Author: Rai Antonio / Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson, MSEd / Reading Level: Grade 10
Key Takeaways:
- Affordable online colleges offer study abroad opportunities in Asia to enhance cultural understanding and language skills.
- Arizona State University stands out for its diverse study abroad programs in Asian countries like Korea, Japan, and China.
- Programs cover various experiences such as field trips, language tutorials, and specialized studies like Advanced Chinese Studies and Japanese Language.
Are you interested in studying abroad? Do you want to expand your understanding of different cultures? Do you want to be exposed to the top-notch academic programs in Asian colleges?
Featured Programs
Some online universities and colleges offer study-abroad opportunities. Many of these study abroad programs focus on Asian countries.
If you want to earn credits for your major or electives, understand Asian cultures, and improve your language proficiency, it may make sense to ask about top study abroad opportunities in Asia. You will discover that the online higher learning institutions offering these programs also offer the most affordable tuition rates!
We hope this valuable guide will help you weigh your options in choosing the best online colleges and universities where study abroad programs in Asia are being offered.
Top 5 Cheapest Online Colleges with Study Abroad Programs in Asia
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Average Tuition: $561 to $1,343 per credit hour
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Students interested in learning more about Asian cultures and languages may want to consider Arizona State University. The university offers diverse opportunities that allow you to travel and study in Asia, particularly in countries such as Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Currently, you can choose among 300-plus study abroad programs across 60 countries globally. The programs are available in the fall, spring, and summer semesters as well as in the full academic year. Each of the programs has its corresponding fees and available funding options. You can expect the programs and courses to cover a wide range of learning experiences, including diversified field trips, language tutorials, and so much more.
Courses offered at Asian universities for students who wish to take advantage of study abroad opportunities:
- Advanced Chinese Studies – East China Normal University
- Chinese Language Flagship Program at Nanjing University
- Beloit Summer Intensive Japanese and Chinese
- American Institute of Indian Studies – Hindi, Tamil and Bengali Language Programs
- Japanese Language and Religion in Hiroshima
- HIF Summer Intensive Japanese with Home Stay – Hokkaido, Japan
- Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies
Pros:
- Top-ranked public school
- More diverse
- 90% acceptance rate
Cons:
- Larger class sizes
Elon University
Elon, North Carolina
Average Tuition: $44,029 per year
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Elon University is one of the many higher learning institutions in the country that offers plenty of study-abroad opportunities, with many of these available in online degree programs. If you want a valuable complement to your Asian studies minor or major, you may choose among a range of programs in Asia offered under the Isabella Cannon Centre for International Studies.
The programs are designed to give students the chance to experience different cultures, allowing them to travel across various countries and explore issues relevant to their area of study. Some of the programs focus on religion and languages. Others are geared towards learning more about certain fields like healthcare delivery and environmental issues that can enhance your knowledge and understanding.
Study abroad opportunities in Asia offered by Elon University include:
- Eastern Himalayan Forests & Rural Livelihoods
- India’s Identities: Religion, Caste & Gender in Contemporary South India
- India, Manipal: Indian Studies & Public Health at Manipal University (Alliance)
- International Business and Culture in Mumbai
- Contemporary India: Development, Environment & Public Health in Pune
Pros:
- Best value school
- Smaller class sizes
Cons:
- Less diverse
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Average Tuition: $485 to $865 per credit hour
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Students who want to widen their perspectives and enrich their learning experience can explore some of the study abroad opportunities in Asia offered at Kansas University. The programs are categorized according to the duration that it takes to complete them. Some choices are semester-long, and others can be accomplished in one-semester break.
The semester programs are offered under the partner universities in specific Asian countries, including the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, Korea University in South Korea, Thammasat University in Thailand, and Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan. You may also explore internship opportunities in Ho Chi Minh and Seoul. Some of the programs are offered as major courses, which means you can earn credit hours upon completion.
There are also available short-term learning opportunities, including the following:
- Business in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen)
- Understanding India: Business and Culture (Goa, Delhi)
- Technology, Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Israel (Haifa, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv)
Pros:
- Top public school
- Higher graduation rate
Cons:
- Less diverse
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
Average Tuition: $785 per credit hour
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
At DePaul University, you can find a comprehensive list of education abroad offerings. These opportunities vary depending on the duration, cost, academic discipline, program type, and cross-cultural engagement. Generally, you can choose between term-long programs and short-term programs. The latter is available to students of any major, while the long-term options may require you to check with your program advisor.
Asian locations where study abroad programs are offered:
- China
- India
- Japan
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong
In Japan, you can choose among a number of study abroad programs such as Computer Gaming & Animation, Hidden Champions in Manufacturing, Innovation & Start-Up Services, and Ethics & Cultural Representations of the Atomic Age. Many programs are focused on a certain discipline, such as finance and public service. Some offer foreign language program opportunities such as the Summer Intensive Chinese Language Program offered in Shanghai.
Pros:
- Higher graduation rate
- More diverse
Cons:
- Less affordable
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Average Tuition: $450 per credit hour
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Studying abroad is challenging, but it is a learning experience that can also improve your confidence. At James Madison University, online students may take advantage of a wealth of study abroad opportunities that will help them gain valuable insights and perspectives regarding various cultures, peoples, and languages.
The university guides students through the whole process by offering them a host of videos detailing the process of studying abroad. It also provides a dedicated, frequently asked questions page and a Study Abroad Planning Guide. The guide will give you ample ideas about the process, along with helpful tips on courses and funding options.
The study abroad programs at James Madison University are offered in multiple cities across several Asian countries. Some of the city locations include Taipei, Ho Chi Minh, Kyoto, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nara, and more. Many of these programs allow you to explore and take courses at partner universities abroad while earning credit hours for your degree.
Study Abroad programs offered in Asia:
- Asian Business Analytics Program
- The Art and Business Culture of Japan
- Japan: Art and Architecture
- Taiwan History and Political Science
Pros:
- Top public school
- High graduation rate
Cons:
- Less diverse
Frequently Asked Questions
What college sends the most students abroad?
Studying abroad is an opportunity provided by most US schools to their students. Some of the colleges and universities with the highest number of students who went abroad to study include Goucher College with more than 70 programs across 40 countries. At Soka University studying abroad for a semester is required for undergraduate students. These two colleges have the highest number of students showing their interest in study abroad opportunities.
Which country is best for study in Asia?
Asia is a huge continent with numerous countries that are home to some of the best education. Studying in Asia can offer interested students a good opportunity to brush up on their language skills, learn about different cultures, and expand their knowledge in their particular field by gaining a wider perspective.
If you are looking for the best country to study in Asia, you may find that the choice largely depends on what you are looking for. China will always come up at the top of the list because of its higher learning institutions’ sheer accomplishments in many Asia University rankings.
The country also offers generous privileges to international students. They enjoy affordable tuition rates and scholarships. Japan is also one of the choice destinations for study abroad programs, featuring more than 800 public and private universities. The country is known for its strong academic support and research tradition. As a technologically advanced country, Japan entices many students from abroad.
Other Asian countries worth mentioning include South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, India, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
What’s the cheapest country to attend college in Asia?
Many Asian countries prove to be attractive to international students because of their affordable tuition rates and generally cheap cost of living, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan. In Taiwan, the tuition fee ranges from $800 to $15,000 per year. Indonesia hovers between $3,000 to $10,000, according to some sources.
Consider the cost of living when looking at the cheapest country to attend college in Asia. Vietnam and Thailand generally offer cheaper costs of living compared to many Asian countries with great educational offerings. International students can budget $400 to $800 per month to live comfortably.
What is an Asian student exchange program for college?
Student exchange programs are popular in the United States. In fact, it has been since the World Wars. This strategy helped promote understanding among countries. It aimed to prevent any more catastrophic wars that devastated many nations.
Asian student exchange programs give students the opportunity to explore and gain a better understanding of Asian countries. Many universities and colleges offer such programs that put the spotlight on Asian culture and languages. It helps advance cross-cultural exchanges and dialogues. Ultimately, it breaks down barriers between cultures and peoples.
Many Asian student exchange programs are also helpful in broadening students’ knowledge in their field. It is to their advantage to gain significant experience from another country!
The Asian student programs are often paired with community service, cultural enrichment, and professional development opportunities. The goal is to give college students an excellent educational experience abroad.
Can I go to college in Asia for free?
There are often accompanying costs for study abroad opportunities, but many programs offer funding options that can significantly bring down costs or even allow you to complete the study abroad program for free. Some of the ways you can fund your study abroad programs include scholarships, grants, fellowships, and incentives.
The funding award for some grants and scholarships can sometimes be enough to cover expenses when studying abroad, from tuition fees to transportation and accommodation costs.
Sources
- National Center for Education Statistics: College Navigator
- U.S. News & World Report
- 10 Affordable Study Abroad Opportunities in Europe
- Best Colleges for International Studies
- American Universities Abroad
- Will Studying Abroad Enhance My Degree?