What Is a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program? See How Embry-Riddle Students Gained Global Experience in Bali

Bali, often called the Island of Gods, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rice fields. It’s a place where tradition meets adventure, making it the perfect setting for our faculty-led study abroad programs. Students get to grow academically and immerse into Balinese culture at the same time. 

But what are faculty-led study abroad programs? These short-term programs are designed and customized towards the needs of a faculty, consisting of students and their professors. By combining classroom teaching with hands-on experiences in an international setting, an unforgettable educational journey is ensured. In this post, we’ll explore how these programs work and share highlights from a recent Asia Exchange faculty-led program, where students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University travelled to Bali.

What is included in the faculty-led program?

Most importantly the faculty-led program includes a customizable program, according to your faculty’s specific needs. A mindfully designed agenda is planned for your faculty-led program, which includes a variety of activities, but at the same time leaves room for free-time and own explorations of the island. An English-speaking, on-site group leader is accompanying the group for day-time activities, and available 24/7 in case of emergency. 

The faculty-led program agenda features a mix of classes, company visits, excursions and cultural activities. The trip aims to enhance participants’ understanding of business and entrepreneurship in a global context. 

One of our main missions is to make studying abroad accessible and affordable for students. By offering the faculty-led program as a package including accommodation, on-site transportation and meal plans, we can keep the price budget-friendly, while still providing an unforgettable academic and cultural experience. 

At Asia Exchange and Beyond Abroad, we currently offer faculty-led programs in three different destinations: Bali (Indonesia), South Korea and Finland. We offer ready-made plans for each of them, which can be customized according to your institution’s needs. The Bali program is specifically designed for engineering students, they get to explore local engineering companies while experiencing the island’s unique culture simultaneously. In Korea participants focus on Korean culture, such as K-Pop and K-Drama within their political, historical and societal context. The program in Finland is focusing on how design thinking shapes modern solutions, alongside that students get to explore Nordic innovation, architecture and design.

Why choose a faculty-led program over traditional study abroad?

While studying a semester, year or even a whole degree abroad sounds appealing to many students, it might be intimidating to others. While we naturally still encourage everyone to get out of their comfort zone and try it anyways, there’s no point in forcing anyone. Living abroad for a longer period of time just doesn’t suit everyone. And that’s where our faculty-led study abroad program comes into play. 

Naturally, a short-term study program is less pressuring and requires less commitment than a whole semester abroad. The students go in a group of peers and together with staff from their home university, feeling secure. Our local staff helps on-site by providing guidance and support, making it an easygoing journey for the accompanying university staff members as well. 

Another advantage of a faculty-led program is affordability. Since the program is shorter, it also comes with less costs, while still including similar benefits as a semester abroad. Compared to a semester abroad, a faculty-led program is an even more intense and immersive experience. On top of that, our faculty-led programs offer company visits and cultural experiences. These opportunities aren’t typically included in a traditional semester abroad.

Our faculty-led programs are flexible and also work for example perfectly as a summer abroad study program. This way it doesn’t collide with any other studies. By the way, the program isn’t only a great opportunity for the students to gain international experience, but also a unique experience for the university staff!

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Bali: A case study of learning beyond the classroom

What are faculty-led study abroad programs really like in practice? Let’s bring that to life with a recent program in stunning Bali, Indonesia. This one featured a group from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

During their stay, six students and two professors immersed themselves in Bali’s cultural, academic, and professional life. The itinerary combined classroom learning with real-world experiences. It gave them a powerful look into Balinese life and global perspectives.

Participants had daily lectures and discussions, and visited several companies to understand the region’s growing business scene – Bali is now one of Asia’s fastest-emerging startup hubs.

Outside the classroom, students experienced cultural activities that left a lasting impression. Highlights included a hike up Mount Batur, a snorkeling excursion, a visit to Uluwatu Temple, and hands-on insight into Balinese Hinduism through rituals like daily offerings. These moments helped students connect deeply with local traditions and the spiritual rhythm of everyday life on the island. 

This program is a great example of how faculty-led study abroad programs go beyond textbooks – fostering personal growth, intercultural understanding, and unforgettable memories.

What participants gained from the Bali experience 

The feedback from both students and faculty on the Embry-Riddle faculty-led program in Bali was overwhelmingly positive. Participants called it “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The program blended education, culture, and exploration in a way no classroom could. Students said it gave them deep insight into Balinese culture, daily life, and business practices. It was a rare chance to understand what makes Bali so unique, even within Indonesia. Many spoke about the meaningful relationships they built during the trip and how much they valued the warmth and care shown by the local people. 

When asked whether they would recommend this program to others, every participant responded with an enthusiastic yes. They praised the smooth logistics and the mix of educational and cultural activities. The program was both fun and enriching, filled with unforgettable moments. For these students, learning went beyond lectures. It was about connection, cultural immersion, and seeing the world with fresh eyes.

Quote from Sue Macchiarella, Director of the Office of Global Engagement at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: 

“This was our first time partnering with Asia Exchange. It was a fantastic experience, well planned, well executed, great communication, and very friendly staff.  
Thank you all for your hard work in making our Business in Bali program such a huge success and deeply cultural. I know our student lives were changed for the better.” – Sue Macchiarella

Ready for your own faculty-led program?

Take the first step towards creating an unforgettable journey for your students by getting in touch with either Joonas Salo (joonas@asiaexchange.org) or Cindy Schoger (cindy@asiaexchange.org).

Click here to learn more about our faculty-led programs.

The post What Is a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program? See How Embry-Riddle Students Gained Global Experience in Bali appeared first on Asia Exchange.