OSU - Berber North Africa: The Hidden Mediterranean Culture

Corvallis is a small but growing city with a population of just over 50,000. From its 19th century mid-Willamette valley farming roots it has evolved today into a community centered around Oregon State University and high technology manufacturing (Hewlett Packard is the largest employer in the area). Because of its proximity to the ocean and Cascade Mountains, as well as its temperate weather, Corvallis has seen a considerable increase in its population in the last decade. Corvallis is on the Willamette River which offers considerable outdoor activities. It is also close to Mary's Peak, the highest point on the Coastal Range which affords excellent hiking in an old growth forest.

First, the Corvallis Visitors Bureau: http://www.visitcorvallis.com/. This site will link to many other useful local sites, including alternative housing to Oregon State University. Second, the OSU homepage: http://oregonstate.edu/ will give a profile of the campus and offer fuller information about the Valley Library and other facilities.

For those wishing over the weekends to travel further afield, Portland is 80 miles from Corvallis, accessible by car in about 90 minutes. Portland information can be found at this site: http://www.travelportland.com/. For those interest in the Pacific coast (about a 50 minute drive), the Cascades (Sisters is roughly 90 minutes away), we suggest the following site: http://www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oregon.aspx, which is packed with information about traveling in Oregon.

Local Transportation

Although Oregon State University extends over a large area, the central campus is in close proximity to the downtown area which affords an area of shopping possibilities. Corvallis has an extensive circuit of bike paths. Bike rentals are readily and cheaply available. The local bus routes provide access to all parts of the city on a regular basis from about 6 AM to 8 PM. The bus service will be free for all institute participants.

Corvallis is linked to Portland, Seattle and San Francisco by daily bus and train (from the Albany station) routes. Portland International Airport is approximately ninety minutes by car from Corvallis. The Eugene Airport is about forty minutes away. This site may also be also be of interest: http://www.bus.oregonstate.edu/prospective/localinformation/
transportation.htm