Kunming - Regional Development in China & Southeast Asia

Program Overview

Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring, has long been known for its ideal climate and ethnic diversity. Now, Kunming is emerging as an important gateway city between China and Southeast Asia for regional trade and people movement across borders. Yunnan Province itself shares borders with several Southeast Asian countries (Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos), and has many cultural and social commonalities with its Southeast Asian neighbors.

While in Kunming, you will take classes at Yunnan University, one of the top education centers in the region. The university, home to many research institutes focusing on cross-border issues, is one of the prestigious "Project 211 Universities," specially targeted by the Chinese government for growth in research and development strategies. Kunming has more international and Chinese NGOs than any other city in China, and the IES Kunming Center invites experts from these institutions to provide valuable perspective on key regional issues. While on field trips throughout Yunnan and Southeast Asia, you explore local and official responses to regional sustainability challenges.

Visit www.IESabroad.org for complete program details.

NOTE: Program dates listed in Studio Abroad are approximate. Please refer to IES Abroad predeparture materials for planning travel.

Why Kunming?

Start your studies of Asia in Kunming, your gateway to exploring China and its surrounding Southeast Asian neighbors. This global city with a dynamic mix of cultures—and comfortably mild weather—will be your home base. It's here that you'll learn Chinese and gain an understanding about the important economic, political, environmental, and developmental issues affecting China and its Southeast Asian neighbors today. All this and so much more will be part of your plans--talk about hands-on learning.

Student Life

Whether it's an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we're all about our student services. To find out more specific details, click here and select the Student Life tab.

About IES Abroad

Everything we do is about the IES Abroad student. Our profoundly passionate team of study abroad professionals believes in creating once-in-a-lifetime educational adventures that transcend expectations. Our goal is to rock the world of some 6,000 study abroad students every year. From our headquarters in Chicago to our 115+ study abroad programs in more than 35 global locations worldwide, we create authentic global education and life-affirming cultural experiences.

Discover more about what we offer with all of our programs.