outdoor semester

NOLS gap year expedition grad Luna Rosal gives insight into both the fun and challenges she experienced on a NOLS gap year.

Adaptive Biotechnologies CEO and NOLS grad Chad Robins says his leadership style is based on the lessons he learned during his Spring Semester in the Rockies.

Environmental journalist Sara Sneath reflects on the life-changing three months she spent in the Rockies on a NOLS outdoor educator semester in fall 2019.

Chris Cox, Facebook’s former Chief Product Officer, shares the lessons he learned on a NOLS semester course in Patagonia.

NOLS grad Alison Peterson shares how she developed deeper relationships with those around her on a Semester in Baja.

NOLS grad Mairin Rogers shares what she learned on her Semester in Baja about being brave rather than constantly trying to achieve perfection.

Tricia shares her story of a gap year filled with glacier walks, ABBA songs, and Kiwi slang on a Semester in New Zealand.

Claire found the new experiences and energy she needed to refresh from school on a Semester in Baja

On outdoor semester with NOLS, you'll learn to find navigate in the wilderness—which might just help you find clarity on your journey through life as well.

Research shows that NOLS semesters better equip students for real-world problem solving than traditional classroom-based courses.

Carolyn Highland reflects on one of her favorite days ever—ascending an unnamed peak with a student-only team on her NOLS semester—and its lasting impact.

NOLS grad Maddy Eschholz reflects on the transferrable lessons she brought home from her outdoor semester in the Rockies.

Struggling with the big city life she thought she wanted, Elena Rodriguez realized that what she actually needed was a NOLS course—or two.

NOLS grad Carolyn Highland reflects on how learning tolerance for adversity on an outdoor semester in New Zealand translates to challenges at home.

During her NOLS Gap Year before college, Lydia gains the skills she needs to excel in college and life.