National Geographic Student Expeditions - On Campus Monterey Bay California

The Program

Edged with miles of sheltered beaches, the Monterey Bay area is home to redwood forests, lively scenic towns like Carmel and Santa Cruz, and the country's largest marine sanctuary. Photographers flock here for the natural beauty, and marine biologists have long come to study the area's wealth of wildlife. From our campus in the town of Monterey, set out with your team to experience this stunning region through the lens of your On Assignment project.

Settle into the campus of California State University, Monterey Bay, and break into teams to work on an On Assignment project of your choice. Then spend ten days developing your project with the guidance of National Geographic experts and trip leaders. Create a photo essay on sea otters, or write an article on local efforts to protect orca whales—honing your skills through workshops and field excursions.

A typical day begins with a workshop or exercise focused on your On Assignment project—such as a lesson in editing digital photographs, an interview with a local farmer, or a talk about regional conservation issues by a local expert. Then we'll head out on field assignments—a photo shoot, perhaps, or a behind-the-scenes visit to a marine research center. Or work with CSUMB Service Learning experts and the local community on an environmental restoration or beach clean-up project. We'll also explore through active excursions—hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, or whale watching. Return to campus in the late afternoon so that you have some down time to toss a Frisbee® on the beach or review your photos. In the evening, attend an enrichment workshop on a topic such as giant redwood conservation or Ansel Adams and the Monterey Coast.

Active Excursions

Draw your inspiration from our spectacular surroundings as we explore the region on active excursions. Stroll through the vibrant seaside towns of Carmel and Santa Cruz, or go for a hike along the dramatic coast at Big Sur. Snorkel in crystalline waters, and watch sea otters at play off Point Lobos. Gaze up at towering redwoods in a protected coastal forest, and hike to remote beaches at Big Sur. Go whale watching in one of the country's premier marine reserves, and observe giant sea elephants at beautiful Año Nuevo State Park.

The Campus: California State University, Monterey Bay

Just one mile from the shores of the largest marine sanctuary in the United States, the campus of California State University, Monterey Bay provides the perfect atmosphere for exploration and discovery. Established in 1994, the university features cutting-edge technology and spacious, modern facilities set amid the natural beauty of the Monterey peninsula. Students stay in double rooms in the university dorms. Meals are served buffet style in the university dining hall, which uses produce from local farms.

National Geographic Expert

National Geographic Emerging Explorer TIERNEY THYS is a marine biologist and filmmaker who studies some of the ocean's largest animals. From giant ocean sunfish, or molas, in Baja California to whale sharks in Taiwan, she has led and participated in numerous research expeditions around the world. Long-time resident of Monterey Bay, Tierney is currently compiling a book on molas. Read an interview with Tierney.

Tierney will join both departures. Photographer Kip Evans will also join several days of this program. See Kip's bio here.

Choose one of the following On Assignment projects. Throughout the ten days, break into teams to focus on your selected area of interest through field activities, workshops, and discussions.

icon for Photography On Assignment Project PHOTOGRAPHY: Refine your photography technique in a series of field workshops, photo shoots, and critiques with working photographers and a National Geographic expert. Create a portfolio of surfers catching waves or sea otters basking in the sun. Photograph the diverse scenes around you — from Big Sur to the towering redwoods. Assemble a photo-essay on a subject of your choosing, and share your images in a final slide show.

icon for Marine Biology and Conservation On Assignment Project MARINE BIOLOGY & CONSERVATION: Experience the diverse ecology of the California coast with scientists and conservationists. Spot orcas and seabirds in the waters off Monterey with local biologists, and visit a marine lab to learn about ocean habitats and marine mammal behavior. Consult local conservation groups about ongoing efforts to protect marine resources.

icon for Exploration On Assignment Project EXPLORATION: Identify a topic that interests you and explore it in depth. Spend the day around Cannery Row, the location for Steinbeck’s famous novel, and write your own story featuring characters you meet. Create a series of watercolor sketches on a hiking excursion to beautiful Big Sur, learn about artichoke farming, or interview a ranger about sea otter conservation at Point Lobos State Reserve.

Your participation in a National Geographic Student Expedition provides support to National Geographic's mission of increasing global understanding through exploration, geography education, and research.