About Lewis and Clark: Then and Now
Lewis and Clark: Then and Now is a one-week domestic intercultural experience that invites high school students to explore the historical and contemporary significance of the Lewis and Clark expedition while engaging deeply with the living cultures of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington.
From vibrant cities to rugged coastlines and the majestic Columbia River Gorge, students will compare the world Lewis and Clark encountered in the early 1800s with the region as it exists today—diverse, dynamic, and deeply connected to its past. Grounded in the educational philosophy of AFS Intercultural Programs, the program combines homestays, guided exploration, dialogue, and reflective learning. Students will examine the legacy of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark across the region that includes the Columbia River Gorge, Portland, Vancouver, and Astoria.
Selected participants will be the first members of this unique pilot program, serving as the building blocks for this experiential learning program that blends history, geography, environmental science, and cultural studies into an engaging and interactive adventure.
Things to Know
Rather than viewing the Lewis & Clark expedition solely as a story of exploration, students will critically analyze multiple perspectives — including Indigenous communities, settlers, environmental stewards, and present-day residents — asking:
- Whose stories are told?
- How do historical narratives shape identity and power?
- How does the past influence present-day environmental, cultural, and social realities?
Students will live with carefully selected host families, fostering intercultural understanding through daily life experiences. Guided excursions and structured reflection sessions will support the development of global competence, empathy, and leadership skills.
