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Young Adults

Patagonia to Florida & Blue Ridge – Leadership Semester

Do something unforgettable. 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

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: Bariloche, Argentina
  • airplane Course End Location: Asheville, NC

Students Can Earn

  • College Credit

  • Wilderness First Aid

Session Details

1 session are available for this course

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What You'll Learn

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: summit alpine peaks, immerse yourself in new cultures, canoe coastal waters, paddle rapids, and rock climb across three stunning regions.

Where You'll Be

Explore the remote peaks of Patagonia, the subtropical wilderness of the Florida Everglades, and the rugged landscapes of the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains. 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.

Beginning at the edge of the world in Patagonia, enjoy alpine trekking and immerse yourself in local culture. Then, leave your backpacks behind to journey by canoe and camp on sandy beaches in the 10,000 Islands of Everglades National Park. Finish strong in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains where you will climb rock faces, paddle through rushing rapids, and navigate the trails. Along the way, build new skills, earn wilderness first aid certification, give back through service projects, and gain fresh perspectives.

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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
Day 2 Introduction to Patagonia: culture, equipment, and environment
Day 3-8 Backpacking
Day 9 Resupply and transition day
Day 10 Service project with national park
Day 11-13 Peak ascent
Day 14-15 Solo
Day 16-18 Snow School: mountaineering, glacier travel, ice climbing, and crevasse rescue skills
Day 19-21 Glacier travel: ice climbing and peak ascents
Day 22 Clean and de-issue equipment; town day
Day 23 Travel to Florida
Day 24 Introduction to Florida: canoeing equipment and marine environment
Day 25-27 Canoeing training expedition: navigation, tides, rescue, and marine camping skills
Day 28 Service project
Day 29-32 Canoeing main expedition: advanced navigation, goal setting, group feedback, and conflict resolution
Day 33-35 Solo
Day 36-39 Canoeing final expedition: student leadership and independent travel
Day 40 Clean and de-issue gear; town day
Day 41 Transportation to North Carolina
Day 42-46 Backpacking training expedition: navigation, camping, and Appalachian environment skills
Day 47-51 Rock climbing: climbing, belaying, rappelling, and multi-pitch climbing
Day 52-53 Backpacking main expedition: advanced navigation and group decision-making
Day 54-56 Solo
Day 57-61 Whitewater canoeing: paddle strokes, boat maneuvers, rapid scouting, and self-rescue
Day 62 Service project: trail-building or work with community service organization
Day 63 High ropes course
Day 64-66 Wilderness First Aid certification
Day 67-70 Backpacking final expedition: leadership and independent student travel
Day 71 Personal challenge event, clean and de-issue gear, graduation ceremony and banquet
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 San Carlos De Bariloche Airport (BRC) in Argentina and ends at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). Students must purchase mid-course travel from San Carlos De Bariloche Airport (BRC) to Miami International Airport (MIA). A travel itinerary will be required. Mid-course travel from Florida to North Carolina is provided by North Carolina Outward Bound School.

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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