Experiential Learning
LEARN BY DOINGFrom global study abroad programs to career-shaping internships, Experiential Learning at the University of Arkansas offers exciting, hands-on opportunities that go far beyond the classroom. These experiences build the skills, confidence, and connections students need to thrive after graduation.
What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential Learning activities offer a practical and applied learning experience that fosters collaboration, reflection, synthesis, and feedback in or outside the classroom. These activities build critical thinking and other essential skills for post-graduation success in Arkansas and beyond.Experiential Learning Activities
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Internships
Gain hands-on experience, build your network, learn about different career paths, and connect with professionals in the field. Internships are a key way employers find new talent—and they help boost employee retention too. -
Research
Work closely with faculty and industry experts to identify and develop solutions that address societal challenges. -
Service Learning
Engage in hands-on learning that connects classroom knowledge to real community needs. Through Service Learning, students earn academic credit while strengthening critical-thinking skills and supporting local organizations and businesses through learning objectives.
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Student Employment
Earn while you learn! Working part-time as a student is a pathway to exploring the world of work, building career skills, and discovering your interests. We offer both on-campus and off-campus opportunities. -
Community Service
Serve as a catalyst between the campus and the community through community and civic engagement, while gaining leadership, logistics, volunteer management, communication, and relaltionship building skills. -
Study Abroad
Gain knowledge, personal growth and a global perspective through study, research and practical experience, and prepare to live and succeed in a global society.
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Leadership Development
Cultivate leadership readiness by empowering students to build self-awareness, strengthen interpersonal skills, and practice effective decision-making through experiential opportunities that bridge the gap between academic learning and workforce preparation. -
Credit for Prior Learning
Turn your experience into University credit! Through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), the University of Arkansas recognizes college-level learning gained outside the traditional classroom. CPL helps students and professionals translate real-world experience into academic progress toward a degree or certificate. -
Skills Acceleration and Microlearning
Building a new skill can make you competitive as you enter the job market. Or you may learn a new skill simply because you are interested! Whatever motivates you, the benefits of learning a new skill can go beyond just adding it to your resume. Developing a new skill can help you adapt to change and make better connections between your current skill set!
Benefits of Experiential Learning
Experiential learning strengthens career readiness and fosters meaningful university–industry collaborations.
- Students have the chance to demonstrate problem solving with real-world challenges, and build practical skills and confidence.
- Faculty & staff gain engaged learners who connect academic concepts to authentic challenges.
- Industry partners benefit from fresh perspectives and identifying emerging talent.
Together, we create meaningful learning opportunities and solve world problems.