Our classrooms are vast and their lessons are plenty. No education is complete without Outward Bound.
Outward Bound gap year and semester courses help young people find their way on the biggest journey of all - life. Our outdoor programs are ideal for students seeking a challenging and formative experience for their off-campus semester. Students will travel as a group in remote, rugged settings that will broaden their view of the world while building skills in teamwork and leadership.
Semester or gap year courses require a strong commitment to persevere through the physical and mental challenges presented by an extended wilderness expedition. As they learn to work together to live and travel in the wilderness, students discover important skills for life, such as leadership, communication, conflict resolution, decision-making and problem-solving skills, teamwork and responsibility. With real-life consequences, such as getting lost or having to persevere through long hikes, students have the ability to fail and succeed in a safe, structured environment.
Three of our most popular Semester or Gap Year Courses are:
Oregon to India Rafting & Trekking
The Oregon to India Rafting and Trekking course is an extraordinary expedition that combines beautiful environments and challenging activities in two locations. This course is ideal for those who wish to explore the wild rapids and volcanic landscape of the Pacific Northwest, followed by an international expedition that puts these newly acquired skills into practice in the Himalaya Mountains and on the Ganges Rivers of India. >MORE
Oregon Cascades & Idaho Salmon River Leadership Semester
The Oregon Cascades & Idaho Salmon River Leadership Semester course offers the greatest depth of personal and group leadership, technical and interpersonal skills of any course we offer. In 65 days, you will learn to paddle, mountaineer, rock climb and whitewater raft in the wildest and most scenic landscapes of Oregon and Idaho. >MORE
