Reach New Heights

Beyond the Classroom

Participate in things that aren’t possible in Dallas. Gain a study abroad experience without the logistics of travelling internationally. Field trips are common and often include sites such as museums, Native American pueblos, local non-profits, historic churches, artist workshops, sustainable homes and many more

A group of SMU-in-Taos students visits Taos Pueblo

Immerse Into History

Taos, New Mexico is also known as the 'Soul of the Southwest’, filled with thriving culture.

“The ability to explore and learn from the field trips that take you to some of New Mexico's finest attractions like the Gorge and Taos pueblo leave you mesmerized.”

Raul Machorro, Jan 2016

 

“The most enjoyable part about my experience was the city of Taos itself. Having never been to New Mexico, Taos was a beautiful place and I loved exploring a new city.”

Cece Coon, May 2022

SMU-in-Taos student paints at the Rio Grande Gorge

Breathtaking Nature

“I appreciate nature more and have so many fun memories now to look back on.”

student from May 2023

Statue surrounded by flowers and candles in Taos, NM.

Plenty of Unique Museums

“Grateful for the opportunity to be exposed to a world I would have not known.”

Raul Machorro, Jan 2016

 

“An archaeological collection like the one at our campus in Taos is more than just a valuable academic resource, it’s something that SMU have been entrusted with to protect and maintain. Seeing those collections really made me passionate about the preservation of cultural materials and heritage.”

Laura Wildman, attended Summer 2022

SMU-in-Taos student views paintings in New Mexico

Sunning Arts and Culture

“The trip to the pueblo where I got the privilege to see the buffalo dance was an amazing experience that I could not put into words, but will remember forever.”

Jackia Lara, Jan 2016

 

“It was such an amazing experience because we’d spend an hour or two learning in the classroom, and then later that day we’d go actually VISIT the historical site we’d been learning about. It was so awesome.”

Tabitha Wolfe, May 2023

Immerse in the great outdoors

An ideal location for outdoor and scenic recreational activities of all kinds. PRW Mountain Sports Course: Take a 1-credit optional course to immerse yourself in the beautiful New Mexico nature. The January term Mountain Sports class in Taos will be focused on winter sports and fitness. Students will receive ski and snowboard instruction and participate in winter fitness activities. Each student will be provided with passes to Taos Ski Valley, ski or snowboard equipment and snowshoes for use during class. Summer Mountain Sports is a class where students will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities such as hiking, rafting, rock climbing, and fly-fishing.

  • SMU-in-Taos students prepare to go white water rafting

    PRW Mountain Spots

    Take a 1-credit optional course to immerse yourself in the beautiful New Mexico nature.

    “The PRW class was definitely the highlight of my time in Taos. White water rafting and hiking in Colorado were amazing.”

    Student from May 2023

     

    “PRW made my trip so more fun than it already was, it was a highlight for sure.”

    Student from May 2023

  • SMU-in-Taos students take the ski lift up the mountain

    Winter Mountain Sports

    The January term Mountain Sports class in Taos will be focused on winter sports and fitness. Students will receive ski and snowboard instruction and participate in winter fitness activities. Each student will be provided with passes to Taos Ski Valley, ski or snowboard equipment and snowshoes for use during class.

    “Taos is a beautiful location, and I absolutely fell in love with snowboarding in the Taos Ski Valley.”

    Joshua Lauer, January 2016

  • Three SMU-in-Taos student fly fishing in a river

    Summer Mountain Sports

    Mountain Sports is a class where students will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities such as hiking, rafting, rock climbing, and fly-fishing.

    The faculty and staff are extraordinary, the landscapes are incomparable, the opportunities for personal and academic growth are infinite, and the thrill of Taos is intoxicating. I have made few life choices as sound as my decision to travel to Taos.

    Emory McDowell, attended May 2022

     

    My favorite parts of Taos were the spontaneous hikes we would take around the campus, it was the perfect after-class activity.

    J. Holt Elm, attended May 2022