Program Reviews

My NOLS India experience just ended a few days ago. To explain what I learned, how I evolved as a person, and how I was impacted by my NOLS course would end up being a drastic understatement. It is something you have to experience to fully understand. My confidence, my leadership abilities, my relations with others, my knowledge about the culture and environment, my greater appreciation for life, my connection with nature, my deeper perspective of life, and numerous more changed or evolved insights have over a span of three months have helped grow me as a person.
I took this course during the first semester of my freshman year of college. I would 100 percent recommend this course for graduated high school students. I definitely was not ready for college yet and now I feel well beyond ready.

The semester I spent in India has been the most incredible and most invaluable experience of my life. Whether it be living with a homestay family and learning to adapt to a new culture, rafting down the River Kali and camping in paradise every night, or hiking through the Himalaya and carrying everything you will need for 40 days on your back, NOLS Semester in India will offer you experiences you won't be able to find anywhere else.

No doubt there were times when I struggled and longed for my iphone or a warm shower, but I learned to face these challenges with more grace each time and through overcoming them I realized what I'm really made of. It's amazing how all the skills and lessons I learned in the backcountry have transferred and been instrumental to my success and happiness in the front country. (I think I'm one of the only people who can say I'm more comfortable cooking on a backcountry stove than in my own kitchen!)

And of course, the views are amazing. No mountains are more beautiful or more awesome than the Himalaya, the youngest and tallest mountain range on earth. Sharing in an experience like this one has given me priceless memories and life long friends. I'm happy to say that, over a year later, I still keep in touch with many of friends from NOLS. The friendships you forge on a NOLS trip are so unique and special, and for this I am forever grateful.

This was THE MOST CHALLENGING I have done in my life: You will NEVER put yourself through so many new, uncomfortable positions in your '​'normal environment": learning a new sport I had never done before, with peers from a well-developed, but yet so different continent, in a non-native language.

And it was THE MOST REWARDING: I accomplished goals, I thought I would never accomplish. I have never been so proud of myself. You are always more capable then you think you are.

Living with the same 11 peers for seventy days forced me to clearly state my expectations. NOLS is a great place to fail. After growing up in Alaska, I have not felt as safe in the Alaskan wilderness as when I was with my NOLS instructors. This trust allowed me to reach for my comfort zone in terms of physical and emotional demands. With whom else can you loose your way in the Alaskan wilderness and have very little consequence? NOLS changed the way I live.

When I first registered for my semester in the rockies I only expected to be receiving a furthering in my education, just a fun way to continue my college education. Upon arrival I quickly realized that this experience was going to be so much more than basic education. This course was going to enlighten me on how to interact and live with the world around me in a way that I had never thought of before. That is exactly what NOLS did.

Winter camping was rigorous and taxing ;however, It was rewarding to know that you were living efficiently in an environment that most people will never encounter in their entire existence. It is difficult to put into words the beauty of waking up every morning warm and cozy in an igloo with the bold Grand Teton Mountains quite literally at your doorstep.

Rock climbing took me through a technical journey of skills and knowledge that I will continue to use in my personal life. The teaching was thorough and complete leaving me with the feeling that I could accomplish all that was taught on my own. Everyday was an unique adventure as you scrambled hundreds of feet up beautiful red sandstone rock outside Las Vegas, Nevada. This section demanded trust and smooth teamwork which quickly helped to unite the group of men around me. I feel that The NOLS rock climbing section has advanced my climbing career in ways that I could of never imagined.

In addition to my two favorite sections of the semester there were also a river, canyon, and wilderness first responder course. These courses were just as rewarding and full of adventure and helped to create a well rounded experience. I also thoroughly enjoyed building a strong group dynamic with my fellow course mates. You soon create some of your closest friends just a few weeks into the course and learn how to interact appropriately with these friends even under stressful circumstances

From this experience I have grown personally, learned many technical skills, made new friends and most importantly have seen how to be a leader and make wise decisions in any situation.

The NOLS semester in New Zealand was an absolutely incredible trip. A group of nine students, including me, backpacked for 1 month, sea kayaked for 1 month, and sailed for 2 weeks. We had fabulous instructors who outdoors enthusiasts, and great role models for all of the life skills that we learned on out course.
I woke up everyday, knowing that I was going to be challenged. But as I became more familiar with my group and closer with my instructors, I no longer doubted my ability to find success in each day.
I use the skills that I learned on NOLS every day, and I know that I will carry all that I learned for the rest of my life.
I am so grateful to my instructors, the New Zealand branch, and the NOLS organization for changing my life in the best way possible. I could not imagine a place that I could grow and mature more than on a NOLS course.

Took my wilderness EMT at the Lander campus. Everyone was very friendly and the staff was filled with genuine people. They were all there to help you learn and grow. 10/10 would do again. V nice, woof woof meow

I loved this semester. It was the absolute best choice I have ever made. There was a perfect balance between challenge and feedback to improve. I pushed myself hard and learned all sorts of skills -from how to read a map to how to pack and walk efficiently. I tried so many things for the first time, some that I loved, and some that were terrifying. I hiked in snow up to my waist, struggled up rock faces, and swam through slot canyons. I also made friends that have changed the way I look at the world. I watched the sun rise over calm waters, and skiied in the moonlight. My NOLS course will stick with me for the rest of my life.

I would recommend this course to anyone looking to learn about themselves and grow. My instructors were amazing, the curriculum was difficult but meaningful, and I walked away with a lot of insight about who I am and what I'm capable of. 10/10 would do it again.

My semester in Australia was indescribably amazing! If you are considering a NOLS course, DO IT!! It will be worth it!!!

As far as the Australia semester, the NOLS branch, staff and instructors were very helpful, knowledgeable, and fun. They answered my questions about gear and logistics ahead of time and made me feel at home on the other side of the planet. The instructors were excellent at allowing us to learn through experience and take leadership roles while making sure we were safe and taking time to teach us.
The life skills I learned during my NOLS course (leadership, navigation, decision-making, risk management, self-confidence) have been helpful throughout all areas of my life. It is not an exaggeration to say this was a life-changing experience. I learned a huge amount about myself and my interactions with others.
If you are considering a NOLS course, I would highly recommend looking at the semester-long courses. Being out in the wilderness for that length of time allows you to truly feel like the outdoors is your home. Plus, the longer course you do, the more amazing experiences you can have and the more you can learn.
Also, I would highly recommend Australia as a site for a NOLS course. We had the opportunity to travel to areas where no human had been for years, possibly ever. We were off-trail the entire time and, for the hiking and kayaking sections, we saw no signs of civilization for the entire sections. Although the wildlife is potentially more dangerous at this site (crocodiles, snakes, etc), it was empowering to learn how to exist safely in this environment. Also, Australia is BEAUTIFUL and has a wide diversity of ecosystems to explore.