In September I received an email from one of my classmates expressing interest in traveling to Argentina for winter break.  His argument was simple and persuasive.  Six weeks off + summer in South America = perfect winter break travel opportunity.  Immediately six of us bought into his proposal and our unofficial McCombs Adventure Program was born.  I mention this trip because I believe it illustrates the type of people who come to McCombs.  We are outgoing people, we plan international trips after knowing each other for less than two months and we like to see new places and try new things (like white water rafting in foreign countries).

I also mention this trip because it leads into the official McCombs Adventure Program (MAP).  The McCombs Adventure Program offers incoming first years the opportunity to embark on one last adventure before starting graduate school in the form of an international vacation with 10-15 of their future classmates.  This trips are planned and led by students in the class of 2011, so participants can also get the low down on McCombs before orientation week.  Unfortunately for me, work conflicted with my participation last year so I decided to make up for it by applying to lead a trip this summer.  After seeing the east side of the Andes, I felt it was only appropriate to check out what they look like from the west and lead a trip to Peru.  While planning our MAP trip, my colleague Max and I took the “adventure” portion very seriously. Consequently we are leading a group of 10-14 incoming MBAs on a trek through the Andes to the ancient city of Machu Picchu in July.   We’ll be hiking the Inca Trail, sleeping under the stars, and visiting ancient mountain villages like Waylabamba.  I am so excited to be leading this trip and encourage all admitted students to check out the full details!

In addition to the Peru adventure, trips to Iceland and Belize are also being offered to the class of 2012. Iceland promises whale watching, glacier hiking and river rafting, while Belize offers zip lining, cave tubing, and snorkeling.

I am so excited to be leading a MAP trip this summer. If anyone has any questions about MAP, the Peru trip, or where to get a great food in Buenos Aires, hit me up at kalin.mckenna@mba11.mccombs.utexas.edu.