July 29 – August 3
Can’t think of a better way to kickoff Tuck. Outward Bound was an awesome way to test myself in a foreign environment.
—Ollie D. T’25
Outward Bound has a unique way of encouraging you to be your most authentic and vulnerable self. As a result, my crewmates and instructors know things about me that only a handful of other people in the world know. The experience allowed me to feel seen, understood, and valued in a way I never thought possible in less than a week, and ultimately, I came into Tuck with the confidence and reassurance that I needed to make the most of my two years.
—Anjali B. T’25
For over 20 years, many Tuck students have participated in a five-day Outward Bound® Program. Response to this program has been very enthusiastic over the years, and we are pleased to offer this special program to the class of 2026.
Outward Bound was a challenging yet rewarding way to start my journey at Tuck. Most importantly, some of my closest friends at Tuck are people I bonded with during that week.
—Thomas S. T’25
There is nothing that could’ve prepared me better to start the rigorous Tuck MBA than Outward Bound. It put me in the right mindset to accomplish difficult challenges, it allowed me to meet incredible people that to this day are some of my closest friends, and it taught me valuable leadership and teamwork lessons that I put to work every day at Tuck.
—Giovanni B. T’25
It is Outward Bound’s belief that effective teams are built on a strong foundation of trust, a passion for the possible, and unswerving compassion for others. The Hurricane Island Outward Bound School/Tuck School Program is designed specifically for Tuck students. Consistent with the new leadership curriculum work at Tuck, Outward Bound will introduce Leadership Styles (Driver, Analyst, Socializer, Amiable) and explore your personal style and how to best communicate with others. Every student will have the opportunity to serve in a leadership role, followed by real-time peer feedback. Your team will discuss Situational Leadership and how different approaches make sense at different times (Directive, Coach, Supportive, Delegation). Finally, the group will look at defining success, from the individual and the group perspective given the strengths of the group. Outward Bound uses experiences in the wilderness to help people discover and act upon their strengths. The program challenges participants to develop their personal resources and form new perspectives through cooperation with others.
The week we spent out in Penobscot Bay will stay with me for years to come and I can’t think of a better way to have kicked off my Tuck journey. I was put out of my comfort zone on the boat, but surprised myself with what I was capable of and the bonds that I made with my classmates. I would highly recommend considering Outward Bound!
—Joanna M. T’25
Although the program is strenuous, the goals are not merely physical. Outward Bound encourages individuals to reach beyond their self-imposed limitations to discover new strengths and abilities, all within a supportive, safe environment. That said, it is recommended that participants be in good shape and have good physical endurance. Please note that conditions during Outward Bound would be similar to what you would expect if you were camping in the woods for a week. Make sure you are ready for an outdoor, physical experience with limited facilities and amenities (e.g., no bathrooms, sleeping outside, etc.). Please note that, while being able to swim is not a requirement, being comfortable in and around the water is essential. Everyone will be asked to submerge themselves in the ocean at least once a day. Non-swimmers will wear a personal flotation device (“life jacket”) for this and all water activities.
Outward Bound was the best possible way for me to start my Tuck experience. I built extremely close bonds with my classmates and was able to reflect deeply on my priorities and what I want out of my MBA and the rest of my life. I'd highly recommend it to any incoming student who wants to challenge themselves to be the best that they can be.
—John B. T’25
Objectives for this course include (1) presenting skills experientially and in discussion, which will transfer to the student’s life at Tuck and beyond, in leadership, team building, and communication; (2) offering an opportunity for intensive interaction with classmates; (3) providing a “full immersion” experience; (4) providing each student with a sense of self-confidence and self-esteem through a personal challenge experience; and (5) sharing an adventure.
Space is limited, so please submit your Pre-Term Programs Application if you are interested in attending. Additional trip information is available from Outward Bound. If you have any questions, please call the MBA Program Office at 603-646-3938 or email mba.program.office@tuck.dartmouth.edu. If you sign up for Outdoor Trips or an Adventure Trip, you may not request a space in Outward Bound.
Schedule and Fees
The focus during the week is primarily on sailing and navigation skills in the Penobscot Bay area of Maine. During the five-day sailing expedition, students learn the art of sailing, navigation, and living aboard a 30-foot open boat with future classmates. Every member of the crew is necessary for moving the boat through the waters, so students will have a chance to play a variety of roles (e.g., captain, navigator, cook).
Participation in this program is voluntary. The fees for 2024-2025 will be $1570. Your student account will be billed directly in September if you sign up. Space in the program is limited and we will handle any oversubscription with a lottery. If you register and are accepted by Outward Bound but are not able to attend, we will refund your fee only if we can fill your space with another Tuck student from the waiting list. Based on the program goals, we find it is not suitable for partners to participate.
How to Apply and Medical Form
- Submit the Pre-Term Programs Application to the MBA Program Office by June 5 by 5PM ET. Applications received after 5PM on June 5 will be placed on a waiting list.
- Once you have been selected, you will be able to download the Outward Bound medical and liability release forms from the website confirmation page or from the Tuck Outward Bound course page. There you can also view a comprehensive packing list created by the Outward Bound instructors and learn more about what to expect from the Outward Bound experience including a course overview and travel information.
- You must return the completed medical forms to Outward Bound by June 14.
Health Insurance During Outward Bound
To participate in the Outward Bound Program, you must be covered by health insurance. Information about Dartmouth Student Group Health Plan (DSGHP) will be mailed to you in June. This insurance coverage will be effective August 1, 2024, so students must be covered by private insurance before then. If you are trying to waive out of DSGHP, please have the paperwork completed in July (because if you need medical treatment during a pre-term program and an insurance claim is submitted through DSGHP, you would be automatically enrolled in DSGHP for the academic year).
On-Campus Housing and Check In
Please monitor your email throughout the summer for updates.
