Faculty-Led & Customized Programs

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!

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. 

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.