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- Discover Peace, Joy & Purpose on the Contemplative Semester!
Discover Peace, Joy & Purpose on the Contemplative Semester!
It’s weird being a young adult in these times! With countless voices telling us who to be as the world around us burns with crisis after crisis, finding an authentic, hopeful, and life-giving way forward can feel out of reach. The Contemplative Semester offers a chance to slow down, take a break from the noise, touch the earth, and tune into the center of who you are. Based in the foothills of Vermont's Green Mountains, the Contemplative Semester is a 14-week, residential immersion into the depths of the human experience. Drawing from Buddhist teachings and practices as a primary framework, you’ll have the chance to deeply connect with yourself, others, and nature as you explore your unique path to greater peace, love, joy, and purpose. With optional college credits offered. Now, more than ever, the world is calling for people who live, love, laugh, cry, create, and care from the depths of their hearts. Are you ready to answer the call? Thankfully, it’s a group call with dance parties. Join us!
It’s weird being a young adult in these times! With countless voices telling us who to be as the world around us burns with crisis after crisis, finding an authentic, hopeful, and life-giving way forward can feel out of reach. The Contemplative Semester offers a chance to slow down, take a break from the noise, touch the earth, and tune into the center of who you are. Based in the foothills of Vermont's Green Mountains, the Contemplative Semester is a 14-week, residential immersion into the depths of the human experience. Drawing from Buddhist teachings and practices as a primary framework, you’ll have the chance to deeply connect with yourself, others, and nature as you explore your unique path to greater peace, love, joy, and purpose. With optional college credits offered. Now, more than ever, the world is calling for people who live, love, laugh, cry, create, and care from the depths of their hearts. Are you ready to answer the call? Thankfully, it’s a group call with dance parties. Join us!
Program Highlights
Deepen your meditation practice to cultivate a clear mind, an open heart, and finer self-awareness to help you meet the beauty and suffering of these times.
Co-create the beloved community we want to see in the world, learning communication and conflict-transformation skills along the way.
Know and be known by your peers on a profound level, building an intimate community and lifelong friendships.
Discern what’s yours to do in the world, while building skills to support your relationships, professional development, and contributions to the causes you care most about.
Connect deeply with the earth and explore the beautiful Vermont mountains, streams and lakes in all their splendor. And have fun!
Quick Details
- Vermont, United States
- Spring
- Environmental Studies
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Experiential Learning
- Self-Discovery
- All Nationalities
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Created deep spiritual friendships and lifelong community
September 11, 2025by: Rebecca M.One key blessing I received from the contemplative semester, beyond the tools and insights and practices, is a handful of spiritual friendships that showed me how supportive a relationship could be. Now, I feel the unconditional love from these people no matter how far apart we are, and it has organically strengthened my resolve to make decisions according to what truly feels right, wise, and compassionate, even when it doesn't feel like the safer path to follow.
Helped me transform my longtime anxiety
September 05, 2025by: LilaMy anxiety about where I am in life, the decisions I need to make, and where I should be has lessened as CS helped me spend more time in the present. I hope to continue developing this mindset I learned on CS moving forward and to remind myself that it's okay for things to be as they are right now.
This has been the best experience.
September 01, 2025by: Cameron R.This has been the best experience and place to learn more about myself than anywhere else. Anyone able to get this much direct exposure to meditation and this kind of community for this long is extremely fortunate
Felt a deep sense of belonging
August 31, 2025by: SamSometimes when I feel that I want to take things slowly or do something my own way, I find myself fearing judgement of others. When this happens, I remember the other CS people, and it helps remind me that it is okay to live my own way. I met people on CS with whom I felt an incredible sense of warmth and belonging. We created deep bonds with each other built on trust, deep listening, kindness, and shared meditation practice. That is a very strong foundation for relationships, and creates the sense of belonging.
I have never seen so many people change.
August 29, 2025by: SebastianI have never seen so many people change so drastically in such a short amount of time. In three months being at CS, the shift to confident adn happy and outgoing was insnae to watch happen. And I've watched it happen in myself.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Vermont, United States
Types and Subjects
- Subjects & Courses
- Environmental Studies
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Types
- Experiential Learning
- Self-Discovery
Availability
Years Offered: 2026
- Spring
- After College
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- During College
- Post High School
Age Requirement
18-25
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Wifi Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- High School Freshman (1st Year)
- High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
- High School Senior (4th Year)
- High School Junior (3rd Year)
- High School 5th Year or More
- Some high school, no diploma
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Some college credit, no degree
- Trade/technical/vocational training
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
- Phone/Video Interview
- Letters of Reference
- Written Application
- Other
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be able to leave the campus? If yes, how often?
We are intentional about creating a sense of community and a container that also allows everyone to feel autonomous and have a choice. Students will be able to leave campus as the schedule allows, including on weekends and holidays. We will ask students not to leave campus during meditation retreat weeks. We have a system of letting staff know in advance what days you plan on leaving campus.
Can I get college credits for participating?
Yes! We are offering optional college credits through Naropa University. Students can receive credits for 1-4 courses, at 3 credits per course, for an additional fee.
Can I come for only part of the Contemplative Semester?
No. We ask all participants to commit to the entire semester. That said, if there is an extenuating circumstance that would necessitate missing a few days, we can discuss it and try to make it work.
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