HMI Gap Semesters: Adventure, Conservation & Leadership in Wild Places

Wonderful views, excellent instructors, smelly students: whats not to love? One or two things but not that many things. The hiking, backpacking, and canyoneering aspects were simply splendid. All the locations we traveled to were beautiful and there were diverse outdoor challenges in each of them. The instructors were-- for the most part--respectful, knowledgeable, professional, and intelligent. There was much to learn about living in the back country and we were taught it well. I could've used a little more autonomy. I felt slightly like a small child again, but that was nice considering I was far from my parents loving arms. I also might've enjoyed more town time and/or cultural immersion during the abroad portion of the course. If you are looking for a challenging and fun introduction to backpacking and long back country expeditions with a little bit of sometimes boring learning worked in, this is the program for you.

Before HMI I had never hiked with a full pack, had only car camped a few times with my family, and never had spent more than a day or two in the backcountry. Now I can carry everything I'll need to live comfortably for over a week rain, shine, cold, or warm all in my backpack. The community that we've built over this semester has been one of the strongest and most supportive spaces that I have ever been a part of. I've learned about environmental science and the ethics surrounding it as well as more than I ever thought I would about myself and my own goals. If you are interested in the outdoors, leadership, environmental studies, traveling, and experiencing new things then you should really really really really sign up for the next HMI semester.

I was one of eleven students on the HMI Climbing & Conservation semester in Colorado, Utah, and Patagonia, and I am so happy I chose to spend my fall travel in and climbing with such an incredible group. HMI allowed students of all levels to learn and grow, while still pushing us and allowing me to try lots of new things.
Some of my favorite things about the course were my incredible instructors who supported and pushed me throughout the course while still having tons of fun together, the world class climbing areas we got to visit such as Indian Creek and towers in Moab, and the environmental studies curriculum that combined with our service work to allow me to truly think critically about conservation and the environment. I learned a lot from HMI Gap, and would highly recommend the climbing semester to those interested in growing as a climber, and environmentalist, and as a person.

Full send! Whatever you are looking to get out of a gap year, HMI can provide. This adventure was super fun, created so many memories, and I had an amazing time in the wilderness. I've never been backpacking or even camping and it was the most fun I've had in a while. I've never cooked anything other than top ramen and pasta, but I got to a point where I felt confident in making things like pizza from scratch. I didn't know anything about conservation or public lands and now I am fascinated by national parks. HMI prepares you for everything in life. I was so nervous to do this and I am so happy I made the right choice to do this. the people are so friendly, I felt 100% safe the entire time, and I have made such deep connections with amazing people around the country and even the world.

My semester with HMI was one of the most fulfilling and empowering experiences of my life. What once seemed so daunting- living in the backcountry for weeks at a time- quickly became comfortable and fun, thanks in large part to the wonderful instructors. I took a gap year to redefine what 'education' means to me, and my experience in this regard at HMI was everything I could have hoped for and more. We learned deeply about places while in them, talked about conservation and wilderness not as some far off concepts but as ideas with real, visible implications for how we lived while in the field. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn a lot in some incredible places, with incredible people, and have a great time too.

When I first came to HMI I did not have very much rock climbing experience and I left the course with an increased confidence in the world of outdoor climbing. In addition to rock climbing we backpacked in Colorado and Patagonia and did service work in Utah. Throughout the course we formed a tight knit community and bonded as a group. I left the course with new skills and valuable friendships that I would not have gained if it weren’t for HMI gap. HMI is an amazing program that focuses on growth minded leadership and wilderness experiences, the environmental studies curriculum is interesting and thought provoking and leads to many interesting conversations and classes. I would definitely recommended HMI gap to anyone interested in taking a gap year regardless of outdoor experiences!

Firstly, if you are even slightly considering taking a gap year, for any reason, do it.

I wish I had taken a gap year in between high school and college. I was young, immature and headed to college for all the wrong reasons. I had a great time, but I spent more time in a fraternity house than I did in a classroom. After my junior year I decided that it was better late than never, and that in order to hopefully get something worthwhile out of my college experience I should take a gap year.

I decided on the rock climbing and conservation HMI program and have absolutely zero regrets. Everything about the trip exceeded my expectations. The climbing was incredible, and I was given countless opportunities to push my comfort levels and improve my climbing skills. The instructors were awesome, they were super easy to get along with, and it was pretty clear that they loved what they were doing. The group was great, granted there were some disagreements, but that's to be expected with 11 people living together for 80 days. I left the trip with some really good friends that I'll hopefully stay in contact with for a long time.

Most importantly I gained confidence in myself and my abilities and was able to figure out some of my passions and gain some direction in life. I walked away from the trip with a brand new appreciation for what's important to me.

Throughout the 80 days I was in my community of 10 other students and 3 instructors, I laughed, cried, explored, learned, and discovered so many things. I learned core rock climbing skills like proper lead climbing techniques and anchor set ups that then turned into more specific skills throughout the duration of the course like rock rescue scenarios and leading multi-pitch climbs. I got to experience a community that bonded and laughed and shared so many jokes along with memories that will last me years to come. I also was able to be vulnerable and myself thanks to the instructors on the course. With their positive attitude and amazing leadership, they all were mentors to me. They provides safe spaces where all of us, could open up and share things about ourselves, like stories of our past to things we are proud of where those sharing can be honest and true, and not worry about being judged. This semester honestly was one of the most impactful experiences I have ever been apart of, and am so thankful for all the friends and connections I have made that will last years to come.