Where There Be Dragons really and truly changed my life. I gained a sense of independence, a strength of character, and a feeling that I could conquer any obstacles that came in my way. I met a truly exceptional group of people, people who I was able to get to know in such a deep and personal way due to our shared experiences. Going to India was by far the most interesting, scary, and amazing experience, and without this program, I would never have been able to experience it the way that I did. Our instructors definitely did an amazing job, for they not only provided help when we needed it, but also allowed us to truly grow in this strange environment. The times I remember most are the times when I or other members in the group had to step up, assume responsibility, and lead the group on. This program is not for those who are not willing to open their hearts and their eyes, and to this day I think of this trip as one of the more difficult things I have ever done. However, it was by far the most amazing thing. I learned to open my eyes in a way I did not dream was possible, I learned to accept things about myself that before I could barely acknowledge, and, above all else, I came back a better person, a better citizen of this world. I cannot do Dragons justice just with these 5 stars and this jumbled review, but to anyone reading this, i beg of you, take a leap of faith, just as I did. You will be changed forever.
Founded in 1993, Where There Be Dragons is the leader in cross-cultural education. Dragons offers 2, 4, and 6-week immersive and responsible international and domestic summer abroad programs in Asia (including India), Latin America, Africa, and the USA. ..(more)
Experience the enchantment of the Himalayas: trek on the roof of the world, study traditional arts with local masters. Live in a farming village and sit for a Buddhist meditation retreat. Suggested for ages 17-22, with college credit available...(more)
The 12 high school students who participate in this Where There Be Dragons journey to Senegal in Africa will discover true generosity, live with a Senegalese family, learn a new craft, drum and dance, and find themselves immersed in a new worldview...(more)
From agricultural villages to mangrove islands, explore contemporary issues of West Africa while delving into artistic and musical traditions in a culture renowned for its generosity and hospitality. Suggested for ages 17-22, with college credit available...(more)
From forested mountains to the Sahara desert, study the languages, faiths, and diversity of culture that make up the western-most outpost of the Arab world. Suggested for ages 17-22, with college credit available...(more)
Build Spanish language fluency, examine models of political activism, and engage with diverse Mesoamerican communities and cultures. Suggested for ages 17-22, with college credit available...(more)
Explore the idea of reciprocity: participate in a 3-day Theravada meditation retreat in the cool mountains or Chiang Rai, help out on a community-driven learning service permaculture project, and live with marginalized hill tribe communities...(more)
Improve your Spanish language skills through daily small group classes, carefully selected homestays, and community engagement while experiencing the rich Mayan cultural traditions that thrive in Guatemala. This language-intensive program is for students excited to improve their Spanish in a welcoming and immersive context. Students 16-18 attending this two, four, or six week summer program offered by Where There Be Dragons...(more)
Experience the majesty of the most diverse archipelago on Earth: explore Javanese arts, trek to hidden jungle hot springs, spearfish with sea nomads, and discuss conservation initiatives with local experts. Suggested for ages 17-22, with college credit available...(more)
Experience living historical connections: develop Mandarin skills by speaking with homestay families and immersive language study, and explore the depth of shared cultural traditions in China and Taiwan...(more)
Investigate the impacts of climate change: travel to Himalayan glaciers and the Indian plains, examine environmental activism in rural and urban settings, and experience India’s incredible cultural traditions. Ages 18-22...(more)
Immerse yourself in the language and culture of the Andes and Amazon: trek along glaciated peaks, connect with local communities, and build Spanish proficiency in a range of dramatic settings. Suggested for ages 17-22, with college credit available...(more)
Examine issues of human rights and international development: engage in the optimism of Cambodian youth, unpack the legacy of the Khmer Rouge, and gain insight into Theravada Buddhism firsthand...(more)
Examine issues of transboundary resource management within Southeast Asia’s largest river basin, explore diverse belief systems, and participate in community-driven learning service. Suggested for ages 17-22, with college credit available...(more)
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My Dragons West Africa semester program in 2013 inspired me to go to grad school and pursue a Masters in Anthropology at SOAS University of London with a focus on the history of colonization. But when I look back on the program, the thing that mattered most was the human connections. I'm still in touch with people from our group, and with our drum teacher and homestay families. There was always room for magic on this program. I'll never forget one sleepy night in a small village in southern Senegal with no electricity, someone in our group started playing guitar and two of the homestay moms started dancing. Out of nowhere, some drummers showed up. Soon there were like 70 people (old and young) dancing in the compound. The impromptu party kept going until 2 in the morning!