Where Education Meets Exploration

Helping You Decide Your Study Abroad Experience

We believe that education should go beyond the classroom. That’s why we emphasize experiential learning and place-based education, ensuring that every student engages deeply with their studies while connecting to the unique opportunities offered by Alaska’s rich cultural and environmental landscape. Thanks to partnerships with EcoLeague, NOLS, and UArctic, APU students have a range of exchange options that blend seamlessly with your financial aid package and graduation goals. These collaborations open doors to transformative learning experiences, allowing you to study in diverse ecosystems and immerse yourself in cross-cultural environments. Whether it’s exploring Arctic policy in Scandinavia or developing leadership skills in the wilderness, these exchanges are designed to expand your horizons and deepen your understanding of the world.

Are you ready for your next academic adventure? Start exploring below.

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EcoLeague Exchange Program

The EcoLeague is a consortium of six liberal arts colleges dedicated to environmental stewardship, social change, and educating students to build a sustainable future.

As an EcoLeague member, APU students can spend two semesters studying at one of five partner schools, each located in a different bioregion of the United States. Students may also inquire about participating in study abroad programs offered at another EcoLeague school.

About EcoLeague Where can I go?

APU is a member of the inter-college exchange group called the EcoLeague. The EcoLeague is composed of six colleges and universities, all small, all with strong programs in Environmental Science, Sustainability Studies, Marine Biology, Outdoor Studies, and similar programs. The colleges include: APU, College of the Atlantic (Maine), St. Lawrence University (New York), Dickinson College (Pennsylvania), New College of Florida (Florida), and Prescott College (Arizona). Through this program, APU students in their sophomore or junior year may elect to spend up to two, non-consecutive semesters studying at EcoLeague member institutions as part of their academic program. Students continue to pay full-time tuition to their home institution. Course Fees, labs, and room & board are paid to the host institution. Travel costs are covered by the student.

For outgoing students (from APU to another institution): work with your academic advisor to ensure you will be taking courses that fit your academic program.

north2north (N2N) Program

north2north is a student exchange program offered through the University of the Arctic consortium. APU sophomores and juniors can spend up to a year at one of dozens of universities across the Arctic or Antarctic while earning credit toward their APU degree program. Some countries even offer scholarships to American students looking to study away.

About north2north Where can I go?

The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is a cooperative network of universities, colleges, and other organizations committed to higher education and research in Arctic and Antarctic regions. Universities and colleges that offer programs or courses in Arctic or Antarctic studies participate in the north2north student exchange program, and through the exchange APU students can enhance their degree programs and gain knowledge about Northern/Arctic issues and people. APU students in their sophomore or junior year may elect to spend anywhere from a short field course up to one year studying at n2n member institutions while earning credit toward their APU studies. APU students continue to pay full-time tuition to their home institution (APU). Any course fees, labs, and room & board are paid to the host institution. Passport, visa, and other travel costs are covered by the student. Interested students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and have sophomore standing (transfer students or undergraduates must have completed 12 credits at APU; graduate students 6 credits) and apply by February 15 for the following academic year. Study away in the final semester at APU is not permitted.

For outgoing students (from APU to another institution): work with APU Career Services & Study Away to apply and for program details; meet with your academic advisor to ensure you will be taking courses that fit your academic program.

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)

NOLS is the National Outdoor Leadership School, offering wilderness education and leadership training programs at 12 remote campuses around the world. Each NOLS course offers an immersive expedition in a remote, wild place alongside a tight-knit community of students and instructors.

APU students can spend up to one semester on a pre-approved NOLS course, gaining adventure, perspective, courage, and competence in the outdoors. No experience is required to participate.

About NOLS Where can I go?

Students may spend up to one (1) semester and take pre-approved courses through a NOLS program. This experiential academic program allows the APU student to maintain all APU scholarships and other academic institutional aid to pay their NOLS tuition. Domestic (US) and international destinations are available. Students are responsible for their travel, course materials, NOLS fees and housing costs. Interested students apply by February 15 for the following academic year. All students must have a letter/memo of support from their academic advisor. Applications can be found in the Provost’s office.

For outgoing students (from APU to another institution): work with your academic advisor to ensure you will be taking courses that fit your academic program.

Other Programs

APU has formal agreements with EcoLeague, north2north, and NOLS, but many other organizations offer academic study abroad and study away programs.

If you’re interested in other programs, you can contact Study Away or talk with your faculty advisor to discuss options. Short-term or internship programs can often be incorporated into your degree program. If an outside program or course of study is approved by your faculty advisor and the Registrar, be sure to discuss any financial concerns with the Office of Financial Aid before applying. Additional expenses may be incurred and are the responsibility of the student, and not all programs are eligible for use of your financial aid, scholarships, or grants.

Contact Study Away

Steps to Apply

First things first: Students should apply to all programs for the coming year by February 15 to allow time for academic and financial planning.

Once you have selected a program…

Meet with your academic advisor to ensure that courses will either meet requirements or count as the electives you desire. Select more courses than you plan to take just in case there are scheduling problems upon arrival.
Meet with the registrar to ensure a smooth transfer of your courses and to enroll in the APU Placeholder Course for the term/s you will be away.
Meet with Financial Aid to ensure that your scholarships and any aid are sufficient. You may be eligible to apply for additional aid based on the cost of your program.
Apply for your program of choice by February 15!
If you are applying to an international program, apply for your passport. Inquire about a student visa you might need for an extended stay, and how to apply for that. Be aware that you may have to travel to a regional consulate in another state to obtain a visa; this cost can also be calculated into your financial aid needs.
Secure housing. All programs will have a study away coordinator or office that can provide housing options. Some options may require an advance down payment. Determine your choices for housing and meal options as early as possible.
Research flight and travel options. This expense can be factored into your financial aid needs.
Be aware of dates at the host university like arrival, move-in, or orientation.

Contact Study Away