Want to have the best experience of your life? Go to IES Kunming for China/Southeast Asian Studies!!!

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!