MemHT Portal From Madrid to Sevilla, Spain is graced with elaborate cathedrals, palaces, and hilltop fortresses—grand monuments from a captivating past. Spain also pulses with youthful passion and spirit, evident in lively flamenco halls and bustling city plazas. Powerful empires have left their mark here, including the ancient Romans and the Moors of North Africa. Experience the artistry of the Moors, the music of the Gypsy culture, the historical legacy of the Spanish Empire, and the flavors of the Mediterranean as you explore Spain through an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography, People & Cultures, or Filmmaking.]]> More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks laid the foundations for Western civilization: democracy, philosophy, history, mathematics, science, medicine, art, and architecture. Close on their heels, the Romans established the ancient world's greatest empire, stretching far beyond the Mediterranean and building on the classical traditions of the Greeks. Against a backdrop of magnificent temples and rich mythology, explore stunning islands by boat and on foot, visit archaeological sites, learn the rhythms of modern life, and experience the living legacy of the Greek and Roman Empires.]]> Numbering more than one billion people, India's diverse population is made up of Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Christians, and Buddhists—rural and urban—who live side by side in remarkable harmony. Such rich cultural and spiritual diversity is evident in the animated streets of New Delhi and the quiet temples of the Himalaya. Northern India is scattered with majestic vestiges of the past, from the Taj Mahal to the palaces of Jaipur. Immerse yourself in the intriguing cultures of India as you pursue an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography, People & Cultures, or Emerging Global Powers.]]> Brimming with ancient monuments and venerable traditions, China is recasting itself as a modern power and catapulting into the 21st century. As entrepreneurs and architects build modern China, vestiges from China's long dynastic history—and the era of Mao Zedong—remain an important part of daily life. From bustling cities like Shanghai and Beijing to the timeless villages along the Li River, discover the wonders of old China, and examine the rewards and challenges that come with its rapid change. Explore the many faces of China, through the unique lens of your On Assignment project—Photography, People & Cultures, or Emerging Global Powers.]]> With roughly the population of metropolitan New York City and the land mass of the continental U.S., Australia is the most sparsely populated continent on the planet after Antarctica. Its isolation for millennia allowed unique ecosystems and cultures to thrive. Explore rain forests, deserts, and the world's largest coral reef. Spot fascinating wildlife, from kangaroos and wallabies to koalas and cassowaries. Meet members of the Aboriginal community—the world's oldest living culture, which settled here more than 50,000 years ago. Experience Australia through the lens of your On Assignment project—Photography, Wildlife & Conservation, or Filmmaking.]]> Tanzania is renowned for its incredible wildlife, yet its diverse cultures and welcoming people are equally fascinating. Though the Maasai are perhaps the most widely recognized tribal group, Tanzania is home to more than 120 ethnicities. Immerse yourself in village life, and discover how tribal communities have interacted with their environment for centuries. From vibrant villages to open savanna plains, examine the challenges of preserving Tanzania's prized wildlife and cultural traditions through an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography, People & Cultures, or Wildlife & Conservation.]]> From wildly thick jungles and turquoise bays to ancient Maya ruins, Belize is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Today, a growing and diverse population of Maya, Afro-Caribbean, and European descent strives to address the needs of modern life while protecting the region's ecological and archaeological gems. Discover Belize's efforts to celebrate and preserve its unique heritage as we travel to reefs, jungles, and ancient ruins. Participate in an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography, Wildlife & Conservation, or Archaeology & Ancient Culture.]]> Costa Rica has protected more than a quarter of its land from development, creating a refuge for countless species and ensuring that its cloud forests, steaming volcanoes, and pristine beaches will be around for generations to come. From rain forest to cloud forests to coastal flatlands, discover Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity—and the pioneering ecotourism efforts that help preserve it. Through an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography or Wildlife & Conservation — set out to further investigate and document Costa Rica's stewardship of its diverse ecosystems.]]> While Europe languished in the early Dark Ages, a great civilization flourished in the jungles of Mesoamerica. In addition to building major cities of pyramids and intricate shrines, the Maya developed a complex written language, a calendar more accurate than our own, and an advanced understanding of astronomy. From the perspective of your On Assignment project, discover legendary Maya cities, and venture beyond the crowds to little-known Maya ruins. Get acquainted with today's Maya culture in rural villages, explore vast underground river systems, and discover the beautiful Caribbean coast.]]> Mist-shrouded cloud forests, rolling Andean highlands, and the species-rich Galápagos Islands have put Ecuador on the map as a biodiversity hotspot. In recent decades, the country has embarked on an ambitious program of environmental conservation, resulting in nine national parks and more than 20 natural refuges and reserves. Discover ecological treasures ranging from orchids, toucans, and condors to the endemic marine iguanas and giant tortoises of the Galápagos Islands. Explore Ecuador's natural wonders through an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography or Wildlife & Conservation.]]> Welcome to the land of the Inca—a complex civilization that has enticed National Geographic explorers for nearly a hundred years. In the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, discover the archaeological mysteries and colorful indigenous culture of the Peruvian highlands. Against a backdrop of soaring Andes, venture into a network of incredibly sophisticated temples and fortresses, and encounter magnificent Machu Picchu. Explore the ancient past and vibrant contemporary culture of Peru through an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography, Archaeology & Ancient Culture, or Journalism.]]>