What is a skill you think everybody should know that will keep them alive

Taking a certified first aid course is always a great place to start. Other than that, learn how to stay warm and read a map. It has been said there is not such thing as bad weather only bad gear.

Favorite National park? State park?

I would have to say Kluane National Park in Canada's Yukon. I have led several expeditions there including one up Canada's highest mountain Mt. Logan.

I drove from Alaska to TX with a friend of mine last September and Lake Kluane was the part of the drive I remember the most vividly. They could have built a bridge across the lake but instead of doing that they built a road that went all the way around. The mountains were this deep purple color. The best part about that whole leg of the trip was that it was light when we started around the lake and dark by the time we got to the other side. We watched the sunset over the mountains and the moonrise over the lake. There was no light pollution at all just billions of visible stars. The lake was choppy so the combination of that and the moonlight made it look like this pale crystal fire stretching across the entire surface of the lake. I wish I had a better camera on that trip but I am glad I brought my journal because I got to write it all down. That is one drive I would sincerely do again in a heart beat. ~5000 miles of some of the most beautiful nature I've ever seen.

Love it! I have driven to Alaska 3 times, twice from Mexico.

How many languages do you know?

I know or have known a little of a lot. I really don't speak any other languages fluently but I always try to learn some of the basic language in the country I am traveling in. People really appreciate that you are trying to learn there languages even if you are butchering it.

How can I get a job travelling and camping the world?

Well, I got my start working at youth summer camps and built my resume from there. A great place to get training is NOLS where I worked for 10 years. www.nols.edu.

A good start would be getting certified in the most advanced wilderness first aid certification you can afford.

Which is the most beautiful country in your opinion?

Which was the worst?

Did you had any problem in any of those countrys?

That's a hard one to answer. For beautiful remote mountainous wilderness I would have to say Canada (and Alaska) and for fascinating culture I would have to say India.

I plan to go to India someday (my SO's from India and plans to go back in a few years). Is there any tip you could give me in order to enjoy my trip? (I have to agree with the cultural thing. India's culture's a mix of many cultural current, eastern and western).

The biggest thing is to go there with an open mind ready to learn and understand not criticize. It is great it you have local contacts to help you but it is not necessary (that goes for anywhere). Be ready to have a life changing experience and take advantage of every (good) opportunity to see the country and meet the people. Don't hang out at McDonalds and 5 star international hotels as many foreign travels do.

Don't hang out at McDonalds and 5 star international hotels as many foreign travels do.

I'd only do that if I was going to a city in my own country, haha.

And who am I to criticize? My country's culture isn't the best in the world (I actually think that some aspects of it are the worst in the world, but well). Should I learn any language or I'll do fine with english?

You will be fine with English, but try to learn a few important local words as well before you go or in your first days there.

Can't say a worst country, but I do prefer unique cultures and remote wilderness so I am not at interested in countries that don't offer these.

Problems... yes, I have lots of problems... but adventure travel is great at teaching problem solving! I have dealt with clients with broken legs high in the Himalayas of India to jewellery scams in Bangkok. I touch on 6 of my biggest challenges while leading groups in the book.

What are your favorite (or must have) pieces of camping gear for a short (week) expedition in mild conditions?

Good footwear and a $2 bug net go over a hat.

In your 15 years of travel, what was the scariest / most dangerous situation you got yourself into?

Humm, I have seen some crazy stuff but I would have to say the time a client suffered an open fracture (bone sticking out) of his tib/fib on a 12,000 ft ridge in the Indian Himalayas, 5 days from a road would have to take the cake. When you are the one responsible for safety in a leadership position it makes things even more scarier. I tell the story in the book and in this TEDx video http://youtu.be/uZKyVWb_Gf4

Throughout your 15 year journey, dealing with so many different people from all over the world, what lessons have you learned about human nature?

Wow that's a good one. If you are nice people will be nice to you... I need to come up with something more profound than that but it is true. Of all the bad we hear about most people are really really nice and you should get to know them more. A few months ago a had a homeless guy in Vancouver Canada found my computer bag I a had left on the sidewalk while getting on a bus to the airport. He ended up bring it into a store and they tracking me down and sent my bag to me. I had my life in that bag and I was blown away by the act.

I guess most things you learned are just internalized into your habits and normal routine and its hard to put in words..

Also, would you agree that the poor are generally more kind?

No, and that would be too much a generalization for me to make. In my experience many successful people got to where they are for giving more than they get.

Amazing. I am really interested in learning how to survive in all enviroments and be self sufficient.

I live in Australia so naturally I grew up camping quite a bit, however this was always with various conveniences.

Where would you suggest starting to learn full self sufficiency(if you know of an Australian school of some sort, even better) and what do you get from being outdoors and knowing you can survive in such remote situations?

This is a great place to get the training you are looking for in Australia. http://www.nols.edu/courses/locations/australia/

I have led two expeditions with them in WA in the hiking in the Kimberly for 3 weeks (lot that place) and sea kayaking near Dampier.

This is another good place to learn those skills. http://www.outwardbound.org.au/

Cheers man, I guess it can't be free though. Do you have any cheaper suggestions? I don't want to come across that I am trying to half ass it, I simply don't have access to that kind of money.

These are both non profits and both offer scholarships, apply you never know...

Part 2. It is a wonderful feeling knowing you know how to be self sufficient in the wilderness and anywhere for that matter. It is one of the greatest confidence boosters in life. It is powerful to know that if you had to go without most of the things you use in your daily life you would be fine.

When you're on an expedition, what do you use to start a fire?

A Bic lighter. Really. I even keep extras in my down jacket or sleeping bag to be sure I have a back up that won't get wet.

What do you carry in your emergency / survival kit?

Not much, the best thing you can carry is a brain full of useful knowledge to improvise. One of my key pieces of gear is an simple insulate pad of sitting on. Really, it keeps you off the ground if injured can be used for a splint and some many other things. At NOLS many times our spice kit is bigger than our first aid kit.

Would it be worth dropping college and becoming an explorer. Thats kinda my lifelong dream

NO! Yes, I a similar dreams during college as well but I am happy I made it though the experience. I am actually now working on my Masters in Leadership, which if funny seeing I thought I would never go back to school.

You have lots of time to be an explorer, get college out of the way first. It is nice to have a degree in your pocket to fall back on.

what about student loans?

Yes, you have to deal with those as well. Perhaps you can do less desirable higher paying jobs between outdoor ed contracts. I planted trees for a while and many do construction.

How do I post a pic in a response?

Upload the picture to imgur and then copy/paste the link.

thanks, I figured out I can just copy paste a dropbox link.

How highly would you recommend the river Kali/ India trekking trip? I would like to do a NOLS course once I graduate college and this one sounds the most interesting.

Depends what you are looking for out of the experience.

I have led the India trekking course and think it is great. You travel in an amazing area that very few foreigner travel. NOLS has excellent contact in and out of the mountains and is well respected in India.

What is the river Kali trip?

Right, I worked both hiking sections of the semester but not the river section. It would be a great first trip overseas as you will not be on your own and supported by NOLS every step of the way.

What is your best tips for living cheap while traveling?

Ideally, you have a job you love and get paid to travel.

If that is not the case then:

1. research, research, research.
2. lower your standards in an adventures sort of way.
3. give yourself a lot of time, it is hard to do thing cheap when you are in a rush.
   

Society fails, and you are left to your own accord. What is the first tool you would need to survive?

Humm - heavy duty garbage bag.

You?

[deleted]

Belay off! We like to make a belay sandwich of No Belay - Belay Off.

[deleted]

Nice, lol.

Is there any place you would never go again?

Humm, I could probably do without Bangkok. Hiking in the Adirondack's does not really interest me, the mountains are too low and populated for my liking.

Whats wrong with Bangkok?

Had some bad experiences there... namely jewellery scam. That story will be in my next book.

Do you live "under the poverty line" by choice?

If not, why don't you ask for a raise?

If so, then why do you choose to, and how does this affect how you do your job?

Just a note, I have not lived that way for 4 or 5 years now.

At the time it was mostly by choice. I was able to see and do all the things I wanted to do at the time, at the income level I was making because of the types of jobs I had. I would have settled down or just led more expeditions and made more money but that wouldn't have been fun at the time.

My friends and I have been casually looking at some wilderness treks as a possible trip next year. If all we care about is the exploration aspect an "outdoor experience", is there really any point in us considering NOLS or other similar organizations? We really have no interest in the team-building or leadership training at all, but it seems like a lot of the treks we briefly looked at seem to focus on this.

Yes and no and I appreciate your honesty. Many explorations fail because of poor planning and quality leadership. If you want to greatly increase the chances of having fun and success in achieving your explorations goals and you lack wilderness experience I would highly recommend a course of some sort. If you have lots of wilderness travel experience, have close friends you can be honest with and have similar goals then you probably don't need a course.

How do I get this job?

Hard work and dedication, like anything worth while. Call NOLS and ask them, they can help you get from where you are now to where you want to go or tell you where to go.

Have you ever felt the need to arm yourself while camping?

No, the only time I would ever carry arm would be in polar bear country.

I'm predisposed for a few reasons to want to live off the grid, or a hobo-lifestyle. The biggest problem I would face, I think, is finding food to eat every day. How did you find at least a meal a day, how do you survive?

Although I kind of felt like a hobo for many years I was never in survival mode or living off the land. It look glamour's in the movies but living off the land in this day and age can get old fast. I was always (mostly) prepared and had the proper gear where ever I went. Many night I didn't know where I would sleep at days but I would alway be fine pitching camp anywhere from the side of a highway to the top of a mountain because I had the training and gear.

I just finished a NOLS class in Alaska and it was definitely one of the best experiences of my life! All of our instructors were great and it seemed like they had a blast. They were Anne Marie, James, and Mann Deep. You might know them, they were awesome. I hope I can do one again

Fantastic, great to hear. I think you would enjoy my book of NOLS stories. Good luck with your future experiences.

It probably goes without saying but starting a life like this requires letting go of the old and familiar. Was it hard for you to let go in the beginning and do you have any advice for people like myself who are trying to gather the courage to pursue this life?

I think you need to be ready to embrace the adventure of this lifestyle and go with confidence that it will all work out.. I was straight out of college and into this lifestyle so I didn't have a chance it get use to our typical North American life style. Make sure you have a back up.

What was the worst thing that has happened to you that you completely didn't expect?

I didn't expect finding a missile sticking out of the ground in the arctic of Alaska and on the same day find 4 of our tent shredded by a bear. That was an interesting day for sure.

Hey! Fellow adventure educator here. I myself am looking to get out of the industry mostly from burning out working with adjudicated youth and a lack of community. What profession do you reccommend? I'm lookimg into signing up for teach for America.

Hey there, it can be a hard industry to get out of because as I say "it is much easier to change jobs than a lifestyle". I suggest you leave the industry gradually not cold Turkey. Teaching is a very common after life as you are using much of your current talents and experience. Think about your passions and how you can capitalize on your experiences. For me, I was always an entrepreneur at hart so it was a natural fit to start consulting.

what would you say is the easiest job to acquire in terms of getting paid to travel?

Humm, maybe teach english. I haven't done it but I know lots who have.

You can also travel and pick up side jobs as you go. I did this in New Zealand, picking fruit among other things.

I took the NOLS Teton Valley course when I was 15 and summited Rainier last summer. My father (60) was asked by Eric Simonson to join a climb with IMG this summer and attempt Sajama. They were 600-800 ft from summiting before weather turned them back. What is the closest to a summit you have been before being turned back? Also, any climbs/trips you have been dying to do but just keep falling through?

Wow that is tough, but a realistic part of climbing.

I had to turn around 500 ft from the summit of Mt. Logan (highest point in Canada) after 21 days. It was -51 and near zero visibility. I still want to get back there some day... now probably with one of my kids. You can read about the expedition in my book and in this NOLS story: http://www.nols.edu/news/expeditions/mt_logan_expedition.shtml

How did you get into your line of work to begin with?

I did a degree in college in Outdoor Recreation with a focus on experiential education. That is where I learned about and fell in love with the industry.

What are your 5 "off the list" items that you love to have on an expedition? Everybody's got a multi-tool and a headlamp, what are some more unique things you like to have in your bag?

Well, they have changed over the years and depend on what kind of expedition I am on but for general backpacking I would say:

• small insulite pad
• small tube of seam seal
• reading material
• lots of your favourite hot drink in your favourite mug
• $2 bug net to go over a hat

How about those? Anything to add?

I forgot trekking poles, I am a big fan of black diamond poles.

Got my trekking poles ready to go, that's one I heard a lot and I'm sure my knees will thank me. One thing I'm trying for the first time is bringing compression shorts and shirts, for moisture wicking, keeping me cool/warm, and (supposedly) keeping the blood flowing... any experience with compression shirts of shorts for a base layer? If not, what do you prefer for a moderate climate? (40-80 degrees & humid)

I have not tried backpacking in compression, I have used compression socks and tights for recovery from marathons and triathlons. I would think they my be hot, but there are so many type now perhaps not. I like my Patagonia baggy shorts and quick dry t-shirt. That has worked for many years, just remember "cotton kills" in the mountains.

I definitely need to get a bug net, mosquitos love me. Thanks! For reading material I'm sure it'll keep me sane on those late rainy nights... besides your book, do you have any recommendations? I was thinking biographies, or maybe some 'tough guy' mountain man fiction to keep me motivated haha

I really like to read books about the area I am traveling in, it usually gives me a much better appreciation. For example when in South Africa I read about Nelson Mandela. I get a lot of audio books from the library, they are very light wight:)

Would you add your perspective on the eternal question......what's the difference between NOLS and Outward Bound?

Wellll, I have worked at both (only a little at OB) and think there are similar. The marketing material says that OB focused on personal growth and development and NOLS on wilderness skills. In actual fact they do both with just a little more emphases on their focus. You will learn sills at OB and personal growth at NOLS just not as much as the other. Which one is better... it all depends what you want out of the experience.

Me and my best friend are spontaneously leaving to backpack across Europe and hopefully end up in Japan. Is there any advice you can give us on saving money, avoiding trouble, and even how we could possibly get a sponsor? Thank you!

This is the thread my buddy made: http://www.reddit.com/r/europe/comments/1k3060/my_friend_and_i_are_spontaneously_leaving_to/

Very cool, this is awesome! If you have time see if you can work as you go. Pick fruit, teach english, crew a sail boat, clean dishes, etc. Not only will you make a few bucks you will really get to know the locals, the town and probably other travellers in the process. Get advice from other travellers as you meet them. Take public transit when ever possible and some what safe.

As for a sponsor perhaps you could start writing a travel blog and pick up sponsors that way. Check out this article: http://ow.ly/nQWdn

define "business consultant". What are you doing for businesses and what business are you doing those things for? Also, fellow NOLSie here.

Right on, my consulting business is 50% doing corporate team building and leadership training and 50% keynote speaking for conferences and corporate events. You can learn more on my site here: www.shawnstratton.com

Have you ever seen someone successfully do a long term/range expedition with minimalist footwear? I know some ultras swear by it but they generally aren't bushwacking or doing real elevation.

Most of my expeditions have involved a big heavy pack over rough terrain so I have not used minimalist footwear. I do know through hikers on the AT and the PCT that are mainly on trail and would not go without their light shoes. Think - trail or off trail and heavy pack or light pack.

I'm back!

I'm leaving for a 50 day Outdoor Leadership Course in Appalachia in 3 weeks. Any advice for preparation besides the normal fitness routine and getting the right gear?

Just go in with an open mind and a desire to learn and see as much as you possible can while taking advantage of all opportunities. Even more important... be the teammate you want to have. Have fun!

Have you ever encountered hostile animals? how do you act/defend yourself in these situations?

Yes, I have had some close calls with snakes in Australia. There is not much you can do to defend you self with them other than wearing gators over your boots. It is more important to know the proper first aid treatment and have communication for help. I have encountered many bears in Alaska and the Yukon but have never felt threatened by them. They usually take off in the opposite direction as soon as they hear or smell us.

Is there anything you would do different in your career knowing what you now know?

Nothing obvious jumps to mind but perhaps if I knew about NOLS at the time and could afford it, I would have taken a course in college or high school.

This is so cool. I've got much respect for the NOLS folks. I'm just starting to get some firm feet in the wilderness tripping world working for the YMCA. So far the boldest trip I've lead is a trip just bellow the arctic circle for a couple of weeks, but I'm hooked and want to do more. I've been camping since I was a kid, and leading trips is something I love.

Any tips on where to start if I want to do more? Also, I've been looking at universities that offer an outdoor recreation degree, what are your thoughts on those programs?

Great to here! There are more and more Outdoor Rec degrees these days and it would be a great place to start. Prescott College and the University of Utah both have really good programs and a close relationship with NOLS. If you love the mountains I would recommend a school in the west. In my book I talk about the NOLS instructor life style.

how would I go about pursuing a similar career?

Build a resume that has a mix of certifications (first aid, rock climbing, kayaking, etc) and personal trip experience and teaching experience. Youth summer camps and teen adventure programs are a good place to start. You may also want to take a NOLS course.

About a week ago i finished a 3 week trip backpacking and rockclimbing in the Wind River Range of wyoming, and was inspired to be a NOLS instructor any advice?

Awesome!! They are a great company. I would recommend you actually call them and tell them your current experience and see what they recommend. If you don't have a wilderness first aid cert that would be a good place to start. They usually like to see a good blend of teach and personal expedition experience.

What was the closest near death experience you had? Or anything that was memorable?

Memorable would probably be bone sticking out of clients leg deep in the Himalayas. I talk about it here: http://youtu.be/uZKyVWb_Gf4

Near death would be, being 50 ft from the second blast having just finished the 2013 Boston Marathon. I wrote about the experience here: http://www.shawnstratton.ca/blog-posts/562/

Very interesting read and video! Just one last question, Where to next?

Well, I just had my second baby 6 weeks ago (I also have a 22 month old) and I just released my book, I am currently writing my thesis of my Masters and I came 4th place in a local triathlon last weekend so maybe I should lay on the couch for a while:) As for travel I have a speaking engagement in Budapest next month. For the next couple years my adventure will involve my kids other than my triathlons and marathons. My wife and I actually have a short cruise booked (without kids) this winter. Should be tame and relaxing.

What were the strongest factors drove you to this job? I am always tempted to do something like this but it would upset a lot of people.

1 Passion, #2 Passion, #3 Passion.

There is nothing better than getting paid to do what you love. It is a challenging job and has its down sides like anything but as they say, it you love you're job you will never work a day in your life.

Early on I got the "soon be time to find a real job" talk from my parents. Eventually that saw how much I loved what I was doing, the impact I was having on my clients, and that I was make ends meet.

I feel too many people live their lives for someone else.... think about it.

What are your favorite pair of hiking boots?

I just answer the questions, but am not sure what happened to it..

Worst injury while on a expedition, story behind it?

Thank you for doing a AMA!

Your most welcome, this is fun!

Would have to be the broken leg in India Himalayas. I share the story in this TEDx video. http://youtu.be/uZKyVWb_Gf4

Have you ever been totally lost and if so how long did it take you to right the situation?

Only once for a short while early on in my career. This issue was we had the map folded too small and had walked right off it and were busy trying to make the may and compass fit what we were seeing. I learned a lot from that experience... the compass never lies (unless it is by metal).

Braves on the Woodspath Did your high school club help to elevate your interest to pursue this career?

Ha Ha, of course! Although at the time I had know idea you could make a career out of this work.

Did you learn anything that you could only learn from such extensive travel?

If not, would you care to share any random nugget of wisdom you picked up during your travels?

This is hard to offer on the spot, I guess that is why I wrote a book...:)

Adaptability, is the first word that comes to mind. Without your willingness and ability to be adaptable adventure travel will not be very much fun. Along with adaptability comes a NOLS favourite "tolerance of adversity and uncertainty. These things can not be toughs in a classroom with walls.

When plans change, embrace the adventure!

How that?

Favourite country for camping?

Canada - BC, Alberta, Yukon! Mountains and true wilderness.

I live in Alberta and want to do more backpacking - are bears / cougars actually as big a threat as the city people make them out to be?

Is being smart about food / smells enough to keep you safe while sleeping?

Bears are to be taken seriously but they shouldn't deter anyone from the backcountry. Do your research and lean as much as you can about bear safety in the area you are travelling in. Parks Canada has lots of good info on bear safety, contact them.

Hey I have some questions concerning NOLS. I am interested in your Fall Semester expedition but I just want to clear up some questions. I have PMed you but if you could please respond I would really appreciate it!

Just to be clear, I am a former NOLS Instructor and do not currently work for them.

First I would encourage you to call NOLS, they should be able to help you out with any questions.

You can send me your specific questions through my website and I can try to answer them a little later. www.shawnstratton.com

What are your go to meals when you are out in the wilderness?

A lot of pasta, rice, couscous dehydrated bean and fruit, nuts, tortillas, bagels, granola, cheese, chocolate, flour for baking, etc. And a big spice kit!

I've been considering this line of work. I had a sizable inheritance and am considering being a NOLS instructor.

This could be the perfect job given your situation. But it still needs to be a passion or else it will just suck and be camping in the rain with people you don't know while you miss your family and girl friend / boy friend.

Have expedition experience in a leadership position in Norway and the Indian Himalaya's and I'm not a people person. I figure if I'm not happy with what I'm doing at 30 I'll drop it and pick that up.

If you aren't a people person, an NOLS instructor is definitely not the right job for you.

Agree!

What was the worst condition you were ever in (broken bones, an infection...)?

Fortunately I have never been sick or injured in the field (knocking on wood now). I have had lots of diarrhea in my travels and felt like death it was never anything more than a few meds could take care of.

How much money did you make while you were on your travels? Has it affected the way you spend money now?

I was making less then $20,000 a year but could have made more if I wanted to take different less desirable guiding jobs or work more. Well, I am sure good at finding a good deal. Sometimes I forget don't live that way anymore and can spend a few extra bucks on some comforts, especially when I travel with the family (I have 2 girls under 2 y/o). It nice not to be super stressed on spending $50 or $100 on something you really want, anymore.

Did you have any weird experiences out in the wilderness?

Oh yes, far too many to list them all. Finding a missile in Alaska has to be up there. Check it out here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/eu9ro4o6kungyi4/Rocket.jpg

How did you get started? I'm in college majoring in environmental science and would love to do what you've done!

If you can work it, take an NOLS course for college credit. That would would a great start. Take a Wilderness First Responder first aid course, volunteer with your college outdoor club, work at a summer camp, lead trips with a teen adventure program, going on your own multi day expeditions with friends, travel internationally. Just a few things you may want to do.

After my Outdoor Leadership Course (includes WFR certification) I was thinking of taking a EMT course to make my resume stand out. Would the extra training (~3 months + ~$2000) be worth it's weight in terms of getting a job in the field, or would you recommend waiting and getting experience on the job first? Do many guides have further medical training?

By my perspective a WFR is all you need for backcountry guiding. Of course more medical knowledge is great but an EMT will teach you to use lots of toys that you won't have in the backcountry.

Going to take a break for an hour or so, keep the questions coming. This is fun!

Thanks, Shawn

I have Wilderness First Responder, all my own equipment for trekking, and a few years experience guiding in Ontario,

Can you find me a job?

What would be your ideal job?

What is the most surreal, breathtaking think you have ever seen? What is the closest you have knowingly come to death?

Every time I paddle a sea kayak near claving glaciers in Alaska it is a surreal and breathtaking moment. Should be on every adventures bucket list!

[deleted]

No, sorry.

My boyfriend, some friends, and I just went camping in northern Michigan. I had bought an atlas and we took the back roads with no phones. The world is so beautiful. My question is have you ever went to Northern Michigan/U.P before?

No I have never been to that part of the US. I have heard a lot of nice things about the U.P. There is good canoeing up there right?

i have to ask why "living under the poverty line" is a point you feel you have to make?

Good question, I simply made that point because most people I meet seem to think you need to be wealthy to travel like I have and this is just not the case. I don't want people to wait until they have lots of money in the bank to travel. Too many people put travel off until retirement...

It is inspiring that you did what you did on a tight budget. I assume you mean below the US poverty line for a single person: US$11,450 annual.

I was considering under $20,000 as the poverty line. I think that is what it is at in Canada. Either way it wasn't very much.

[deleted]

I typically used the same system for packing my back but the contents always seemed to change a little depending on the location and how light I wanted to get the back. I used to test back packs for Arc Teryx and would highly recommend there expeditions packs if you can afford it. They are the best in the world!

For packing tips check out this video: http://youtu.be/JsHPOeY64uM

• good footwear that fits

Where would you head in case of a zombie apocalypse?

Where I am right now Newfoundland, Canada. Far away from zombies... I think. How about you?

[deleted]

There isn't just one, there have been so many. Watching a grizzly bear for 30 minutes in the Yukon backcountry one time was pretty amazing.

I am about to start school, and will be earning my degree in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education. Have any pointers on getting great jobs after i get my degree?

Where are you going to school? The degree sounds very interesting. If you have an opportunity to do an internship try your best to do it with your dream company. That way you will have a large foot in the door when you go looking for a job. You may have to volunteer and do some less than desirable work but it will pay off. Or you may find out you do not want to work for that company and you won't waste your time applying some day.

What country was the easiest to travel in for a American. The hardest?

I am Canadian but interestingly every foreign country I have traveled in I have been asked what part of the US I was from.

Other than the countries at war I wouldn't necessarily say there is a hard country for American's it really just comes down to your behaviour.

If you are courteous and interested in cultures, they will generally be interested in you.

Did you ever get down to Patagonia? And if so, how did you find the locals? As in honesty, openness to outsiders, helpfulness, etc? Thanks

I wanted to work for NOLS in Patagonia but it never happened. It is high on my list of next places to go. I hear so many great things about the area and its people.

As someone who doesn't give a shit about other countries.. Why?

Are you asking why I travel?