Study Abroad Programs

NOLS Expeditions Semester and Year Video

Explore the World on a Wilderness Expedition

Become a global leader

Dive into a study abroad experience like no other. Travel to one of our campuses around the world, then head into the wilderness. Each NOLS study abroad program offers countless benefits for personal growth, including opportunities to practice foreign language skills, develop cultural understanding, and expand on your academic goals.

During your time abroad, you’ll embrace experiential learning while earning academic credit as you get to know a new environment and different culture firsthand. At the start, you’ll work on building key outdoor and leadership skills under the guidance of experienced instructors. Stepping out of your comfort zone, you’ll engage with the local communities of your host country through daily interactions and structured homestays. You’ll return to your home university with evolved personal goals, a new perspective, new friends, and the confidence to lead in class, outdoors, and beyond.

A Scandinavian wearing traditional clothing.

Cultural Experiences

While studying abroad with NOLS, you’ll find unique opportunities to engage with local communities as you explore beautiful and remote wilderness areas. Far from the tourist centers, you’ll immerse yourself in local culture, embarking on a journey of international education. That might include helping your host family herd livestock in Patagonia, chatting with local fishermen in Baja, or practicing your conversational Hindi over a cup of chai in the Himalayas.

Three participants move tumbleweed in a NOLS Earth Day clean-up in Sinks Canyon State Park, Lander, WY.

Service Opportunities

During a NOLS study abroad program, service is an opportunity to engage with a local community and contribute to a meaningful project. You might volunteer to help renovate a school building, restore backcountry trails, or teach English at a local school. All projects are a way of giving back to the communities you’ve had the privilege of visiting.

Popular Destinations for Studying Abroad

Explore our worldwide campuses and gain new perspectives

NOLS East Africa

NOLS India

NOLS New Zealand

NOLS Patagonia

NOLS Mexico

NOLS Alaska

NOLS Pacific Northwest

NOLS River Base

NOLS Rocky Mountain

NOLS Three Peaks Ranch

NOLS Wyss Campus

Study Abroad Scholarships & Financial Aid

NOLS offers nearly $1.9 million in needs-based scholarships each year. Our scholarships take into account unusual expenses, and special or changing circumstances. Scholarships can range from a small portion to larger amounts of the course cost.

You can also use 529 savings plans, consortium agreements for federal financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and AmeriCorps awards to help fund your study abroad tuition.

Financial Aid Options

Student enjoying full sails and clear skies while sailing.

Earn Academic Credit

Earn up to 27 credit hours in a variety of fields, including Cultural Studies, Leadership Techniques, Environmental Studies, and Risk Management. Over 400 colleges and universities across the country recognize credits earned through NOLS study abroad courses, and numerous other institutions award their own credits based on your study abroad experience with us.

Academic Credit Options

NOLS Diploma

A Recognized Credential

A NOLS diploma represents your cumulative course accomplishments to universities, employers, and others. Some expeditions offer additional industry-recognized certifications and certificates of completion:

Certifications