Experience Immersion

Immersions are a valuable way to learn from and immerse yourself in diverse communities. These three-day to three-week experiences provide students with a hands-on, close-up view of different populations and socioeconomic issues in Oregon, Washington, other parts of the United States, and other countries. Through partnering with community organizations and talking with members of the community, participants hear stories of injustice, strength, and beauty. These stories connect with historical and systemic contexts and related social issues. Participants are invited to consider how what their experience connects with what they are learning in their courses and how they can take action.

To apply for the 2023-2024 immersions, check back during fall of 2023!

We are currently planning for safe in-person immersions taking into considerations the needs of our participants and our partners and being mindful of CDC guidelines. If you have concerns or questions, please let us know (wagnert@up.edu). 

 Click the links below to learn more:

• Learn more about our fall break immersions
• Discover our winter immersion, the Urban Immersion
• Find out more about all of our spring break immersions
• Learn about our summer immersions
• Are you curious to get more details about the immersion program in general and have your frequently asked questions answered? Read our Program Details for Students.
• Are you a staff or faculty member who wants to learn more about being an immersion accompanier? Click here.
• Read about our past program, SEE Portland

“All this used to be a section of a textbook that was glazed over within a whitewashed curriculum, but to stand where they stood, on the pavement where blood was spilled and slaves walked in chains, in the air that filled and escaped their lungs, we are changed. We understand more about what matters and what still needs to be done, and we feel the scars of what they felt. I have gained a sense of courage through them and for them, and I am confident that this feeling will keep burning in me as I find my feet planted in Portland once again.”

--Hannah Schoen '17, Civil Rights Immersion participant, May 2016 

Browse through the possibilities and contact Program Manager for Immersions, Tyler Wagner, or the student immersion coordinators for more information.

Above photo: Participants on the Rural Immersion sample peppers at Alvarez Organic Farms

Above photo: Participants on the Environmental Justice Immersion visit a traditional Indigenous fishing site along the Columbia River with the Columbia River Inter-tribal Fish Commission.

Above photo: Participants on the North Portland Civil Rights Immersion visit with staff at the Urban League of Oregon.