’Eau, a fountain in Lake

Geneva that shoots water more than 450 feet into the

air. After a chance to put the final touches on your On

Assignment project, enjoy a celebratory fondue dinner

and share final presentations with your group.

ExpertVisual storyteller and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year CORY RICHARDS will join the June 27 trip in Chamonix and the July 12 trip in Interlaken.

}{

Italy & Greece: Empires of the Mediterranean

ROME, ITALY5 days. Begin in magical, timeless Rome. Set out with

your On Assignment team to discover the many won-

ders of this great city. Walk through the Roman Forum,

where Caesar was assassinated by conspirators. Imag-

ine 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. Exam-

ine Michelangelo’s masterpiece: the frescoed ceiling of

the Sistine Chapel.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 3 938 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

0 200

MILES

Ídra(Hydra)

Náfplio

GREECEITALY

Isoladi Capri

SalernoPompeii

DelphiI on i an

Sea

Rome

Athens

2014 DATES: JUNE 24–JULY 10 • JULY 15–31

TUITION: $7,290 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Rome, Rome to Athens, and return from Athens. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYDocument your adventure on photography as-signments 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 contempo-rary life and the relics of an ancient world.

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTUREStep back in time to investigate the rich civiliza-tions 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 WRITINGApproach 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.

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

people, sample delicious gelato near the Spanish Steps,

and take in the contemporary music scene in one of

Rome’s many historic piazzas.

POMPEII, CAPRI, AND SALERNO3 days. Head south to Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities

that were blanketed by a thick layer of scorching ash

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.

Itinerary (17 DAYS)

More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks laid the foundations for Western civiliza-tion: democracy, philosophy, history, mathematics, science, medicine, art, and architecture. Close on their heels, the Romans established the ancient world’s greatest empire, stretch-ing 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 experi-ence the living legacy of the Greek and Roman Empires.

Highlightsu Photograph the Parthenon of

Athens at sunset.

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

u Examine Michelangelo’s masterful Sistine Chapel.

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

”Being with such a great group of people and having the leaders that we did made the entire trip

completely spectacular.” Savanna B. Italy & Greece, 2013

DELPHI, GREECE2 days. Return to Rome, fly to Athens, and

continue to Delphi, perched on the shoulder of

Mount Parnassus. Settle into this tiny, pictur-

esque village, just a short walk from the Temple

of Apollo. Wander through the well-preserved

ruins and take in amazing views of the moun-

tains and the turquoise sea.

ATHENS

2 days. Return to Athens to spend two days exploring

the Acropolis and Parthenon, the ancient Agora, and

the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Experi-

ence the bustling street life, markets, and cuisine of the

modern city.

NÁFPLIO5 days. 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,

we’ll get to know the locals, join in a pickup game of

soccer, attend a street fair, or stroll down to the beach

for a swim in the crystal-clear 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.

ExpertBorn and raised in Italy, photojournalist MASSIMO BASSANO has been pho-tographing his country for many years. Massimo will join the group in Italy. See his bio on our website.

{ }

Italy & Greece: Empires of the Mediterranean

ROME, ITALY5 days. Begin in magical, timeless Rome. Set out with

your On Assignment team to discover the many won-

ders of this great city. Walk through the Roman Forum,

where Caesar was assassinated by conspirators. Imag-

ine 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. Exam-

ine Michelangelo’s masterpiece: the frescoed ceiling of

the Sistine Chapel.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 3 938 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

0 200

MILES

Ídra(Hydra)

Náfplio

GREECEITALY

Isoladi Capri

SalernoPompeii

DelphiI on i an

Sea

Rome

Athens

2014 DATES: JUNE 24–JULY 10 • JULY 15–31

TUITION: $7,290 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from New York to Rome, Rome to Athens, and return from Athens. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYDocument your adventure on photography as-signments 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 contempo-rary life and the relics of an ancient world.

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTUREStep back in time to investigate the rich civiliza-tions 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 WRITINGApproach 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.

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

people, sample delicious gelato near the Spanish Steps,

and take in the contemporary music scene in one of

Rome’s many historic piazzas.

POMPEII, CAPRI, AND SALERNO3 days. Head south to Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities

that were blanketed by a thick layer of scorching ash

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.

Itinerary (17 DAYS)

More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks laid the foundations for Western civiliza-tion: democracy, philosophy, history, mathematics, science, medicine, art, and architecture. Close on their heels, the Romans established the ancient world’s greatest empire, stretch-ing 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 experi-ence the living legacy of the Greek and Roman Empires.

Highlightsu Photograph the Parthenon of

Athens at sunset.

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

u Examine Michelangelo’s masterful Sistine Chapel.

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

”Being with such a great group of people and having the leaders that we did made the entire trip

completely spectacular.” Savanna B. Italy & Greece, 2013

DELPHI, GREECE2 days. Return to Rome, fly to Athens, and

continue to Delphi, perched on the shoulder of

Mount Parnassus. Settle into this tiny, pictur-

esque village, just a short walk from the Temple

of Apollo. Wander through the well-preserved

ruins and take in amazing views of the moun-

tains and the turquoise sea.

ATHENS

2 days. Return to Athens to spend two days exploring

the Acropolis and Parthenon, the ancient Agora, and

the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Experi-

ence the bustling street life, markets, and cuisine of the

modern city.

NÁFPLIO5 days. 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,

we’ll get to know the locals, join in a pickup game of

soccer, attend a street fair, or stroll down to the beach

for a swim in the crystal-clear 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.

ExpertBorn and raised in Italy, photojournalist MASSIMO BASSANO has been pho-tographing his country for many years. Massimo will join the group in Italy. See his bio on our website.

{ }

}

Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice

REYKJAVÍK AND THE GOLDEN CIRCLE4 days. The program begins with an orientation in Reykjavík, Europe’s northernmost capital. Get es-sential 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 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

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 4 140 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Ar c t i c Oc e an

AtlanticOcean

ICELAND

Höfn

Akureyri

ReykjavíkThingvallavatnLake

Lake Mývatn

VatnajökullGlacier

Jökulsárgljúfur National Park

0 100

MILES

”Not only was traveling around the exotic, contrasted island unbeliev-able, but working in my Filmmaking

On Assignment group was an incredible experience.”

Elena H., Iceland, 2012

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 stun-ning beauty and unforgettable natural wonders of this otherworldly landscape. Choose your On Assignment project—Photography, Climate & Geology, or Filmmaking—and set out to discover one of the most dynamic physical environments on Earth.

Highlightsu Trek across glaciers and lava fields.

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

u Discuss climate change and biodi-versity with Icelandic scientists.

u Explore black-sand beaches where Icelandic horses roam.

2014 DATES: JUNE 29–JULY 13 • JULY 14–28

TUITION: $7,290 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Reykjavík. Please refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYCapture images of gushing waterfalls, steam-ing 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 & GEOLOGYDelve 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.

FILMMAKINGDocument 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 cli-mate change in this region, or film a day in the life of an Icelandic teenager. Use mobile-editing technology to produce a short film.

air. Follow a guide through an ultramodern geother-mal 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 geo-thermal 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, where a scientist provides an introduction to the effects of global warming on biodiversity. Summer days are very long this far north, and much can be seen and done in a single day. We’ll end most days with a relaxing soak in one of Iceland’s abundant geothermal pools.

HÖFN AND THE VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER 6 days. From Reykjavík, journey east to Höfn, a remote gateway to the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, the world’s third largest ice cap after Antarctica and Greenland. 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

Itinerary (15 DAYS)

of Skaftafell National Park. Don crampons and ice axes to trek over the massive ice cap with certified local guides. Ride Icelandic horses to black-sand beaches, or visit the remote original landing place of the Vikings, a peninsula of rugged cliffs dotted with puffins. Interview local fishermen about 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 Assign-ment team, and report back to the group on what you find.

LAKE MÝVATN AND THE NORTHERN COAST5 days. 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, hiss-ing steam vents, and the craters of dormant volcanoes. Hike on congealed lava flows from a series of massive eruptions that occurred the late 1970’s. Visit magnifi-cent 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 steaming black lava beds. Visit Akureyri, a thriving modern city on the Arctic Ocean, and complete your final On Assignment presentation. Hike into the forests of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park to roaring glacial waterfalls, or up one of the many dormant volcanoes to capture stunning panoramas. Explore ancient fossil beds, go whitewater rafting, or set out on a boating excursion in the Arctic Ocean to search for blue, minke, and humpback whales.

The program concludes with the presentation of your On Assignment projects. Return to Reykjavík, and end your adventure with a swim in the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal pool.

ExpertEnvironmental scientist, writer, storyteller, and Web producer FORD COCHRAN will join both departures in Reykjavík and Höfn. See his bio on our website.

{

}

Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice

REYKJAVÍK AND THE GOLDEN CIRCLE4 days. The program begins with an orientation in Reykjavík, Europe’s northernmost capital. Get es-sential 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 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

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .CO M E X P E D I T I O N 4 140 E X P E D I T I O N CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Ar c t i c Oc e an

AtlanticOcean

ICELAND

Höfn

Akureyri

ReykjavíkThingvallavatnLake

Lake Mývatn

VatnajökullGlacier

Jökulsárgljúfur National Park

0 100

MILES

”Not only was traveling around the exotic, contrasted island unbeliev-able, but working in my Filmmaking

On Assignment group was an incredible experience.”

Elena H., Iceland, 2012

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 stun-ning beauty and unforgettable natural wonders of this otherworldly landscape. Choose your On Assignment project—Photography, Climate & Geology, or Filmmaking—and set out to discover one of the most dynamic physical environments on Earth.

Highlightsu Trek across glaciers and lava fields.

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

u Discuss climate change and biodi-versity with Icelandic scientists.

u Explore black-sand beaches where Icelandic horses roam.

2014 DATES: JUNE 29–JULY 13 • JULY 14–28

TUITION: $7,290 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Reykjavík. Please refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

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

On AssignmentChoose one of these On Assignment proj-ects, and break into teams to delve further into your area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHYCapture images of gushing waterfalls, steam-ing 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 & GEOLOGYDelve 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.

FILMMAKINGDocument 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 cli-mate change in this region, or film a day in the life of an Icelandic teenager. Use mobile-editing technology to produce a short film.

air. Follow a guide through an ultramodern geother-mal 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 geo-thermal 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, where a scientist provides an introduction to the effects of global warming on biodiversity. Summer days are very long this far north, and much can be seen and done in a single day. We’ll end most days with a relaxing soak in one of Iceland’s abundant geothermal pools.

HÖFN AND THE VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER 6 days. From Reykjavík, journey east to Höfn, a remote gateway to the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, the world’s third largest ice cap after Antarctica and Greenland. 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

Itinerary (15 DAYS)

of Skaftafell National Park. Don crampons and ice axes to trek over the massive ice cap with certified local guides. Ride Icelandic horses to black-sand beaches, or visit the remote original landing place of the Vikings, a peninsula of rugged cliffs dotted with puffins. Interview local fishermen about 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 Assign-ment team, and report back to the group on what you find.

LAKE MÝVATN AND THE NORTHERN COAST5 days. 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, hiss-ing steam vents, and the craters of dormant volcanoes. Hike on congealed lava flows from a series of massive eruptions that occurred the late 1970’s. Visit magnifi-cent 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 steaming black lava beds. Visit Akureyri, a thriving modern city on the Arctic Ocean, and complete your final On Assignment presentation. Hike into the forests of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park to roaring glacial waterfalls, or up one of the many dormant volcanoes to capture stunning panoramas. Explore ancient fossil beds, go whitewater rafting, or set out on a boating excursion in the Arctic Ocean to search for blue, minke, and humpback whales.

The program concludes with the presentation of your On Assignment projects. Return to Reykjavík, and end your adventure with a swim in the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal pool.

ExpertEnvironmental scientist, writer, storyteller, and Web producer FORD COCHRAN will join both departures in Reykjavík and Höfn. See his bio on our website.

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2014 DATES: JULY 12–23 • JULY 24–AUGUST 4

TUITION: $4,990Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

ACCOMMODATIONS: A tropical biology research station, the San Luis Ecolodge is our base for the first six days of the program. Students live in cozy bungalows nestled among trees. On the Pacific coast we’ll stay in dormitory-style accommodations at a marine research station.

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 be around for generations to come. From the rain forest to the coast, discover Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. Through an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography or Wildlife & Conservation—set out to investigate and document Costa Rica’s stewardship of its diverse ecosystems.

Costa Rica

Highlightsu Photograph monkeys, sloths,

rare birds, and other wildlife.

u Swim beneath a waterfall and explore pristine beaches.

u Interview leatherback turtle researchers on the coast.

u Volunteer on an organic farm and learn about the local coffee trade.

42 F I E L D W O R K S H O P CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION

See On Assignment project descriptions on page 7.

ExpertConservation biologist TAYLOR EDWARDS will join the July 12 trip on the coast and the July 24 trip in Monteverde. See his bio on page 9.

FIELD WORKSHOP:

canopy on a zip line, and ride horseback deep into the forest to find untouched primary growth. Visit a local 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 local naturalists

and our National Geographic expert.

NORTHWEST COAST6 days. From the mountains of Monteverde, head west to Costa Rica’s 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 catch a wave on one of Costa Rica’s premier surfing beaches. Wrap up your On Assignment projects and share them with the group on the final night.

MONTEVERDE AND SAN LUIS 6 days. The program begins in San Luis, a beautiful, self-sustaining village located on the southern edge of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and our base as we explore this unique ecosystem. A typical day begins with an exercise focused on your On Assignment project—an early morning photo shoot of tou-cans 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 mists 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

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

A mile deep, ten miles wide, and six million years in the making, the Grand Canyon is a masterpiece of geology. Beneath its scarlet-striped cliffs—and in the surrounding desert canyonlands—civilizations have carved out an existence for some 12,000 years. Set out with your On Assignment group to explore the gorgeous crags and chasms of the southwest. Meet Native Americans, work on important conservation projects, and float down the San Juan River on a four-day rafting adventure.

Costa RicaFIELD WORKSHOP:

Highlightsu Go rafting between soaring canyon

walls on the San Juan River.

u Explore the ancient cliff dwellings of the ancestral Puebloans.

u Document rock art and work on an environmental service project.

u Meet Native Americans and learn about their culture firsthand.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE

See On Assignment project descriptions on page 7.

2014 DATE: JULY 19–30

TUITION: $4,990Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in Phoenix. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

ACCOMMODATIONS: In Flagstaff and Phoenix we stay in small hotels and hostels. At the Grand Canyon, we stay at the historic Grand Canyon Lodge in Western-style log cabins with shared bathrooms and showers. On the San Juan River, we camp four nights in tents set up on riverbanks and beaches along the way.

Costa RicaFIELD WORKSHOP:FIELD WORKSHOP:

Grand Canyon & the Southwest

ExpertNational Geographic photographer JAY DICKMAN will join the group at the Grand Canyon. See his bio on page 9.

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .COM F I E L D W O R K S H O P 4 3

examine massive formations of Coconino Sandstone and fossil-rich Hermit Shale. Work with the National Park Service on forest management projects, and witness unforgettable sunsets from the viewing deck at our lodge. Cross the vast Navajo reservation of Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, photographing dramatic landscapes along the way. Go hiking with a Navajo guide to see the cliff dwellings and rock art of the ancient Puebloan peo-ple. Meet contemporary Native Americans to discover how the sacred desert landscapes continue to sustain them.

SAN JUAN RIVER TRIP5 days. The program concludes with an unforgetable ad-venture: a four-day float trip through the upper canyon of the San Juan River. Paddle during the day, pausing to hike into side canyons or to spot wildlife. Learn to decipher the geology of magnificent canyon walls that lay bare millions of years of our planet’s history. Interpret the petroglyphs of Butler Wash panel, where at least three distinct cultures left their indelible visions in stone. Take part in a service project, photographing ancient habitations and rock art. Set up camp on sandy beaches and sleep under the stars. Spend our last day exploring Flagstaff and sharing our final projects before returning to Phoenix and flying home.

PHOENIX AND FLAGSTAFF3 days. We begin our adventure in Phoenix with an orien-tation to the surrounding area. Travel to Flagstaff through gorgeous landscapes and archaeological sites, and begin working on your On Assignment projects. Spend the night in Flagstaff, home of the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, as well as Navajo and Hopi cultural sites.

GRAND CANYON4 days. Head north to the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. From our base on the North Rim, we’ll explore the canyon, its geology, and the traces of its ancient inhabitants. Hike along the rim and take in awe-inspiring views. Discover ancient dwellings and farming sites, or improve your landscape photography skills. Descend partway into the canyon, traveling millions of years back in time as you

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

2014 DATE: JUNE 27–JULY 8

TUITION: $5,590 Airfare is not included. A round-trip group flight is available between Minneapolis and Anchorage. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs. Note: This program includes several full-day hikes. To get the most out of the trip, students should be fit and enthusiastic about hiking.

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

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 wilder-ness—and the forces that threaten it—through the lens of your On Assignment project: Photography, Wildlife & Conservation, or Filmmaking.

Alaska

Highlightsu Kayak through dramatic fjords,

home to whales and sea lions.

u Hike to the foot of America’s largest glacier.

u Trek into Denali’s backcountry.

u Go river rafting or try your hand at fly-fishing.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION

FILMMAKING

See On Assignment project descriptions on page 7.

ExpertNaturalist and environmental educator JASON MATTHEWS will join the group in Denali National Park. See his bio on our website.

FIELD WORKSHOP:

sheep. Go white-water rafting on the wild Nenana River, and learn about dogsledding at a working mushing kennel. Trek to remote ridges to get a once-in-a-lifetime view of North

America’s highest mountain, Mount McKinley.

SEWARD AND THE KENAI PENINSULA5 days. 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. At the Alaska SeaLife Center, the only cold-water 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. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, bears, mountain goats, and bright-red salmon. Paddle a sea kayak through the fjords, watching for sea lions, otters, puffins, and orcas. Spend one night at a kayakers-only hostel in a remote cove of beautiful Resur-rection Bay. Our adventure concludes with presentations of On Assignment projects. Fly home from Anchorage.

ANCHORAGE3 days. Our adventure begins in the far northern city of Anchorage. In your 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.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK4 days. From Anchorage, travel north to Denali National Park, which 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, set out to explore one of America’s most pristine natural settings. Observe and photograph herds of caribou, a moose wading in a lake, or a grizzly bear feeding on blueberries. Track a wolf pack or catch a glimpse of a flock of white Dall

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

2014 DATES: JUNE 30–JULY 11 • JULY 14–25

TUITION: $5,390 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Milan. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in dormitory-style accommodations in the heart of downtown Lucca—a quintessential Tuscan town just a short train ride from Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre.

Tuscany, ItalyFIELD WORKSHOP:

authentic Italian cooking class. Venture deep into the quarries where Michelangelo sourced marble for his sculptures, and ride a historic funicular into the Tuscan Hills. Climb Pisa’s legendary leaning tower, or visit Ma-chiavelli’s rural Tuscan estate. Head to the coast to explore Cinque Terre, where five brightly painted seaside villages are tucked in along the rocky shores below impossibly steep mountains. Hike the slopes high above the Mediterranean and reward yourself with a swim. On hikes in the countryside, capture images of tapered cypress stands on the hilltops, or take portraits of local farmers framed by fields of sunflowers. Take advantage of free time in the afternoons to play a pickup game of soccer with Italian teenagers, or sample the flavors in one of the world’s oldest family-run gelaterias. In the evenings, attend a workshop on oral storytelling, or set out to cap-ture Lucca in different light on a nighttime photo shoot. Put together an informal pop-up gallery on a city street to share your final On Assignment projects.

It’s no accident that so many writers and artists have found their way to Tuscany since the days of Michelangelo and Dante—inspiration lies around every corner. The cobble-stoned piazzas of Lucca and Florence are lined with medieval and Renaissance archi-tecture, but filled with the modern energy of bustling markets and lively cafés. The hills roll on as far as the eye can see, some striped with vineyards, others gilded with fields of sunflowers. Capture the essence of Tuscany through writing or photography.

Highlightsu Shoot photographs of hilltop villages

and interview street performers in Florence.

u Ride a bike atop Lucca’s medieval walls.

u Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

u Trek to the seaside hamlets of Cinque Terre.

Our home in Tuscany is nestled within the ancient walls of Lucca. Delve into this lively medieval city and spend twelve days pursuing your On Assignment project, whether it’s a collection of portraits or a short story set in a colorful seaside village. Work in teams with the guidance of your trip leaders and National Geographic expert Massimo Bassano. A typical day begins with a workshop or an exercise designed to hone your photography or writing techniques. Then head out into the field to experience the region through hands-on activities. On a visit to Florence, record your impressions of Michelangelo’s marble masterpieces in the Accademia or photograph different architectural styles of the city’s palaces and churches. Interview local artisans about their craft and learn to make pasta at an

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE WRITING

See On Assignment project descriptions on page 7.

ExpertBorn and raised in Italy, photojournalist MASSIMO BASSANO has been pho-tographing his country for many years. Massimo will join both departures. See his bio on our website.

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2014 DATES: JUNE 29–JULY 10 • JULY 13–24

TUITION: $4,690 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Barcelona. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in comfortable rooms in a stylish new university dorm overlooking the Parc de la Ciutadella and just a short walk to the beach. We’ll have breakfast at the dorm, while lunches and dinners range from picnics to sit-down meals at restaurants and bodegas.

Barcelona, SpainFIELD WORKSHOP:

the sardana, Catalunya’s traditional dance. Much of the city shuts down for a mid-afternoon siesta—a perfect pause to edit your photographs from the morning or review a short story you’ve written. When night falls, Barcelona lights up. In the com-pany of our trip leaders, stroll the seaside boardwalk on the way to an avant-garde flamenco dance perfor-mance, or enjoy a leisurely dinner in the hip Raval neighborhood. We’ll set out on several day excursions to explore the Spanish countryside. Camera or notebook in hand, wander the cobbled streets of Girona as you discover the ancient Roman walls, Arabic baths, and the old Jewish quarter. Visit the town of Figueres, home to the fascinating and bizarre Dalí museum. Relax and go for a swim at a nearby beach. Venture into the medieval village of Castellar de N’Hug in the Pyrenees, take a guided hike along mountain trails, and then dive into a hearty meal of regional specialties. Throughout the workshop, work with our National Geographic expert and trip leaders to transform your multifaceted experiences into a meaningful On Assign-ment project. We’ll share our projects on our final night in Barcelona.

In the heart of Barcelona, ancient Roman walls meet the wild curves of modernist archi-tecture; medieval streets end in broad, bustling boulevards; and Spanish culture blends with a strong local Catalan identity. This is a city with a pulse: full of cutting-edge design, street festivals and markets, a lively port, and sandy beaches. Immerse yourself in the creativity, passion, and style of one of Spain’s most cosmopolitan cities. Set out to capture the soul of Barcelona through an On Assignment project of your choice.

Highlightsu Explore Barcelona’s lively markets

and street festivals.

u Hike the peaks of the Catalan Pyrenees.

u Photograph or interview street performers on the lively Ramblas.

u Discover the surreal at Salvador Dalí’s museum based in his hometown.

Our home in Barcelona is a university residence on the edge of beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella, just a short walk from the beach and La Rambla. Delve deep into this eclectic, energetic city and get to know its many faces through your On Assignment project. Each day, we split into our On Assignment teams and head into the streets to experience the city. Discover Antoni Gaudí’s eccentric architecture at La Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell, and wander through the impressive sports complex of Olympic Park. Practice your Spanish at the cafés along Passeig de Gràcia and hit the dance floor at a rooftop techno-jazz concert. Set out with National Geographic expert Tino Soriano to photograph the kaleidoscope of people and foods at the covered market, La Boquería. Interview street performers on La Rambla, or learn the basic steps of

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE WRITING

See On Assignment project descriptions on page 7.

ExpertBorn and raised in Barcelona, TINO SORIANO divides his work between photojournalism and travel photogra-phy. See his bio on our website.

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2014 DATES: JULY 7–18 • JULY 19–30

TUITION: $4,990Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Dublin. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

ACCOMMODATIONS: In Dublin, we stay in dormitory-style 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.

IrelandFIELD WORKSHOP:

Bar, relax on the green at Trinity College, and explore the revived docklands along the River Liffey. Escape the city on a daytrip to the misty hills of County Wicklow or catch the train for a visit to the beaches and fishing villages that speckle the coast outside the city.

GALWAY

4 days. The seaside city of Galway is our base on Ireland’s 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. Listen to live Irish music, replete with fiddles and spoons, and photograph everyday life on the streets of Galway and the quays along the River Corrib. Hop a ferry for the mystical Aran Islands where writers like J. M. Synge found inspiration among Celtic ruins and lunar-like fields of limestone. Take walks on the craggy cliffs overlooking the North Atlantic and capture a sense of place in your writing or photography. Talk to the locals about their daily life, and let the mystical atmosphere of the islands fuel your imagination as we finish our projects. Return to Dublin for a student-organized public show of the pho-tography, poetry, and prose created during the workshop.

Ireland’s rolling green landscapes and cliff-lined coasts have long inspired storytellers. From the cobbled streets of Dublin to the moonscapes of the Aran Islands, delve into Ireland’s storied past, where Celtic myths meet a tumultuous history of revolution and conflict. Explore the Irish penchant for storytelling and the lively musical traditions of Galway and the western coast. Cultivate your creative writing or photography skills as you turn your camera lens and pen to the mystical beauty of the Emerald Isle.

Highlightsu Photograph musicians and

performers in Dublin and Galway.

u Hike the Wicklow Mountains and visit fishing villages on the Irish Sea.

u Go on photo and writing assign-ments on the magical Aran Islands.

u Visit the stomping grounds of liter-ary greats like James Joyce, W. B. Yeats, and Oscar Wilde.

DUBLIN

7 days. On the streets of Dublin, revolutionaries once rose up to end 500 years of British rule, and impas-sioned writers penned works that would become today’s classics. The city that once saw so much strife is now a spirited hub of Irish culture with an increasingly interna-tional undercurrent. 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 through beautiful Merrion Square Park. Take in the sites and sounds of Dublin as you bike through neighborhood lanes and along the historic canal system. Visit the 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. Walk the cobbled lanes of Temple

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE WRITING

See On Assignment project descriptions on page 7.

ExpertWriter and globetrotter ANDREW EVANS will join the July 7 trip in Dublin. See his bio on our website.

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2014 DATES: JULY 6–17 • JULY 20–31

TUITION: $5,890 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and London. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in rooms with shared bathrooms at the University of London, in the central but quiet Bloomsbury neighborhood. Breakfast and lunch are provided at the university dining halls, while dinners range from picnics to authentic pub fare and sit-down meals at restaurants.

London, EnglandPHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP:

streets of nearby Oxford to photograph the university

town’s towering spires. Shoot the age-old stone cot-

tages 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 eve-

nings, take advantage of seminars by your National

Geographic photographer and photography instruc-

tors. Hear stories about their favorite photographic

subjects, most challenging assignments, and lessons

learned along the way.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll organize, curate,

and promote an exhibition of large-format prints of

the group’s best work. At the formal gallery opening,

we’ll display our photographs to a public audience.

Artsy and historic, elegant and avant-garde, London is the perfect setting for this in-depth, campus-based photography program designed for students of all levels. During daily classes and photo shoots, a National Geographic photographer and our instruc-tors 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.

Highlightsu Improve your skills with the

guidance of a National Geographic photographer.

u Learn new techniques through special seminars and daily photography classes.

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

u Exhibit your work in a gallery.

Get settled on the University of London campus

and break into small groups to work closely with our

National Geographic photographer and professional

instructors. The workshop’s structured, in-depth cur-

riculum 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

to Stonehenge to capture the “golden hour.” Hit the

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

During 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.

ExpertNational Geographic photographer GIANLUCA COLLA will join both workshops. See his bio on our website.

On Assignment: Photography

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2014 DATE: JUNE 30–JULY 11

TUITION: $5,690Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Prague. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in dormitory-style accommodations near Národní Trída in 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 worksta-tions and digital projectors.

PraguePHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP:

seminars by our National Geographic photographer and instructors on their professional experiences. 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. Retreat into the wooded hills and storied villages of southern Bohemia on a two-day photo assignment. Stay in a 13th-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 Ceský Krumlov. Throughout the workshop we will prepare for a final gallery opening of large-print photos of the group’s best work. Help organize, curate, and promote the exhibit, and share your images with the public on our final night.

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 im-ages during hands-on classes led by our instructors and a National Geographic photog-rapher. 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.

Highlightsu Develop your artistic vision with

the help of a National Geographic photographer.

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

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

u Curate and display your work at a public gallery opening.

Prague is a visual feast where Gothic, baroque, art nouveau, and cubist architecture mingles 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 Theater. 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 iconic Prague skyline, punctuated by a multitude of spires. Ride a boat down the winding Vltava to catch the city from a different vantage point. At Letná Park, perched on a hilltop overlooking Prague, frame skateboarders in action and panoramic views of the city. In the evenings, review the day’s work or attend

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

ExpertNational Geographic photographer DAVID YODER will join the entire workshop. See his bio on our website.

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During 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.

On Assignment: Photography

2014 DATES: JULY 6–17 • JULY 20–31

TUITION: $5,890 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Paris. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

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.

Paris, FrancePHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP:

de Triomphe, or descend 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 pho-tograph 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 gar-dens in Giverny. Visit the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay to examine the works of artists like da Vinci, Rodin, Picasso, and Stieglitz. 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 promote 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 with a public audience.

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 in a city that has inspired artists for centuries.

Highlightsu Go on photo shoots with a National

Geographic photographer.

u Explore Chartres, Versailles, and Giverny on photo assignments.

u Learn new techniques through hands-on classes and seminars.

u Show your work at a public gallery opening.

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 architec-ture, the pulse of modern-day life, and elegant monu-ments. 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

Itinerary (12 DAYS)

During 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.

ExpertBorn and raised in France, National Geographic photographer MATTHIEU PALEY will join the July 20 workshop. See his bio on page 9.

On Assignment: Photography

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2014 DATES: JUNE 30–JULY 10 • JULY 14–24

TUITION: $5,390 Airfare is not included. The program begins and ends in San Francisco, California. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in dormitory-style accommodations nestled within Golden Gate National Park. 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.

San Francisco

At Fisherman’s Wharf, take portraits of fishermen selling their catch and zoom in on the sea lions on the docks. Visit Alcatraz and photograph the city from the storied island. On a photo assignment, follow Adams’ footsteps to the soaring redwood forests of Muir Woods National Monument and the craggy coast of Big Sur. Then head to Monterey to photograph marine life at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. In the evenings, we’ll review the day’s work and photograph the city by night. Capture the cable cars clanking down the boulevards amid a blur of city lights, or the illuminated zigzag of Lombard Street, known as the “crookedest street in the world.” On some evenings, attend seminars by your National Geographic photographer and photography instructors to learn about their experiences. Throughout the workshop, we’ll prepare for a gallery opening on our final evening. You’ll help organize, curate, and promote an exhibit of large-format digital prints of the group’s original work. At the final gallery opening, our photographs will be on display to a public audience.

From soaring redwood forests to one of the most iconic bridges in the world, San Francisco is known for its beauty and vibrant energy. Continue the legacy of San Francisco’s native son Ansel Adams, shooting photographs alongside our instructors and a Nation-al Geographic photographer. Explore the techniques and craft of photography during daily hands-on classes, learn to take compelling portraits and landscapes that capture the atmosphere of your subject, and go on assignment in Big Sur and Monterey.

Highlightsu Hone your photography techniques

with the guidance of a National Geographic photographer.

u Go on photo assignments in Muir Woods, Monterey, and Alcatraz.

u Trace the legacy of Ansel Adams throughout the city.

u Organize a gallery opening to show your work to the public.

Settle into our centrally located campus and delve into the art and technique of photography, working in small groups with our photo instructors and the National Geographic photographer. Begin each day in the class-room, editing your images and learning new skills, from managing light and depth of field to working with flash and improving your composition. Then grab your camera and hit the streets in the afternoon, using your new skills as you shoot alongside our team of photo instructors. Document San Francisco’s vibrant cultures, from the bustle of Chinatown and the Italian flavors of Washington Square to the bohemian street artists of Haight-Ashbury. Find a new perspective on the Golden Gate Bridge, shoot-ing from Baker Beach at twilight. Frame the same shots that Ansel Adams made famous to trace the city’s changes.

Itinerary (11 DAYS)

During 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.

ExpertSan Francisco native KIP EVANS is a photographer and filmmaker. He will join both workshops. See his bio on our website.

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On Assignment: Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP:

Each day, set out in small teams to work on your service projects, breaking for lunch and a short siesta in the early afternoon. In the late afternoon, take a break from your projects to explore this lush, mountainous 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 ser-vice 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.

ARENAL VOLCANO3 days. 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 corri-dor, 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.

NORTHWEST COAST3 days. 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 after-noon at one of Costa Rica’s white-sand beaches.

2014 DATES: JUNE 26–JULY 9 • JULY 3–16 • JULY 10–23 • JULY 17–30

TUITION: $3,990Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between Houston and Liberia, Costa Rica. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

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 just 150 feet from the Pacific Ocean.

Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity and its pioneering conservation efforts. Steam-ing volcanoes poke out of thick, green jungle; and protected tropical rain forests, teeming with wildlife, reach all the way to the pristine coast. We’ll make our home in a mountain village and work alongside members of the community 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.

Costa RicaCOMMUNITY SERVICE:

Highlightsu Experience everyday life in a

traditional village.

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

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

u Snorkel amid brilliant marine life.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE8 days. 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. Organize a village cleanup, plant trees, or develop a conservation project that the local youth can continue.

Itinerary (14 DAYS)

On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects, working alongside community members on a variety of infra-structure, education, and sustainability projects.

Community Service

range of service projects. Possible projects include

building a classroom, painting a mural, constructing

a community center, and helping young students im-

prove 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 after-

noons, play soccer with village friends, hike remnants

of ancient Inca footpaths into the surrounding moun-

tains, 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.

From your base in the village, take day trips to nearby

towns and Inca ruins, and to visit local markets.

MACHU PICCHU

3 days. 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 morn-

ing 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 return-

ing to Lima for our flight home.

2014 DATES: JUNE 30–JULY 13 • JULY 21–AUGUST 3

TUITION: $4,990 Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights from Miami to Lima, Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Lima, and return to Miami. Please refer to page 56 for informa-tion on transportation.

ACCOMMODATIONS: In the village, the group sleeps on bunk beds in simple village housing. Boys and girls have separate spaces, and bathrooms are shared. In Cusco and Machu Picchu we stay in small family-run inns and hostels.Note: Cusco is at an elevation of 11,200 feet, and Machu Picchu is at an elevation of 8,000 feet.

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.

Highlightsu Immerse yourself in everyday life in

a traditional Peruvian village.

u Rehabilitate a community center or build a greenhouse.

u Explore the mysterious mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu.

u Play fútbol with Peruvian friends.

CUSCO

2 days. 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 cathe-

drals built with stones from ancient Inca fortresses.

COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE

9 days. 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

Itinerary (14 DAYS)

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On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects. Work side-by-side locals in the community on a variety of projects focusing on infrastructure development and education.

Community ServiceCOMMUNITY SERVICE:

Peru

the rhythm of daily life and explore the area. Discover the sport of Thai kickboxing, 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 photo-graphs, writing, or video and develop a narrative about your time in the village.

ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER AND JUNGLE TREK3 days. 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 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.

BANGKOK AND THE BEACH3 days. 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 before returning to Bangkok for our flights home.

2014 DATES: JUNE 27–JULY 11 • JULY 13–27

TUITION: $4,990Airfare is not included. We have arranged group flights New York to Chiang Mai and return from Bangkok. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

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.

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 devel-oped 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.

ThailandCOMMUNITY SERVICE:

Highlightsu Tutor novice monks and learn about

their Buddhist traditions.

u Work with mahouts and their elephants at an elephant conserva-tion center.

u Trek through the jungle to a hill-tribe village.

u Snorkel off of white-sand beaches.

54 C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

COMMUNITY SERVICE SITE8 days. Our home in Thailand lies just outside the bustling northern city of Chiang Mai. Spend a day get-ting oriented and exploring Chiang Mai’s legendary markets and temples. Then split into small groups to work with local residents on a variety of community-initiated 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, we’ll have a chance to get into

Itinerary (15 DAYS)

On this program, students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours on community service projects, work-ing alongside community members on a variety of education-focused projects.

Community Service

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.

WILDLIFE SAFARI AND MAASAI VILLAGE

4 days. Head into the highlands where, at the invita-

tion 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.

Then set out on a safari adventure in three incred-

ible—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, hippos, rare rhinos, and

much more. Finally, stop for more game viewing at

Lake Manyara, a Rift Valley lake whose vast colonies

of flamingos often turn its edges pink.

VILLAGE WRAP-UP

2 days. 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.

2014 DATES: JUNE 27–JULY 11 • JULY 10–24

TUITION: $6,390 Airfare is not included. We have arranged a round-trip group flight between New York and Arusha. Refer to page 56 for information on transportation to and from programs.

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

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 experi-ence. Cap off the trip with a wildlife safari and a very special evening with the Maasai.

Tanzania

Highlightsu Live with Tanzanian people in a

village at the base of Mount Meru.

u Help build a water-delivery system in a village or volunteer at an orphanage.

u Spend a night with the Maasai.

u Encounter amazing wildlife on safari in three parks.

COMMUNITY SERVICE VILLAGE

7 days. 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 community-initiat-

ed 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 plant-

ing 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 rainfor-

est, shop for dinner at an outdoor market, or write in

Itinerary (15 DAYS)

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .COM C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E 5 5

Students will spend an estimated 35–40 hours working with local community members on service projects that have been selected by our friends on the village council and at the local school.

Community ServiceCOMMUNITY SERVICE:

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Admissions Details

ELIGIBILITYStudents completing 9th through 12th grades are eligible to participate in Na-tional Geographic Student Expeditions.

GROUP SIZE AND COMPOSITIONOur expedition group sizes vary but gen-erally range between 14 and 28 partici-pants. Our community service programs are limited to 18 participants and our field and photo workshops average 25–30 students. The student-to-trip-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 and field workshop, generally for a period of four to eight days. On our photography workshops, the National Geo-graphic expert joins the entire program.

TRANSPORTATION DETAILSInternational 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, Grand Canyon & the South-west, Yellowstone & Montana, and San Francisco 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.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMMAKING Students who choose the Photography On Assignment project on an expedition or field workshop must bring their own digital camera. There is a supplemental fee of $150 to cover additional supplies and on-site computing facilities for this On Assignment project. For students who choose the Filmmaking On Assignment project, we provide video cameras, camera stock, and computers for editing. There is a $250 supplemental fee to cover addi-tional equipment and facilities necessary for on-site editing for this On Assignment

project. Students on Photography Work-shops 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 main-tain high standards of personal behavior. Because they are encouraged, within the context of our programs, to take leader-ship roles and to make some of their own discoveries, students whose parents require them to be under constant sur-veillance or who are likely to act irrespon-sibly; 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 discre-tion. 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 inter-national travel. No refund of the tuition is given. Students dismissed from our

programs will not receive credit for com-munity service hours completed prior to their dismissal.

APPLICATION PROCESSApplications 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 applica-tions received after March 15, final payment is due within five business days after the initial deposit is made. An ap-plicant’s file is not complete and cannot be considered for admission until we have received a completed application, which consists of the Application Form, Applica-tion Deposit, Applicant Statement, two completed Teacher Reference Forms, and signed Agreement Form. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions on page 59 for information on payment terms.

HOW TO APPLY:Visit our website and apply now!

STEP 1: APPLICATION FORM & DEPOSITClick 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 pass-word. When you have completed the online Application Form, you will be prompted to provide the $700 Application De-posit via credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or to mail a check made payable to National Geographic Student Expeditions.

STEP 2: APPLICANT STATEMENTUpon 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 REFERENCESIn 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 com-plete and submit your Reference online.

Upon receipt of all materials (Application Form, Application Deposit, Applicant Statement, two completed Teacher Refer-ence 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.

ngstudentexpeditions.com

More on Our Website

Visit us online at ngstudentexpeditions.com for 2014 trips not featured in this catalog (such as our Yellowstone & Montana Field Workshop). You’ll also find videos, photos, and blogs from last summer’s trips, application information, and more!

Visit our homepage to check out our new videos featuring some of the best footage from past sum-mers, and our extraordinary Belize Expedition!

Sign up for our email newsletter: ngstudentexpeditions.com/email

Find us on facebook:facebook.com/ngstudentexpeditions

Read blog posts from past trips: ngstudentexpeditions.com/blog

Follow us on tumblr: natgeostudentexpeditions.tumblr.com

Follow us on instagram: @natgeotravel #ngse

APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .COM 5 756 CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759

Admissions Details

ELIGIBILITYStudents completing 9th through 12th grades are eligible to participate in Na-tional Geographic Student Expeditions.

GROUP SIZE AND COMPOSITIONOur expedition group sizes vary but gen-erally range between 14 and 28 partici-pants. Our community service programs are limited to 18 participants and our field and photo workshops average 25–30 students. The student-to-trip-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 and field workshop, generally for a period of four to eight days. On our photography workshops, the National Geo-graphic expert joins the entire program.

TRANSPORTATION DETAILSInternational 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, Grand Canyon & the South-west, Yellowstone & Montana, and San Francisco 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.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMMAKING Students who choose the Photography On Assignment project on an expedition or field workshop must bring their own digital camera. There is a supplemental fee of $150 to cover additional supplies and on-site computing facilities for this On Assignment project. For students who choose the Filmmaking On Assignment project, we provide video cameras, camera stock, and computers for editing. There is a $250 supplemental fee to cover addi-tional equipment and facilities necessary for on-site editing for this On Assignment

project. Students on Photography Work-shops 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 main-tain high standards of personal behavior. Because they are encouraged, within the context of our programs, to take leader-ship roles and to make some of their own discoveries, students whose parents require them to be under constant sur-veillance or who are likely to act irrespon-sibly; 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 discre-tion. 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 inter-national travel. No refund of the tuition is given. Students dismissed from our

programs will not receive credit for com-munity service hours completed prior to their dismissal.

APPLICATION PROCESSApplications 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 applica-tions received after March 15, final payment is due within five business days after the initial deposit is made. An ap-plicant’s file is not complete and cannot be considered for admission until we have received a completed application, which consists of the Application Form, Applica-tion Deposit, Applicant Statement, two completed Teacher Reference Forms, and signed Agreement Form. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions on page 59 for information on payment terms.

HOW TO APPLY:Visit our website and apply now!

STEP 1: APPLICATION FORM & DEPOSITClick 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 pass-word. When you have completed the online Application Form, you will be prompted to provide the $700 Application De-posit via credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or to mail a check made payable to National Geographic Student Expeditions.

STEP 2: APPLICANT STATEMENTUpon 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 REFERENCESIn 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 com-plete and submit your Reference online.

Upon receipt of all materials (Application Form, Application Deposit, Applicant Statement, two completed Teacher Refer-ence 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.

ngstudentexpeditions.com

More on Our Website

Visit us online at ngstudentexpeditions.com for 2014 trips not featured in this catalog (such as our Yellowstone & Montana Field Workshop). You’ll also find videos, photos, and blogs from last summer’s trips, application information, and more!

Visit our homepage to check out our new videos featuring some of the best footage from past sum-mers, and our extraordinary Belize Expedition!

Sign up for our email newsletter: ngstudentexpeditions.com/email

Find us on facebook:facebook.com/ngstudentexpeditions

Read blog posts from past trips: ngstudentexpeditions.com/blog

Follow us on tumblr: natgeostudentexpeditions.tumblr.com

Follow us on instagram: @natgeotravel #ngse

2014 Trip Calendar

Expeditions

Brazil’s Amazon & Pantanal 14 19 Jul 18–Aug 5, Jul 23–Aug 10

Belize 16 12 Jul 8–19, Jul 15–26, Jul 22–Aug 2

Pacific Northwest 18 12 Jun 27–Jul 8, Jul 26–Aug 6

Peru 20 20 Jun 23–Jul 12, Jul 16–Aug 4

Ecuador & the Galápagos 22 18 Jun 28–Jul 15, Jul 5–22, Jul 19–Aug 5

South Africa & Mozambique 24 20 Jun 23–Jul 12, Jul 11–30

Namibia 26 21 Jun 26–Jul 16, Jul 15–Aug 4

Tanzania 28 20 Jun 30–Jul 19, Jul 18–Aug 6

Australia 30 20 Jun 28–Jul 17, Jul 18–Aug 6

India 32 21 Jul 3–23

China 34 21 Jun 23–Jul 13

Switzerland & France 36 15 Jun 27–Jul 11, Jul 12–26

Italy & Greece 38 17 Jun 24–Jul 10, Jul 15–31

Iceland 40 15 Jun 29–Jul 13, Jul 14–28

Field Workshops

Costa Rica 42 12 Jul 12–23, Jul 24–Aug 4

Grand Canyon & the Southwest 43 12 Jul 19–30

Alaska 44 12 Jun 27–Jul 8

Tuscany, Italy 45 12 Jun 30–Jul 11, Jul 14–25

Barcelona, Spain 46 12 Jun 29–Jul 10, Jul 13–24

Ireland 47 12 Jul 7–18, Jul 19–30

Yellowstone & Montana Web 12 Jun 29–Jul 10

Community Service

Costa Rica 52 14 Jun 26–Jul 9, Jul 3–Jul 16, Jul 10–23, Jul 17–30

Peru 53 14 Jun 30–Jul 13, Jul 21–Aug 3

Thailand 54 15 Jun 27–Jul 11, Jul 13–27

Tanzania 55 15 Jun 27–Jul 11, Jul 10–24

Photography Workshops

London, England 48 12 Jul 6–17, Jul 20–31

Prague, Czech Republic 49 12 Jun 30–Jul 11

Paris, France 50 12 Jul 6–17, Jul 20–31

San Francisco 51 11 Jun 30–Jul 10, Jul 14–24

Destination Page Days Dates On Assignment Projects

58

Photography Filmmaking Creative Writing Community Service Climate & Geology On Assignment Key

Wildlife & Conservation Archaeology & Ancient Culture Cultural Geography Conservation in Action

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 Put-ney 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 man-ages 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, 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 contrac-

tors. 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, 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 expedition. In addition, I agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions attached hereto includ-ing 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 pub-lished itinerary as they deem necessary or desirable.

Neither NGS nor PST shall be liable for any air carrier’s cancel-lation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the participant’s NGSE departure city. Bag-gage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibil-ity of the participant.

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 56 for these supplemental fees.

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

TERMS OF PAYMENT

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 15, 2014. For Applications submitted after March 15, 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 stu-dent’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.

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 15, all payments will be refunded, less a $200 administrative fee. For a withdrawal after March 15, 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 pro-cess prior to cancelling applications. We further reserve the right to revoke an acceptance when payment is past due.

If we cancel an application on or before March 15, all pay-ments will be refunded, less a $200 administrative fee. If we cancel an application or revoke an acceptance after March 15, the $700 Application Deposit will be forfeited.

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

Leaving a trip in progress, for any reason, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portion of a trip. 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 nonre-fundable airline tickets.

TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: Trip cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost and is strongly recommended. We will forward 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, par-ticipants need to be flexible in responding to unforeseen situ-ations 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 informa-tion 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, 2014.

CALL TOLL-FREE 1-877-877-8759 O R APPLY ONL INE AT NGSTUDENTEXPEDITIONS .COM 5 9

Thank you to the following photographers whose work is featured in this catalog:

Elaina Aquila, Claire Bangser, Britt Basel, James Bernal, Justin Bowen, Taylor Chiu, Lina Colado, Thomas Egli, David Estrada, Melanie Fidler, Nick Fitzhugh, Elie Gardner, Gemina Garland-Lewis, Colton Graub, Laura Hanson, Mike Hill, Lisa Hornak, Megan Hughes, Jennifer Hutchens, Mike Kautz, Rachel Langosch, William Liu, Andrea Marshall, Chris Montero, Simone Levine, Lindsay MacKensie, Federico Pardo, Drew Perlmutter, Jill Schneider, Erika Skogg, Hee Sun, Alex Verron

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