Whitman Stories

Studying abroad means stepping into the unfamiliar—new cities, new customs, new versions of yourself. These reflections of a few Whitties who did just that capture the unexpected lessons, quiet joys and surprising challenges that come from living and learning far from home.

German Studies-Politics double major and recent Whitman College graduate Finn Leahy ’25 has been awarded a U.S. Teaching Assistantship to teach English in Austrian secondary schools.

New faculty leaders share their vision for building on the rich traditions of Whitman’s signature interdisciplinary field program, where students spend 14 weeks on the road learning about the interior American West.

In this video, Patrick Leonard ’06 takes us inside Postcard Bookshop, a unique travel bookstore he opened in Portland, Oregon. Step inside the shop and hear how his time at Whitman College shaped Leonard’s passion for global exploration, creativity and the value of a liberal arts education.

A record number of Whitman students studied abroad and off-campus in Spring 2024. Now back in Walla Walla, five of those students discuss their transformative experiences.

‘Global Returns’ class connects international experiences with career insights, opportunities and meaningful change.

Whitman College faculty and CTUIR partnered to provide STEM education to local Tribal youth in special summer school. During four weeks of immersion, students were very active in their science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. Classes took place in Pendleton, Oregon near the Umatilla Indian Reservation where the students could attend in their own school district.

Whitman grad Salma Anguiano ’22 was awarded her second prestigious global fellowship. The Politics and Chinese double major credits her success to her Whitman education and professors.