Semesters

IWLS semester programs teach a broad range of technical skills, while also building a solid experience base in decision making, wise judgment, and risk assessment. Whether you choose an IWLS semester to develop your professional goals, take time to get outside and break away from conventional classrooms, or simply to have the adventure of a lifetime, there is an IWLS semester program that is right for you!

IWLS semester courses are among the most substantial and complete outdoor education and guide training programs available. The diverse sections of an IWLS semester build upon each other and foster strong levels of leadership development. The compounded effect of experience, leadership opportunities, decision making, and safety awareness that evolve within the 48+ days of an outdoor semester cultivates competent, confident, and professional outdoor leaders. Students could receive up to 20 college credits for an IWLS semester.

  • Heading into the mountains on an Argentina mountaineering course Heading into the mountains on an Argentina mountaineering course
  • Morning summit above the clouds in Alaska Morning summit above the clouds in Alaska
  • Mountaineering in Argentina Mountaineering in Argentina
  • High on Lobuche East in Nepal High on Lobuche East in Nepal
  • Raft guide trainingin the Yukon Raft guide trainingin the Yukon
  • Wilderness First Responder training in Alaska Wilderness First Responder training in Alaska
  • Kayaking course in Southeast Alaska Kayaking course in Southeast Alaska
     

Search Trips

*Starting from prices, per person, in USD

Alaska & Yukon Semester

Price: $4770*

Our semester program combines a series of leadership and guide training programs in the world-class terrain of Alaska. Instructors bring practical guiding experience to the challenging environment of the Alaska classroom. There is no better place to develop technical skills and leadership experience.
  • Destination: Southeast Alaska & The Yukon Territory
  • Activity: Semester-Program
  • Difficulty: 3 out of 5
  • Duration: 24, 40 days
  • Meeting Point: Haines, AK

Argentina Semester

Price: $9950*

Argentina, and the central Andes region around Mendoza, offer an incredible region for guide training and leadership development. From the heights of Aconcagua to nearby glaciated peaks, and incredible rock climbing venue, the region is an ideal winter semester location.
  • Destination: South America
  • Activity: Semester-Program
  • Difficulty: 4 out of 5
  • Duration: 40 days
  • Meeting Point: Mendoza Argentina

Nepal Semester

Price: $13150*

Combine 40 days of trekking and mountaineering into the Khumbu region, and 24 days raft guide training on the Sun Kosi. An exceptional training program amidst the people and culture of Nepal.
  • Destination: Asia
  • Activity: Semester-Program
  • Difficulty: 4 out of 5
  • Duration: 64 days
  • Meeting Point: Nepal

Utah/Nevada Semester

Price: $5700*

From tight slot canyons in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to 13,000' alpine vistas in Great Basin National Park, the Utah semester program features a diverse selection of land based leadership & guide training courses.
  • Destination: Utah/Nevada
  • Activity: Semester-Program
  • Difficulty: 3 out of 5
  • Duration: 24, 36 days
  • Meeting Point: Salt Lake City, Utah

*Starting from prices, per person, in USD