Welcome to Oregon
Located directly above California, Oregon is a beautiful state known for its love of nature, unique land features, and outdoor sporting activities. With four distinct seasons, Oregon has everything from lakes, rivers, and coasts to deserts, mountains, and plains. Even Oregon's most urban cities are entwined with nature, all while sporting modern high-rise skyscrapers and hosting the headquarters of major corporations, including Nike and Columbia Sportswear. With a combination of urban cities and vast nature, Oregon is a place where you can experience a little bit of everything, and where there is something for everyone.
American English Institute
Since 1978, the American English Institute (AEI) has been a leader in English language teaching, research, and service on the University of Oregon (UO) campus and around the world. The American English Institute, as a unit of the College of Arts and Sciences, serves the educational mission of the University of Oregon through scholarship, English language instruction, and English language professional training. The AEI champions the University’s mission of internationalization and is a leader in helping achieve the University’s goals for diversity and student success. The AEI supports the University in the integration of international students into all aspects of campus life and collaborates with faculty across campus toward creating a successful academic experience for all international students. The AEI offers:
- English language training
- General English and culture
- English for specific purposes
- English for academic purposes
- In-country program development
- Online, in person, and hybrid teacher training programs
- Professional services related to teaching English and professional development
University of Oregon
The University of Oregon opened in 1876. Today more than 23,000 students attend the university. Approximately 10% are international students from nearly 100 different countries. The university is committed to the internationalization of its curriculum and seeks to meet the academic needs of all its students.
The University of Oregon is ranked 98th among “National Universities” (U.S. News and World Report), and is the top-ranked public university in Oregon.
The 7 Wonders of Oregon
Oregon has everything from oceans to deserts and sunshine to snow. Travel Oregon , an online travelers guide to Oregon, has named 7 natural attractions that are Oregon's finest. They are the 7 Wonders of Oregon .
About Eugene
Quick Facts
178,000
Population
70+
Parks
Weather
12° C
Average
-1° C - 4° C
Winter
29° C
Summer
114cm
Annual rainfall
The "world's greatest city of the arts and outdoors"
Eugene radiates a relaxed small town feeling with the cultural advantages of a large city. With its unique and exciting mix of arts and culture, pristine natural location, and passion for outdoor recreation, it is not only a center for higher education but also a diverse community. Eugeneians are welcoming, open minded, and culturally sensitive, and pride themselves as being a warm community that is inviting to all.
Eugene's natural beauty comes with the Willamette and McKenzie rivers, as well as the Ridgeline Trail and Spencer's Butte. Its urban downtown is a hub of art, food, and nightlife, all of which is easily accessible from campus with the cities vast buslines and transit system that is free to University of Oregon students. Whether it's nature, sports, art, or academics, Eugene has it all, and there's more just waiting to be discovered.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Eugene's natural land features make it an ideal place to enjoy various outdoor activities. You can stay local for a hike up Spencer's Butte, take a bus ride out to the pristine coast for a dip in the Pacific Ocean, or do much more.
Hiking & Camping
The Willamette Valley surrounds Eugene with mountains, trails, and locations for overnight camping. Spencer's Butte and Skinner's Butte are prime Eugene hiking spots with summits that overlook the city. Mt. Hood is Oregon's best know mountain, popular for its hiking trails and snow. Camp sites are abundent all along the coast line, each with unique features and activities like dune buggy riding, boating, and fishing.
Rivers & Lakes
The Columbia River naturally divides the state of Oregon and Washington, and is a favorite place for water activities. Natural waterfalls, like Multnomah Falls, and other sceneic beauty can be viewed in the Columbia River Gorge. Some larger bodies of water are Crater Lake and Lost Lake. Crater Lake was famously formed by the collapse of a volcano, and is now a staple in Oregon tourism.
Coasts & Beaches
Oregon's coasts are mild to chilly in temperature and feature tide pools, historic light houses, whale watching, and much more. Coastal towns are classic destinations for Oregon travelers where sea salt taffee is abundent and clam chowder is a specialty. The Tillamook Cheese Factory is also a local favorite, and offers the best locally made ice cream, cheese, and other dairy products.
The Heart of Downtown | |
FoodThere is no limit to tastes in downtown Eugene . Sizzle Pie and Pegasus Pizza are go-to's for Pizza, Voodoo Donuts is a cult favorite, and Sweet Life can satisfy any dessert craving. Eugene is also known for its microbrew artistry. Hop Valley Brewing , Falling Sky , and the Bier Stein are just a few pubs where you can get a taste of the local brew that Eugene has to offer. |
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5th Street MarketThe 5th Street Market has a little bit of everything. It's Eugene's unique shopping experience where you'll find charming local stores that offer everything from the latest fashion, beauty care and service, to home and decor. It's the perfect place to shop and then enjoy a meal from one of their gourmet cafes. |
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Saturday MarketThe Saturday Market is a place where Eugene's culture, art, and people come together to share their work with the community. Crafts are handmade, food is locally grown, and music is live. Each week there are more than 200 independent artisans, 15 food booths, and 6 live musical acts. |
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We are Tracktown USA
Eugene is a track and field paradise. The university sponsors numerous track and field events each year, and even hosts some at our famous Hayward Field. Mountain trails, park trails and many scenic streets offer runners an opportunity to design their own workout routes. The recently renovated PE & Recreation Center has brand new cutting-edge facitilies and equipment, and is also an excellent resource for students and athletes alike.
The Prefontaine Classic
The University sponsors the Prefontaine Classic annually, an Oregon Track Club Event that is one of the premier track and field events in the United States. World class athletes gather to compete each year at Hayward Field.
Olympic Trails
The Summer Olympic Trails in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021 were hosted by the University at Hayward Field. Thirty current and former University of Oregon students completed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympis and twenty competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Hayward Field
Hayward Field is one of the worlds best known historic track and field stadiums. It is one of only five International Association of Athletics Federations Class 1 certified tracks in the United States. In 2022, Hayward Field hosted the World Athletic Championships, bringing world-championship track and field athletes to this beautiful facility.