What We Do

What is a Study Abroad Program at Clark University?

At Clark, we believe in study abroad programs that strengthen undergraduate education in three, sometimes interrelated ways: they can enhance an academic program or major field of study through different perspectives and active learning; they can help advance language skills; and they can contribute to cross-cultural understanding and skill-building. A study abroad program, therefore, is much different from travel abroad.

Clark University offers 21 semester or yearlong study abroad programs, as well as a few short-term programs such as the Leir Luxembourg program (administered by a separate office). These programs were developed in conjunction with organizations, universities and faculty members around the world.

Clark requires that students declare a major before applying for a program, meaning that most students study abroad during their junior year. Studying abroad takes careful, advance planning - students undertake a study abroad program under consultation with their faculty advisor, the faculty member familiar with the program, and our office.

Students also have the opportunity to study abroad on an outside Non-Clark or Summer Program. The Guide to Non-Clark and Summer Programs goes over those procedures.

What We Do

The Study Abroad Programs Office handles all elements of the study abroad process, from advising students during pre-departure to facilitating their return. A list of our duties includes: developing programs; working with faculty and staff at Clark; holding informational meetings; advising individual students on each program; conducting pre-departure orientations; communicating with overseas staff; arranging finances; monitoring safety and health concerns; translating overseas transcripts; and conducting returned student meetings. In many ways, the entire process is reflective of the college academic experience. Thus, beginning early is crucial.

What We Don't Do

Simply put, we are not a travel agency. We do not arrange short trips abroad, volunteer abroad programs, work abroad programs, or other forms of travel and cultural exchange. While we do our best to provide helpful advice, for almost all programs each student is responsible for his/her own travel arrangements, including flights, important travel documents, medications and insurance. In fact, we regard this preparation as an educational experience in itself.

Clark does not directly administer any of its programs on site. As such, although we manage the relationships with overseas partners and maintain quality control, we are often not the first point of contact for issues abroad. Here is a contact list of our partner institutions and organizations.