Overview

THIS IS YOUR MOMENT. SAVOR IT.

NOLS created the orginal wilderness semester and we continue to lead the way - just like our graduates. Semester and year courses are ideal for gap year programs, study abroad, sabbaticals, college programs and more. 

At NOLS, you'll spend your time in remote wilderness locations around the world learning multiple outdoor skills and gaining in-depth leadership skills through an extensive hands on progression guided by your instructors. These skills and experiences will prepare you for any college or career. Graduate with confidence in yourself and certifications that will give others the same confidence in your leadership.

 

Related Listings

NOLS Alaska

Palmer, AK  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Come join us at NOLS Alaska for an adventure in the land of the midnight sun. At our campus, a 40-acre former dairy farm, you’ll ... (more)

NOLS Yukon

Whitehorse, Canada  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Our campus in Whitehorse, Canada is your gateway to the Yukon Territory’s vast wilderness. Here, you’ll rarely set foot on a trail: instead, you’ll make ... (more)

NOLS Mexico

Baja, Mexico  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Nestled in the protected Coyote Bay, NOLS Mexico is your gateway to the coastal desert and turquoise waters of Baja California. Here you’ll have access ... (more)

NOLS Southwest

Tuscon, AZ  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Discover the rich and varied landscapes of the U.S. Southwest on your next adventure. Arriving on campus, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an iconic desert ... (more)

NOLS Rocky Mountain

Lander, WY  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Come join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Start your expedition in the foothills of the Wind River Range at NOLS Rocky Mountain. Here ... (more)

NOLS Three Peaks Ranch

Boulder, WY  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Join us at Three Peaks Ranch for a unique Western adventure: horsepacking in the rugged mountains and deserts of Wyoming. Starting at our 120-acre ranch, ... (more)

NOLS Teton Valley

South Driggs, ID  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Nestled on the Idaho side of the Tetons, and near Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, our campus is your gateway to some of the ... (more)

NOLS Patagonia

Coyhaique, Chile  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Come explore the rugged landscape, unique culture, and unpredictable weather of the Aysén and Magallanes regions of Chilean Patagonia. Whether you’re backpacking, climbing, sea kayaking, ... (more)

NOLS Scandinavia

Riksgränsen, Sweden  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
At NOLS Scandinavia, you’ll embrace the Scandinavian concept of wilderness: not as a place you visit, but as a place you live. You’ll (more)

NOLS Riverbase

Vernal, UT  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Join our crew of fun-loving adventurers at NOLS River Base to learn, live, and play on the water. Our campus lies in the foothills of ... (more)

NOLS New Zealand

Richmond, New Zealand  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Kia ora koutou, friends, and welcome to NOLS New Zealand! Join us in exploring the South Island’s rainforests, mountains, alpine grasslands and coastal bays. On ... (more)

NOLS Northeast

Gabriels, NY  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Head to NOLS Northeast and explore the mountains, lakes, and rivers of the Adirondacks. Courses include backpacking, service, climbing, and canoeing for adults, teenagers, and ... (more)

NOLS Pacific Northwest

Gabriels, NY  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Bounded by both mountains and ocean, NOLS Pacific Northwest is your gateway to backcountry adventures in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, Canada (more)

NOLS India

Ranikhet, India  -   School  -  
  Visit Website
Join us for an adventure in the Indian Himalaya, where you’ll discover new challenges and gain global perspective as you travel through soaring peaks. (more)
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Participant Reviews

Write a Review

This program hasn't been reviewed yet. Write the first review!

Testimonials

One thing’s for sure, I would not have been the same person if I had just gone to college after high school. As a college student now I realize just how sweet the whole NOLS experience was. I personally think if everyone took a NOLS trip sometime after high school, the world would be a better place.

- Elianna, Fall Semester in Baja - Nov. 21, 2015

A NOLS course provides an excellent transition from high school to university because it is a generous gift of time and adventure to reflect on where you have been, who you are, and who you would like to become. Its challenges require personal growth, especially in teamwork and other interpersonal skills. It requires students to disconnect from their digital world for an extended period, providing space for them to come to know and appreciate our national world.

- Chuck Lovelace, Morehead-Cain Scholarship Program Executive Director - April 12, 2016

Parents have concerns about their children going off to college, and having an intermediate step for kids is a good thing… They are better prepared for adversity and challenges in life because they’ve experienced adversity and challenges at NOLS.

- Debi and Scott Flora, talking about their daughter Larkin, Semester in Baja 2007. - April 4, 2007

Away from technology, social norms, and societal restrictions I felt free, and excited for life at all times. That is a feeling that I will never forget and one that I will continue to strive for throughout my life… I truly believe that my NOLS course was the turning point in my life, and I emerged from it a better person in every way

- Simon, Fall Semester in the Southwest - Nov. 27, 2013

Participant Reviews

Write a Review

This program hasn't been reviewed yet. Write the first review!

Testimonials

One thing’s for sure, I would not have been the same person if I had just gone to college after high school. As a college student now I realize just how sweet the whole NOLS experience was. I personally think if everyone took a NOLS trip sometime after high school, the world would be a better place.

- Elianna, Fall Semester in Baja - Nov. 21, 2015

A NOLS course provides an excellent transition from high school to university because it is a generous gift of time and adventure to reflect on where you have been, who you are, and who you would like to become. Its challenges require personal growth, especially in teamwork and other interpersonal skills. It requires students to disconnect from their digital world for an extended period, providing space for them to come to know and appreciate our national world.

- Chuck Lovelace, Morehead-Cain Scholarship Program Executive Director - April 12, 2016

Parents have concerns about their children going off to college, and having an intermediate step for kids is a good thing… They are better prepared for adversity and challenges in life because they’ve experienced adversity and challenges at NOLS.

- Debi and Scott Flora, talking about their daughter Larkin, Semester in Baja 2007. - April 4, 2007

Away from technology, social norms, and societal restrictions I felt free, and excited for life at all times. That is a feeling that I will never forget and one that I will continue to strive for throughout my life… I truly believe that my NOLS course was the turning point in my life, and I emerged from it a better person in every way

- Simon, Fall Semester in the Southwest - Nov. 27, 2013

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