Welcome!

Experiential Learning Programs are both intentional and reflective and are designed to engage students in a guided process in which they construct new knowledge, acquire new perspectives and enhance skills.

What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential learning is the term we use for hands-on learning experiences, such as community service, course-related service learning, an internship, a research position, a study abroad experience, or a cooperative education job. We help you put it together—and then you get out there and make it happen.

What do we do?

The Center for Experiential Learning assures that our students have access to the best ExL opportunities possible. We work hand in hand with Faculty, the Office of Campus Life, The O’Brien Center for Student Success, The Stevens Service Learning Center and the Office of International Programs to support their efforts in developing quality programs (both credit and non credit bearing).

In addition, we provide information regarding current ExL programs and new  initiatives, assist our students with ExL exploration and support opportunities to share undergraduate research projects and experiences with the Merrimack community.

Why Does Merrimack Promote Experiential Learning?

Because we are a Roman Catholic college founded in the Augustinian tradition, we believe, as St. Augustine did, that experience can sometimes be the best guide to learning about ourselves and the world. Various research studies have also shown that the benefits of experiential learning include a better grasp of classroom concepts, a deeper commitment to civic engagement, higher grade point averages, greater community involvement, and a boost in job offers and starting salaries after graduation.

We strive to give every Merrimack College student a chance to pursue one or more experiential learning opportunities. Whatever your interests are, we are confident that these life-changing experiences will add a unique and invaluable dimension to your years at Merrimack.

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