Alzar Gap Quarterly – January
Hello from Alzar Gap! This is Jami from Alzar Gap. It’s been a pleasure getting to connect with some terrific gap consultants and so many interested families and students during the past month. The admissions team at Alzar has been making its rounds on the gap fair circuit and it has felt so great to speak with folks in person! Below are some relevant updates and information for you to stay up to date on what is going on with Alzar Gap.
CURRENT PROGRAM On a much more exciting note, I wanted to share some of the recent happenings of our current Alzar Gap program and share some of the terrific photos of students’ adventures so far (click here to see what our gap students have been up to in Patagonia, Chile).
Our current Patagonia Exchange spring program returned from the Paloma River Expedition earlier this week and we wanted to share some highlights with you! The group had an incredible time building up their paddling skills and whitewater knowledge. Before the expedition, students engaged in a swift water rescue and kayak course before learning about river and lake ecology with the Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia. Students had a great time at our first traditional Chilean Asado and hosted a dinner on the shores of Lago Atravesado at our base campus in Chile.
While out on expedition, students learned how to choose routes, and campsites, cook using whisperlite stoves, and pack all of their belongings on inflatable kayaks. Our instructors enjoyed seeing the growth in students as they started taking over as Leader of the Day, which involves setting the route, schedule for the day, and discussing risk management strategies with their peers. The Leader of the Day role is a great way for students to learn decision-making strategies, communication skills, and to develop an eye for risk management with guidance from instructors. Our team has been so impressed with the enthusiasm each student has brought to the cohort and we look forward to learning about permaculture and sustainable design while living in Coyhaique Chile and Puerto Guadal.
Over the next few days we’ll be exploring the town of Coyhaique, and getting ready to head South to Puerto Guadal (want some travel envy? check out some of the views group will see first hand).
UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES
Our application for all 3 of our 2023-2024 programs is live (initial application linked here)! In particular, we are running our $3,000 merit based scholarship program through May 1st. Applicants simply need to answer two additional questions on the written application to be considered to receive this award. We are also continuing to accept financial aid applications, and encourage families to submit them as soon as possible. Funds are limited and will be allocated in early summer.
As always, if you have any questions about any of our programs, or want to connect, feel free to select a time on my calendar to chat! Please also pass this email along to any interested students and families so they can be informed about Alzar Gap.