Washington, DC — American Councils Study & Research Abroad is expanding its program portfolio to include three strategically focused programs in Europe and Asia: The Baltic States, NATO, and Russia (Tallinn, Estonia), The Caucasus Today: Security, Conflict, and Culture (Yerevan, Armenia), and Tradition and Modernity in Taiwan (New Taipei City, Taiwan). Offered during the academic year and open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students from a wide range of disciplines, these semester programs combine rigorous coursework taught in English with structured language study and immersive living experiences.
Together, the new programs represent a significant milestone in American Councils for International Education’s effort to broaden access to regionally grounded, high-impact study abroad opportunities in areas of critical global importance. They respond to growing demand from students and institutions for academically substantive programs that address contemporary geopolitical challenges, ranging from European security and post-Soviet regional dynamics to democratic governance and innovation in the Indo-Pacific. Offering language instruction geared to all proficiency levels in addition to courses taught in English, these programs are well suited for students with no prior foreign language study.
Each program is delivered in partnership with leading host institutions, including Tallinn University, Yerevan State University, and Tamkang University, and integrates classroom learning with experiential components such as homestays, excursions, cultural activities, regional travel, and engagement with local peers and experts. Participants earn U.S. academic credit while developing analytical, linguistic, and cross-cultural competencies through a model that combines area studies, introductory or advanced language training, and daily immersion in the host society.
Collectively, these programs offer students the unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of global affairs and build the skills required to engage with complex regional issues professionally. Through these offerings, American Councils’ study abroad programs give students the opportunity to grow academically, gain independence, and develop the global skills and confidence needed to thrive in college, careers, and an interconnected world.
“By taking courses on NATO, European security, and cross-strait relations within the very regions where these issues are unfolding, U.S. students will gain in-depth insights into some of the most important contemporary issues of our time while developing important language skills,” said Lisa Choate, President and CEO of American Councils. “Students will also gain many of the professional qualities and skills that employers are actively looking for in today’s workforce, including independence, flexibility, leadership, critical thinking skills, and the ability to negotiate complex cultural differences.”
American Councils is committed to ensuring that more students can access the life-changing benefits of study abroad. We have expanded our scholarship opportunities, including additional support through the Dan Davidson Fellowship, expanded Opportunity Scholarships, and the launch of the President’s Scholarship for Travel to help make these experiences more affordable for families.
For more information about financial aid and scholarships, visit the American Councils Study Abroad website.