NG Experts in Training

Giovanna Palatucci gets the scoop on National Geographic’s study abroad opportunities for high school students.

Students “On Assignment” with National Geographic Student Expeditions

Ford Cochran first ventured to Iceland while on assignment for National Geographic Television; he filmed the ice cliffs and caves created by a 1996 volcanic eruption that had melted hundreds of feet through the ice. Today, Ford is heading back to Iceland, this time to share his experiences with high school students as part of National Geographic Student Expeditions program.

National Geographic Student Expeditions is an educational adventure program providing high school students the opportunity to explore various communities around the globe and across the US under the guidance of experts like Ford and other NG writers, photographers, and scientists.

“Students, particularly young ones, are open to learning new things and seeing the world in new ways. There’s little that excites me more than visiting an extraordinary place for the first time–and being able to share that experience with others is thrilling. For teens today, there’s also genuine urgency to caring for this amazing planet we share,” said Ford.

On the trips, National Geographic experts assist students with their “On Assignment” projects, a hands-on learning program that allows students to explore their destination through their personal interests. Depending on their focus, students may put together a photo-essay, write travel articles, or join an archaeological dig. Other assignments include wildlife & conservation, people & cultures, filmmaking, climate & geology, emerging global powers, and marine biology & conservation.

Fostering that “urgency to care,” and continuing with NG’s commitment to sustainable travel, each expedition includes community service projects making sure students not only learn from the local culture but also give back. Varying by location, students can log up to 30 community service hours helping to build schools, tutor in English, or clean up parks.

NG Student Expeditions venture all over the globe including visits to Tanzania, Peru, Australia, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Rome and Greece, and Spain.

Two US-based “On Campus” expeditions in Bar Harbor, Maine and Monterey, California offer shorter, 10-day programs. This summer, Ford will be accompanying students to Iceland for an 18-day trip to observe the effects of climate change and learn about renewable energy sources.

Said Ford, “My best teachers and friends inspired me to care, to dedicate my career to trying to open eyes and make a difference for the better. I hope I might do the same for others.”

To read more about Ford and the other Expedition Experts and find more information about the Student Expeditions program visit: ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/index.html. Applications are still currently being accepted, and the first trips begin leaving at the end of June.