For almost 30 years VIA Stanford Programs has been uniting Stanford and Asian university students through short-term, cross-cultural educational programs aimed at exploring contemporary social issues and providing students with the skills to be international citizens and leaders in a global society. These programs, grounded in the principles of experiential education and public service, vary in focus and explore such topics as service-learning, healthcare, language, and social issues from a cross-cultural perspective. VIA currently offers three different programs for Stanford students interested in broadening their global outlook: American Language and Culture, Exploring Health Care, and Asia-US Service-Learning. Read our SP Newsletter to learn more about VIA Stanford Programs.
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American Language and Culture (ALC) has been running continuously since 1977. Every summer, VIA selects eight highly motivated Stanford students to participate in the Claude Buss Fellowship for each of ALC’s two four-week sessions. The Buss Fellows share their summer experience with participants from Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. As compensation for their work, fellows are provided airfare for a weeklong trip to Asia. |
Exploring Healthcare (EHC) is a two-week program which involves 30 Japanese medical students and five Stanford students. Both undergraduates and Stanford medical School students are eligible to apply for the program. Stanford hosts and Japanese participants spend one week in San Francisco visiting hospitals, clinics, and medical schools. The second week of the program is based at Stanford and focuses on facilities on campus and in the surrounding area. Stanford hosts are then provided airfare for a study trip to Asia in late June. |
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Asia-US Service-Learning (AUSL) brings together community minded students from Stanford and from Japan’s leading universities for an intensive four-week summer program. Through workshops on Stanford campus, a weeklong service project developed and led by Stanford and Japanese coordinators, and a relaxed but structured retreat at the end of the program, students learn about the value and impact of service work, how non-profit organizations function, and the cultural subtleties of volunteerism. The eight Stanford AUSL Coordinators will also participate in a week-long service project in Japan during the following Spring Break. |
Serving American Community (SAC) is a two-week program that looks at homelessness and poverty in the U.S. and the services provided by the government, NPOs, educational institutions, and religious groups. This programs brings together service-minded students from Japan to learn with Stanford students about homelessness and poverty through lectures, tours and hands on volunteer activities. Moreover, this program allows participants to take the time to reflect within and think about who they are in relation to the homeless and impoverished communities. |
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