I'm an outdoorsy person considering an outdoor-focused gap year program. Are there any programs that combine adventure, personal growth, and maybe some environmental study that you can recommend?
Certainly, various outdoor-based gap year programs can help facilitate adventure, personal growth, and environmental education. Here are some you might want to look into:
1. National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): This is one of the most recognized programs in this area. NOLS offers a variety of courses in leadership and hard skills in an outdoor context, like wilderness first aid, and you can pick programs emphasizing certain hobbies like backpacking, kayaking, climbing, and more. Their courses span across numerous locations worldwide.
2. Outward Bound: Outward Bound is another popular program that offers outdoor learning experiences, which range from sailing and mountaineering to backpacking and more. They have programs within the U.S. and in other countries.
3. Where There Be Dragons: If you're interested in immersive cultural experiences along with outdoor exploration, Where There Be Dragons could be a great choice. Their programs often incorporate homestays alongside hiking and wilderness exploration, with a heavy emphasis on cultural exchange, which could complement your interest in personal growth.
4. Pacific Discovery: Pacific Discovery programs offer adventure, exploration, volunteer service, and cultural education, amongst stunningly diverse natural environments. Their courses last for about a semester.
5. Gapforce: If you're particularly interested in conservation and eco-adventures, Gapforce offers programs such as a marine conservation expedition in the Bahamas or an eco-adventure and wildlife conservation program in Costa Rica.
Remember, in considering these options, it's important to reflect on your personal goals for the gap year. What do you hope to learn? What experiences are you seeking? This can help guide you in finding the program that best suits your aspirations.
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