Bastyr education prepares students to use their healing skills out in the world. To that end, we offer many opportunities to study off-campus. For more information on joining trips (some are open to the public), contact Student Services at [email protected] or (425) 602-3090.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine China Externship
Annual trip to China (master's students in September, doctoral trip in May-June)
This intensive enables students to study in the hospitals of two of the top traditional medicine universities in China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Students spend their mornings shadowing senior doctors and seeing patients. In the afternoon, they attend lectures by senior doctors in their area of specialty. Students also explore the rich culture of China on weekend trips to Mount Emei, a famous Buddhist site; Mount Qingcheng, a famous Taoist mountain; the Chengdu panda park; and Hangzhou, a city renowned for its natural beauty.
Study the Evidence Supporting the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle
Spring (annually)
Discover the charm of Lucca and the breathtaking beauty of the Cinque Terre while exploring the science behind the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. Participate in culinary labs where you’ll create and enjoy vibrant, healthful meals, and engage in immersion labs focused on social connection, exercise, and rejuvenating thermal spa therapy.
Students will also learn about the impacts of climate change on regional dietary staples and explore innovative solutions like regenerative farming and biodynamic wine-making.
Through shared meals, social walks, live music, and bicycling around Lucca’s scenic streets, students will immerse themselves in Italian culture and build lasting connections in a transformative, educational journey.
Botanical Studies in Costa Rica
Winter (every other year)
Over 10 days, students explore botanical medicine in jungle canopies, rivers, mountains and ocean beaches. The group visits herbal farms, preservation gardens, jungle wilderness and sustainable communities. Students meet with long-time folk herbalists and world-renowned modern permaculturists, learning about herbal medicine, Latin American culture and holistic land stewardship.
Plant Identification & Medicinal Field Botany
Summer quarter every year (three weekends)
Students spend three weekends camping and hiking in Washington state's Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges learning botany, plant identification and medicinal uses of native plants.
Herbal Medicine Throughout Oregon
Late June (every year)
Students spend seven days camping, hiking and touring herb farms and herbal production companies. The focus is on developing a deeper understanding of herbal medicine through the Oregon herbal community.
Students car pool to the cities of Williams, Eugene and Sandy and set up base camps, then head out to day trips to woods, fields, farms and production facilities.
Cascade Herb Experience
One weekend in summer quarter (every year)
Students spend a weekend learning to identify native plants in the North Cascade mountains near Mount Vernon, Washington. They also learn from a local herbal wildcrafter how to harvest native medicinal plants sustainably and how to make medicine from them.