Get real-world experience from day one
![Two male students sit on the ground outdoors during a Bridge Week group activity.](../../images/academics/hands-on-learning/hands-work-groups-1.webp)
Get hands-on learning from the start with Bridge Week
Work in groups, serve the community, explore Indianapolis, and launch your learning journey through common first-year experiences.
Get started![A female student wearing protective goggles leans over into a ventilated lab area to pour a solution into a test tube in a stand.](../../images/academics/hands-on-learning/hands-solve-industry-problems-2.webp)
Solve industry problems with project-based learning
Our industry partnerships mean learning is more than just lecture. Here, you solve real-world problems with your homework.
Learn by doing![A man bends down to roll up plastic sheeting from a garden pot. Hoop structures, crops, a watering system, fencing, and two workers can be seen behind him.](../../images/academics/hands-on-learning/hands-transform-communities-3.webp)
Transform communities and make a difference
Get involved in the community and with civic engagement while earning credit toward your degree.
Make an impact![A group of about 16 IU study abroad students gathers on a brick street with the front two kneeling and holding a small IU Indianapolis flag. A domed stone building is seen behind them at the end of the street.](../../images/academics/hands-on-learning/hands-study-abroad-4.webp)
Study abroad and discover the world
Embark on an intellectual and cultural adventure that will shape how you see the world, other people, and yourself.
Study abroad![A student in holds a piece of wired technology about the size of her hand while looking at a computer monitor in dark lab setting. Nearby electronic appliances show readings of numbers on their screens.](../../images/academics/hands-on-learning/hands-research-5.webp)
Get involved in research and see discovery in action
Through groundbreaking research opportunities, discover how fulfilling it is to reveal a new understanding that changes lives.
Conduct research![A reporter and interview subject are seen sitting on stools with a microphone, studio camera equipment, and a live monitor showing a video feed of the interview subject.](../../images/academics/hands-on-learning/hands-internships-6.webp)
Put your knowledge to work through internships
Gain professional experience. Most internships we promote are paid, and you can even earn academic credit in many programs.
Get career support![A woman leans over the shoulder of a male working on a tilted screen monitor in a classroom or computer lab area.](../../images/academics/hands-on-learning/hands-eportfolio-7.webp)
Showcase your work with an ePortfolio
Create an ePortfolio to share with employers that includes classwork, work experiences, and co-curricular engagements.
Get started![A woman leans over looking into a microscope. Lab equipment including colorful containers and light glass bottles are on shelves behind and around the microscope.](../../images/academics/hands-on-learning/hands-capstone-8.webp)
Apply knowledge through capstone courses
Demonstrate all of your learnings with a significant project, paper, or portfolio during your final year.
See examples![A man gestures at his chest with his hand as he stands facing a woman in conversation. A wall of windows and downtown buildings are seen in the background.](../../images/academics/hands-on-learning/hands-opportunities.webp)
Get notified about opportunities
You can let us know you’re interested, and we’ll email you with new hands-on learning opportunities as they arise.
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Institute for Engaged Learning
850 W Michigan St
Indianapolis, IN 46202
USA