Overseas and Off-Campus Programs
Chart Your Course to Study Abroad
Creating global citizens is one of our institutional values, and that commitment is evident in our unique approach to overseas study. Our overseas and off-campus programs are immersive experiences in unexpected places, and they are often led by one of our own faculty members. Running from a semester up to a full academic year, our programs give students the time to live new experiences and perspectives rather than simply observe them. They are also affordable, as the cost is comparable to a semester or year on campus, and your financial aid can typically be applied. No matter your major, even the natural sciences, you’ll be encouraged to study overseas!
We have more than 30 programs across 6 continents, and offer 3 types of programs.
- Language-Intensive: Strengthen your language skills; minimum language prerequisites to participate
- Departmental: Faculty-led programs with focused subject-area study
- Regional Area Study: Focus on national and regional context; study a variety of topics; many are faculty-led
Study Abroad ProgramsSubscribe to our Newsletter
Africa
Study biology in East Africa (while keeping up with your major requirements!); focus on the history, culture, social dynamics, and socio-economic institutions of Morocco; or spend a semester in Yaoundé, Cameroon, the ideal place for cultural immersion into Francophone African life combined with rigorous academic study.
Asia
Go on language-intensive programs while immersing yourself in the cultures of China, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, and Taiwan; focus on sustainability in SE Asia; or get involved in the community and culture of Seoul while in South Korea.
Europe
Explore the humanities, fine arts, or social sciences in England and Ireland; study German for a full year in Munich; take chemistry in Berlin; or connect with the archaeological sites important for understanding the ancient Mediterranean world in Greece.
Latin America
Focus on public health studies or do a language-intensive program in Mexico; improve your Spanish language skills and take a range of courses at local universities in Chile; or focus on intensive language study, the history, the culture, and the amazing biodiversity of Ecuador.
Oceania
Learn about the rich biological and cultural history of Australia and New Zealand while earning biology credit for your major; or choose from the interdisciplinary regional area study programs instead.
Domestic
Focus on the contemporary theater and art being created in New York City while taking three content courses and completing an internship.
Lilah Shapiro BA ’25More about LilahI chose the Australia program because I have always wanted to experience the incredible amount of biodiversity there. I am also really excited to see the Great Barrier Reef and take more hands-on STEM classes.
Alex Olsen BA ’20More about AlexI decided to study in Valparaíso, Chile, and do a home stay to study Spanish and experience a different culture. My time in Chile provided me with lifelong friends, and gave me the confidence to go just about anywhere, which eventually launched my choice of remote field work.
Alex Wally BA ’23More about AlexI went on the fall London Humanities Program, and I cannot recommend it enough. I chose this program because I had never been to Europe and always wanted to go, and I was intrigued by our program class called Enchanted England.
Know Before You Go
At Lewis & Clark, we encourage all students to consider participating in an overseas or off-campus program. Even if you’re majoring in a hard science with a stringent course load or competing as a varsity athlete, we will work with you to incorporate overseas study into your experience. Overseas or off-campus study does require planning ahead, and we’re here to help! You’ll need to consider language or course prerequisites and GPA requirements. Your college or faculty advisor will help you review your graduation plan and determine which semester or year overseas study fits best for you. And the staff in the Overseas and Off-Campus Programs office can help you determine which program you should apply to and learn how the application process works.
Application Process
The overseas study program application is four pages long and includes 4-5 short answer essay prompts, each with a maximum of 250 words. Prior to completing your application, you will need to have:
- Passport information
- Parent/guardian information
- Emergency contact information
- Academic information (student ID, GPA, major, anticipated graduation date, language(s) studied)
In addition to completing the application, you will need to submit:
- Two academic references
- Passport photo
- Unofficial transcript
- Advisor approval form
Funding and Scholarships for Learning Abroad
The cost of studying overseas is comparable to a semester or year on campus, and the fee includes tuition, room and board, on-site transportation and excursions, and supplemental travel insurance. The program fee does not cover airfare to and from the program location. Both Lewis & Clark and national scholarships are available to help offset costs for students, and some help to extend the study abroad experience with a funded research project.
Returning to Campus
When you return to Portland, there are so many ways to connect all that you learn and experience on your overseas or off-campus program to what you’re learning in the Lewis & Clark classroom. To help ease back into campus life, you can share stories with your peers, take courses relevant to your program, schedule an appointment with Niels Marquardt BA ’75, Lewis & Clark’s diplomat in residence, and much more.
Past Events
Faculty “Returning From Abroad” Reception
Each year, we send six faculty leaders out into the world with a group of Lewis & Clark students. When they return, they have so much to share!
59th Annual International Fair
Enjoy delicious foods and fun-filled performances representing the traditions of various regions of the world.
Albany Open House
The offices of the Albany Quadrangle are hosting an open house this Valentine’s Day. Come meet the folks of Albany, learn more about what we do, and enjoy some snacks and beverages!