نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Program Overview

This course will examine both pre-modern and modern aspects of several Southeast Asian cities by visiting Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei to understand their efforts in developing United Nations SDGS. Students will live and experience cities, and their spaces, and through the multicultural lens of Southeast Asian traditions, they will learn not only their physical manifestations but their inherent principles which mirror, amplify, or represent the cultural norms of the Malay, Singaporean, Bruneian society.

Course Focus

• History, Culture, & the Arts
• Technology and Innovation
• Nature and Environment

Program Information

• Spring 2026 (on campus): IDH 4007 (3 credits) - MMC, Wednesdays, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
• Summer C 2026 (abroad): IDH 4008 (3 credits) - June 1-June 22, 2026

Program Highlights

• Meeting COIL students in Kuala Lumpur & Penang
• Taking a boat cruise on the Melaka River
• Seeing animals in the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
• Visiting the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei
• Exploring the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Sepilok Rehabilition Centre (The Orangutan)

What is Included

• Daily 1 bottle of Drinking Water (500ml)
• 21 nights in handpicked accommodations with daily breakfast
• Expert Faculty Director
• 24/7 support from Faculty Director
• Regional ground transportation
• Regional flights within program
• International travel medical insurance
• Local tour guides (English speaking)
• Tipping (Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore)
• Sustainability tax and tourist tax
• Admission to Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Butterfly & Bird Park, Khoo Kongsi, Tropical Spice Garden, and so much more

What is Not Included

• International airfare to/from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• $195.00 Education Abroad administrative fee (OEA Fee)
• FIU in-state tuition (6 credits, $205.57 per credit)
• Passport, visa(s), and other necessary documents
• Personal expenses, including but not limited to meals, laundry, etc.

Itinerary

Day 1-5: Kuala Lumpur

Student arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Highlights include Chinatown, Petronas Twin Towers, National Museum, Batu Caves, Royal Selangor Pewter, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Perdana Botanical Garden, Kuala Lumpur Butterfly & Bird Park, and Kuala Lumpur student meeting program

Day 6-7: Penang

Travel overland to Penang, Malaysia. Visits to Georgetown, Khoo Kongsi, Penang student meeting program, Tropical Spice Garden, and Kek Lok Si Temple

Day 8-9: Malacca

Travel overland to Malacca, Malaysia. Highlights include Malacca River cruise, Stadthuys and Christ Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and Jonker Street night market

Day 10-12: Singapore

Travel overland to Singapore, Singapore. Highlights include city center (Marina Bay Sands and Merlion Park), National Gallery, Chinatown, Indian Heritage Centre, Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam, ECO trip MacRitchie Reservoir, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Zoo, and Night Safari

Day 13-15: Sandakan

Regional flight to Sandakan, Malaysia. Students will visit Bornean Sun Bar Conservation Centre, Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre (The Orangutan), and Sandakan Memorial Park

Day 16-17: Kota Kinabalu

Regional flight to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Highlights include Mari-Mari Cultural Village and Filipino market

Day 18-20: Brunei

Regional flight to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Highlights include Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Floating Village Kampong Ayer, Ulu National Park, Royal Regalia, and Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah

Day 21-22: Kuala Lumpur

Regional flight back to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Highlights include final dinner. Check out of hotel. End of program

Faculty Director

Marcela Lopez Bravo

Marcela Lopez Bravo holds a Ph.D. in International Culture and Communication Studies from Waseda University and Master degrees in Linguistics and in Asian Studies from Florida International University (FIU). She has taught at the university level in the US, China, and Japan. Currently, she is Graduate Director and Assistant Teaching Professor of Asian Studies Program. Dr. Lopez Bravo has also successfully led study abroad programs to Japan and has been recognized with multiple excellence in teaching awards in Japan and in the US. Her research interests include Japanese studies, cultural geography, virtual reality applied to teaching East Asian cultures, languages, and literature, COIL, and intercultural communication.

Payment Schedule

• 1st Payment (Deposit): $500
• 2nd Program Payment: $2,350
• Spring 2026 In-State Tuition: $616.71 (per credit, 3 credits)
• 3rd Program Payment: $2,350
• Education Abroad Fee: $195
• Summer C 2026 In-State Tuition: $616.71 (per credit, 3 credits)