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Young Adults

Blue Ridge to Florida & Patagonia – Leadership Semester

Learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms. Take a gap semester and embark on the adventure of a lifetime on this 72-day international semester course.

Scholarships

Learn about scholarship opportunities.

Savings Plan

Use a 529 College Savings Plan

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Multiple Destinations

A person wearing a black shirt and an orange cap is paddling a canoe through a river surrounded by lush green trees. The river reflects the sky and the surrounding vegetation. The canoe has some white buckets with black letters on them. The scene is peaceful and serene, capturing the beauty of nature.
Two rock climbers are on a cliff face, geared up with helmets and harnesses. They are surrounded by climbing ropes and equipment. Behind them, a scenic view unfolds with mountains, trees displaying autumn colors, and a clear blue sky. The climbers appear to be taking a break or preparing for their next ascent.
A group of people are huddled together in a snow trench, smiling and posing for a photo. Behind them, several colorful tents are pitched on the snowy landscape, suggesting a campsite in a mountainous or arctic environment. The sky is partly cloudy, with patches of blue visible.
CB20 Course Overview

About This Course

Activity

  • The image shows a blue outline of a hiking backpack against a black background. The backpack is fully packed, with a sleeping bag or similar item strapped to the top. It has multiple compartments and straps, suggesting it's designed for carrying a substantial amount of gear. The style is simple and graphic, resembling an icon or a line drawing. Backpacking
  • The image shows a simple, stylized drawing of a canoe in blue against a black background. The canoe is depicted with curved lines outlining its shape, and there are horizontal lines inside the canoe to suggest its structure or design. The style is reminiscent of a basic illustration or icon, with a focus on clear, recognizable shapes rather than detailed realism. Canoeing
  • The image shows a pixelated, dark blue mountain range against a black background. The mountains are jagged and uneven, with a body of water in front. The style is reminiscent of early computer graphics, with a limited color palette and blocky shapes. The overall impression is stark and simple, evoking a sense of isolation and the raw power of nature. Glacial Travel
  • The image shows a stylized, dark blue silhouette of a mountain range against a black background. The mountains have jagged peaks, suggesting a rugged terrain. The overall impression is simple and graphic, reminiscent of a logo or emblem. The contrast between the dark blue and black creates a stark, visually striking image. A small white dot is present above the mountain. Mountaineering
  • The image shows a stylized, blue drawing of a foot and ankle, possibly representing a ballet dancer's foot in a pointe shoe. The foot is positioned vertically, with the toes pointing downwards. The drawing has a simple, almost cartoonish style, with thick lines outlining the shape of the foot and shoe. The background is black, which makes the blue drawing stand out. The image could be used to represent dance, movement, or elegance. Rock Climbing

Setting & Location

  • The image shows a dark background with blue, pixelated shapes clustered in the lower-left and upper-left areas. These shapes might represent landmasses or abstract forms, with some resembling islands or coastlines. The pixelated style gives the image a retro or digital aesthetic, and the contrast between the blue and black creates a stark visual effect. Coastal
  • The image shows a simple, hand-drawn style illustration of three evergreen trees, possibly pine or fir trees. They are depicted in a solid blue color against a white background. The trees are stylized with jagged edges to represent the needles and branches, giving them a whimsical and slightly abstract appearance. The trunks are simple vertical lines. Forest
  • The image shows a simple, cartoon-style drawing of two mountains. The mountains are depicted with triangular shapes and jagged peaks, suggesting a rugged terrain. Dashed lines adorn the sides of the mountains, possibly representing snow or rocky textures. The drawing is done in a single color, giving it a minimalist and somewhat childlike appearance. The overall impression is one of a basic, almost iconic representation of mountains. Mountains
  • The image shows a stylized, pixelated scene of nature. Two tall, slender pine trees frame a view of distant mountains. A body of water, possibly a lake or river, is visible in the foreground, reflecting the scenery. The color palette is limited, with a dominant dark blue against a black background, giving the image a retro, digital aesthetic. River
  • airplane Course Start Location: Asheville, NC
  • airplane Course End Location: Bariloche, Argentina

Students Can Earn

  • College Credit

  • Wilderness First Aid

Session Details

1 session are available for this course

Chat with the Customer Success Team
A group of people are gathered on a sandy beach, seemingly listening to a person standing and speaking to them. The speaker is holding a book or clipboard. The group is diverse in age and attire, and they are arranged in a semi-circle facing the speaker. The beach stretches along the coastline, with the ocean visible in the background. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a pleasant day.

What You'll Learn Statement

Outward Bound’s Semester courses combine memory-making adventure with lessons that last a lifetime. You’ll enrich and expand the way you see yourself, the world, and what’s possible. And with itineraries that span the globe, these expeditions are far more than stamps in a passport; they are life-affirming learning opportunities.

What You'll Do

Take on new challenges during this international course: rock climb, paddle rapids, canoe coastal waters, summit alpine peaks, and immerse yourself in new cultures across three stunning regions.

The image shows a scenic view of a mountain landscape. In the foreground, there's a field of purple lupine flowers. A dirt path leads through the field, with several people walking along it. The background features a lush green forest and a large mountain with a snow-capped peak under a partly cloudy sky. The overall scene conveys a sense of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.

Where You'll Be

Explore the rugged landscapes of the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains, the subtropical wilderness of the Florida Everglades, and remote peaks of Patagonia. Each region offers unique biodiversity, stunning scenery, and a deep cultural history.

A group of six people are sitting and standing on a rocky mountaintop, posing for a photo. They are all wearing hats or helmets. Behind them, there's a stunning view of snow-capped mountains and a partly cloudy sky. The landscape suggests they are on a hiking or climbing trip, enjoying the scenic vista from their elevated vantage point.

Why It Matters

This extended Outward Bound experience is an opportunity to learn, practice, and repeat skills that help you navigate course and life. Discover your unique leadership style, how to engage with your crew toward shared goals, and make memories that will shape who you continue to become as your next chapter unfolds.

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CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Semester Expeditions

What if your Gap Year launches you into an exciting future with confidence, new skills, and incredible stories to share?

Educational Approach

Backcountry skills that last.

The goal of our Gap Year expeditions is to help you develop the confidence, knowledge, and integrity essential for effective leadership. Whether you are learning how to safely tie in on belay, deciding as a group how to navigate through new terrain, or setting up your campsite for the evening, you’ll be honing and practicing skills for life.

Expanding perspective.

An Outward Bound course is more than an outdoor adventure – it’s a unique opportunity to learn skills that will help you navigate life beyond the trail: leadership, teamwork, and self-reflection will set you up for success well into your future.

We believe in you.

Our Semester courses are tough. And worth every blister and bug bite because you’re tough, too. You’ll discover that as you explore awesome backcountry, forge lifelong connections with your crew, and gain hands-on leadership training.

CB31 Media Gallery

Life on Course

Step away from the noise of daily life and develop a deeper understanding of the wilderness, the world, and yourself.

Start your course in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, where you and your crew will backpack through lush forests, climb rock faces, and paddle river rapids. Then, leave your backpacks behind to journey by canoe and camp on sandy beaches in the 10,000 Islands of Everglades National Park. Finally, enjoy alpine trekking and immerse yourself in local culture at the edge of the world in Patagonia. Along the way, you’ll become a leader, earn a Wilderness First Aid certification, complete service projects, and build lifelong friendships.

A person in a yellow kayak navigates through choppy water. The kayaker wears a yellow helmet and a red jacket. The kayak is surrounded by white water, indicating rapids or a fast-moving current. The background features a rocky shoreline with trees and foliage. The overall scene suggests an outdoor adventure activity, likely kayaking or canoeing in a natural river environment.
A person stands triumphantly on a snow-covered mountain peak under a clear blue sky. They are wearing dark clothing, a red headband, and sunglasses, and holding an ice axe in one hand. Clouds fill the valley below, creating a stunning backdrop. The surrounding landscape features rocky outcrops and pristine white snow, suggesting a challenging but rewarding climb.
Two people are paddling a canoe on a body of water. The person in the front is wearing a red headband and sunglasses, and the person in the back is wearing a life jacket. The canoe is in the middle of the water, and there are trees in the background. The sky is cloudy.
A group of people are huddled together on a rocky mountaintop, possibly celebrating a successful hike or climb. They are surrounded by a vast, scenic landscape featuring rolling green hills and snow-capped mountains in the distance under a partly cloudy sky. The overall impression is one of camaraderie and accomplishment in a beautiful natural setting.

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CB39 Table Feature

Sample Itinerary

Here’s an example of what your course itinerary might look like. The actual plan will depend on permits, weather, group skills, and instructor evaluation.

Swipe on table below to view more.

72-Day Course

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Day 1 Course start, duffle shuffle, team building initiatives, and safety management skills
Day 2-6 Backpacking training expedition: navigation and safety management skills
Day 7-11 Rock climbing, belaying, rappelling and multi-pitch climbing
Day 12-14 Backpacking main expedition: advanced navigation and group decision-making
Day 15-16 Solo
Day 17-21 Whitewater canoeing: paddle strokes, boat maneuvers, rapid scouting, and self-rescue
Day 22 Service project: trail building or work with community service organization
Day 23 High ropes course
Day 24-26 Wilderness First Aid certification
Day 27-30 Backpacking final expedition: leadership and independent student travel
Day 31 Personal challenge event, clean and de-issue gear, and town day
Day 32 Transportation to Florida
Day 33 Introduction to canoeing equipment and marine environment
Day 34-36 Canoeing training expedition: navigation, tides, rescue and marine camping skills
Day 37 Service project
Day 38-41 Canoeing main expedition: advanced navigation, goal setting, group feedback, and conflict resolution
Day 42-44 Solo
Day 45-48 Canoeing final expedition: student leadership and independent travel
Day 49 Clean and de-issue gear; town day
Day 50 Transportation to Patagonia
Day 51 Introduction to Patagonia culture, equipment and environment; service project
Day 52-57 Backpacking
Day 58 Resupply and transition day
Day 59 Service project with National Park
Day 60-62 Peak ascent
Day 63-64 Solo
Day 65-67 Snow school: mountaineering, glacier travel, ice climbing and crevasse rescue skills
Day 68-70 Glacier travel: ice climbing and peak ascents
Day 71 Clean and de-issue equipment; course end ceremony
Day 72 Town day; transportation to airport
CB27 Pull Quotes

Disconnecting with society and being totally present in each moment has let me grow an amount I never thought possible. I’ve learned from my crewmates, surroundings, instructors, and myself. I’ve gained perspective and know going through life moving forward will be with new purpose and light.

Elli

I learned I can accomplish more than I thought possible, that I need a supportive ‘crew’ to be my best, that taking responsibility and being self-reliant is emotionally rewarding, and that living with less in nature is a key component to my mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Keith

Now as I am adjusting back into life not living in the woods, I notice changes within myself on a daily bases…I have a lot to thank Outward Bound for, but in particular I dedicate my new-found work ethic, confidence, and ability to deal with difficult situations to Outward Bound.

Sierra

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

What are your essential eligibility criteria?

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Our Essential Eligibility Criteria shares what participants must be able to do during course. Full disclosure of all health and medication information is required during the admissions process.

Where does course start and end?

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This course starts at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) and ends at San Carlos DeBariloche Airport (BRC) in Argentina. Mid-course travel from North Carolina to Florida is provided by North Carolina Outward Bound School. Students must purchase mid-course travel from Miami, FL MIA) to Bariloche (BRC). A travel itinerary will be required.

Can I receive academic credit for this course or use my 529 College Savings Fund?

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Many secondary schools, colleges and universities offer direct credit for Outward Bound based on Independent Studies. If you cannot receive direct credit from your school, you should be able to arrange credit transfer from another institution, such as Western Colorado University. Learn more about academic credit and 529 college savings plans.

What is solo?

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A little more than halfway through course, students will participate in a reflection period called Solo. During this time, Instructors assign students their own individual spaces within a designated area. These sites are both secluded and within hearing distance of other group members and Instructors for safety. Students will be given all the necessary gear, food, water, and skills to enjoy solo time. Solo is a great opportunity for students to relax, recharge and reflect on their course after having long days of strenuous group activities. Instructors will be monitoring students closely during this experience.

THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE.
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