National Geographic On Assignment Projects
The founders of National Geographic set out to learn about the world's remote cultures and environments and inspire others by sharing their findings. Over the years, we've made a name for ourselves by telling stories through photography, writing, film, and research. Now it's your turn. Go "on assignment" with National Geographic and dig deeper into a country's landscape and culture to develop your own story through research, photography, or hands-on field activities. As you hike to the seaside villages of Italy's Cinque Terre, spot monkeys in Costa Rica's cloud forest, or dance alongside Maasai villagers in Tanzania, you'll experience your surroundings through the personalized lens of your On Assignment project.
Your participation in an On Assignment project will enhance your understanding of the cultures and environments you visit, and improve your skills and knowledge in your selected focus area. Plus, you'll return home with a tangible product—whether it's a short story or essay, a documentary film, or a slide show—that you can share with your family and friends. You will also have the opportunity to submit your material to be published on the National Geographic website.
Take a look at our nine On Assignment projects and the destinations in which they're offered.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Set out on photo shoots to improve your photography skills and capture the color and character of the places you encounter. Develop a photo-essay about a topic that piques your interest.
This On Assignment Project is available on the following expeditions:
Peru, Ecuador & the Galápagos, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Australia, China, Rome & Greece, Spain, Iceland, Alaska, Hawaii, Tuscany, Bar Harbor, Monterey Bay, and India
WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION: Explore the local wildlife and their habitats with naturalists and biologists. Learn about regional and national efforts to protect natural resources, and investigate the threats that population and poverty pose to conservation initiatives.
This On Assignment Project is available on the following expeditions:
Ecuador & the Galápagos, Costa Rica, Tanzania, and Alaska
MARINE BIOLOGY & CONSERVATION: Experience the diversity of marine and coastal ecology with scientists and conservationists. Identify whales and seabirds alongside local biologists, and visit a marine lab to learn about ocean habitats and marine mammal behavior. Consult conservation groups about ongoing conservation efforts.
This On Assignment Project is available on the following expedition:
Monterey Bay
FILMMAKING: Work in production teams to document your journey, the people you meet, and the events you witness. Create a narrative that captures the sights, sounds, and personality of a place through the versatile medium of film.
This On Assignment Project is available on the following expeditions:
Australia and Iceland
CLIMATE & GEOLOGY: Examine the science of global climate change and the potential of geothermal energy, and witness dramatic geologic forces at work. Discuss the local and global effects of climate change with scientists, learn about cutting-edge technology, and map the movement of receding glaciers.
This On Assignment Project is available on the following expeditions:
Iceland and Alaska
TRAVEL WRITING: Hone your observation and reporting skills, and learn to craft a compelling story during writing workshops in the field. Interview a local personality and write a feature article, or immortalize the places you visit and the people you meet through travel essays or creative prose.
This On Assignment Project is available on the following expeditions:
Peru, Spain, and Tuscany
ARCHAEOLOGY & ANCIENT CULTURE: Venture out with your exploration team to uncover the complex layers of past civilizations. Explore ancient ruins, discover the rich mythology behind treasured sites, and determine the links between ancient and modern worlds.
This On Assignment Project is available on the following expeditions:
Peru and Rome & Greece
EXPLORATION: Choose a topic that piques your interest and explore it in-depth through hands-on experiences. Examine changes in traditional cultures through interviews with local elders and teenagers. Learn a craft from a local artisan, explore the origins of a traditional sport, or delve into a local culture through its music, and share your findings with the group.
This On Assignment Project is available on the following expeditions:
Costa Rica, Tanzania, Australia, China, Rome & Greece, Spain, Bar Harbor, Monterey Bay, Hawaii, and India
EARTH SCIENCE: Meet geologists and biologists to discuss how volcanoes have shaped landscapes and civilizations. Learn about the symbiotic relationship between native flora and fauna and geology. Interview locals about the myths and legends that seek to explain the Earth's activities.
This On Assignment Project is available on the following expedition:
Hawaii
Supplemental Fees: Students choosing the Photography On Assignment project must provide their own digital camera with a pixel depth of at least three mega pixels. There is a supplemental fee of $150 to cover additional supplies and on-site computing facilities for this On Assignment project. For students choosing the Filmmaking On Assignment project, we will provide all video cameras, camera stock, and computers for editing. There is a $250 supplemental fee for this On Assignment project.
We welcome all students who have completed a National Geographic Student Expedition this past summer to submit photos, essays, or video via the Project Submission Form.
