Where There Be Dragons: Summer Programs

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. 

Dragons Summer Abroad Programs are authentic, rugged, and profound opportunities that expose students to the beautiful and complex realities of the countries in which they travel. Dragons students are travelers, not tourists. Programs give students the rare opportunity to genuinely experience the places they travel and create meaningful connections across cultures. Each small-group program is custom-crafted by expert instructors and engages with 9-hands on program components such as homestay, trekking, and language learning. Dragons also offers College Study Abroad Programs in the summer (and winter).

Our approach is simple: build meaningful and long-lasting relationships with local communities, work with the best instructors, and stay true to our responsible travel ethics. Travel with purpose and gain skills. Hear stories, discover fresh perspectives, and engage with critical global issues.

Immersive + Well-Rounded: Dragons students are travelers, not tourists. Course itineraries are built around nine Program Components which engage students in a wide range of hands-on activities such as homestays, trekking, apprenticeships, and language learning.

Small Groups + Professional Instructors: A typical group consists of 12 students and 3 instructors to ensure each student receives individual support and mentorship. On average our instructors are 30+ years of age, have 4+ years living abroad, and are fluent in the local language.

Handcrafted Experiences: We run a limited number of programs because we value quality over quantity. And we never run the same trip twice; each program itinerary is intentional and directly infused with the regional expertise and passions of instructors.

Safety: Safety is our first priority. Over 30+ years we’ve built robust risk management systems and have been vetted by key partners including Princeton University, Tufts University, the Gap Year Association, and the US Secret Service.

Responsible Travel: Dragons programs are environmentally conscious and committed to building meaningful connections. We run longer programs that maximize time abroad, offset carbon emissions, and empower students to learn service responsibly.

Dragons Summer Abroad Programs:

China: Mandarin Language Intensive (4 weeks & 6 weeks)

Bolivia: Spanish Language Immersion in the Andes (4 weeks)

Guatemala: Spanish Language Intensive (2 weeks, 4 weeks & 6 weeks)

Senegal: Rhythms of West Africa (4 weeks)

Cambodia: Peace Building & Conservation (4 weeks)

Taiwan: Mandarin Language Intensive (4 weeks)

Bhutan: Happiness in the Himalayas (2 weeks)

Nepal: Traditions of the Himalayas (4 weeks)

Morocco: Culture & Tradition (4 weeks)

North India: Roof of the World (4 weeks)

Peru: Sacred Mountains (4 weeks)

Indonesia: Conservation & Culture in the World's Largest Archipelago (4 weeks)

Thailand: Sustainability & Spirituality in the Land of Smiles (4 weeks)

Colorado: Sustainability & Resilience (4 weeks)