Lehigh Launch - A New Experience
Lehigh Launch is an experiential, integrative learning experience for intellectually curious and independent students that takes you to some of the world's most exciting areas. This distinctive first-semester experience is led by Lehigh faculty and staff, is open to students in any major, and costs the same as an on-campus semester (financial aid applies the same as for an on-campus semester). Through hands-on learning and challenging coursework in a living-learning community, students will gain new perspectives, grow as individuals and return to Lehigh with the experience and knowledge to succeed.
Lehigh Launch students participate in either the Semester in the American West (including Wyoming and New Mexico) or the Semester in Chile. You will live and learn with approximately 12 to 15 other students while taking academic courses and earning 15-16 credit hours toward your degree.
Program Locations
Semester in the American West: WY and NM
Spend your semester with Lehigh faculty learning about the literature, earth and environment, and peoples of Wyoming and New Mexico — while you also learn about yourself. A backpacking expedition with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) elevates the program's classroom- and field-based learning.
Semester in Chile
As the capital of Chile, Santiago provides an ideal backdrop for Lehigh Launch students to experience first-hand how historic and modern architecture, fine and folk arts, a dynamic business sector, and fascinating history come together in this thriving metropolis.
Students will explore the intricacies of the Chilean landscape through place-based learning and collaborative, integrated coursework.