Stories

Steve reflects on the lasting impact of his homestay with a host family in Tanzania during his Semester in East Africa with NOLS.

NOLS river expeditions offer chances to paddle both calm waters and up to Class III whitewater in kayaks, oar rigs, and rafts.

Jessey Jansen shares memories from her Women's Baja Sea Kayaking expedition.

NOLS instructor Natalie Sands writes about making hard decisions about the most challenging rapid she's ever faced.

It's April 1st! Time to check out a list of the latest custom NOLS gear you can't be without.

Learn about the personal expeditions NOLS instructors undertook in the mountains, rivers, and frontcountry for professional development in 2018.

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

Kenyan mountain guide and medic Carol Wanjiru shares her journey on a NOLS course for East African outdoor professionals.

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

Winter is ripe for lessons in expedition behavior (EB) for everyone, especially kids.

Now an associate professor at Western Carolina University, NOLS grad Andrew Bobilya still treasures the lessons he learned on his Baja sea kayaking course.

NOLS Instructor Willy Oppenheim describes the difficulties and exhilaration of a stunning first ascent of two peaks in Chilean Patagonia.

While recovering from a devastating injury, Jim Harris found himself returning to key life lessons he learned as a teen on a NOLS backpacking course.

NOLS instructor and American Avalanche Association executive director Jaime Musnicki talks about her career in the outdoor industry.

Skiing and winter camping are the bread and butter of NOLS winter instructor Kate Koons

In the middle of a semester of complete chaos, Olivia Hewitt decided to take a NOLS course and writes about why you should do a NOLS course even - and especially if - you're scared

John Gans is NOLS' longest-serving director and his tenure has been notable for strengthening the school and prioritizing the well-being and needs of students.

NOLS alumni give advice for taking friends and family on a NOLS alumni trip.

NOLS instructor Jake Blackwelder tells the story of a rescue on a rock climbing route in Moab, Utah.

Rebeca Espinosa, a NOLS Gateway Scholar, set off on her Wilderness Horsepacking and learned to find satisfaction in the hard work of horsepacking.

Mingyuk Chen shares sketches and stories from her expedition with NOLS in Tanzania, East Africa

One NOLS graduate uses her Wilderness First Responder skills to help a surfer in need.

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

A NOLS alumni reflects on the lessons of watching a sunrise in the Himalaya Mountains.