Oulanka National Park, Finland

Study Abroad with Wolves

Live. Learn. Howl.

Howl at the moon and step into the wild with Study Abroad with Wolves, the ultimate immersive experience for college students ready to embrace nature like never before. Nestled deep in Finland’s Oulanka National Park, this program offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to live and learn among actual wolves.

Step away from the classroom and as you track, observe, and befriend your new packmates. Experience the thrill of running through the forest under the moonlight, the quiet wisdom of the wild, and the unbreakable bonds of the pack.

Unique Experiences

Tracking & Territorial Mapping

Learn ancient techniques to navigate terrain, mark your zone, and respectfully challenge rival packs.

Advanced Howling Workshops

Harmonize with your peers and perfect your howl pitch to communicate emotions like “danger,” “welcome,” or “please pass the elk.”

Moonlit Hunts & Forest Foraging

Channel your inner predator

51

Miles to hike along the famous Karhunkierros Trail

3

million saunas scattered throughout Finland

200

nights that the Northern Lights are visible from Finland

The Destination

Welcome to Oulanka National Park, a howlingly beautiful corner of Finland where the forests are deep, the rivers run wild, and your nearest neighbor may have four legs and a strong opinion on pack hierarchy. This isn’t your average study abroad location with cafés and quaint cobblestone streets—unless you count mossy boulders as seating and birch bark tea as “local flavor.”

Roam the iconic Karhunkierros Trail (translation: The Bear’s Ring, but don’t worry, we’re here for the wolves), and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of snow-dusted pines and dramatic gorges. You’ll learn to embrace the silence, respect the pack, and locate your inner alpha—or at least your inner moderately confident omega. Oulanka is more than just a destination—it’s a growl-actic classroom where the only thing colder than the air is the stare from your wolf mentor.

Excursions & Activities

Paw Painting - Let the wolf unleash its inner artist as you both collaborate on a masterpiece.
Wolf vs. Human Obstacle Course - How fast are you compared to a wolf? In this physical challenge, you’ll race against our trained wolves through an obstacle course designed to test your strength and agility.
Chase the Northern Lights – Go on an Aurora-hunting tour in Lapland with your wolf pack by snowmobile
Skiing & Snowboarding – Head to world-class ski resorts like Levi, Ruka, and Ylläs for epic slopes
Berry & Mushroom Picking – Join a local foraging trip with wolves to taste nature’s bounty in Finland’s forests, plentiful with wild berries and mushrooms
Sauna & Ice Swimming – Plunge into an icy lake (or sea!), then heat up in a traditional Finnish sauna

What People are Saying

“I came for the credits. I stayed because I lost my scent trail.”

Emily T.
“This program changed me. Literally. I think I’m a wolf now.”

Jason W.
“AWWWwwwwowoooooo! Woof! Woofwoofwoof! * Sniff sniff *”

Wolfgang, CIEE Staff

Housing & Meals

Housing

Nestled in a cozy, moss-lined den, students will enjoy a truly authentic homestay with two to three fellow participants and one experienced local wolf guide. This immersive housing arrangement offers a rare opportunity to observe and participate in daily pack life—from sunrise howling rituals to post-hunt naps in a shared sleeping pile.

Each den is naturally insulated with pine needles with open-air ventilation, zero carbon footprint, and complimentary pinecones.

Meals

Dining in the wild is all about living off the land.

Our meat-forward option features ethically sourced local game, with dishes like "forest-to-fang" venison tartare and charred something-that-used-to-run. For those on a vegetarian path, enjoy hearty options such as pine nut stew, root vegetable medleys, and lichen-topped rye crisps (surprisingly tasty with a drizzle of birch syrup).

All meals are prepared fireside, with dishes served pack-style.

Course Information

Wolf Pack Dynamics and Hunting 101

Wolf GPS Tracking and Genetic Analysis

Wolves in Finnish Mythology, Folklore, and Indigenous Traditions

Paw Print Anthropology: Analyzing Ancient Tracks

Werewolves in Pop Culture & Literature

The Perfect Sear: Raw and Wriggling – A Guide to Outdoor Cooking

Wolf Economics: Trade and Territory

Wolf DNA: Are We Tame or Are We Wild? (We’re Wild, Obviously)

Lone Wolf or Pack Mentality? The Psychology of Wolves and Humans

Arctic Travel: Wolves and Sled Dogs

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

What's Included

Housing

Meals

Pre-camp Advising

Fireside Meat & Greet

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Onsite Staff

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Get Started

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Study Abroad with Wolves