IES Abroad Summer Study Abroad Program in Kunming
IES Abroad offers two summer study abroad program options in Kunming, China. The first program is a 6 week Asian Development Program focused on introducing students to the unique economic issues in the region. IES Abroad also offers a 7 week Environmental Studies program with an emphasis on the variety of environmental issues currently facing China.
The capital of Yunan province, Kunming has a population of over 6.8 million people and is influenced by a diversity of cultures from Southeast Asia. Studying abroad in Kunming allows the student to immerse themselves in Chinese culture while enjoying a mild climate and a variety of delicious culinary options. If the above sounds like an excellent way to spend your summer, why wait? Apply to study abroad in Kunming today!
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About IES Abroad
Their Roots: IES Abroad was co-founded by Paul Koutny, an Austrian student who had moved to the US on a Fulbright scholarship in 1950. While there, he envisioned a future built on a peace that grew from the lessons learned while studying abroad. He rallied 21 other friends and the crew hopped on the SS Volendam headed for a year of studies in Vienna. Feeling inspired by their own experience in Austria, IES Abroad alums Clarence and Alberta Giese immediately began helping send future groups of students abroad. Before they knew it, 60 years had passed, and IES Abroad remains a longstanding and exemplary study abroad option for students today.
Their Quest: "IES Abroad strives to provide premier study abroad programs for U.S. students that deliver the highest quality education while simultaneously promoting development of intercultural competence."
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I cannot say enough about the IES Kunming program. I did it in the summer 2012 and was hands down the best summer. It kicked off my study abroad experience in China (first time over here!) and I am grateful for the opportunities that I had. There were 9 students and 4 incredible staff members (both American and Chinese), which made for a fabulous group, very close knit. The staff are well tuned in to the group feeling and dynamic, as well as can offer an abundance of knowledge about China and the Greater Mekong Subregion/Southeast Asia.
The first 4 weeks I took Chinese classes where my Chinese improved exponentially. I also took the Environmental area studies course, which is great because Yunnan is a biodiversity hotspot. We took weekend trips to different cities in the province to supplement our learning by actually visiting the dams, rivers, and relocated villages we were learning about.
But the best was taking a 17 day trip through Thailand and Laos, down the Mekong River, meeting with officials from organizations like the Asian Development Bank, visiting Buddhist sites, staying over in a mountain village, and riding elephants! I learned so much about this region, especially about the growing importance of Southeast Asia and China relations.
While you should unhesitatingly do the summer program (also offers an economic track that can take you through Vietnam and Laos!), the Kunming program is now also offered for the academic year starting Fall 2013, which I am quite jealous of anyone going for that!
The city of Kunming itself is wonderful. The weather that stays around 65-75 F is the origin of Kunming's nickname, "city of eternal spring." It's a slower paced city but still plenty of things to go out and see, in and around the city! There's a growing music scene, as well as delicious food that has some Southeast Asian influence. Unlike any city I've been to before, highly recommend doing this program!