Program Overview

Program Overview

The Teach, Travel, Transform: 2,000 Years Through Southeast Asia program is a two-semester study abroad experience that explores the history, culture, and art of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. The program is designed to prepare students for their study abroad experience in Southeast Asia, focusing on three main aspects: the history, culture, and art of the region, English as a second language, and community impact.

Program Structure

The program consists of two semesters:

• IDH 4007: A pre-travel class on campus in the Spring semester, which covers the history, culture, and art of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.
• IDH 4008: A class abroad in the Summer semester, which takes students through Southeast Asia to explore important cultural sites and places of historical significance.

Course Focus

The program focuses on the following areas:

• History, Culture, & the Arts
• Philosophy and Religion
• Politics and Society
• English as a second language
• Community impact

Program Information

• Spring 2026 (on campus): IDH 4007 (3 credits) - MMC, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00PM-6:15PM
• Summer Dynamic Session 2026 (abroad): IDH 4008 (3 credits) - May 8-June 8, 2026

Program Highlights

• Walking through Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious site
• Overnight cruise in Halong Bay
• Touring the Grand Palace of Bangkok
• Connecting with Vietnamese university students
• Assisting future teachers in Cambodia with their English language skills at Provincial Teacher Training College
• Pre-Med students may have the option to volunteer in a local clinic

What is Included

• 30 nights in handpicked accommodations with 2 students per room
• Regional flights within the program
• Regional land transportation by van or bus
• Airport transfers and few excursions
• Overnight boat cruise with 3 meals on board and 2 students per cabin
• Visas for Vietnam & Cambodia
• International travel medical insurance
• English-speaking tour guide for some activities
• Breakfast included by some hotels
• Student Exchange Days
• English teaching at Teacher Training College & local high school in Cambodia (20+ service hours) or volunteering at a local clinic
• 24/7 support from Faculty Directors
• Admission to Grand Palace of Bangkok, Cu Chi Tunnels, Bang Pa In Summer Palace, and so much more

What is Not Included

• Roundtrip international airfare to/from Bangkok, Thailand
• $195.00 Education Abroad administrative fee (OEA Fee)
• FIU in-state tuition (6 credits, $205.57 per credit)
• Passport, visa, and other necessary documents
• Personal expenses, including meals
• Tips to guides, porters, or drivers

Itinerary

The itinerary is subject to change and includes the following destinations:

• Bangkok, Thailand
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Hanoi, Vietnam
• Halong Bay, Vietnam
• Siem Reap, Cambodia

Co-Faculty Directors

• Cory Fairfield: Associate Director of Academic Support Services for CARTA, with experience in study abroad programs and teaching.
• Eloisa C. Rodriguez-Dod: Professor of Law and former Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, with expertise in property, estates, elder law, and real estate transactions.

Payment Schedule

The payment schedule is as follows:

• 1st Payment (Deposit): $500, due 1 week after interview
• 2nd Program Payment: $1,700, due December 1
• Spring 2026 In-State Tuition: $616.71, due January 14
• 3rd Program Payment: $1,700, due February 1
• Education Abroad Fee: $195, due March 1
• Summer A 2026 In-State Tuition: $616.71, due May 20