semester

Chile

Wild Patagonia: Fire and Ice

At A Glance

15 Weeks | 18 Credits
Fall 2020

Sep 7 - Dec 18

Open

Spring 2021

Jan 25 - May 7

Open

Prerequisites

One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science

Sample Itinerary
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Wild Patagonia: Fire and Ice

Puerto Natales, Patagonia

Patagonia is a land of fire and ice. Here, massive glaciers and active volcanoes form a wild landscape unlike any other. Spend a semester amid the soaring peaks, massive glaciers, and narrow fjords of Patagonia, where the trails of national parks like Torres del Paine become your classroom for research and field work. Embark on expeditions to the southernmost tip of South America and the volcanic lakes region of northern Patagonia to study climate change impacts, diverse ecosystems, and conservation in one of the world’s most iconic regions.

  • Hike through the dramatic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, and take an expedition to neighboring Argentina and the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier
  • From the Strait of Magellan, embark on a voyage through labyrinthine fjords, massive glaciers, and evergreen forests, to Cape Horn – the southernmost point of South America
  • Journey to northern Patagonia’s lakes region, home to the lush Valdivian temperate rainforests, the active Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes, and massive blue whales

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‌Academics

This academically rigorous program follows a six-day/week schedule. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to help students actively discover and understand the complexities of environmental, social, and economic issues in Chile.

Major academic themes include:

  • Climate change impacts and resilience
  • Glacial dynamics
  • Geology and volcanic activity
  • Penguin behavior
  • Endangered species protection
  • Coastal and alpine ecology
  • Conservation strategy and practice
  • National park visitation and protected areas management

Courses

On the Wild Patagonia: Fire and Ice program, you will take three 4-credit disciplinary courses, one 2-credit language and culture course, and a 4-credit capstone Directed Research course. Courses are participatory in nature and are designed to foster inquiry and active learning. Each course combines lectures, field exercises, assignments, tests, and research. All courses are taught in English.

Click on each course to view a description and download the syllabus.

SFS 2001 Language, Culture, and Society of Chile 2 credits
SFS 3081 Political and Social Dimensions of Conservation 4 credits
SFS 3601 Earth Systems and Climate Science 4 credits
SFS 3781 Patagonian Ecology 4 credits
SFS 4910 Directed Research 4 credits

Core Skills

You will gain practical skills in the field such as: species identification and population monitoring, habitat and biodiversity assessment, basic Spanish language skills, natural resource valuation, science communication, research design and implementation, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and research presentation.

Field Sites

You will visit different ecosystems and communities, which may include glaciers and ice fields, fjords, coastal villages and port cities, Valdivian temperate forests, protected areas surrounding the Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes, penguin colonies, freshwater ecosystems in the Lakes District, and popular national parks.

Resources

Directed Research

In the Directed Research course, each student completes a field research project under the mentorship of a faculty member – beginning with data collection and analysis and concluding with a research paper and presentation. Project subject areas span ecology, natural resource management, conservation science, environmental ethics, and socioeconomics.

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All program components are subject to change.

‌Life in the Field

Surrounded by the jagged peaks of Cerro Benítez and the deep blue waters of the Señoret Channel lies the port city of Puerto Natales – the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. Located in the heart of this bustling tourist hub is the Center for Climate Studies, your home base for expeditions throughout the region.

  • Dorm living with 2 to 4-person bunkrooms
  • Classroom and student lounge
  • Kitchen and dining room, and on-site cooking staff
  • Nearby hiking trail and running routes
  • Steps away from the town square, shops, and cafes of Puerto Natales
  • Short walk to the Señoret Channel, a scenic fjord with views of the Andes

 
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