Asia study abroad program

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Who sponsors ASAP? 

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Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY.  Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education (http://www.msche.org) with the School of Management accredited by AASCB, the international accrediting body for business schools.

 

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When is ASAP offered?

Fall semester only.  Departure/return dates are early September -- mid December. 

 

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What places are on the itinerary for 2024?

·       India: New Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal)

·       Nepal:  Kathmandu and surrounding area

·       Thailand:  Chiang Mai, Rayong, Pattaya, Bangkok

·       Cambodia:  Siem Reap, Phnom Penh

·       Vietnam:  Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi

·       Indonesia:  Bali

·       Singapore

·       Japan:  Tokyo and surrounding area

·       Taiwan:  Taipei, Hualian

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Is Asia safe?

Yes.  Every place we go is as safe or safer than the majority of cities in the US.  In 19 prior programs, the only injuries have been self-inflicted, i.e., scrapes and bruises from making unwise decisions. 

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Where do we stay? 

Hotels​ located in interesting parts of town with restaurants and public transportation within easy walking distance. 

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How do we travel? 

Primarily flights, though in SE Asia where distances are relatively short between some cities, we sometimes take a bus. 

  

Travel in a particular city may include train, skytrain, monorail, subway, tuk tuk, motobike (as a passenger), taxi, Uber, Lyft, or boat.

 

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How’s the food?   

In a word, delicious.  Asians value fresh, unprocessed food and ASAPers generally like every local cuisine they encounter.  Picky eaters can always find Western food if they want to stick to something they know.

 

Can I find vegetarian or vegan meals? 

Yes, and almost always easier to find in Asia than in most of the US.

 

Asian cuisine seldom includes dairy products, though eggs are a common ingredient.  If you want a vegetarian or vegan meal, you can ask the server to have it made at no extra cost.

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Is food expensive? 

Food is generally a lot cheaper than in the US.  In Tokyo, food is priced similarly to the US, though less expensive options are available even there if you search them out.

 

Is food plentiful? 

Food is literally everywhere you turn in Asia.  With respect to the ready availability of good food, the US is a food desert compared to Asia. 

 

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Who participates in ASAP?

Students from any college or university in good standing both academically and behaviorally; sophomore level or higher; 2.5 or higher overall GPA (exceptions on a case-by-case basis).  

 

Those majoring or minoring in business or international studies will find a good fit between ASAP courses and graduation requirements.

 

What type of person is best suited for ASAP?

These traits and characteristics work best with the ASAP experience:

• Curious and adventuresome; open to new experiences

• Adaptable, flexible

• Self-disciplined, conscientious, responsible

• Hard-working and solution oriented, helpful

• Emotionally stable and mature

 

You may experience some culture shock . . . and you'll like it if you are a good fit for ASAP. 

 

I like to do my own thing from time to time.  Will that be possible on ASAP?

Absolutely, and in fact required.  ASAP is not a “tour.”  It’s a study abroad program that places you in many different venues open for your exploration.  A country briefing prepares you for each country.  Then you decide what to see and experience in each place.  Go solo or with others.  Your choice.  

 

Will I be able to make friends within the group?

Everyone does.  The awkwardness of meeting people at the airport for the first time to embark on a 15-week study abroad experience together fades on the plane ride from the US to the first location.  

 

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What classes are offered?

The following 3-semester credit hour classes are the usual offerings:

• Organizational Behavior

• Ethical Decision Making in Business

• Financial Management

• Marketing Principles

• Legal Foundation of Business

• History: Asia and the World

• World Religions

 

Three courses are in-person and on-site:  Organizational Behavior, Legal Foundation of Business, World Religions.  Other courses are a blend of live online sessions plus on-site sessions when faculty join our travels.   

 

How many classes do I take? 

You must be full-time and take between 12 – 15 credit hours (either 4 or 5 courses). 

 

When and where do we have class? 

Any day of the week and anywhere we find a suitable location.  The class venue changes with location. 

 

 

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How much does ASAP cost?

Costs can be broken down into 2 categories: 

• Tuition & Housing and

• Out-of-Pocket

 

You pay Marist College the Tuition & Housing fees.  You pay for Out-of-Pocket costs as you incur them.  

 

Tuition & Housing for 2024: 

• xxxx

 

Out-of-Pocket cost for travel, food, visas and personal expense: 

 

Travel Expenses (estimates based on actual costs if booked March 2024)

• Flight cost = $2,500 (includes roundtrip transoceanic flight plus all in-region flights) 

• Buses/airport transfer/Lyfts/Ubers = $300

 

Food = $2,000 (estimate; differs by person; with the right choices, you can eat well for $20/day)

 

Visas = $210 (if you process them yourself)

  

Personal Expenses = Differs by person depending on spending habits. 

 

Will ASAP cost me more than the estimates above? 

 

That depends on your choices.  Flights, once booked, are a fixed cost.  Food expense, for example, differs by individual choice.  You can eat well and cheaply in all parts of Asia just as you can choose expensive places to eat.  Some students spend money by frequently “going out” while others keep themselves to a budget.  Day-to-day personal spending habits have the most influence on your overall costs. 

 

 

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Deadline? 

End of April with later consideration possible based on a case-by-case basis. 

 

How do I apply?

Complete the online application here:

https://www.marist.edu/study-abroad/how-to-apply#Semester

 

After I apply, how do I find out more information? 

 

Once you complete your application and are accepted into the program you’ll receive emails letting you know what to do, including how to apply for visas, what to bring, what to leave at home, how to pack, what e-books to buy, and a host of other information to make you well informed.  If you do your part, you’ll be well prepared to board the flight in September to begin your ASAP adventure.