Clarkies in the world

Video of a busy pedestrian market in Osaka, Japan where many Clark students study abroad

Learning how to see the world from multiple vantage points prepares you to work on multinational teams, analyze complex ideas, and find solutions others can’t see.

Natasha Rivas, '24 sits in a language classroom at Clark University — In her role as a tutor in the Office of Student Success, Natasha encouraged her peers beginning a new language to immerse themselves through things they like, such as music, film, or other aspects of youth culture.

Natasha Rivas ’24
Major: Combined Languages, Asian Studies

Natasha first became curious about other cultures during childhood, when she attended early elementary school in the Dominican Republic, then in Okinawa, Japan.

At Clark, she transitions seamlessly between English, Spanish, and Japanese.

Natasha Rivas, '24 works on a Japanese translation project with Alexander Murphy, assistant professor in the Department of Language, Literature, and Culture — Natasha works on a Japanese translation project with Alexander Murphy, assistant professor in the Department of Language, Literature, and Culture.

“Studying Japanese here, I’ve been able to go farther than I ever thought possible. The faculty here have dedicated their lives to sharing another culture and they’ve helped me get to my goals every day.”

Natasha received a Gilman Award to study abroad in Osaka, Japan where she met fellow students from around the world.

Two friends Natasha Rivas '24 met during her study abroad experience pose with arms outstretched in a city landscape. — “I made some of my closest friendships there. We refer to each other as a second family.”

Natasha Rivas '24 with two peers and elementary students at a school in Japan where she interned during her semester abroad. — In Osaka, Natasha interned at an elementary school through the Japan Exchange and Teaching program.

Natasha Rivas, '24 in the hallway of the language department at Clark University

After graduation, Natasha will work as an assistant language teacher in Japan. Eventually, she plans to study the anthropology of Japanese youth culture at the graduate level.

“I believe in the power of language to create more empathy, to drive progress, and connect our world together.”

“Showing people you’ve made a commitment to learn their language is a way to show you respect their culture.”

—Natasha Rivas

Explore Programs

Asian Studies

Two students confer over a classroom reading in the Department of Language, Literature, and Culture at Clark University.

Comparative Literature

Professor Eduard Arriaga-Arango interacts with students in a Department of Language, Literature, and Culture class at Clark University.

Combined Languages

Jude Fernandes, professor in the Department of Sustainability and Social Justice leads a class discussion.

International Development and Social Change

Study Abroad

Living, learning, and working alongside people from other cultures helps you understand yourself new ways as you begin to discern what you have to offer the world.

We’ll help you get there.

Explore study Abroad

“Study abroad exposes you to new perspectives and new ways of living. It makes you question and challenge things that you take for granted in your own culture, and it opens your worldview.”

—Lia Tang ’23, M.A. ’24

Countries represented in our
undergraduate student community

Political science major Turna Barua ’26, in the fashion show at the International Gala, an annual student-led event that highlights traditional and contemporary dance, music, song, theater and fashion from across the world. Photograph by Natalie Hoang ’25.

18%

Clark students study abroad

20%

First generation college students

A person carrying paints in a canoe alongside the brightly colored boats of Xochimil, Mexico City — With a longstanding water crisis and drought conditions, Mexico City — the fifth most-populous city in the world — has become a barometer for the impacts of climate change. An interdisciplinary team of faculty and graduate student researchers from Clark are bringing together expertise to help policymakers and the public understand and mitigate the problem of water scarcity.

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An advanced degree within reach

The 4+1 Accelerated Master’s provides an opportunity to earn a pathway to a master’s degree — with one year of additional study and available tuition scholarships.

EXPLORE 4+1 OPTIONS

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Experience for yourself what it’s like to study at a small research university with a strong liberal arts core.

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