Immerse yourself in Asia with Educational Travel Collaborative, L.L.C.
From Shanghai to Siem Reap, the Sundarbans to Shinjuku, Myanmar to Mongolia, we have travelled this massive, population dense, and diverse continent, and look forward to working to share it with you and connect your exploration of the region with your areas of academic interest.
6 out of 10 people on our planet live here. Get to know this exceptional continent.
There is no field of study, development, or entrepreneurship today that is untouched by the Asian market.
Attempting to sum up Asia in a paragraph is an impossible task. Let us just say that there is absolutely nothing you cannot do in Asia. From engaging in indigenous relations in the frigid north of Japan to trekking through the jungles of Sumatra with Orangutans, from birds nest soup in Hong Kong's trendiest restaurants to homestays in a village in Bangladesh, there is nothing that is off the menu here, both literally and figuratively. We'd love to help you plan country or regional travel that can transform your perspective of the world.
Spotlight: India
A Cultural Assault on the Senses
The world's second largest country, with fourteen official languages and many many more unofficial ones, isn't known as the easiest part of the world to travel. Nobody, however, denies its value as a. destination. Traditions, festivals, and just day to day life in India create a rich and colorful tapestry of humanity that sets this destination apart. Those interested in development, sustainability, urban planning, infrastructure, conservation, and so many more fields. Let us work with you on an itinerary that aligns with your passions and sets you apart from the crowd.
A Place of Peace and Regeneration
India isn't all urban sprawl - it is the home of the Bengal Tiger, the natural wonderland of Indian controlled Kashmir and Assam, and, for many, a place of spiritual retreat and a center of mindfullness practices. Whatever brings you to India, we can help to tailor an itinerary through this wonderfully diverse and expansive nation that meets your personal and professional goals.
Spotlight: Japan
Modernity and Tradition
Japan is a better known destination than many that we choose to spotlight on our website - but it is a truly exceptional destination. While it may be easy enough to fly into Tokyo and Kyoto, the sheer scale of Japan is often misunderstood -  it takes about the same amount of time to fly accross the country as to fly from Moscow to Lisbon. One of our founders lives here, and we are uniquely positioned to support you in exploring this country of contrasts - balancing ancient traditions and an embrace of modernity. Japan, the world's third largest economy, is deeply relevant to virtually every area of study, from students of development to those of robotics, those of demilitarization to those of media production. We look forward to welcoming you to Japan and helping you to dive into its contrasts.
A Universe of Subcultures
Japan stands out globally in so many ways, but one is its balance of conformity and counterculture. From countryside traditions to the gaming and fashion mecca of Tokyo, Japan has so much to offer to anyone looking to broaden their understanding of the world, or deepen their mastery of a specific skill. You won't regret including Japan in your gap year or doing some independent or family travel here!
Spotlight: Myanmar
World Class Exploration, Without the Mass Tourism
It isn't just isolation that makes Myanmar special - it has some of Southeast Asia's top attractions, both historic, religious, and natural. From Trekking the mountains and jungles of the north, to exploring thousands of temples in Bagan, to the legendary Shwe Dagon pagoda and its 72 carat diamond, to the once jet-set chic beaches of the southern islands - Myanmar is packed with destinations for you to explore as you go about the important and engaging work of making connections and building understandings in this giant of the south east asian region.
A Long Isolated Cultural Capital
Whether called Myanmar or Burma at the time, this part of the world has been at the forefront of both this regions culture and traditions as well as its economic and political realities. Decades of military rule, international sanctions, and closed borders has left these traditions untouched by globalization, and unlike so many parts of the world with such heavy political baggage, the country is not, and has never been, unsafe for or unwelcoming towards foreigners. A trip to Myanmar - whether combined with broader travels in Southeast Asia or as a stand alone exploration - offers a taste of Asia that has been lost to all you can drink beach resorts and tour busses in so much of the region. Whether you are interested in regional security, the successes and failures of reconciliation between ethnic minorities and majorities, democratization, mining, traditional arts, drug policy, the modern impacts of increasing foreign influence, or any other of the myriad areas in which Myanmar is particularly relevant, let us help you make connections and maximize your time in this magical country.
Planning Notes
With any area of the world, there are particular planning notes that you should be aware of - the Middle East is no exception. Here are a few tips to help set your expectations for your Middle Eastern adventure!
Duration
One of the things we find ourselves supporting aspiring travelers through most often is the adjustment of their expectations around how much they should attempt to see and do in a set amount of time. We wouldn't advise less than two weeks in any given country in the region with the exception of city visits and micro states like Singapore - go significantly below that and you'll be making some serious sacrifices.
Culture and Safety
The extraordinary diversity of Asia brings with it differences in cultural, religious, and social expectations, as well as unique and specific safety protocols. Whether you know where you plan to travel, or you need our help picking the destination that best fits your travel style, we will work behind the scenes to make sure you are prepared to engage safely with each place that you'll visit, freeing you up to engage positively as you travel!
Entry Requirements and Fees
Asia is home to some of the easiest countries in the world for many passport holders to enter, as well as some of the most most complicated and reclusive states, including Bhutan, Myanmar, and China. Wherever your destination, we can work to plan your itinerary maximize your time, keep you out of long visa lines, and minimize the fees related to all of this red tape, so that you can focus on your personal and academic objectives.
Estimated Costs and Pricing
Every trip is different, tailored to what you want to do and see, and your speed and style of travel. That said, these ballpark figures provide a solid estimate of what all-in costs would look like, including our fees, international airfare, and day to day meals and expenses. Estimates are for one traveler, see our pricing page for more information on small groups, and pricing differences for gap year travelers versus shorter term travel.
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Rural China, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia
21-day Excursion from: US$ 5190
1 Month of a Gap Year from: US$ 3910
Urban China, Taiwan, South Korea
21-day Excursion from: US$ 5610
1 Month of a Gap Year: US$ 4330
Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Maldives (Off Resort)
21-day Excursion from: US$ 6030
1 Month of a Gap Year: US$ 5150
What's Next?
LINKS TO ALL THE OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE SITE HERE.