Experiential Learning

Alma College features robust experiential learning options for students that allow you to gain real-world experiences outside of the traditional classroom environment in unique settings around the world. Where will you venture?

College is a great place to explore new things, to figure out who you are or who you want to be.

At Alma, we believe your college experience should include the opportunity to pursue something you care deeply about or maybe just to step out of your comfort zone and try something you never imagined.

As part of the Alma Commitment, every student will have an experiential learning opportunity that meets their personal or professional goals, funded by an Alma Venture grant or one of several other college-sponsored grant programs. You will have up to $2,500 to put your classroom learning into practice through a remarkable internship, research fellowship, hands-on clinical experience, off-campus study, campus leadership opportunity or another approved learning experience.

Why have we made this financial commitment? Because we want you to graduate with practical experiences that will prepare you for life after college. So check out the options below and find your adventure.

Spring Term

Alma has a 4-4-1 academic calendar, so after fall and winter terms, you have the opportunity to focus on one course topic for the entire month of May. We call this month “Spring Term,” and many of the courses involve domestic or international travel.

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Student Research

At Alma College, your classroom learning comes to life in cutting-edge research experiences. Your laboratory? It’s the whole world!

Scholarship Opportunities

Need a little help funding your dream research project or study abroad experience? We offer several opportunities to help you take your learning to the next level.

Center for College & Community Engagement

The Center for College and Community Engagement (CCCE) creates collaborative opportunities for the college and community to develop strategic partnerships, share knowledge, and serve mid-Michigan together. The Center’s activities focus on four key areas of concern: engagement, community, sustainability, and purpose.

Alternative Breaks

No matter what your interest is, there is an Alternative Break opportunity for you. Alternative Breaks allow students to spend time doing service work while traveling outside the community. This may involve community engagement in a variety of contexts, from providing childcare in a homeless shelter to being involved in disaster relief efforts. Whatever you’re doing, you’ll have fun while reflecting on what is important to you in life.

Most service teams include 8 to 20 people. Each team has a staff advisor and student leaders. Prior to departure, the entire team meets regularly to better understand what to expect on the trip. In addition to learning about social issues, Alternative Break participants experience the local culture at their destination. Each service opportunity includes time to sight see, enjoy a local restaurant, or relax with friends. Alternative Breaks encourages full engagement through living and eating simply, limiting technology and being alcohol- and drug-free.

Leadership Programs

Leadership is important to your college experience. On the athletic field, in your fraternity or sorority house, in the classroom, through one of our specialized programs or while on spring break—there’s always an opportunity for you to take the lead.

What makes a Scot stand apart from the rest? A willingness to speak out, step up and make an impact. Whether you’re inspiring your peers on the athletic field, managing your fraternity or sorority chapter, taking the stage at the National Model UN Conference, or taking the lead to develop your passion and occupational-related skills with Business Professionals of America — at Alma, there are many ways for you to grow as a leader.

Our Model UN program builds skills in diplomacy, collaboration, and negotiation. Learn how peaceful, multilateral conflict resolution can address global challenges. And be a part of the team that the Huffington Post called a “Model UN powerhouse.”

You can also hone those skills in a real-world setting through internships, placements or volunteering. Our career and personal development team can help you access dedicated career coaching, on- and off-campus employment opportunities and Alma Venture funding to pursue your dream.

International & Off-Campus Study

Spend a semester studying in one of 14 countries around the globe or, if you prefer to remain in the United States, study and intern in one of four metropolitan centers: New York, Philadelphia, Chicago or Washington, D.C.

Located in the Center for Student Opportunity, Off-Campus Study staff can help you find the program that is right for you. Spend a semester studying in one of 14 countries around the globe or, if you prefer to remain in the United States, study and intern in one of four metropolitan centers: New York, Philadelphia, Chicago or Washington, D.C.

Alma College offers approved programs of study in the countries listed below. The programs in Ecuador, England, Ghana, Italy, Peru and Spain include internship, service learning or volunteer opportunities.

Argentina
Australia
Ecuador
England
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Ireland
Italy
New Zealand
Peru
Scotland
Spain

Each of the domestic programs combines internships, professional development and traditional coursework.

Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture; Chicago, IL
New York Arts Program; New York, NY
The Philadelphia Center; Philadelphia, PA
American University; Washington, DC
The Washington Center; Washington, DC

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Alma College students don’t just observe — they innovate. At Alma, you will work with accomplished scientists and cutting-edge equipment to prepare for a rewarding life of exploration and discovery.

These are the majors of today and the careers of tomorrow. Learn, grow, and experiment within our STEM majors and explore the research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences from Alma.

Our small class sizes mean you will work side by side with our faculty experts to seek solutions to complex problems. Our graduates leave with a set of skills that help them understand the world and prepare for challenging and rewarding careers in the growing fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Your liberal arts education will not only prepare you to tackle problems within your major but will challenge you to think critically and creatively about larger world issues and how they connect with your area of study.

Want to get a taste of Alma’s amazing opportunities before you enroll? Check out some of our STEM-based summer camps and see what we’re all about.

STEM Majors:

The Alma Venture

Your academic and personal journey is unique. Your venture will be, too. It could take place here on campus or on the other side of the world. It could be credit-bearing—or not. You could spend a semester studying abroad, immerse yourself in clinical experience, build your resume in your dream internship or design your own research project. The opportunities are endless! Need some inspiration? Explore the different ways our students have put learning into action, and start designing your venture today.

Where will you venture?

Posey Global Leadership Fellows Program

Join the next generation of global leaders. Through the Posey Global Leadership Fellows Program (P-Global), you can travel anywhere in the world to pursue an internship, volunteer opportunity or research experience based on your passions.

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