Contemplative Semester Residential Immersion Program Returns in 2026

April 3, 2025

Following its successful launch in fall 2024, The Contemplative Semester will deepen its roots on our Vermont campus with another three-month residential immersion program in 2026.

Offering young adults a deep dive into mindfulness meditation and community, The Contemplative Semester is a transformative educational experience that targets the primary drivers of their crisis of wellbeing. With a time-tested and research-backed curriculum of mindfulness meditation, relational practices, and purpose discovery, the program imparts a life-long practice of inner freedom, compassion, and equanimity and prepares participants to step into powerful lives of love and leadership. Graduates are equipped as future leaders with the emotional, social, and professional resources and skills to flourish and build a better world for all.

Rooted in Buddhist philosophy and practice, the Contemplative Semester’s 14-week curriculum explores the 8 Fold Noble Path as a framing and includes four weeks of silent retreat along with daily silent meditation practice. Other core topics include nature awareness, ethical leadership, creative expression, and collaborative community building.

“I learned in ways that I did not imagine that I would,” said one 2024 alumnus. “I learned that life can be a practice. There is a way to relate to my life from a balanced place, which is amazing to actually try out. I didn’t expect how much I would actually embody and learn practices in my daily life.”

The Contemplative Semester takes place on campus from February 1 to May 8, 2026. College credits are offered. For more information, visit contemplativesemester.org.