History

Aberdovey, UK, 1941

Outward Bound is an educational concept put forth in 1941 by Dr. Kurt Hahn, a progressive German educator who believed that everyone had within themselves the potential to achieve heights and measures they were unaware of. Dr. Kurt Hahn discovered what is to become a revolutionary educational method that exposes the students into environments that’s outside their comfort zone. He believed that unfamiliarity would impel students to capitalize on their skills, senses and potentials when faced with challenges.

“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” - Confucius
 

What’s unique about this method is that throughout the learning process students will discover their potential they were unaware of before. Furthermore the students will exercise all their senses. Not only do they learn to listen or observe, but importantly they learn to do. As a result, the learnings will fuse together the essence of their life and stay permanently. This method of learning is called experiential learning or learning by doing. The first Outward Bound school was established in Aberdovey, UK.
 

“We are all better than we know”
– Dr. Kurt Hahn, Founder of Outward Bound
www.KurtHahn.org

Outward Bound is a nautical term for a ship’s departure from the certainties of the harbor, out to the boundless ocean. Outward Bound’s founding mission was to give young seamen the ability to survive harsh conditions at sea by teaching confidence and tenacity. In the same vein, when one leaves his/her comfort zone (home, friends, family, workplace, etc) to venture into unfamiliar places and challenges, one is deemed "Outward Bound".

"A ship is safe in harbour, but that is not what ships are built for"
- William Shedd

Worldwide, Today

After over 65 years Outward Bound has remained relevant in today’s ever-changing world, expanding in more than 30 countries around the globe. Its mission is no longer pertinent for seamen but all people from all ages and walks of life. Outward Bound is the largest organization in the world that thrives in people development. With Outward Bound’s motto “To Serve. To Strive, and Not to Yield” our objective anchors upon the improvement of one's self-concept, the skills to adapt to an ever-changing environment, development of positive attitude, compassion and awareness of social responsibility.
 

To Serve. To Strive and Not to Yield.

Outward Bound® Indonesia A Member of Outward Bound International