What adventist does

Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) is a non-profit educational consortium established in 1962 and operated under the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, ACA coordinates language-immersion study abroad programs for students from a consortium of 19+ Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities across North America and Australia. The organization serves secondary school students aged 15+, undergraduate students, ESL students, graduate students, and non-traditional adult learners through programs offering Summer, Academic Year (Fall/Winter/Spring quarters), and Semester options at 9 destinations across 7 countries plus a domestic ESL program.

ACA's core product is accredited language immersion combined with academic credit transfer. Students study French (France), Italian (Italy), Spanish (Spain/Argentina), German (Austria), Portuguese (Brazil), Korean (South Korea), Biblical Hebrew (France), or English (Andrews University, USA), with official certification exams (DELF/DALF, PLIDA, CELU, DELE/SIELE) included. Program fees range from approximately $4,661 to $12,493 USD per session and include lodging, meals, tuition, books, insurance, and cultural excursions. Additional offerings include a Global Internship Program (Costa Rica, Peru, Spain), a Non-Credit Path for adult learners, and High School/Academy dual-credit programs.

Revenue is generated exclusively through program tuition and fees; the organization does not publicly disclose financial figures. Distribution is conducted through a dual-channel model: direct web-based applications via the ACA portal and a consortium network of Campus Coordinators at each member institution. The technology stack is minimal — a WordPress-based website with standard application login, no public API, no proprietary technology, and no AI/ML capabilities. Marketing is conducted through the website, social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), annual magazines, and the consortium school network.

Name

adventist

Legal name

North American Division Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists

Website

https://aca-noborders.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) is a nonprofit consortium of 19+ Seventh-day Adventist colleges operating since 1962 to provide language-immersion study abroad in 9 destinations across 7 countries, serving Adventist secondary, undergraduate, graduate, and ESL students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Study Abroad Language Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Language Schools (611630), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

University-Affiliated Pathway & Foundation Programs (EDAIAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Christian Colleges with Theological Programs (EDAHAKAG), Language & Communication Continuing Education (EDAAAEAF), Bible Colleges (Undergraduate Ministry & Biblical Studies) (EDAHAKAB)

Keywords

• Language study abroad
• Language immersion programs
• Study abroad consortium
• Academic credit transfer
• International education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Program Tuition and Fees: ACA generates revenue through tuition and fees charged to students for study abroad programs. Fees cover lodging, three meals a day, tuition, books, and all official cultural trips and tours. Airfare, personal expenses, and some additional services (private music lessons, dental work, etc.) are not included.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) coordinates and delivers language immersion study abroad programs for students from Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities. Programs are hosted at international Adventist-affiliated institutions across 9 destinations in 7 countries, including Argentina, Austria, Brazil, France, Italy, South Korea, and Spain, plus a Biblical Hebrew program in France and an ESL program at Andrews University in the USA. Students earn transferable academic credit toward their home degrees, with official language certifications such as DELF/DALF, PLIDA, CELU, and DELE/SIELE.

Product overview

Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) is a consortium of Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities offering language study abroad programs. The core offering consists of language immersion programs across 9 country locations: South Korea (Korean), France (French), Italy (Italian), Brazil (Portuguese), Austria (German), Spain (Spanish), Argentina (Spanish), Biblical Hebrew (in France), and ESL in the USA. Programs include Summer sessions, Academic Year quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring), and Semester options. Additional offerings include Global Internships in Costa Rica, Peru, and Spain; Non-Credit Path for professionals and non-traditional students; and High School/Academy programs with dual credit options. Credits transfer to the student's home institution through consortium member schools.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• France Language Program French language immersion at Campus Adventiste du Salève in Collonges-sous-Salève, France. Academic Year, Winter, Spring, and Summer programs for students 15+ with DELF/DALF certification, ski trips, and mountain activities.
• Italy Language Program Italian language study at Istituto Avventista Villa Aurora in Florence, Italy. Academic and Summer programs with PLIDA certification, electives including Italian Cuisine, Ceramics, Painting, and Fashion Design.
• Spain Language Program Spanish language study at Escuela Superior de Español de Sagunto (ESDES) near Valencia, Spain. Academic and Summer programs with DELE/SIELE certification, Flamenco, and cultural trips to Madrid, Granada, and Bilbao.
• Argentina Language Program Spanish language study at Universidad Adventista del Plata (UAP) in Libertador San Martín, Argentina. Academic programs with CELU certification, trips to Buenos Aires, Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and Bariloche.
• Austria Language Program German language study at Seminar Schloss Bogenhofen near Braunau am Inn, Austria. Academic and Summer programs with music programs, ski trips, and visits to Vienna and Salzburg.
• Brazil Language Program Portuguese language study at Centro Universitário Adventista de Ensino do Nordeste (UNIAENE) in Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil. Academic programs with cultural trips to Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, and Manaus.
• South Korea Language Program Korean language immersion at Sahmyook University in Seoul. Summer program for students 16+ with cultural trips to Jeju Island, K-Pop Dance, DMZ, and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
• Biblical Hebrew Program Intensive Biblical Hebrew language study at Campus Adventiste du Salève in France. Summer program for undergraduate (Hebr 331-333) and graduate students (HEBR 551-552) with academic prerequisites including full sophomore status and 2.75 GPA.
• ESL Program at Andrews University English as a Second Language program at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. 4-week Summer intensive with levels A1-C2, F-1 visa support, and cultural activities including Chicago downtown visits.
• Global Internship Program Unpaid international internship opportunities across Costa Rica, Peru, and Spain in areas including Business, Communication, Education, Engineering, Health, and Mission projects. Duration ranges from 2-12 weeks.
• Non-Credit Path Study abroad option for non-traditional students not enrolled at consortium institutions. Available to professionals, adults, and workers seeking continuing education or cultural immersion without academic credit transfer.
• High School/Academy Student Programs Summer study abroad programs for high school students aged 15+ (or 16+ for South Korea). Offers high school credit (10 semester hours), college credit (6 semester credits), or dual credit options.

Quantifiable outcome

• Language proficiency certification through official examinations (DELF, DALF, PLIDA, CELU, DELE, SIELE)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• AdventHealth UniversitycoreOthersConsortium member institution. Students enroll through AdventHealth University for ACA study abroad programs. Located in Orlando, FL with ACA Campus Coordinator Julie Cook.
• Andrews UniversitycoreOthersConsortium member and ESL host institution. Located in Berrien Springs, MI with ACA Campus Coordinator Dr. Sonia Badenas. Also hosts the ESL Andrews University program.
• Antillean Adventist UniversitycoreOthersGuest Institution (GI) - International Seventh-day Adventist university participating through special agreement. Located in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.
• Avondale Adventist UniversitycoreOthersGuest Institution (GI) - International Seventh-day Adventist university in Australia participating through special agreement. Located in Cooranbong, NSW, Australia.
• Burman UniversitycoreOthersConsortium member institution in Canada. Located in Lacombe, AB with ACA Campus Coordinator Dr. Adam Kiš.
• Kettering CollegecoreOthersConsortium member institution. Located in Kettering, OH with ACA Campus Coordinator Dr. Scott Bennie.
• La Sierra UniversitycoreOthersConsortium member institution. Located in Riverside, CA with ACA Campus Coordinator Dr. Carlos Parra.
• Loma Linda UniversitycoreOthersConsortium member institution. Located in Loma Linda, CA with ACA Campus Coordinator Dr. Karl Haffner.
• Oakwood UniversitycoreOthersConsortium member institution. Located in Huntsville, AL with ACA Campus Coordinator Joshua Williams.
• Pacific Union CollegecoreOthersConsortium member institution. Located in Angwin, CA with ACA Campus Coordinator Dr. Sylvia Rasi Gregorutti.
• Southern Adventist UniversitycoreOthersConsortium member institution. Located in Collegedale, TN with ACA Campus Coordinator Dr. Pierre Nzokizwa.
• Southwestern Adventist UniversitycoreOthersConsortium member institution. Located in Keene, TX with ACA Campus Coordinator Professor Elizabeth Bowser.
• Union Adventist UniversitycoreOthersConsortium member institution. Located in Lincoln, NE with ACA Campus Coordinator Nancy Meier.
• Universidad Adventista del PlatacoreOthersGuest Institution (GI) and host institution for Argentina program. Located in Libertador San Martín, Argentina with ACA Campus Coordinator Adriana Oudri.
• Universidad de MontemoreloscoreOthersGuest Institution (GI) - International Seventh-day Adventist university in Mexico participating through special agreement. Located in Montemorelos, Nuevo León, México.
• Universidad Peruana UnioncoreOthersGuest Institution (GI) - International Seventh-day Adventist university in Peru participating through special agreement. Located in Lima, Peru.
• Walla Walla UniversitycoreOthersConsortium member institution. Located in College Place, WA with ACA Campus Coordinator Dr. Lauren Peterson.
• Washington Adventist UniversitycoreOthersConsortium member institution. Located in Takoma Park, MD with ACA Campus Coordinator Dr. Jonathan Scriven.
• Sahmyook UniversitycoreOthersHost institution for South Korea program. Located at 815, Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Students study Korean language and culture.
• Campus Adventiste du SalèvecoreOthersHost institution for France program and Biblical Hebrew summer program. Located in Collonges-sous-Salève, France. Students study French and earn DELF/DALF certificates.
• Istituto Avventista Villa AuroracoreOthersHost institution for Italy program. Located in Florence, Italy. Students study Italian and earn PLIDA certificates.
• Centro Universitário Adventista de Ensino do Nordeste (UNIAENE)coreOthersHost institution for Brazil program. Located in Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil. Students study Portuguese.
• Seminar Schloss BogenhofencoreOthersHost institution for Austria program. Located in St. Peter am Hart, Austria. Students study German.
• Campus Adventista de Sagunto (ESDES)coreOthersHost institution for Spain program. Located in Sagunto, Spain. Students study Spanish and earn DELE/SIELE certificates.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Semester at Sea (Institute for Shipboard Education): Semester at Sea offers multi-country study abroad with credit transfer via accredited university partnerships. Comparable in credit-bearing study abroad model but operates a single vessel-based program rather than destination-based — broader incumbent in the credit study abroad space.
• EF Education First: EF is a global language education and cultural exchange company offering study abroad, language schools, and academic programs. Broadly comparable in language-immersion offering but at vastly larger scale and with for-profit, secular positioning.

Direct peers

• API (Academic Programs International): API offers university-level study abroad and language immersion programs across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, with credit transfer arrangements similar to ACA. Comparable on program type and target student (US undergraduates seeking language credits).
• ISA by WorldStrides: ISA (International Studies Abroad) is a major direct competitor offering language immersion and study abroad with credit transfer in 30+ countries. Directly comparable program mix and target demographic.
• CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange): CIEE is one of the largest US study abroad providers operating across 40+ countries with language immersion and academic credit programs. Directly comparable to ACA in product type (university-credit-bearing language study abroad), differing primarily in secular positioning and far larger scale.
• BestSemester (Council for Christian Colleges & Universities): BestSemester is the study abroad program of the CCCU, a parallel Christian higher-ed consortium. Directly comparable to ACA as a faith-based study abroad consortium offering credit-bearing programs (e.g., Latin American Studies, Middle East Studies) through affiliated colleges — the closest structural analog in the Christian higher-ed space.
• IES Abroad: IES Abroad operates study abroad programs in 20+ cities with strong language immersion components and home-school credit transfer arrangements. Closely comparable to ACA's model of credit-bearing language immersion semesters, with secular positioning.
• USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium): USAC is a nonprofit consortium of US universities offering study abroad programs across 50+ locations. Structurally very similar to ACA — a university consortium delivering credit-bearing language and culture programs — though broader and secular.

Emerging players

• Jerusalem University College: Jerusalem University College offers accredited study programs in biblical studies, archaeology, and Hebrew language. Comparable to ACA's Biblical Hebrew program as a niche faith-based study abroad provider in theological language study.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@studentsofaca
• Facebookfacebook.com/studentsofaca
• Instagraminstagram.com/studentsofaca

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about adventist