Please make sure that you have read this entire webpage and given the program careful consideration before beginning your application. For any additional questions, contact Christopher Baker at cbaker@thomasmorecollege.edu. We will accept applications on a rolling basis until March 15, 2024. Space is limited and priority will be given to early applications. **Update: We are accepting applications past the deadline until further notice. Please complete your application as soon as possible if you would like to be considered.

Thomas More College of Liberal Arts is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Upon successful completion of the semester, participants in the unique pilgrimage will receive a total of fifteen academic credit hours (the equivalent of one full semester) from Thomas More College. All courses can be taken at the 200 or 300 level. Students may transfer this credit back to their home universities. 

Following the completion of the semester, students can request a copy of their course transcript to be sent directly to their university. We recommend you speak with the director of your program of studies at your home university about the credits you will be receiving from this semester. The classroom is the western landscape. The mode of instruction will combine discussion and lecture-based learning.

$13,980

Included:

Lodging, most meals, group gear, laundry, park entrance fees, transportation, and academic fees.

Not included:

The equivalent of five days of meals (to be taken when students are in various towns), personal gear, books, incidental expenses, and travel to and from the pilgrimage semester.

There will be daily adventures, weekend and extended-weekend adventures, and a week-long “fall break” adventure.

Participants are expected to be in good academic standing and good health. Participants need not be either scholars or athletes, but must be aware that the 76 days will be both mentally and physically demanding.  It is crucial to enter into this pilgrimage with a spirit thirsting for adventure and a willingness to endure sacrifices and discomforts to achieve physical, moral, intellectual, and spiritual growth.

Students will cook most of their meals outdoors.  There will also be various meals at restaurants and other venues, but these will be occasional. We can accommodate most food allergies as long as they are fully disclosed and discussed in advance.

Students should be prepared to sleep outdoors every night.  There will be a few indoor nights at the beginning of the semester and at various places along the journey, but these are the exception.  Most of the nights will be at campsites, mainly in National Parks where students will normally have access to toilets and sinks. Periodically, but regularly, there will also be access to showers and laundry. There may be some nights of backcountry camping in more remote areas without access to any facilities. 

Daily life is largely based on the rhythm of nature. A normal day will include time for  study, prayer, and physical activities. Students should be prepared to live an organized schedule that may be demanding at times.  There may be more prayer and physical exertion integrated into the schedule than students are accustomed to at their home universities.  

The semester has the character of a pilgrimage as the final destination is El Santuario de Chimayo. Depending on the availability of a chaplain, the holy sacrifice of the Mass will be celebrated every day, along with various opportunities for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The ancient tradition of the Liturgy of the Hours will be made available to students each morning for lauds and evenings with vespers or compline. The Rosary, spiritual reading, and feast day celebrations will form an integral part of the spiritual life of the semester.

No laptops are needed for this semester. Cell phones will be used in case of emergencies and special requests. Other than that, in order to promote community and immersion in the magnificent natural settings participants will be in, cell phone use will be restricted to certain times throughout the semester.  On average, students will be able to use their cell phones about once every ten days or two weeks depending on the schedule and the availability of cell service.

Arrival:

All participants must arrive at Kalispell, Montana (FCA) on Monday, September 9, 2024. Please aim to arrive as early in the day as your flight itinerary allows you. Staff will be picking you up at the airport. Please do not buy any plane tickets without a confirmation from us first.

Departure:

All participants will depart from Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Please schedule your flight no earlier than 9am and no later than 2pm. Staff will drive you to the airport.