Our programs, including Semester and Summer programs, give the opportunity to our students to earn internationally-recognized certifications. But why is this important? We’ve come up with the five most important reasons why you should consider earning your outdoor certifications, whether or not you want to be an outdoor professional:

1. Safety

For you and others: going through the process of becoming certified, no matter the activity, is a great way to ensure you have been over all the safety requirements and recommendations. You will be able to undertake activities like whitewater rafting or climbing with assurance and knowing you can react quickly to potentially risky situations.

2. Proven Experience

In the outdoor industry, but also in life in general, having certifications is a tangible proof that you have enough perseverance and skills to fit into predefined frameworks and abide by requirements. Certifications can be added to your resume, and no matter what job, college or internship you are applying to, they show that you are a motivated individual ready to go through examination and work hard to reach your goals.

3. Professionalism

Owning certifications is a great way to prove you are a serious professional and care about being excellent under all circumstances. If you plan on being a professional in the outdoor industry, being certified shows that you can reach the level required by international organizations like the Red Cross or the National Association of Underwater Instructors.

Even if you don’t plan on having a career in the outdoor industry, being certified is a testament to your ability to reach successfully a set of standards presented to you and therefore be a reliable professional.

4. Specialization

The certifications you have earned are a map of the activities you are interested in and have experience in. It is great if you are applying for summer jobs such as lifeguarding, or if you want to prove you have experience in a certain field. More generally, it can help you show what kind of fields and activities you dedicate your time and efforts to: if you want to be a marine biologist, having your NAUI Scuba Certification can be a great plus.

5. Traveling!

Up to seven internationally-recognized certifications and an in-depth study of the Outward Bound educational model, both integrated into our programs, make you a desirable instructor or guide for various organizations throughout the world.

Want to take a gap year or just travel for the summer? Having certifications will most surely increase your chances to find a paid gig that will help you with traveling expenses.

Here is the list of certifications we provide:

– Wilderness First Responder (Outward Bound Costa Rica)
– CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross)
– Whitewater Rescue Technician (Rescue 3 International)
– Technical Rope Rescue: Operations Level (Rescue 3 International)
– Whitewater Raft Guide License Class I-II or III (International Rafting Federation)
– Scuba Diver or Advanced Scuba Diver Certification (National Association of Underwater Instructors)
– Waterfront Lifeguarding (American Red Cross)

To know more about our programs, head to our website or follow our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Students in our Outdoor Leader Semester can earn these seven certifications in one program during the Fall or Spring Semester.