What are Study Trips?

There’s no shortage of places to explore in the Triangle – whether you’re an established Raleigh-ite or new to the area!

OLLI Study Trips are educational travel experiences that encourage you to interact with experts who offer behind-the-scenes looks at area businesses, regional attractions and international destinations. On OLLI trips, you get to investigate and explore with your peers while receiving top-notch customer service. All travel arrangements are developed and made by the OLLI staff so you can focus on learning and fun.

Our trips are built on the conversations started in courses, lectures and special interest groups, giving members the chance to bring their classroom experiences to life. They are often half or full days, with transportation provided by NC State buses or private motorcoaches. Find information about domestic and international OLLI study travel here.

Why Travel with OLLI at NC State?

Diverse Topics and Resources – OLLI at NC State develops 25-35 Study Trips per year with a wide range of topics: technology; local and cultural history; the arts; and sustainability. We’re fortunate to have a wealth of cultural destinations and university resources in the Triangle.
Unique Educational Experiences — Our trips often offer an experience not readily available to the public with opportunities to learn “how things work” in Wake County, NC State University and beyond.
Social Interactions – You’ll meet other OLLI members with like-minded interests and have time to mingle. Attendees also wear name tags during study trips to facilitate conversation.
Ease of Convenience – The big details are handled by OLLI staff so you can show up and prepare to have a great time! All costs, unless otherwise noted, are included in your registration price.
Accessibility and Safety — OLLI staff work with destinations to ensure a welcoming environment for all adult learners. Activity levels are assigned to each trip to aid members in selecting trips that match their lifestyles. Each Study Trip description will share key information regarding what to wear or items to bring. We also require an emergency contact for all Study Trip attendees.

Study Trip Activity Levels

Activity Levels help OLLI members assess if a study trip is appropriate for their lifestyle. Please contact the OLLI office if you have specific accessibility concerns prior to registering. Staff will work with the destination to foster the best possible experience for all.

Level 1

Enter/exit OLLI transportation with minimal assistance, stand or walk for up to an hour with minimal opportunity for sitting, able to navigate uneven surfaces and stairs successfully up to 14 steps

Level 2

Climb flights) of stairs, stand or walk for over an hour with minimal opportunity for sitting, able to navigate uneven surfaces and inclines successfully

Level 3

Be able to participate in three to five hours of daily physical movement, stand or walk for over two hours with minimal opportunity for sitting, able to navigate uneven surfaces and inclines successfully

Level 4

Be in excellent physical health and lead an active lifestyle, plus Levels 1-3

Highlights from the 2023-2024 Academic Year:

Seeing baby cows at the NC State Dairy Farm
Wearing hard hats at the NC State Integrative Sciences Building construction site
Witnessing a ritual during a Hindu holiday at a local temple
Exploring the food scene in Raleigh and Durham