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INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Bloomington
Experiential learning

Where curiosity becomes action

Discovery at IU Bloomington happens beyond the classroom—in labs, studios, communities, workplaces, and around the world, where Ï㽶ÊÓƵs turn ideas into action. Here, this “learning by doing” approach is known as experiential learning: immersive experiences that connect academics with real-world learning.

Engage in research Study abroad
Why it matters

The benefits of experiential learning

Real-world and immersive learning helps develop professional networks, technical skills, and durable future-ready skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity. At IU, you aren't just learning ideas. You are applying them, molding them, and living them.

Learning by doing is part of the IU experience

At IU Bloomington, experiential learning connects academics with immersive, real-world experiences across every school and discipline. Students apply what they learn through research, study abroad, community engagement, professional experiences, and creative work.

  • Researchers review documents together inside a campus laboratory.

    Research opportunities

    Explore undergraduate research across disciplines. Work with faculty mentors, investigate big questions, and contribute to new knowledge—starting as early as your first year.

  • IU Ï㽶ÊÓƵs studying abroad walk together toward a modern international building.

    Study abroad

    Take your education into the world. IU offers hundreds of programs that help you build global awareness, cultural understanding, and academic depth.

  • Students discuss a hands-on project inside a campus learning lab.

    First-year experiences

    Build connections from your first semester through themed programs, mentorship opportunities, collaborative learning, and campus engagement experiences.

  • Students wearing hair coverings package meals together at a community food preparation site.

    Make an impact while you learn. Partner with local organizations, apply your skills to real challenges, and contribute to meaningful community work.

  • A Ï㽶ÊÓƵ wearing a white blazer browses clothing displays inside a retail store, with red garments hanging on racks and accessories arranged on nearby shelves.

    Career experience

    Build real-world experience through internships, practicums, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ employment, employer-connected projects, and other work-integrated learning opportunities.

  • A Ï㽶ÊÓƵ wearing a hard hat operates a power saw at a construction site in front of a partially built wooden house, while others in hard hats work nearby.

    Explore IU Bloomington’s official experiential learning initiative and discover opportunities in research, study abroad, leadership, community engagement, and professional experience that help Ï㽶ÊÓƵs apply learning beyond the classroom.

Bloomington

Undergraduate Education

111 S. Eagleson Avenue Bloomington, IN 47405