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Program Overview

Develop the UN's SDGs by Exploring Malaysia, Singapore and Borneo

This two-semester program will expose you to both pre-modern and modern aspects of several Southeast Asian cities, visiting Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei to understand their efforts in developing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

In the pre-travel IDH4007 course, you will learn about Southeast Asian traditions and the inherent principles which mirror, amplify or represent the cultural norms of the Malay, Singaporean and Bruneian society.

In IDH4008, you will travel abroad, challenging and changing the Western-centric approach in which you feel and behave. You will live and experience Southeast Asian spaces, encouraging creativity and broadening your understanding of multicultural perspectives.

Program Start: Monday, June 1, 2026

Program End: Monday, June 22, 2026

Applications are closed

This study abroad program has reached capacity. We encourage you to review our available study abroad programs.

PROGRAM DETAILS

What you'll be doing

  • Meeting COIL students in Kuala Lumpur and Penang
  • Taking a boat cruise on the Melaka River
  • Seeing animals in the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
  • Visiting the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei
  • Exploring the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
  • Exploring Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Map of Southeast Asia with points of interest from itinerary

  • Day 1-5: Kuala Lumpur

    Arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. During the first few days you’ll be able to see Chinatown, Petronas Twin Towers, National Museum, Batu Caves, Royal Selangor Pewter, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Perdana Botanical Garden and the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly & Bird Park, as well as attend a Kuala Lumpur student meeting program.

  • Day 6-7: Penang

    Travel overland to Penang, Malaysia to visit Georgetown, Khoo Kongsi, Tropical Spice Garden and Kek Lok Si Temple, as well as attending a Penang student meeting program.

  • Day 8-9: Malacca

    Travel overland to Malacca to experience a Malacca River cruise, Stadthuys and Christ Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and the Jonker Street night market.

  • Day 10-12: Singapore

    Travel overland to Singapore, Singapore. Visit the city center, Marina Bay Sands and Merlion Park, Chinatown, Indian Heritage Centre, Sultan Mosque in Kampong. The trip will also include an ECO trip to the MacRitchie Reservoir, the Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Zoo and a Night Safar.

  • Day 13-15: Sandakan

    Regional flight to Sandakan, Malaysia. Visit the Bornean Sun Bar Conservation Centre, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sandakan Memorial Park.

  • Day 16-17: Kota Kinabalu

    Regional flight to Kota Kinabalu. Visit Mari-Mari Cultural Village and Filipino market.

  • Day 18-20: Brunei

    Regional flight to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Visit the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Floating Village Kampong Ayer, Ulu National Park, Royal Regalia and Yayasan.

  • Day 21-22: Kuala Lumpur

    Regional flight back to Kuala Lumpur. Students will have a final dinner together before checking out of the hotel. End of program.

This is a living document, meaning that scheduled Free Time may be utilized for in-person quizzes, class meetings, and/or class days. Students should always consult with their Faculty Director prior to scheduling plans during Free Time.

  • A city in Malaysia
  • An orangutang

Cost & Aid

  • One daily bottle of drinking water (500ml)
  • 21 nights in handpicked accommodations with daily breakfast
  • 24/7 support from expert Faculty Director
  • Regional ground transportation
  • Regional flights within program
  • International travel medical insurance
  • Local English-speaking tour guides
  • Tip for staff in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore
  • Sustainability tax and tourist tax
  • Admission to Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Butterfly & Bird Park, Khoo Kongsi, Tropical Spice Garden, and so much more

Your Faculty Director

Marcela Lopez Bravo holds a Ph.D. in International Culture and Communication Studies from Waseda University and Master degrees in Linguistics and in Asian Studies from Florida International University (FIU). She has taught at the university level in the US, China, and Japan. Currently, she is Graduate Director and Assistant Teaching Professor of the Asian Studies Program.

Dr. Lopez Bravo has successfully led Study Abroad programs to Japan and has been recognized with multiple excellence in teaching awards in Japan and in the US. Her research interests include Japanese studies, cultural geography, virtual reality applied to teaching East Asian cultures, languages, and literature, COIL, and intercultural communication.

Read more about Professor Bravo

Marcela Lopez Bravo standing in front of a window

Frequently Asked Questions