Where There Be Dragons - Colorado River Basin Semester: Sustainability and Resilience in the Western US

Our approach is simple: build meaningful and long-lasting relationships with local communities, work with the best instructors, and stay true to our responsible travel ethics. A typical group consists of 12 students and 3 instructors to ensure each student receives individual support and mentorship.

Backpack to the source of the Colorado River, study permaculture and sustainability on local farms, and float and hike the desert canyons of Utah. Study the history, policy, ecology, and cultures of a complex and diverse region of the U.S. wrestling with identity, development, and sustainability.

• Engage with movements for food justice and food sovereignty
• Meet with scientists, activists, ranching families, and recreational groups to gain a deeper understanding of the demands on land and water
• Study permaculture with sustainable farmers and learn about practical solutions for climate change
• Develop a complex understanding of the human history and a deeper connection with the natural environment in the high mountains and winding desert canyons
• Backpacking expeditions along the Continental Divide including possible summits of mountain peaks
• Float the red rock canyons of the Colorado River Basin while you learn about complicated demands on this precious resource and how water has carved the magnificent natural beauty of the Southwest
• Study controversial land use issues and natural resource extraction practices in the Bears Ears National monument and other public lands
• Learn how communities of the Southwest carve out their existence amidst the greatest drought in centuries and strike a delicate balance in a competition for scarce natural resources

Optional college credits are available for all Gap Year programs through Portland State University and Naropa University. Learn more about optional college credits.

Dragons Gap Semester and Summer Programs are multi-week travel programs that differ from other study abroad and group travel experiences in the degree of ruggedness, remoteness, intense cross-cultural immersion, and interpersonal demands that participants may face. The expectations and challenges of these programs may not be appropriate for some individuals.

​

A qualified participant is one who can meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria for participation in all program activities:

• Adaptability
• Safety, Judgment, and Risk Mitigation
• Self Awareness and Emotional intelligence
• Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health
• Engagement and Attitude

​

Misrepresentation of a participant’s ability to comply with these EEC may lead to formal behavioral intervention, disciplinary action, early dismissal, or evacuation from the program.

• Spaces are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. While there is no fixed application deadline, the program recommends applying well in advance to get a spot on your first-choice program.

Step 1: Enroll

• Take a few minutes to fill out your online application. Don’t worry about your answers being perfect – we just want to know more about you and hear about your interests.

Step 2: Submit a Deposit

• Submit an $850 deposit to hold your spot via the Online Payment Page.

Step 3: Interview

• Once you’ve completed steps one and two, we’ll send an email inviting you to schedule a phone interview with a member of our Admissions team. You don’t need to prepare in advance, but please bring contact information for your mental health care provider if you’ve seen one in the last two years. 

After your interview, our admissions team may follow up with you or your therapist or request an additional reference, if we feel additional information is needed. Once we have everything we need, our team will make a prompt decision on your acceptance and notify you via email.

Where There be Dragons offers financial aid to participants who demonstrate financial need. Aid applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit your request early so that we can consider it in our first round of reviews.

Fill out an online application.

Write a cover letter to accompany your online application including:

• The small group travel program you hope to attend
• The exact amount of tuition that you can contribute towards the cost of your program. (It is very rare for Dragons to offer a full tuition coverage). The more you are able to contribute, the greater the likelihood that we’ll be able to support you with aid.
• Anything that we should know about your financial situation.

Include copies of your most recent federal tax return.

Submit your cover letter and pertinent financial aid information.

Once we have received your completed program application, cover letter, and supplemental financial documents our Admissions Team will conduct an initial review. An offer or decline will be communicated by email.