Study Abroad - Africa!

If you are one of the few people who were infected with the Travel Bug at a young age, you definitely need to check out CMC's study abroad programs to help with the itch (http://www.coloradomtn.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=2935482&pageId=14878933). This summer CMC went above and beyond my expectations by providing the opportunity to study abroad for two weeks in AFRICA! Unfortunately the cut-off for this years trip has passed, but there's always next year!

When I was growing up I would sit on my dads lap and watch the show "Nature", which was more often than not based in the African plains. I think that's where I developed my deep fascination and love for the continent... I've never been, but it's definitely a dream. Unfortunately this trip is out of my budget, but I strongly encourage anyone who can to take advantage of such an amazing experience. It would be something absolutely inspiring to blog about... I thought about doing a personal fundraiser? I've never done one, but it might be my best chance. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

A description of the trip, via CMC's website:

Mt.Kilimanjaro 
Students will be introduced to the skills of high altitude international wilderness trekking, non-technical mountaineering, and be immersed in the local guiding culture of Eastern Africa. We will spend six days in Tanzania hiking up Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,341ft / 5895m), the highest point in Africa and one of the seven summits – the highest mountains on the seven continents.

While Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s largest topographical features, the mountain does not require any technical skills, specialist equipment, or supplemental oxygen to climb.

Tanzanian Safari
After our time on Mt. Kilimanjaro, we will spend three days on safari in Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Parks. Here we will get the chance to see African wildlife in some of the most beautiful parks on the continent.

Local Community Immersion in Kiserian, Kenya
On our way back to Nairobi for the flight home we will stop for a few days in the town of Kiserian on the edge of the Rift Valley. Here we will meet the local community and pastoralists and immerse ourselves in the Africa less known to tourists.

Courses
GEO 105 – World Regional Geography: This class is a 3 credit, guaranteed-transfer class covering the main themes of world regional geography: physical environment, cultural identity, and economic and political development of world regions with an emphasis on the regions of East Africa. Students who need GEO 106 - Human Geography can take this class instead of GEO 105.

PED 223 – Beginning Mountaineering: This 1 credit class will introduce students to the basic skills required for non-technical mountaineering including high altitude alpine environments, mountain travel, equipment, and hiking skills. Focus will be on weather, terrain analysis, distance vs. time and energy, and basic high altitude international mountaineering skills.

PED 225 – Trekking: Also a 1 credit class, Trekking will cover basic trekking skills and equipment in an international mountain climbing context. Climbing and natural history of the area will be discussed as well.

For more information on this trip, visit it's page (http://www.coloradomtn.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=2935482&pageId=15912706).