ºÚÁÏÉçÇø and the University of Oregon launch successful first custom program in Samoa
July 23rd, 2025 | School for International Training, ºÚÁÏÉçÇø

School for International Training (ºÚÁÏÉçÇø) is excited to showcase a new partnership that marks two significant firsts: our first-ever custom program in Samoa, and our first collaboration on a custom program with the University of Oregon (UO). The Climate Change and Indigeneity in Samoa program brought 18 UO students to Apia, Samoa, for an immersive four-week experience during summer 2025.

This program was hosted through ºÚÁÏÉçÇø's established program. Students lived with homestays and explored climate change impacts on the people, environment, and culture of Samoa and other Pacific nations. The program combined western, Indigenous, and Samoan perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of Indigeneity, climate science, policy, social justice, and community resilience. Through immersive coursework, collaboration with local communities, and guided excursions, students engaged directly with Indigenous leaders, policymakers, activists and artists, contributing to projects supporting Samoan communities in adapting to and mitigating climate threats.
The program was developed and led by , assistant professor of Indigenous, race, and ethnic studies and of UO’s Distinguished Teaching Award, alongside , professor of political science and environmental studies.

ºÚÁÏÉçÇø currently supports custom programs in across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. To learn more about how ºÚÁÏÉçÇø can support your institution's custom programming initiatives, or .