Application Process
Participation in the Adirondack Semester is a privilege, and admission to the program is competitive. The application process is operated in collaboration with the Center for International and Intercultural Studies (CIIS).
The application process consists of submission of the application materials through the CIIS Studio Abroad portal (linked at the bottom of this page) and an interview with the selection committee. Upon acceptance to the program, students will be required to provide additional information and a comprehensive Health Form.
Apply by February 1st, 2026 to study off-campus in Fall 2026.
As a SLU Signature Program, Adirondack Semester Applicants are eligible to apply by the Early Decision Deadline of December 6th. If you apply Early Decision to a SLU Signature Program, your $50 application fee will be waived.
Before starting an application be sure to review the CIIS Policies and Procedures.
Adirondack Semester students will live off-campus in a remote setting of the Adirondack Park for three months. Because of its location, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves directly and completely in the natural world, without the many distractions of campus. The setting is rustic, giving students an opportunity to live a materially simple life that precludes cell phones, computers, and running water. The campus consists of canvas structures called yurts, a small timber-framed kitchen, a composting toilet, and a wood-fired sauna. Up to twelve students live together as a close-knit community supervised by two on-site Assistant Directors and the Director. Students take five credit-bearing courses; the academic focus of the program is complemented by wood working classes and an emphasis on building a community fostered through intensive group contact, community facilitation instruction, and shared group tasks.
Throughout the semester, students participate in a variety of outdoor pursuits. These include a week-long canoe expedition, six-day backpacking trip as well as activities such as rock climbing and whitewater rafting. In addition, due to the semi-remote nature of the location and the tasks involved with maintaining systems at the village (hauling water, chopping wood, etc.), students must be physically capable of participating in the compulsory components of semester programming, which include, but are not limited to, living in a remote outdoor setting affected by shifting environmental conditions that is more than one hour from definitive medical care. Students must be able to hike and/or walk for at least an hour, learn to canoe for at least 20 minutes, and lift up to 40 pounds. Students must also be capable of and committed to working as part of a team, contributing to a safe learning environment for their peers, and participating in the daily chores and tasks required to maintain that community. Program administration may ask for a physician's recommendation for applicants who are experiencing conditions that might inhibit their ability to participate safely in the Adirondack Semester. Admission may be denied to anyone we believe to be unable to meet the physical, emotional, social, or safety demands of our program.
Additionally, due to the absence of many technological tools that we have access to on campus, some academic accommodations may not be possible, or may require some creative collaboration between students and ADK Semester staff.
If you have questions about the program, please reach out to the Director of Outdoor Studies and the Adirondack Semester, Jacob McCoola.