Service Learning Abroad

Make a Positive Impact While Growing as a Global Citizen

Student organizations and some academic courses participate in annual service learning trips abroad. These trips allow you to connect with communities abroad while observing real-world issues and the social initiatives created to solve them.

These international opportunities are ideal for students who are unable to study abroad in a semester program or who want additional global experiences.

See several service learning opportunities below.

Doctors Without Borders

Clarkson’s Doctors Without Borders chapter offers an opportunity for students to gain medical experience in a developing country. Each year, a select group of students go abroad and work in clinics for two weeks, usually in late May to early June. Past locations have included Antigua, Guatemala; San Jose, Costa Rica; Cuzco, Peru; and Quito, Ecuador. Students work alongside nurses and physicians, which provides an opportunity to explore career paths in the medical field. Before departing, students are trained in taking patient vitals and refreshed on elementary Spanish skills. Throughout the year, the group does fundraising to lower the cost of the trip. Contact: cahillam@clarkson.edu.

Learn More About Clarkson's DWB Chapter

Students Without Borders

Clarkson's Students Without Borders serves as an official organization for the students of the Physician Assistant program. On past trips, the group has partnered with nonprofit Los Rayos de Esperanza in Diriomo, Nicaragua, to provide care to surrounding medically underserved communities. Members of the group fundraise throughout the year in order to cover the costs of formulary and medical supplies, as well as trip costs. The group purchases most supplies in-country to boost the local economy further, streamline travel and improve efficiency at customs and border crossings. Contact: pa@clarkson.edu.

Learn More About SWB

Environmental Conservation in Kenya - BY399

This dynamic program commences with a spring semester course (BY399) in Environmental Conservation & Sustainable Development. You'll learn about the country's background and current state of development, and the course culminates with a faculty-led experience in Kenya, where students will explore community-based approaches regarding the intersection of environmental conservation, social and economic development and healthcare delivery within a rapidly developing African country. Contact: Professor of Biology Tom Langen at tlangen@clarkson.edu.

Learn More About BY399

Read more about Service Learning Abroad

Global Business Programs

Prepare to Work in an International Business Environment

One of the best ways to prepare for the global workforce is to immerse yourself in another culture.

Travel with other Clarkson students and faculty to study business and cultures around the world through our Global Business Programs.

Trip itineraries change each year. Recent trips have ventured across the globe to Australia, Croatia, Germany, Iceland, Malaysia, Netherlands, Singapore, and Thailand.

Most trips take place right after the spring semester, however, some trips depart later in June. A limited number of partial scholarships are awarded to students.

What You'll Learn

You'll participate in a two- to three-week faculty-led trip while completing a three-credit-hour course, UNIV399 Global Experience. The semester prior to travel, you'll attend class to learn about the specific cultural and business practices of your chosen country.

While traveling, you'll experience international business through a variety of visits to local companies. These programs are offered to all majors, but preference is given to business majors.

Clarkson students in Asia at a tourist destination

Southeast Asia

Visiting four cities in three countries in less than two weeks, the Southeast Asia trip explored the culture and business climate in one of the most economically and culturally dynamic regions of the world. Countries visited included Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Italy

Visits to the Italian cities of Bologna, Florence and Rome were the highlights of the Italy trip. Students were able to learn more about Italian businesses — including high-end industries like fashion, automobiles and wine — and sample some of their products. A tour of the Vatican topped off the trip.

Uganda and Kenya

On this trip focused on socio-economic development in East Africa, students were exposed to the challenges and opportunities of working in a globally diverse and integrated marketplace. Students visited a cross-section of businesses and governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as social and cultural locales.

Shanghai and Beijing, China

This 10-day trip featured stops in Shanghai and Beijing, meeting with companies to better understand what "doing business in China" really means. Students also visited universities and met Chinese business students, experienced authentic Chinese cuisine and climbed the Great Wall.

Australia

Experiences included meeting with innovative companies utilizing cutting-edge business practices; traveling to Cairns to visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Village; getting close to kangaroos, penguins and koalas; snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef; touring Melbourne and Monash University; and touring the Sydney Opera House and climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Munich and Prague

During this trip to Germany and the Czech Republic, students visited various types of companies to better understand their business cultures and practices. They took in the famed architecture; were inspired by the likes of Wagner, Strauss and Klee; visited Nuremberg and toured the baroque buildings, gothic churches and scenic streets of these timeless cities.

South America

Students made stops in Santiago, Chile, and in Argentina, where they visited the cities of Mendoza and Buenos Aires and the famous Iguazu Falls. The nearly two-week trip included meetings with a wide array of companies, from local small businesses and business incubators to IBM and one of the largest wine producers in the world. Students also enjoyed several cultural activities along the way.

Croatia

Students explored the influence of culture, politics, institutions and history on business in Croatia. They toured the country and met Croatian businesspeople, from small business owners to firm managers and economists. They also met members of the U.S. Foreign Service, students and journalists. Visits to beautiful landmarks were also included.

Scotland and The Netherlands

Students visited Edinburgh, Glasgow and St. Andrews in Scotland, with emphasis given to innovation and globally impactful businesses spanning from transportation to technology and beyond. Then, in the Netherlands, students visited Amsterdam and Zwolle (among others), with a focus on innovation and globally impactful enterprises. Students visited and contrasted a variety of businesses and immersed themselves in culture, history, unique geography and more.

I took a trip to Bangkok, Thailand, the summer after my junior year, and it was such an incredible experience. I am so glad students are presented with the opportunity to travel the world with Clarkson.

Emily Wisnewski '23

Travel Information

You should always consult State Department consular information sheets for countries where you plan to travel or study before finalizing your plans.

Current Travel Warnings from the U.S. State Department

Overseas Security Advisory Council

Canada: Travel Advice and Advisories

Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

United Kingdom's Foreign Travel Advice

Global Experience Studying Abroad

Learn about Triniti's experience as a Buisness student on an abroad trip to study foreign buisness practices.

Read blog

Read more about Global Business Programs

Study & Research Abroad

Study and Research Abroad

Experience New Perspectives

Let Clarkson be your launching point for a life-changing global experience. Wherever you choose to go, you'll return with an enlightened new perspective of yourself — and the world.

We have formal study abroad partner agreements with numerous colleges and universities in multiple countries. You can spend a semester or a full academic year living and learning in a stimulating and challenging new environment.

Our exchange partners agree to accept Clarkson students who meet the academic policies set in place for the program, which means you don’t have to apply for admission directly to the foreign college or university. An exchange also means that you continue to pay regular Clarkson tuition and receive Clarkson financial aid.

We have 50 partner universities in 26 countries, including:

Partner Universities

See the lists below of our partner programs per country.

*Summer Study only

**Research only

A-F Countries

Australia

Monash University, Melbourne
University of Newcastle, Newcastle
RMIT University, Melbourne
Western Sydney University, Rydalmere

Austria

Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences, Steyr and Wels

Canada

Laval University, Quebec City

China

Ocean University of China, Qingdao**

England

Northumbria University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
University of Brighton, Brighton
University of Essex, Colchester
University of Leicester, Leicester

France

IÉSEG School of Management, Lille or Paris
KEDGE Business School, Bordeaux or Marseille
EM Strasbourg Business School, Strasbourg
ESSCA School of Management, Angers or Paris
Grenoble Ecole de Management, Grenoble
Université Catholique de Lyon ESDES, Lyon
Université de Technologie de Troyes, Troyes

G-R Countries

Germany

Konstanz University of Applied Sciences, Konstanz
Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim
SRH Heidelberg, Heidelberg
University of Mannheim, Mannheim
Universitat Potsdam, Potsdam

Hong Kong

City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon

Hungary

ESSCA School of Management, Budapest

Ireland

University of Galway, Galway

Italy

University of Bologna, Bologna**
Sant'Anna Institute, Sorrento*
Politecnico di Torino, Turin**
Sapienza University, Rome**

Japan

Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka**

Mexico

University of Monterrey, Monterrey
Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico City

Netherlands

Delft University of Technology, Delft

New Zealand

AUT University, Auckland

Romania

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi

S-Z Countries

Scotland

Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

Singapore

Nanyang Technical University, Singapore
National University of Singapore, Singapore

Spain

Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid

Sweden

Jönkoping University, Jönkoping
Luleå University of Technology, Luleå

Taiwan

National Taiwan Ocean University, Taiwan

Vietnam

RMIT University, Ho Chi Minh City

Policies

Academic Policies for Partner Universities

To ensure you have the best study abroad experience possible, we want you to be fully prepared academically. For that reason, we recommend that all study abroad students have a GPA of 2.7 or higher. Please note that some partner programs have their own GPA requirements, which may be higher. We also want to make sure that the classes you take while abroad will count for Clarkson credit and fit the requirements for your major and graduation.

Transfer of Credit

In order to obtain credit for the classes you take while abroad, you will need to do two things to successfully transfer academic credit:

Complete an Off-campus Coursework Permission (OCP) Form for each class you are taking abroad in the myCU forms tab. Your forms will be submitted to SAS, and the appropriate academic departments will review. You will receive confirmation emails regarding the status of your request. Approvals are to ensure credit is transferable and meets your academic requirements. It is wise to have multiple classes approved in case a class is not available upon arrival abroad. A backup plan is always advised!
Request that an official transcript from the partner university be sent to the International Center.

The transcript will be sent to Student Achievement Services (SAS) for processing your credits. If you are missing any OCP forms, your credits will not be recorded. If you do not meet the equivalent of a C grade or better, the credits will not be recorded.

Note: Be sure all outstanding fees at the partner university are paid in full, or your transcript may be withheld.

Academic Policies for Non-Partner Universities

Should you wish to participate in a study abroad experience that is not with one of our partners during a fall or spring semester, you will need to take a temporary leave of absence (nonmedical) from Clarkson University. This can affect the following:

Financial aid.
Terms of student loan grace periods.

The Transfer of Credit Policy above will remain the same.

Financial Aid Policies

A semester or year abroad should not cost much more than your expenses on campus at Clarkson. If you attend a program through one of our partners, you will:

Continue to pay tuition to Clarkson.
Pay room and board to the partner university or university-affiliated housing (the amount varies by location and type of accommodations available).

To get a realistic estimate of total costs, you should budget for additional expenses related to studying abroad, such as:

Arrival and departure airfare.
Food and entertainment.
Passport.
Travel within the country or region.
Visa or residence permit fees (vary by country).

Financial Policies

If you receive financial aid at Clarkson, you'll continue to receive aid when studying abroad at an exchange partner university. The award will be applied to your Clarkson tuition, and any remaining funds will be disbursed to you to use toward your expenses abroad. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid to learn more about the process.

Please make sure that all expenses you incur with our exchange partners, such as fees for housing, trips, meal plans, etc., are paid in full. If you have an outstanding balance with the university abroad, your academic transcript will be withheld and not sent to Clarkson. This will result in a delay of your credit transfer and can cause problems when you enroll in future classes.

The Process

How to Apply

After Acceptance

While Abroad

Keeping in Touch

While abroad, you are expected to check your Clarkson University email on a regular basis.

Ambassador Role – Being a Good Representative

Regardless of how you personally identify yourself, it is important to understand that while you are abroad, you are an ambassador representing both the United States and Clarkson University.

Individuals from the host country may use you as an example of U.S. culture in general and Clarkson students in particular. They may make judgments about U.S. social and professional etiquette. It is important to be respectful and act accordingly at all times. Your actions, both positive and negative, are likely to have long-term repercussions for Clarkson University and future participants.

Be a Good Student

After all, first and foremost, the purpose of your time abroad is to study. Attend all classes, do your homework and show respect to your professors. Show a genuine interest in the host country. Learn as much as you can about the country prior to departure, and continue to ask questions once you arrive.

Stay Positive

Avoid expressing negative opinions or generalizations about the host country. Such statements usually serve only to reveal the ignorance of the speaker. If you are studying in a non-English-speaking country, try to learn as much of the language as possible. If you are studying in an English-speaking country, be sensitive to differences in dialect. Remember that you are the guest in someone's home, school and country. Be respectful and courteous!

Stay Informed

Be well informed about the current events happening in the U.S., in New York and even in your hometown. As you meet new acquaintances and make friends, you will be asked about a variety of issues related to U.S. culture, politics, history, geography and social environments. Educating yourself about U.S. policies and cultural news will enable you to speak eloquently about complex and sometimes controversial topics. This dialogue and exchange will inevitably enhance and enrich your experience and deepen your friendships.

Promote Clarkson

As a current student at Clarkson University, you are one of our most important representatives abroad. During your time abroad, you may be asked to give a presentation about Clarkson University or even to represent the university at a study abroad fair at the partner university.

You have an important role in inspiring prospective exchange students to come to Clarkson. Exchange students contribute to the international profile of Clarkson, which is an important part of making the university one of the best in the world. Remember that the more incoming exchange students we receive, the more students at Clarkson get a chance to go abroad for an exchange. These are several good reasons to market Clarkson while you are abroad!

Post Experience

Post-Trip Evaluation

Once you complete your experience abroad, you will receive an email asking you to complete the Post-Experience Survey in CU Global. This is the final step of your Post-Acceptance Information.

Buddy Program

During your exchange or shortly after it ends, the International Center will email you regarding participation in the Buddy Program. Each semester, we match the former outgoing Clarkson students with new incoming students studying abroad for a semester here at Clarkson.

Study Abroad Fair

You may be asked to represent the program, university or country where you studied abroad at the Study Abroad Fair. You may remember what students said to you at the Study Abroad Fair a couple of years ago to influence your decision to study abroad. Your insights and enthusiasm will be a valuable contribution.

Information Sessions

You may be asked to make a short presentation during Information Sessions to promote the program and/or university where you studied abroad. You have firsthand knowledge and are our best resource! The details and highlights of your experiences really will inspire other students to go abroad themselves.

Pre-Departure Meetings

Pre-departure meetings are a way to connect you with students who are heading abroad next semester. You'll be able to provide advice to outgoing students before their study abroad adventure. We'll try to match you with someone headed to the school and/or country where you studied. This is a great way to share your experiences with someone who will truly benefit from your insights.

Global Ambassador

Many students planning to study abroad want to speak with students who have gone through the process and have lived and studied in a different country. Global Ambassadors respond to emails and provide information and recommendations.

Open Houses

You may be asked to help the International Center with Clarkson's Open Houses for prospective students. Duties involve talking with students and parents to share your experiences about the program.

Scholarships

The Matthew '09 and Briah Marra Study Abroad Award

The Matthew '09 and Briah Marra Award aims to enrich a Clarkson University student's foreign experience through the gift of a transportation stipend. The students that benefit from this fund are encouraged to explore the country of their university, embrace the local culture and network with the people they meet on their adventure. Two awards of $1,000 each are available for each semester. Each award will be used to either purchase $1,000 of Uber credits or be split to purchase $500 of Uber credits and $500 for other transportation expenses at the discretion of the student awardee. Eligible students are emailed details about the application process the semester prior to studying abroad.

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarship

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) award invests in promising students with financial need who wish to study abroad. Potential applicants who meet the eligibility requirements may participate in any international education program that meets their academic objectives. There are multiple scholarships available.

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. One-hundred-twenty-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness.

For additional scholarship information or help with scholarship preparation, please contact the International Center.

Read more about Study & Research Abroad

Global & Immersion Experiences

Global and Immersion Experiences

Global Experiences

As a Clarkson student, you have a wide variety of global opportunities, regardless of your program of study. You can choose from short weeklong programs to semester or yearlong excursions. Select from:

Study abroad with partner institutions.
Research at partner institutions.
Global Business Programs.
Service learning trips.

We have formal partnerships with many universities across the globe, and courses are taught in English.

Global & Immersive Experiences

We value our Golden Knights having a global perspective. Many of our students choose to have international experiences during their time at Clarkson. Options include:

Traditional semester or full academic year study abroad programs are available at one of our 55 partner institutions in 28 countries.
Global Business Programs are three-week trips that take place right after the spring semester ends.
Our proximity to Canada gives our students a great opportunity to take courses in Canadian Studies. Classes usually involve traveling frequently throughout the semester across the border to cities like Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto.

Hear From Our Students

Study and Research

By studying abroad, you'll experience new perspectives, learn how to navigate different cultures, work with diverse peers and communicate in other languages.

If you’re looking to dive into hands-on research in a new and exciting setting, many of our partner universities provide opportunities to perform research during the semester or the summer.

Clarkson University students at the Great Wall of China.

Global Business Programs

Global Business Programs provide exciting opportunities for you to expand your education in an international setting alongside fellow Clarkson students. These two- to three-week faculty-led programs typically take place at the end of the spring semester as the culmination of a semester-long course that provides cultural and business context. Trips include a mix of business site visits and cultural experiences. Past destinations have included Southeast Asia (Singapore and Thailand), Africa (Uganda and Kenya), South America (Argentina and Chile), Australia, Italy, Germany and Canada (weeklong trips).

Clarkson University students share a meal in Costa Rica.

Service Learning Abroad

Students who are actively engaged in specific on-campus clubs and organizations may have the opportunity to participate in an international service learning trip through their club with fellow members. These trips, led by faculty, typically take place during school breaks.

Studying abroad in Sweden allowed me to experience a culture without the filter of a screen or book. I could dive in and taste the food, talk with the locals and learn through the participation of traditions and customs. Studying abroad also allowed me to travel all across Europe. Whether it was solo traveling in Italy or cruising through the Baltic Sea to Russia, I was thoroughly humbled and grateful to have had the experience. It will be something that I never forget.

Jacob Merritt '21

Helpful Study Abroad Resources

Study Abroad FAQs

CU Global

The International Center

Washington Semester

For a semester in Washington, D.C., students take 12 credit hours worth of classes through American University and can participate in internships at places like the World Bank, NBC, Greenpeace and Homeland Security or serve as legislative aids to members of Congress.

The Albany NY capitol building under blue sky.

New York State Assembly Internships

The New York State Assembly offers two internship programs. The Assembly Session Internship offers juniors and seniors a chance to participate in state government and the legislative process through a well-structured practical learning experience. The Assembly Graduate Internship provides a professional development opportunity for graduate students to serve as full-time staff during the legislative session, assisting in policy analysis, legislative research, communications and constituent services.

Read more about Global & Immersion Experiences

Honors Program

Clarkson University designed our Honors Program for students fueled by intellectual curiosity and new, perspective-transforming experiences. Open to incoming first-year, transfer and current Clarkson students, as well as Clarkson School participants, the program encourages your academic drive and personal growth through a combination of research, hands-on learning and a unique curriculum, plus access to study abroad opportunities, internships and conferences.

Interested in where curiosity and the pursuit of discovery can take you? The Honors Program requires a separate application. Accepted students are then eligible for awards up to $2,000.

Unique, Hands-On Curriculum

Research Programs

Professional Development

Community on Campus and Beyond

Scholarships

A green and yellow flag blows in the sun that reads Clarkson Honors

How to Apply to Honors

Who We Are

For undergraduate students looking for a unique opportunity, Clarkson offers the Honors Program. Above and beyond Clarkson’s incredible offerings, our Honors Program students benefit from:

A residential learning community and an active alumni network
Dedicated advising and professional development programs
Funding for study abroad, conference travel and other opportunities
Summer research opportunities before the start of the first year at Clarkson

Honors student Catherine Jankowski's was able to participate in an international internship with BASF Forward AM in the Netherlands, thanks to mentorship from alumna Delfina Da Silva '20. Read more about their mentorship story.

Learn From Honors Students

The Honors Program has been an amazing resource throughout my journey at Clarkson. It gave me the chance to dive into research pretty early on, starting with Dr. Almeida’s lab in the Honors Summer Research Program in 2023. I have worked there for more than a year and a half, returning to the Honors Summer Research Program in the summer of 2024. Thanks to the support of both the Honors Program and Dr. Almeida’s lab, I’ve reached significant milestones—becoming a co-author on a published paper and a co-inventor on a preliminary patent—all while still in my junior year of college.

Abigail Mortimer '26