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Information for All Exchange Students

Expand Your World at Willamette University

Are you looking for a destination to study abroad from your home university? As an exchange student at Willamette University, you have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture while continuing your academic journey. You'll get to explore the Pacific Northwest of the United States, while engaging in courses and academic activities that enrich your educational experience.

Willamette accepts exchange students from our partner institutions, so be sure to check with the international office at your home university to see if your school has an exchange agreement with Willamette (either the Salem campus or the Pacific Northwest College of Art campus). Your home university must first nominate you before you can apply to Willamette directly for exchange and will likely have an internal process for you to complete so they can nominate you for the semester you wish to study here.

Becoming an exchange student is a transformative journey that profoundly impacts your academic, personal and professional life. While you won’t receive a diploma from Willamette, all your academic achievements will be documented and sent to your home institution on an official Willamette transcript at the end of your program.

Why Choose Willamette University for Your Exchange Studies?

Willamette University offers a unique blend of academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and two exceptional locations, making it an ideal choice for exchange students.

At Willamette, you'll experience the intimacy of a small school coupled with the extensive resources of a larger university. Our academic programs span a wide range of undergraduate disciplines, including sciences, business, data science,  computer science, art and design, humanities and social sciences. Exchange students who major in law or business at home can enroll in a limited number of graduate law and business classes as well. With campuses in downtown Salem, across from the state Capitol building, and in Portland’s Pearl District, you’ll have access to diverse learning environments and professional opportunities.

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Willamette’s two locations are ideal for exchange students. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty close to both Salem and Portland, you’ll have ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Plus, we’re just a short drive or flight away from major West Coast cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, offering even more cultural and recreational experiences.

Willamette is dedicated to supporting our international students through our Office of International Education (OIE). We provide comprehensive resources to help you with all the pre-arrival preparations, on-site orientation and ongoing personal and academic advising throughout your stay, ensuring you have the support you need to thrive in the United States.

You are welcome here. Our commitment to inclusion is central to the Willamette experience. We welcome people to share their ideas and identities via a host of campus programs, students groups and support services. At PNCA, students can share their talents in gallery exhibitions and regularly enjoy the vibrant “life of art” that takes place monthly during First Thursday and throughout the semester at events. This inclusive environment at all WU locations fosters cultural exchange and understanding, enriching your educational journey.

Life at Willamette is dynamic and engaging. With over 75 student organizations, you’ll find countless ways to get involved, make friends, and enrich your college experience. Our university participates in 20 Division III athletics, and offers club and recreational sports such as rugby and soccer. 

Choosing Willamette University means embracing an exceptional educational experience in a supportive and inspiring environment. Join us and discover why so many students from around the world choose Willamette for their one- or two-semester exchange program.

FAQs

You must be a student at one of our partner institutions and be nominated by your home university for exchange to Willamette. Check with the international office at your home university to see if your school has an exchange agreement with Willamette.

Exchange students coming to Willamette typically can take most classes available to our degree-seeking students. The Salem campus offers undergraduate studies in a wide range of subjects across the sciences, business, social sciences, computer and data science and the humanities. PNCA in Portland offers a robust art and design program in areas such as illustration, animated arts, painting, photography, graphic design and creative writing. A full list of subjects at each campus is available on the website.

Exchange nominations from your university are due at Willamette in early March for students who will study with us in fall or for the full academic year. Nominations are due in early October for students coming for spring semester. So you will want to get started with your home university much sooner than these March or October dates. These deadlines are important for our ability to get you enrolled and ready to register, along with local students, for the classes you will take during your exchange. The OIE staff will follow up with you to get you started on the Willamette application after we receive your nomination.

Start with the international office at your home university to see if your school has an exchange agreement with Willamette or the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) at Willamette and also to find out what you need to do on your home campus before you can be nominated to us for exchange. If you have specific questions for us as you apply and prepare for your exchange, email the Office of International Education at oieadvising@willamette.edu.

Willamette University

Office of Admissions

  • Graduate and Professional Center

    Address

    Ecotrust Building
    721 NW 9th Ave
    Portland Oregon 97209 U.S.A.