East Africa Field Instructor Course
Build on the technical outdoor and leadership skills you already have. This 21-day course introduces you to NOLS' philosophy, curriculum, and systems through a 19-day wilderness expedition.
Applications for the January 2026 course closed on October 15, 2025. Explore all NOLS instructor courses for future opportunities, or contact [email protected] with questions about the East Africa program.
The course
Learn to teach the NOLS way
The East Africa Instructor Course introduces you to NOLS' philosophy, curriculum, and systems, building on the technical outdoor and leadership skills you already have. The 21-day course centers on a 19-day wilderness expedition where you fine-tune your teaching through an in-depth examination of the NOLS curriculum.
The course is built for experienced outdoorspeople who live in East Africa and know the region's culture and languages. It is a pathway to teaching expedition courses as a NOLS field instructor, close to home.
2026 course dates
Tuition
At a glance
Course details
A 21-day instructor course in East Africa, centered on a 19-day wilderness expedition.
Course dates
January 3–28, 2026. A single 21-day course.
Format
21-day course built around a 19-day wilderness expedition.
Tuition
No tuition cost. An equipment deposit may be required to rent gear.
Location
An expedition in the East African wilderness for local educators.
Curriculum focus
Fine-tune teaching through an in-depth examination of the NOLS curriculum.
WFR pathway
A 70-hour Wilderness First Responder course is offered in Arusha after the course by Sentinel Outdoor Institute (SOI).
The mission
Teach in the landscapes you call home
NOLS field instructors are educators, not guides. This course prepares experienced East African outdoorspeople to lead expeditions and teach leadership, risk management, and wilderness skills across the region's wild places.
Before you apply
Prerequisites
To be eligible for the East Africa Field Instructor Course, you must meet each of these requirements.
East Africa residence
Permanent residence in East Africa.
Culture and language
Intimate knowledge of East African culture and language (English and Swahili).
Wilderness First Responder
Current WFR certification with at least 72 hours of instruction.
CPR certification
Basic adult CPR certificate with 4 hours of instruction.
Minimum age
Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Do not have a WFR yet? A 70-hour Wilderness First Responder course is offered in Arusha after the Instructor Course by Sentinel Outdoor Institute (SOI). Contact NOLS if you are unable to attain a WFR before the course.
Links & downloads
Course resources
Reference materials for the East Africa Field Instructor Course.
Course description
An overview of the East Africa Instructor Course, its structure, and expectations.
Equipment list
What to bring and what can be rented for the wilderness expedition.
Travel and logistics
Getting to the course, timing, and what to plan for before you arrive.
Ready to teach with NOLS?
Applications for the East Africa course are currently closed. Explore all NOLS instructor courses, or get in touch with questions about future East Africa offerings.
