Global Willamette

Global Willamette A centralized hub for information relevant to study abroad (future, present, past) and international students via the Office of International Education.

For links: linktr.ee/globalwillamette Global Willamette is the official page of the Office of International Education (OIE) at Willamette University. We provide information to Willamette students about opportunities to engage in global learning for a semester, academic year or in a summer program. The OIE also provides advising, programming, advocacy and other services to all international students, visiting professors, language assistants, and faculty.

Cassie, sociology major, participated in the SIT IHP program that included time in Jordan, Nepal and Chile. We were abl...
06/13/2025

Cassie, sociology major, participated in the SIT IHP program that included time in Jordan, Nepal and Chile. We were able to check in with Cassie early (they’d completed their time in one location and were just starting their time in the second) and after the program completed to capture their impressions.

Early impressions: I am greatly enjoying my time abroad. It has been so impactful to interact with the community. I am currently studying in Jordan, but last month I was in Nepal and next month I will be in Chile, all with the Human Rights focus. My favorite aspect of the program has been our site visits to the local organizations that are working within the community to help continue the progress of different social justice issues. Something that I will always remember from my time abroad is the people and connections I have made along the way, especially my homestay families and the other people in the program. Being able to experience these places with people who have personal connections to the topics and places we’re learning about has made such a big difference.

Final reflections: My view of life in the US has changed to take on a more global perspective and to be more aware of the role the US plays in wider global politics. Having connections in countries across the world from this program also helps me apply the learning we did in different contexts back to the US.

Taking the multi-country approach is very helpful for sociology because it allows you to gain a more personal understanding of different social contexts and then to compare the similarities and differences to each other and back to the US. This can really show the different ways that concepts we learned in class actually apply, especially things like intersectionality and what social factors impact people's lives in other countries. A multi-country program consists of a lot of movements and lots of transitions, so it can be challenging but I found that it was even more rewarding. It works very well with students who enjoy a fast-paced environment that lets you explore many new places.

Thanks Cassie!

Grace, an international student from Ivory Coast, was 1 of 8 (2 from Salem!) students in Oregon selected to attend the N...
06/09/2025

Grace, an international student from Ivory Coast, was 1 of 8 (2 from Salem!) students in Oregon selected to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders in late May at the University of Maryland College Park. A transfer student who attended Chemeketa, Grace begins her senior year this fall. Thanks for sharing your experience Grace!

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I heard about the AAUW scholarship through my Alpha Phi sorority big sister, who attended the conference last year, and that’s how I applied. This was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.

NCCWSL welcomes college women and gender non-conforming students nationwide for leadership development, networking, and inspirational growth. The conference provides an inclusive environment where participants build leadership skills, connect with peers, and learn to create positive change. Through hands-on workshops and activities, NCCWSL challenges us to leave a lasting impact on our campuses and communities. It’s a space full of changemakers ready to lead the way.

I had the opportunity to connect with women and people from all over the country and even different parts of the world. I learned different perspectives, especially about how women can lead successfully and empower others.

The "Building Toward Balance: It's Not Just Bubble Baths and Ice Cream" session stood out to me because student leaders often burn out trying to fill multiple leadership roles. The session showed that we can still make a difference while prioritizing our well-being and finding balance.

During my time there, I also got to explore Washington, D.C., with the amazing women I met. As you can see in the photos, I had a good time. If you ever hear about this opportunity, I highly recommend going. It’s worth it.

It’s powerful to be a woman leader, but leading the right way, with care, makes a big difference.






Shouvik, an international student from Bangladesh, spent spring semester abroad in Birmingham, England. A Computer Scie...
05/25/2025

Shouvik, an international student from Bangladesh, spent spring semester abroad in Birmingham, England. A Computer Science and Data Science major, Shovik says this of his time abroad at the University of Birmingham:

"Packing up and heading out isn’t new to me, but each journey feels just as bold as the first. Every new street, accent, and tradition kept widening my lens until the unfamiliar turned into the thrill I looked forward to. The mentors, friends, and “firsts” I’ve gathered along the way keep adding new layers to the person I’m becoming."






Summer Hours begin TODAY!! The OIE will be open all summer but like other Salem and PNCA offices, we will close at 4:30 ...
05/19/2025

Summer Hours begin TODAY!! The OIE will be open all summer but like other Salem and PNCA offices, we will close at 4:30 pm.

For the summer, we'll be available for in-person assistance on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. On Tuesdays and Fridays, we'll be working remotely but will be happy to help by email or on zoom.

Questions? [email protected]


The Commencement celebrations continue with our Salem undergraduate students. It's a pleasure to watch these students a...
05/19/2025

The Commencement celebrations continue with our Salem undergraduate students. It's a pleasure to watch these students as they make their way through their degrees and to watch all of the things they are able to do while part of our community.

It was great that Tam (Stella) was selected to be one of the senior student speakers.

Congratulations!!


The day of Commencement celebrations begin with our graduate students in the Atkinson Graduate School of Management and ...
05/18/2025

The day of Commencement celebrations begin with our graduate students in the Atkinson Graduate School of Management and the College of Law. We're so proud of all of the students earning degrees today, and especially delighted to walk alongside our international students graduates. Congratulations!!


Dulasi is one of our graduating TIU - WU double degree students. A PPLE major from Sri Lanka, Dulasi studied at Tokyo ...
05/16/2025

Dulasi is one of our graduating TIU - WU double degree students. A PPLE major from Sri Lanka, Dulasi studied at Tokyo International University first and now completes the degree at WU this weekend.

Today, Dulasi offers her reflections on her experience studying and earning a degree from WU.

"One of the best parts has definitely been meeting new people and making meaningful friendships. A standout memory for me, though, has been my internship at the Capitol. I'm currently working with Representative Paul Evans, and it's been such an incredible learning experience. I've had the chance to take on a variety of tasks, from bill tracking to policy research, in areas like public safety, emergency management, veterans’ benefits, education, and infrastructure development. It’s been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity.

One of the challenges has been feeling homesick and not being able to call my family whenever I’d like due to the time difference. But I’ve been really lucky to have a close circle of friends here who are going through the same experience. Spending time with them and supporting each other has made a big difference and really helped.

Coming to WU was a good idea, especially for me, since I chose to study American politics. The Capitol is just across the street, which opens up so many amazing opportunities, especially for international students. I also really appreciate the size of the campusof’s not too big, which means classes are more discussion-based and interactive. You really get to engage deeply and learn more. And as a bonus, Salem lets you fully experience all four seasons, which has been such a treat! OIE programs are great right now! I really enjoy the WU-Hoo Wednesday events."

For future students? "Make the most of your time here. Don’t hesitate to jump in and engage fully. It’s natural to feel a bit out of place at first, especially in a new culture or unfamiliar setting. But try not to let that hold you back. Every moment is a chance to learn, grow, and connect. You deserve the full experience, so be open, be curious, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone."

Tam (Stella) is one of our graduating TIU - WU double degree students. A sociology major from Vietnam, Tam studied at T...
05/16/2025

Tam (Stella) is one of our graduating TIU - WU double degree students. A sociology major from Vietnam, Tam studied at Tokyo International University first and now completes a WU degree. Today, Tam offers these reflections on her experiences.

"At first, coming to WU felt like stepping into the unknown, but it quickly became a place where I could learn, grow, and make meaningful connections. Through classes, campus events, and countless activities, I discovered new perspectives and developed skills that I know will stay with me long after graduation. ☺️🌱

One of the best parts of WU is the opportunity to get involved in so many ways. Whether it was through clubs, events, or outdoor activities, I always felt encouraged to explore new things. I met wonderful people, including friends, classmates, professors, and even community members who became like family. Being able to experience American traditions, from celebrating holidays to just spending time together, made it even more special for international students like me to feel truly welcomed. 🫂💝✨

Oregon has been such a beautiful place to live. The similarities within the changing colors of the leaves in autumn and the cherry blossoms in spring reminded me of Japan, where I transferred from, and made me feel a sense of connection despite being so far from home. Studying in the U.S. also gave me the chance to explore, discovering new states and places I had always dreamed of visiting. 🚞✈️💛

Looking back, I feel proud of how much I’ve learned and how far I’ve come. I managed to achieve things I hadn’t expected, both academically and personally. If I could give advice to future students, I would say to get involved, stay curious, and take every opportunity to explore. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll grow and how many memories you’ll create along the way. 💪💜☺️

No matter where you come from or how far you travel, you’ll find that the Willamette community is full of supportive and welcoming people who will help you feel at home. Whether it’s friends, classmates, professors, staff, host families, or the dedicated team at OIE, everyone’s kindness and support have made my journey at Willamette unforgettable.

Not many people know that Tokyo International University (Kawagoe, Japan) and Willamette University have a double degree...
05/16/2025

Not many people know that Tokyo International University (Kawagoe, Japan) and Willamette University have a double degree program where TIU students can study for 2 years at TIU, and then come to WU for 2 years, and earn degrees from both universities. We've been lucky to host a number of students in this way, entering as transfer students and spending their 3rd and 4th years with us at WU. It is also not well known that TIU in Japan enrolls students from around the world -- about 50 countries! Because of this, the students coming to WU are not necessarily only from Japan.

Tomorrow we will highlight two of our double degree students: Dulasi from Sri Lanka and Tam (Stella) from Vietnam. Both are graduating this Sunday and we're so proud of them. In addition to all of their other accomplishments, both will be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest academic honor society in the US. Tam was inducted as a junior and Dulasi will be inducted this Saturday as a senior.

We're so proud of their accomplishments and cannot wait to share their experiences with you. We hope you'll come back for part TWO, tomorrow.





We love watching our international students move through their degrees and we celebrate their upcoming graduation. Toda...
05/15/2025

We love watching our international students move through their degrees and we celebrate their upcoming graduation. Today we feature Raylina, a graduating MBA student from Sierra Leone.

FAVORITE MOMENT/MEMORY: My favorite moment at WU was working on a hands-on consulting project through the Atkinson School of Management. I had the opportunity to collaborate with Pepper Foster Consulting to support a local nonprofit aiming to expand its impact in South American countries. It was a meaningful experience that allowed me to apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges and contribute to a mission-driven organization.

HARD/CHALLENGING MOMENT: Juggling two campus jobs while being a full-time student and serving as President of the International Graduate Student Association was undoubtedly challenging. However, it taught me valuable lessons in time management, prioritization, and the importance of seeking support when needed. I learned to effectively utilize campus resources such as TA sessions and the Career Development office. These experiences strengthened my resilience and showed me how to thrive under pressure while staying committed to my goals.

IS WU A GOOD PLACE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS? I would recommend Willamette to other international students. The OIE is incredibly supportive, and their efforts, like the monthly WU-Hoo sessions, help create a strong sense of community. These gatherings made me feel like I had a smaller, welcoming space within the larger university setting, which was especially important while adjusting to a new academic and cultural environment.

ANY ADVICE TO SHARE? Take full advantage of the resources available to you whether it's academic support, career services, or student organizations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; people are here to help. Also, make an effort to connect with domestic students -- it’s a great way to build friendships, learn about the local culture, and enrich your overall experience at Willamette.

Looking back, I have thoroughly enjoyed my overall experience at WU. I've gained valuable knowledge, and I've applied that learning and found ways to contribute meaningfully to the WU community.

It's a rare thing when we have two students studying in Puerto Rico in the same semester. Meg, an Environmental Science...
05/15/2025

It's a rare thing when we have two students studying in Puerto Rico in the same semester. Meg, an Environmental Science major, is spending spring semester on this program via ISEP, one of the WU options for exchange.

"At the beginning I was pretty nervous but I made myself not think too long about the length of the semester and focus instead on just staying in the moment and trying to get all sorted out. Finding the location of all my classes was pretty tricky but everyone was always really nice and willing to help me. Once I had a handle on where the classes were, and how they functioned, I was more at ease. I have felt pretty peaceful and happy throughout this whole semester. My focus is doing the best I can in my classes, taking advantage of my time here in Puerto Rico to learn as much as I can, and making connections with the people who live here. I am very happy with how the semester has gone, with how much I have worked in my classes, how much my Spanish has improved, and by how much I have done in San Juan and beyond!

I feel that studying abroad and leaving my home campus was an amazing decision and I am so glad I did. My twin sister and I both attend Willamette University and are very close, and so this was the first time in my life when I have gone to a completely new place as an individual and not just as half of a pair."

Any strategies you'd recommend to be successful abroad?

"Not really a unique strategy by any means but I simply showed up to things I was invited to early on which made a big difference. We have a large group chat of about 60 people mixed with mentor students and students studying abroad. Mentors would put flyers for different events in the chat and I would go! By attending the random things in the beginning, I became closer with the other people who were doing things I found interesting like going to Salsa nights and watching the school plays. "







Willamette University awarded IIE Passport Project Grant. The Office of International Education (OIE) is honored to be a...
05/12/2025

Willamette University awarded IIE Passport Project Grant.

The Office of International Education (OIE) is honored to be awarded an IIE American Passport Project grant by the Institute of International Education to support 25 Pell-eligible students in obtaining their U.S. passports, removing a common barrier that prevents students from considering study abroad. Plans will be announced soon for utilizing this funding to assist students in both Salem and at PNCA during the 2025-2026 academic year.

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Willamette University (Salem and PNCA) has been selected by the Institute of International Education (IIE) to receive an IIE American Passport Project grant that will enable up to 25 [Name of institution] students to obtain their first U.S. passport and open the pathway to study abroad. In its fifth year, IIE has awarded 45 institutions in the IIENetwork membership to help 1,275 Pell-eligible college students through this opportunity.

A key program under the IIE Center for International Opportunities, the IIE American Passport Project represents IIE’s commitment to promoting international education and exchange, so that all students can gain the academic and career benefits of international experiences. By removing the initial financial barrier associated with passport applications and prioritizing students early in their higher education experience, IIE and the institutions are collectively working to expand participation in study abroad at each campus. Through the IIE American Passport Project, IIE aims to grant 10,000 U.S. students their passports by the end of this decade.


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