Experiential learning is an active and transformative way to practice and apply your coursework in a variety of contexts outside of the classroom, then reflect upon the connections to your own understanding, skills, and growth.
Employers and professional schools are eager for candidates who bring a strong academic background as well as a range of skills that may be developed through experiential learning.
Gaining experience, coupled with academic success, leads to more opportunities after graduation.
Experiential Learning Requirement
All incoming UNL students will be expected to participate in a significant Experiential Learning (EL) activity connecting their classroom learning to a real-world setting. This will be documented on your transcript and may yield credit hours applicable to your degree or recognized by a 0-credit course.
Gain Experience Your Way
Depending on your strengths and interests, your academic program, and your plans for after graduation, certain kinds of experience may be more valuable than others. CAS students commonly participate in more than one kind of experiential learning, especially:
Education Abroad
Develop a global perspective, build independence, and strengthen language skills while earning credit in another country.
Internships
Hands-on experience with an employer to build skills while trying out a particular role, industry, or organization.
Leadership
Influence, organize, and grow through student organizations or as a mentor or campus employee, and build your network along the way.
Research and Creative Activity
There are many ways to engage in your own research or participate in the research of world-class faculty.
Service
Engage with the university or local community on important issues by volunteering, advocating, providing service to others, or lending a hand on a project.
We provide students with unique opportunities to apply and extend their comprehensive education in the liberal arts and sciences in practical, hands-on ways.
Planning and Reflecting
You will have help to plan your experiential learning up front, then reflect upon it as you complete it, specifically how it relates to your degree and future plans.
CAS Career Coaches
Career coaches help you identify and pursue experiences to meet your Experiential Learning requirement and reach your post-graduation goals, whether for employment or graduate/professional school. They also provide feedback on application materials and help polish your interview skills.
Academic Advisors
Understand what opportunities for experiential learning are built into the curriculum for your major or able to meet degree requirements. Your academic advisor can also help you identify the best time relative to your degree plan to engage.
Relevant Campus Partners
Global Experiences, SLICE, UCARE, and other campus offices can help set opportunities up. Your academic advisor and career coach can make referrals to the offices and specific staff members that will help you take the next steps.
Funding for Internships or Research
Participating in unpaid or out-of-state research or internship opportunities may come with additional costs. Students may apply for up to $1500 of funding that enables their participation in an internship or research opportunity.
If curiosity has led you to engage in one of these opportunities—we'd like to share it with the Husker community!