Special Programs
Adventures, Certifications, and Everything In Between
Gould offers endless opportunities to explore the things you love and discover new passions along the way.
Special Programs at Gould open the door to extraordinary experiences that don’t fit squarely into other programs, but push students beyond the boundaries of typical offerings. Students can spend extended semesters immersed in other cultures through international exchanges, engage in conservation work on a weeklong excursion protecting endangered sea turtles on Costa Rican beaches, or get a jump on their snow sports season with a training trip to some of Europe’s greatest venues.
There are plenty of “outside of the ordinary” opportunities close to campus as well. Students can earn their turns by skinning up trails at Sunday River, learn critical outdoor skills by gaining their Wilderness First Aid certification, or brave early spring ice-out waters in the annual Polar Bear plunge club. Whatever the adventure, Gould’s Special Programs encourage students to develop new passions, build resilience, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Polar Bears
Every spring, brave souls gather before sunrise to plunge into icy swimming holes across Western Maine. It’s cold, it’s wild, and it’s a beloved tradition. Make it to every plunge over four years? You’ll earn a block of ice—and serious bragging rights.
International Travel & Exchange
With Gould’s opportunities for international travel, students might find themselves helping protect sea turtles in Costa Rica or spending a semester immersed in a new culture at a partner school in France or Spain. These remarkable opportunities help students become global citizens, not just tourists, and promote independence, cultural understanding, and language skills that last a lifetime.
Competitive Snow Sports Training Trips
Gould competitive snow sport athletes travel to places like Austria and Les Deux Alpes in France each summer and fall for early-season training that combines rigorous on-snow skill development with exceptional cultural experiences. With coaches and academic support along for the ride, students stay on track in their classes while building confidence and making memories with teammates that extend far beyond the mountain.