About Us
AsiaLearn provides college/university students with study abroad opportunities in various destinations throughout Asia – with no previous language skills required. We have established ourselves as the experts in study abroad in this region of the world and pride ourselves on giving our students the tools to succeed both academically and culturally in an area of the world which is growing in interest and rich in history. Our friendly, personal counselors are dedicated to your success overseas and ensure that every detail of your program is administered correctly.
We can help you make the most of your study abroad experience
We utilize a unique 4-point philosophy to manage your study abroad experience. It is through these points that we provide you the personalized support you need to achieve your study abroad goals.
- Personal Program Selection and Planning
- Orientation and Preparation
- Cultural Integration – Living and Learning Abroad
- Reflection and Application of the Experience
When you study abroad through AsiaLearn, you get more than just a semester or summer abroad, you get the benefit of working with an organization which values your experience as much as you do. With AsiaLearn, your study abroad experience will be:
- Affordable – We work hard to keep costs as low as possible and to assist student with funding and payment options. Scholarships are availableb> for most of our programs.
- Comprehensive – We will be sure to answer every single question, provide you with extensive country and cultural information ensure that every last detail is handled, and that you are well prepared for your program abroad. You are guaranteed 24 hour support both here and abroad.
- Unique –AsiaLearn supplies students with guaranteed housing, in country support staff, travel opportunities, “survival” language instruction, and an In-country Bridging Cultures Program prior to the start of term to ensure that our students are well-informed and prepared upon arrival at the host university. Our service model also includes post-experience programming designed to help students reflect on their study abroad goals and outcomes and apply this new found knowledge and experience to their personal and professional pursuits.
China
Studying Abroad In China
China is a country with an ancient history, a brilliant civilization, and beautiful landscapes. China is often touted as having one of the world’s oldest surviving civilization whose people have shared a common culture for more than 5,000 years. Philosophers, emperors, foreign conquerors, political leaders, and civil war have all left their marks on China’s colorful history, but the people’s culture has endured and remained constant.
As their civilization developed, the people excelled in science and artistic expression. Many examples have endured the test of time and are revered today as national treasures and historical sites. Over 30 sites in China are now World Heritage listed and protected. They include ancient architectural complexes and a number of historical relics, forming an important basis for the study of China’s ancient culture and history.
About China
China holds some of the world’s oldest, and some may say most intriguing, cultural beliefs and traditions. The culture does vary from city to city, so Chinese culture is often discussed in a very general matter.
Chinese culture greatly bases itself on the belief that a spiritual world exists, which is evident in the ancestral worship, where the dead are honored and respected as if they were still alive; in the belief of the three realms, where Heaven, the living and the deceased exist side by side; and in the mythological stories of the country.
In the Chinese culture it is quite common for the unexplainable to be “explained” thorough mythology, which comes in the form of folklores, cultural history and religion. Many of the Chinese holidays evolved from the stories that were told from generation to generation for thousands of years. Another ancient cultural influence is the practice of martial arts.
Hong Kong
Studying Abroad In Hong Kong
Being an international financial center with the world’s freest economy, Hong Kong is Asia’s most globally connected city. As one can imagine, business and commerce create a constant buzz in the city and the fast-paced pulse can be felt around the clock. The central business district makes up one of the world’s most beautiful skylines, and with a closer look, one can see colonial buildings and modern architecture competing for space and attention. Hong Kong is a densely populated city, but with over 60% of the land left undeveloped, it offers a wide range of outlets for recreation, relaxation, and exploration in the great outdoors.
About Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and is the primary gateway to mainland China. It is situated at the southern coast of mainland China and is within four hours of all major Asian cities and resorts. Born of a fusion from ancient Chinese heritage and a long period of Western influence, this small island is a cross-cultural and diversified city where English and Chinese, tai chi and soccer, towering skyscrapers and historical sites all exist side by side. Here lies the bridge between the East and the West.
Even though Hong Kong was greatly influenced by China and Britain, it was still able to build a strong culture of its own. The Chinese values of family solidarity, courtesy and saving face are still held strong in Hong Kong, but the western influence is quite evident in the day to day lives of most Hong Kong people. Chinese and English are both deemed as the official language in Hong Kong, with Cantonese being much more widely used than Mandarin. Because of the duo official languages signs throughout Hong Kong are written in both Cantonese and English, making it easier for travelers to get around.
Japan
Studying Abroad In Japan
Japan is an island country separated from the east coast of Asia by the Sea of Japan. It is approximately the size of Montana. Japan’s four main islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Most of the islands are mountainous, many volcanic; for example, Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, is a volcano. Japan has the world’s tenth largest population, with about 128 million people. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the capital city of Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures, is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 30 million residents.
While modern Japan has been heavily influenced by other countries, many traditional elements of the culture can still be experienced in Japan. While studying abroad in Japan, you’ll enjoy the exciting blend of ancient culture and modern society.
About Japan
The Japanese language and calligraphy play a large role in Japanese culture. Although there are few sounds in the Japanese language, they use a pitch-accent system, which allows the same word to have different meanings by placing the accent in different parts of the word. Calligraphy is seen as an art form as well as a way to document information.
Many people are familiar with kimono, which means “something one wears” and are the traditional garments of Japan. Kimonos, or nagagi, are full-length garments that are still worn on special occasions by women, men and children. Kimono come in a variety of colors, styles and sizes, where women generally wear the more vibrant and colorful patterns.
Some Japanese sports, such as Sumo, also involve a lot of ritual elements, such as the use of salt for purification. Although the Japan Sumo Association refers to Sumo as the national sport of Japan, legally Japan does not have an official sport. Baseball is actually the most popular spectator sport in the country. Some other popular, traditional, sports in Japan include different types of martial arts with Kenjutsu, Kyūdō, Sōjutsu, Jujutsu and Sumo being the more common ones and were developed during the Edo Period, 1603 to 1868.
Malaysia
Studying Abroad In Malaysia
Malaysia offers a mosaic of cultures, delicious food, exciting adventures, friendly people, and breathtaking scenery. Neighboring countries include Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei. The largest ethnic groups in Malaysia are Malay, Chinese, and Indian. In the state of Sarawak, there are also a number of indigenous ethic groups with their own unique culture and heritage.
Sarawak, is the largest state in the Federation and it is known for its vast ethnic diversity and impressive natural wonders. More than 20 ethnic communities reside in Sarawak and they are well known for their friendliness and hospitality. Sarawak is also an ecological paradise boasting the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, the world’s most spectacular cave system, and some of the most fascinating plant, animal, and marine life.
About Malaysia
The Malaysian culture has been strongly influenced by the Malay, Chinese, Indian, and some indigenous tribal culture. The Malay population is the largest in Malaysia and although they stereotypically are rural and traditional people, these days, they seem to be moving towards the urban areas, attracted to the wealth and jobs of the city. Although many differences between the three groups of people exist, there is still a sense of generosity and a feeling that most people get along. However, this does not mean that tension does not exist between the groups.
Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Malaysian constitution, even though Islam is technically the state religion and around 60% of the population practice Islam, according to the 2000 Population and Housing Census. The next three most practiced religions are Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism. During religious festivals Malaysians of a certain religion often open their doors to Malaysians of other cultural and religious background, which helps to close the gap between the individual “groups” and creates a more tolerant atmosphere.
The national language of Malaysia is Malay or Bahasa Malaysia (Malaysia language). Malay is also spoken in the Malay Peninsula, southern Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, central eastern Sumatra, the Riau islands and parts of the coast of Borneo. Because Malaysia was a former British colony English is also commonly spoken, although it can be a little confusing as they sometimes mix English with Malay to create a new language all together.
Singapore
Studying Abroad In Singapore
Singapore is both a country and a city with 4.5 million people and four official languages: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English. Malay is the national language and English is the language of business. The standard of living in Singapore is among the highest in Asia, with state-of-the-art facilities for education, shopping, sports, and recreation. It has a diverse population of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and other ethnic groups. One cannot help but notice how clean and green the country is and how friendly the locals are to visitors. These observations may be attributed to social campaigns like the Courtesy Campaign, Keep Singapore Clean, and Keep Singapore Green.
With no natural resources of its own, Singapore has leveraged its strategic location as a trading hub, adhered to an open market economy, and focused on manufacturing while investing heavily in education. By the 1990s, the country had become one of the world’s most prosperous nations with the highest per capita gross domestic product in Asia outside of Japan. The Port of Singapore is the busiest in the world, surpassing Hong Kong and Shanghai.
About Singapore
With a fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian and European immigrants the culture of Singapore represents all these cultural diversities and has also combined them to create new and unique customs and cultures. Singapore is the smallest nation in Southeast Asia, but offers a huge variety of ethnicities, languages, religions and attractions.
Singapore possesses a few ethnic neighborhoods, however, the segregation has since been decreased because of policies put in place by the Housing Development Board (HDP) The HDP tried to make sure that all public housing had a diverse group of tenants, bringing all ethnicities together in one neighborhood. However, the culture is still very different and evident from apartment/house to apartment/house within the neighborhoods.
South Korea
Studying Abroad In South Korea
Korea has a 5,000 year history, with the first capital city (named Joseon, meaning Land of the Morning Calm) created in 2333 b.c. For five millennia, Korea has withstood the influences and invasions of neighboring countries and preserved its heritage, language, and ethnic homogeneity. Throughout its history, Korea has excelled in science and technological advances, developing the world’s most scientific alphabet, the world’s first ironclad warship, the first metal typeset book, and the first udometer. The people of Korea are also great lovers of nature, and in a country so green and mountainous, many Koreans enjoy spending time in the great outdoors.
About South Korea
Due to Korea’s location between the great imperial powers of the Orient, it has been subjected to invasions throughout its history by warring nations of China, Manchuria, and Japan. Despite conflicts and differences with their northern counterparts, South Korea has experienced one of the fastest rates of economic development in the world. In just 40 years, the nation has rebuilt itself from the devastation of war and has become one of the leading economies in Asia, behind Japan and China. South Korea is one of the world’s most technologically and scientifically advanced countries with companies like Samsung and LG serving as global leaders in electronics, digital displays, semiconductor devices, mobile phones, and high-tech gadgets. South Korea has the world’s third largest steel producer, POSCO, and is a global leader in automobile manufacturing, led by Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group.
South Korea is very rich in traditional culture with family being one of the most important things. Children often live with their parents until they are married and if the oldest son gets married the parents sometimes move in with their son and his new wife. Koreans do things that benefit their families rather than themselves.
During certain Korean holidays; such as Chuesok – Harvest Moon Festival, Buddha’s Birthday, and Lunar New Year’s, traditional clothing, such as the Hanbok is worn and ancestral shrines are bowed to in order to show respect and honor to the ancestors. With Buddhism being the main religion of Korea, the temples and even the streets are elegantly decorated with vibrant, traditional lanterns on Buddha’s birthday and the temples offer free food for the worshipers. During most holidays large amounts of traditional food are prepared and families spend the day together in celebration.
Thailand
Studying Abroad In Thailand
Thailand is full of beautiful landscapes, architecture, culture, and natives that will keep you entertained and always wondering what will be discovered next. Situated in Southeast Asia, Thailand shares its borders with Myanmar in the west and north, Laos in the northeast, Cambodia in the east, and Malaysia in the south. With so many countries nearby, Thailand has become a crossroad for Southeast Asia’s migration, culture, and religion. Thailand is administratively divided into seven regions, each region having its own distinct geographical build. Northern Thailand offers a mountainous and forest covered terrain while central Thailand is known as the “rice bowl,” because it houses the world’s most fertile rice and fruit growing land. In the Eastern region lie the picturesque beaches and relaxing summer resorts, which compliment the south peninsula’s gorgeous scenery and fishing atmosphere.
In recent years Bangkok has developed into a metropolitan and global city, although it still holds fast to its traditional heritage with Thai Buddhist temples and a sense of rich culture streaming through the streets. Being the capital and largest city of Thailand, Bangkok often seems extremely crowded, however, that also adds to its excitement. Bangkok is very influential in the arts, politics, fashion, education, and entertainment, which helps to bring tourists and migrants from all over the world. It’s sprawling residentital suburbs provide a calming escape from the city’s busy streets.
About Thailand
Thais definition of culture includes architecture, food, dance, and festivals, but generally excludes religion, which they consider to be separate from culture. Nearly 95% of Thai people practice Theravada Buddhism, so Buddhism obviously has a large influence on Thailand’s culture.
Age, wealth, status and personal and political power mold and define relationships between Thai people. As in most cultures, Thai are expected to respect their elders, but in Thailand it is very common for the “juniors” and “seniors” to have set mutual obligations. For example juniors often ask for money, jobs, or other favors from the seniors, and if a senior refuses they risk losing face. Also, because of the strong Buddhist influences monks are highly respected, which overrides the usual “respect of elders” and “roles by status” beliefs in Thailand.
With the special respect of monks come interesting Thai Customs regarding monks. For example monks are not allowed to have any physical contact with women and in turn women go out of their way to avoid being put in a situation where they could accidentally come into physical contact with a monk. Inside of temples monks sit on a raised platform, so that their heads, even when bowed, are above the heads of others in the temple, who are also bowing, to show their high societal status.
Understanding and trying to adapt to Thai culture can help foreigners greatly as Thai usually assume foreigners know nothing about their country and culture. Therefore when someone shows interest in their lifestyles they are quick to befriend them and show great gratitude. Thais are fairly tolerant of most kinds of behavior from foreigners, but as Thais treat monarchy and religion very delicately it is recommended to pay close attention to how Thais react in situations and to follow suit.