Outdoor education is an important part of student development. It provides an opportunity for students to learn about nature, acquire new skills and develop leadership qualities. A number of colleges and universities around the world offer excellent outdoor education programs. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the best colleges and universities in the world for outdoor education.
1. Colorado State University, USA
Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and is known for its outdoor education programs. The college has a dedicated Outdoor Program which offers a variety of courses in rock climbing, white-water paddling, backpacking, and mountaineering. The courses are designed for students of all skill levels and are taught by experienced instructors.
2. University of Alaska Anchorage, USA
The University of Alaska Anchorage is another excellent college for outdoor education. The college has a number of educational programs in outdoor leadership, wilderness medicine, and outdoor education that prepare students for careers in the outdoor industry. The college also has an outdoor recreation program, which offers students the opportunity to participate in a variety of outdoor activities such as snowboarding, skiing, rock climbing, and kayaking.
3. National Outdoor Leadership School, USA
The National Outdoor Leadership School, also known as NOLS, is a leader in outdoor education. It is based in Lander, Wyoming and offers outdoor programs around the world. The school is known for its immersive outdoor programs that are designed to help students develop leadership skills while learning about the natural environment. NOLS offers courses in mountaineering, backpacking, sea kayaking, and wilderness medicine.
4. Thompson Rivers University, Canada
Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, is another top college for outdoor education. The college has a number of programs in adventure tourism, outdoor recreation, and wilderness leadership. The college also offers an outdoor recreation management program, which prepares students for careers in the outdoor industry.
5. New Zealand School of Outdoor Studies, New Zealand
The New Zealand School of Outdoor Studies, located in Wanaka, is a world-renowned college for outdoor education. The school is known for its intensive outdoor leadership programs, which take students on multi-day expeditions into the New Zealand wilderness. The school offers courses in outdoor education, adventure tourism, and outdoor recreation.
6. University of Cumbria, UK
The University of Cumbria is located in the Lake District, one of the best-known outdoor destinations in the UK. The university offers a variety of outdoor education courses that cover topics such as environmental science, outdoor leadership, and adventure tourism. The university also has a dedicated outdoor education center that offers a wide range of outdoor activities to students.
In summary, these are only a few of the best colleges and universities in the world for outdoor education. There are many other colleges and universities that offer excellent outdoor education programs, so it is important to do your research and choose the college or university that is right for you. Learning in the great outdoors not only enhances a student’s academic experience, but provides them with valuable life skills too.
