Why Study Off Campus?

For the over two-thirds of Luther students who study off campus during their four years here, the world will never look the same again. Off-campus study is a life-changing experience, resulting in broadened perspectives, unforgettable memories, and a more comprehensive and nuanced view of the world.

Each year, hundreds of Luther students expand their worldviews—literally—through off-campus programs in the U.S. and around the globe. Luther, in a sense, becomes their passport to practically anywhere in the world.

Luther students have studied the works of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, marveled at the research of Charles Darwin on the Galapagos Islands, stared in wonder at the beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, and retraced the Biblical narrative in Corinth and Cairo. Closer to home, students have watched the political process unfold in Washington, D.C., applied ethical perspectives to environmental policy in the Cascade Mountains, and engaged in hands-on practicum experiences in Chicago.

When Luther students study off campus, they tell us that they:

  • Gain a better understanding of and respect for diversity
  • Develop an appreciation for their own culture
  • Increase their analytical abilities and cross-cultural communication skills
  • Examine their personal values
  • Develop greater self-confidence

Most importantly, students increase their awareness of the interconnected nature of the world. The world is truly our classroom.

If you're just beginning to think about study abroad, we encourage you to read the Frequently Asked Questions section.