Faculty-Led & Customized Programs
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ASA coordinates customized and faculty-led programs in Europe and South America for colleges and universities throughout the US. We work with institutions one-on-one to design a program that meets your needs. Put our 25+ years of expertise to work, ensuring your vision is realized and student and faculty needs are met, while remaining cost effective!
- Faculty members from all disciplines welcome, or we can provide teaching through our many partner institutions abroad
- Internships both in-person and virtual available
- Leave the logistical preparations to us!
- Dedicated Customized Programs Team, headed by our Special Projects Manager, Santi Alias
- 25+ year track record of running successful programs abroad
- Programs are customized to meet your institution's needs. Can include all or some of the following:
ASA Custom Programs
Your Partner in Experiential Learning Abroad



At Academic Studies Abroad (ASA), we believe that immersive international experiences shape global citizens. We’re passionate about providing transformative opportunities that help students broaden their perspectives, grow personally and academically, and develop into thoughtful, globally minded individuals.
With over two decades of experience, ASA partners with U.S. colleges and universities to design short-term, faculty-led, and custom study abroad programs that align with each institution's unique goals and academic objectives. Our team is here to support your vision, from the initial idea to the return flight home.
Why Partner with ASA?
- Our People: A mission‑driven team that values relationships above all else. Experienced, accessible, and committed.
- Our Model: Privately owned and flexible. Programs are intentionally built, never cookie‑cutter.
- Our Values: Cultural immersion, student safety, and academic integrity. We integrate sustainable practices and community engagement.

Program Development: How It Works
- Collaborative Design: You bring the vision, we provide the expertise. Programs tailored to your curriculum.
- Recruitment & Preparation: Student outreach, logistics, and orientation support.
- In‑Country Support: Onsite staff manage logistics and emergencies so you can focus on teaching.
- Reflection & Future Planning: Post‑program feedback and planning for your next experience.

Available Destinations
Argentina · Chile · Costa Rica · France · Germany · Greece · Ireland · Italy · The Netherlands · South Korea · Spain · United Kingdom · Croatia · Romania
Housing
Apartments or hotels for faculty and participants.
Transportation
On-site ground transportation including airport pick-up and drop-off.
Flights
We have access to reduced airfare rates, helping keep program costs low.
Classroom Space
Need classroom or meeting space? We have the perfect place for you.
Medical Insurance
Top-rated plans for students and faculty.
Tour Guides, Entrance Fees, Site Visits, Guest Lectures
Student Payment Processing
Including use of financial aid.
"A World of Care" Student Support Suite
Stellar on-site support package can include on-site director, 24/7 mental health support, 24/7 emergency number, and safety-enhancing mobile app.
The team at ASA helped us to realize the vision behind our faculty-led, Experiencing Italy program, in 2012-2013. We approached them with a full plan and they helped us put all of the practical details together--hotels reservations, museum tickets, coach reservation, group meals, train tickets, and so much more. Since our first adventures in May of 2013, we have been able to take more than 100 University of Minnesota Duluth undergraduate students to Italy (over four additional May terms) and are currently planning for May term 2026. Over the years, Lee and Chiara have collaborated with us as the program evolved into one that balances art history and studio practice. In addition, they have provided critical emergency support including working with an airline (on a Sunday!) when unexpected challenges arose and tracking down a wheelchair in every small town visited. This logistical and real time problem-solving has allowed us, as faculty-leads, to support our students and to maintain focus on academic learning objectives.
Thanks ASA!
Betsy Hunt, Assistant Professor of Digital Art
Dr. Jennifer D. Webb, Associate Professor of Art History
Department of Art & Design, University of Minnesota Duluth
The Academic Studies Abroad team made our inaugural course in Dublin and Belfast a complete success. It was a tremendous relief to have so much support before, during, and even after our travels. The trip was completely customized to meet the course goals and objectives while also offering students and faculty diverse, memorable, and enjoyable experiences as well as introductions to remarkable content experts in the host countries. It is impossible to imagine being the program director of a study abroad course without partnering with ASA.
Melissa Marini Švigelj, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Justice Studies
James Madison University
Fitchburg State University has been partnering with ASA for faculty-led programs for over 20 years, and their commitment to providing excellent faculty and student support has been second to none. The staff at ASA are incredibly easy to work with, offering a seamless planning process and consistent support from start to finish. Their international on-site directors are a tremendous asset, ensuring that every program runs smoothly and providing faculty support while abroad. I have noted that ASA continues to evolve and enhance their services, offering support for both students—such as access to online mental health counseling—and faculty, with arrangements like excursion booking and in-country coordination. Their dedication makes them an invaluable partner in delivering enriching global experiences.
Dr. Monica M. Maldari, ACSM-CEP
Professor, Exercise and Sports Science Department
Fitchburg State University
Please contact ASA’s Special Projects Manager, Santiago Alias, with questions about customized programs and for more information about submitting your program proposal.
Get in Touch
Fill out this form to be contacted about ASA's faculty-led programs and how we can help you organize your group.

Download the Free Ultimate Study Abroad Roadmap!
Epic study abroad experiences don't just happen. To have a truly life-changing experience you need a plan - a roadmap. We can help.