NOLS Expeditions
Step into the wilderness, emerge a leader
Find adventure and perspective. Develop lifelong leadership skills as you dive into our time-tested curriculum. Build courage and competence under the guidance of the best instructors in the industry.
Why NOLS
A NOLS course is an immersive expedition
A NOLS course is an immersive expedition where you will spend time exploring remote, wild places with a tight-knit community of students and instructors. No experience is required, but by the end you'll have the skills and experiences to be a leader.
Developed through extensive research and decades of experience, the NOLS leadership curriculum sets the industry standard and will set you up for success.
Education designed for life
Why students choose NOLS expeditions
Real skills in wild places so you can adventure for a lifetime, and lead in any environment you find yourself in.
Leadership Curriculum
NOLS' leadership curriculum is the industry standard, developed through extensive research and decades of fieldwork. You'll leave with a personal leadership style.
Real Wilderness
You'll travel through some of the world's most stunning wilderness areas with your group.
Tight-Knit Community
A small group of students and instructors traveling together for weeks at a time. The relationships you build last beyond the course.
Experienced Instructors
Our instructors are educators and experts in leadership, wilderness travel, risk management, and wilderness medicine. NOLS averages a 1:5 instructor-to-student ratio for personalized learning.
What makes our expeditions different
An expedition you don't just take, you become part of
NOLS expeditions aren't trips. They're a small group of people living, traveling, problem-solving, and leading together for weeks at a time, in places where the wilderness sets the agenda and there are no shortcuts.
EXPEDITION
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Instructor-to-student ratio0+
Courses worldwide0
ContinentsFind the right expedition
Expeditions for every stage
NOLS courses serve learners from teens through adults, with options for academic credit, gap years, and lifelong wilderness skills.
Gap Year
Take time for your future. The extended, immersive lessons of a NOLS gap year are life-changing.
Study Abroad
Embrace experiential learning in the wilderness. Earn academic credit while getting to know a new culture.
Semester Program
A full semester learning and living in a wilderness classroom. Earn college credit across new landscapes and taking on new challenges.
Adult Expeditions
NOLS teaches real skills in wild places so you can adventure for a lifetime, no matter your age or experience.
For teens
Teen courses (ages 12-17)
Our teen courses are a fun way to get started learning leadership and outdoor skills. With the guidance of NOLS instructors, you'll learn to live in and travel through the world's most stunning wilderness areas.
Get involved
Find your NOLS expedition
50+ courses across six continents. Backpacking, mountaineering, climbing, paddling, sailing, find the wilderness that matches you.
