The Asia Institute

What The Asia Institute does

The Asia Institute is a private education services company founded in 2006 and headquartered in Bee Cave (Austin), Texas, that partners with U.S. educational institutions to design and deliver Asia-focused international programs. The company operates a B2B2C model targeting university study-abroad offices, deans, and faculty champions, processing institutional RFPs into proposals that include logistics, on-the-ground support, company visits, and cultural activities across 14 countries and 48 cities in East, Southeast, and South Asia.

The product portfolio is organized around five core service lines: Education Abroad (customized short-term faculty-led programs), Career Services (international internships and career treks), International Admissions (marketing, partnerships, and student recruitment), Virtual Learning (online language and culture modules), and Scholarships (including a $125,000 Return to Asia program). Sub-products include the Academic Continuity Program (hosting international students at partner institutions like XJTLU during travel disruptions), Remote Internship Programs (50-200 contact hours over 5-16 weeks), Social Impact Projects (8-week team-based UN-SDG-aligned consulting at $1,365/student), and Integrated Online Language and Culture Programs across Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages. Underlying technology consists of virtual delivery infrastructure and remote internship coordination systems, with recent enhancement through a 2024 partnership integrating CulturaGo's cultural-preparation platform.

Revenue is generated through professional-services program fees quoted on a per-institution, per-program basis. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales through an RFP-driven motion, supplemented by event-driven demand generation at conferences (Forum on Education Abroad, AAC&U, NAFSA), webinars, and virtual familiarization weeks. The company maintains offices in five U.S. cities (Austin, New York, Chicago, Minneapolis) plus Shanghai for Asia operations, is led by Chairman and CEO Bradley A. Feuling with Academic Lead Ann Hubbard (Ph.D., 30+ years in international education), and has served over 5,000 participants cumulatively across its 18-year history.

Name

The Asia Institute

Legal name

The Asia Institute

Website

https://asiainstitute.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Asia Institute is a private education services company that partners with U.S. universities and community colleges to design and deliver customized Asia-focused programs, including faculty-led study abroad, remote internships, social impact consulting projects, and virtual language and culture courses spanning 14 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (6117)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Faculty-Led & Custom Group Study Abroad Programs (EDAIAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Study Abroad Program Management & Administration (for Institutions) (EDAIAAAJ), Direct Enrollment & Third-Party University Study Abroad Programs (EDAIAAAB), Thematic & Discipline-Specific Study Abroad Programs (e.g., STEM, Business, Arts) (EDAIAAAC)

Keywords

• Study abroad programs
• International education services
• Faculty-led programs
• Remote internship programs
• International admissions support

Headquarters

HQ city

Austin, Texas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Education Abroad Program Fees: Fees charged to educational institutions for designing and implementing customized short-term faculty-led programs in Asia. Programs include logistics coordination, on-the-ground support, company visits, and cultural activities.
2. Remote Internship Programs: Fees for customized remote global internship opportunities at Asian companies. Programs typically run 5-16 weeks with 50-200 contact hours.
3. Social Impact Projects: 8-week team-based consulting projects where students work with Asia-based NGOs addressing UN SDGs. Program fee of $1,365 per participant.
4. Scholarship Program Administration: The company administers scholarship programs including Return to Asia ($125,000 awarded) and Pennsylvania Global Scholarships ($2,000 total) to support students.
5. Academic Continuity Services: Support services for universities hosting international students at partner institutions in Asia, including enrollment management, housing, and student support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Asia Institute partners with educational institutions to design and implement customized short-term faculty-led study abroad programs in Asia, along with international student recruitment, career services (internships and social impact projects), and virtual/hybrid language and culture learning programs. The company delivers end-to-end program support including logistics, on-the-ground facilitation, company visits, cultural activities, and academic continuity services for international students. Its offerings are organized around four core service lines: Education Abroad, Career Services, International Admissions, and Virtual Learning.

Product overview

The Asia Institute is an education services company offering a portfolio of interconnected programs focused on international education in Asia. The core offerings include Education Abroad (faculty-led short-term programs), Career Services (internships and career treks), International Admissions (student recruitment and academic continuity), and Virtual Learning (online language programs). These services are delivered through sub-products including the Academic Continuity Program for students studying at partner institutions in China, Remote Internship Programs at Asian companies, Social Impact Projects aligned with UN SDGs, and Integrated Language and Culture Programs. The company serves educational institutions seeking to expand their global learning offerings in Asia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Education Abroad Customized, short-term faculty-led programs in Asia designed to meet institutional learning outcomes, including destination-specific offerings such as Supply Chain in China, Sustainability in India, Media Studies in Japan, and Urban Ecology in Singapore. Delivered to universities and colleges with full logistical and academic support.
• Career Services International internships and career trek programs offering leadership opportunities for resume building, delivered to university students through placement with Asia-based companies and NGOs. Encompasses Remote Internship Programs and Social Impact Projects as sub-offerings.
• International Admissions 360-degree support for marketing outreach, strategic partnerships, and international student recruitment, including academic continuity programs at partner institutions in Asia. Targeted at U.S. institutions seeking to recruit and retain international students.
• Virtual Learning Online or hybrid distance learning courses that bring Asia to students, including integrated language and culture programs for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean learners, designed for educational institutions and individual learners seeking remote Asia-focused instruction.
• Scholarships Multiple scholarship programs administered by The Asia Institute to increase accessibility for students interested in studying in Asia, including the Return to Asia Scholarships Program ($125,000 in funding awarded for 2021-2022) and Pennsylvania Global Scholarships ($2,000 total).
• Academic Continuity Program Program enabling international students to fulfill academic requirements at partner institutions in Asia (Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University, University of Nottingham-Ningbo) while maintaining connection to their home institution, including enrollment management, housing, meal plans, and 24/7 onsite support.
• Remote Internship Programs Customized remote global internship opportunities at Asian companies and NGOs, typically 50-200 contact hours over 5-16 weeks, delivered in project-based or traditional formats for university students and recent graduates.
• Social Impact Projects 8-week team-based consulting projects in Asia with leading organizations advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals. Teams of 4-7 students work on real-world challenges for Asia-based NGOs.
• Integrated Language and Culture Programs Virtual and hybrid programs for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language learners featuring 16 modules covering non-textbook language instruction, peer-to-peer student engagement, historical site visits with live guides, and cultural immersion activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 5,000 participants hosted across 14 countries and 48 cities in Asia
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CulturaGocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 May 2024Partnership with CulturaGo, a learning platform for cultural preparation of student travelers. CulturaGo provides destination-specific courses for Japan and South Korea including CulturaSkills intercultural training and Introduction to Japanese Culture courses, offered at no extra cost to students. The integration enhances all Asia Institute programs with pre-departure cultural preparation.
• OurLand Nature ConservatoryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2021Thailand-based NGO wildlife sanctuary in Western Forest Complex on Thailand-Myanmar border. Student teams develop recommendations for sustainable eco-tourist destination development while ensuring human-wildlife coexistence. Part of Social Impact Projects addressing environmental sustainability.
• Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 February 2021Panel participation at AAC&U Diversity, Equity, and Student Success Conference. Chairman/CEO Bradley Feuling moderated panel on Connecting with Underrepresented Students During Covid-19.
• Habitat for Humanity - Terwilliger Center for Innovation in SheltercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2021Partnership to support remote internship programs within the Asia-Pacific region with focus on U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Students develop recommendations for Philippine-based construction companies on sustainable practices. Part of Social Impact Projects Program addressing SDGs 3, 9, 11, and 12.
• University of PittsburghcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2020Expanded partnership for Pitt on Location program at XJTLU in Suzhou. International students can learn alongside Pitt students both in-person and virtually. The Asia Institute provides 24/7 onsite support, enrollment coordination, buddy program with on-campus students, and panel discussions with local alumni.
• Cambodia Rural Student TrustminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2020NGO working on Project G: Empowering Girls program to bring women's health education and sustainable feminine hygiene solutions to girls in rural Cambodia. Part of Social Impact Projects addressing SDGs 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, and 17.
• Global Learning Collective (GLC)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 September 2020Partnership for virtual study abroad curriculum and Global Familiarization Week events. GLC Virtual Familiarization Week showcases Asia Institute programming. Collaboration on webinar series and PBL internship programs. Nearly 60 students participated in 2021 summer PBL internship program across Asia.
• Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University (XJTLU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 September 2020Partnership to host Chinese students seeking to fulfill academic coursework. XJTLU is the largest international joint-university in China with 12,000+ students. The Asia Institute facilitates course enrollment, CHESICC certifications, housing, meal plans, and arranges special events including panel discussions with alumni.
• Habitat for Humanity JapanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPanelist organization in Virtual Familiarization Week discussing NGO engagement with local communities for sustainable development.
• Sangob Foundation (Thailand)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation focused on preserving local traditions through education. Programs include The Karen Way of Life, Community Service, Outreach Project & Thai Box addressing traditional agricultural practices, ethnic music and dance, weaving, and natural healing.
• Cambodia Rural Students TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNGO founded in 2011 supporting students from primary school through university, daily volunteering, community school, and vocational training center. Panelist organization for UN Sustainability Goals webinar.
• University of Nottingham-NingbominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution for Academic Continuity Program offering international students ability to fulfill academic requirements at a highly regarded institution while staying connected with online courses at home institutions.
• Rowan UniversitycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLongstanding partner for Engineering in a Global Context program in Japan. Annual program includes visits to Astroscale, Hino Motors, Inductotherm, and Monozukuri manufacturing experiences.
• San Diego Mesa CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommunity college partner for Japanese language and culture program in Kyoto. Over 100 students applied for 40 available seats in the six-week hybrid program including Gion Matsuri festival.
• Washington University in St. Louis - Olin Business SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHosted nearly 100 MBA students and faculty during 17-day Shanghai stay as part of 38-day global immersion. Supported visits to Bosideng and other Chinese companies.
• University of PennsylvaniacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLongstanding partner for Global Seminars short-term programs in Asia. Collaboration on planning, budgeting, and cultural experiences.
• University of TennesseecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for Global Supply Chain Institute programs. Asia Institute leveraged regional connections to build academic program for business students.
• New Jersey Institute of TechnologycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for School of Management faculty-led programs. Asia Institute provides extensive knowledge of Asian businesses, curriculum development, syllabus preparation, and academic resources.
• University of Colorado BouldercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for Center for Asian Studies short-term faculty-led programs in China. Collaboration on efficient and cooperative program planning.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• IES Abroad: One of the largest U.S. non-profit study abroad providers, offering faculty-led and direct-enrollment programs globally including substantial Asia coverage. Directly comparable to The Asia Institute on B2B/B2B2C model, faculty-led customization, and university partnership motion.
• API (Academic Programs International): U.S.-based study abroad provider focused on faculty-led programs, direct enrollment, and internships. Competes head-to-head with The Asia Institute for RFPs from U.S. universities looking to send cohorts to Asia and other regions.
• CEA Study Abroad: U.S. study abroad organization offering short-term faculty-led, semester, and internship programs including Asia destinations. Operates a similar B2B partnership model with U.S. higher-ed institutions.
• USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium): University-consortium based study abroad provider with faculty-led and semester programs including Asia. Closely comparable on institutional buyer profile and customized program delivery.
• AIFS (American Institute For Foreign Study): Long-established U.S. study abroad and cultural exchange provider with global faculty-led and customized programs. Comparable product set; TAI's Academic Lead Ann Hubbard was previously VP at AIFS, evidencing direct industry overlap.
• CIS Abroad: U.S. study abroad provider with strong faculty-led, internships, and customized short-term program offerings across multiple continents including Asia. Same buyer (study-abroad offices, deans, faculty), same delivery model (RFP-driven, customized itineraries).

Broad incumbents

• WorldStrides: Large U.S. educational travel provider covering K-12 and higher-ed study abroad, faculty-led programs, and customized global experiences. Broader audience and product set than TAI but competes on the higher-ed custom-program RFP motion.
• SIT (School for International Training): Global experiential education provider offering study abroad, field-based programs, and internships with significant Asia coverage. Comparable on experiential/field-based learning and faculty-led short-term programs.
• CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange): Largest U.S. non-profit study abroad organization with broad global portfolio including extensive Asia programs, internships, and faculty-led custom programs. Overlaps with TAI on RFP-driven faculty-led Asia programs but at much larger scale and with a wider geographic mandate.

Others

• Global Learning Collective: Consortium of study abroad providers collaborating on virtual study abroad curriculum and Familiarization Week events. Listed as a TAI partner, so it is a channel/alliance peer rather than a direct competitor — comparable through shared content and audience reach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-asia-institute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Asia Institute