Structure: Two Semesters
Travel Portion:
2026:
Start: Friday, May 8
End: Monday, June 8
Price (airfare not included): $4,900 $3,900
Overview
Program Overview
Cambodia and Vietnam are two small countries on the other side of the world that loom large in recent American history and continue to influence the direction of American actions on the geopolitical front, reflecting the strong influence of the American experience in Southeast Asia from 1945 to 1990. Studying and visiting these countries is therefore a way for students to understand others and themselves more fully.
The spring course, designed to prepare students for their five-week* study abroad in Southeast Asia, focuses on three main aspects:
- This course covers the history, culture, and art of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, exploring their influence on the region's geography and politics, and how they evolved into key players in Southeast Asia. For Vietnam, the focus is on its 2,000-year history, with particular attention to the three Vietnamese wars (1945-1975), the enduring legacy of the Vietnam War, and contemporary Vietnamese society, including economics and popular culture. For Cambodia, the course traces its rise as a regional empire under the Khmer Empire, with a focus on the cultural and political significance of Angkor Wat, the impact of the Khmer Rouge and the Killing Fields, and the country’s current challenges and opportunities. The history of Thailand is examined through its development from early kingdoms to a modern monarchy, with an emphasis on its political stability.
- English as a second language. This course will incorporate English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) approaches to prepare students for their service experience, working with Cambodian students to help them improve their English language comprehension level and speaking skills. Pre-med students may have the option to work with Cambodian medical professionals in a local clinic
- Community impact. This course uses a project-based learning approach to help students develop a project that meaningfully impacts the Cambodian people they will interact with while staying in Siem Reap.
The summer course takes students through Southeast Asia. Arriving in Bangkok, Thailand for a short visit there, then to Vietnam, visiting important cultural sites and places of historical significance critical to understanding the events that shaped Vietnamese society and culture over the centuries, as well as those that helped shape the U.S. during its long military involvement in Southeast Asia. Second, to Cambodia, exploring Khmer Rouge history and its Killing Fields and touring some of the major Angkor temple sites, viewing in person the evolution of the unique Khmer artistry over a 500-year span, which makes it today a World Heritage Site and offers a unique insight into the evolution of an empire and its eventual fall into ruins. During this course, students will teach English to Cambodian students or assist in a local clinic (pre-med students), explore Siem Reap culture and society, and reflect on their travel experience.
Course focus
- History, Culture, & the Arts
- Philosophy and Religion
- Politics and Society
- English as a second language
- Community impact
- COURSE SYLLABUS: 2026 Syllabus
Program information
- Spring 2026 (on campus): IDH 4007 (3 credits) - MMC, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00PM-6:15PM
- Summer Dynamic Session 2026 (abroad): IDH 4008 (3 credits) - May 8-June 8, 2026
Program highlights
- Walking though Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious site
- Overnight cruise in Halong Bay
- Touring the Grand Palace of Bangkok
- Connecting with Vietnamese university students
- Assist future teachers in Cambodia with their English language skills at Provincial Teacher Training College
- Pre-Med students may have the option to volunteer in a local clinic
What is included
- 30 nights in handpicked accommodations with 2 students per room
- Regional flights within program
- Regional land transportation by van or bus
- Airport transfers and few excursions
- Overnight boat cruise with 3 meals on board and 2 students per cabin
- Visas for Vietnam & Cambodia*
- *Depending on nationality of student, student may need to contact the consular offices to attain visa on their own
- International travel medical insurance
- English-speaking tour guide for some activities
- Breakfast included by some hotels
- Student Exchange Days
- English teaching at Teacher Training College & local high school in Cambodia (20+ service hours) or volunteering at a local clinic
- 24/7 support from Faculty Directors
- Admission to Grand Palace of Bangkok, Cu Chi Tunnels, Bang Pa In Summer Palace, and so much more
What is not included
- Roundtrip international airfare to/from Bangkok, Thailand
- $195.00 Education Abroad administrative fee (OEA Fee)
- FIU in-state tuition (6 credits, $205.57 per credit)
- Passport, visa, and other necessary documents
- Personal expenses, including meals
- Tips to guides, porters, or drivers
Key:
(#) = number of nights; airplane = flight; squiggle line = boat
Itinerary
Itinerary is subject to change. It 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"
Day 1: Travel to Bangkok
Students are expected to arrive in Bangkok on day 2
Day 2-4: Bangkok
Arrival to Bangkok, Thailand. Highlights include orientation city tour, Grand Palace Bangkok, tour of Wat Po, Reclining Buddha, Jim Thompson House. Plus, day trip to Ayuthaya and tour of Bang Pa-In Palace
Day 5-6: Phnom Penh
Regional flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Highlights include city tour, S-21, Choeung Ek, and National Museum
Day 7-10: Ho Chi Minh City
Overland travel by bus from Phnom Penh, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Highlights include city tour, tour of Cu Chi Tunnels, and Cultural Exchange Day with Saigon HotPots Vietnamese students
Day 11-13: Hanoi
Regional flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Highlights include city tour of Hanoi. Plus, a day trip to Ninh Binh Province for tour
Day 14: Halong Bay
Travel overland to Halong Bay, Vietnam for overnight boat cruise with lunch, dinner, and breakfast provided
Day 15-16: Hanoi
Return to Hanoi, Vietnam. Experience Cultural Exchange Day with e-Buddies Vietnamese university students
Day 17-30: Siem Reap
Regional flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. While being based in Siem Reap, FIU Honors students will be completing service learning. The majority will be developing lesson plans and teaching Cambodian college students the English language at the local Teacher Training College; however, pre-med students may have the option to work with Cambodian medical professionals in a local clinic. Each day, FIU Honors students will meet their students to prepare them to become better English teachers and speakers. Additionally, there will be tours and visits to Landmine Clearing Project and Angkor Crafts School, and tours of local students' homes. Plus, a day trip to Koulen Mountain Park
Day 31-32: Bangkok
Regional flight back to Bangkok, Thailand. Overnight stay at hotel in Bangkok. End of program
Co-Faculty Directors
Cory Fairfield
My name is Cory Fairfield, MA, and I've been part of the FIU community for over ten years. I started my academic journey here at Florida International University, where I completed both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. Currently, I'm working towards my Ed.D in Adult Education and Human Resource Development and expect to graduate in Fall 2026.
Aside from a little bit of teaching, I currently work full-time at FIU as the Associate Director of Academic Support Services for CARTA and am well-versed in what you all are going through as undergraduate students. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places to eat, exercising, and spending time with my wife and daughter. I am also an avid gamer and enjoy watching the latest movies in theaters.
For context, I am also a graduate of the Honors College, where I had the opportunity to participate in both the Costa Rica program and the Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam program in 2015 and 2016. Additionally, I've completed a number of other study abroad programs, including in the Bahamas and Germany. This will be my 2nd year teaching this specific program.
Eloisa C. Rodriguez-Dod
Eloisa C. Rodriguez-Dod, Professor of Law and former Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, joined the FIU College of Law in 2012. Professor Rodriguez-Dod served for several years as the Director of FIU Law study abroad in Seville, Spain. Prior to joining FIU, she was a Professor of Law at NSU College of Law, where she also served as the Academic Director of its University of Barcelona dual-degree program. Professor Rodriguez-Dod has been selected “Professor of the Year” at both law schools and, in 2016, was the recipient of the university-wide FIU Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. She is a recognized authority in property, estates, elder law, and real estate transactions.
Before joining academia, Professor Rodriguez-Dod practiced law at White & Case. She graduated cum laude from the University of Miami Law School, where she was Special Features and Reports Editor of the Inter-American Law Review and inducted into Order of the Coif. She holds a B.A. in International Marketing & Finance from the University of Miami, where she graduated magna cum laude, and an M.B.A. from Florida International University.
Professor Rodriguez-Dod’s scholarship focuses on the necessary balancing of autonomy versus societal goals. Her work includes books, monographs, book chapters, and law review articles. She has been cited, quoted, and excerpted in texts, scholarly books, articles, academic blogs, and leading treatises. She is frequently invited to speak at panels and legal conferences.
In addition to her service to FIU, Professor Rodriguez-Dod also has a strong commitment to national legal education organizations. She has served on the Audit Committee of the Law School Admissions Council and on American Bar Association site evaluation teams. She is also past Chair and member of the Executive Committee of the Association of American Law Schools Section on Minority Groups.
2026 Payment Schedule
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1st Payment (Deposit) |
2nd Program Payment |
Spring 2026 |
3rd Program Payment |
Education Abroad Fee |
Summer A 2026 |
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Payment $1,700 |
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Payments are non-refundable & non-transferable