VIA is a private, non-profit, non-religious organization dedicated to increasing understanding between the United States and Asia through service and education. Since 1963, our Asia Programs have provided U.S. Residents with an opportunity to work and live within an Asian culture while meeting the needs of Asian host institutions. We currently offer long-term and summer programs in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Our Stanford Programs offer a wide range of short-term, international study programs between the U.S. and Asia and among various Asian nations.We currently offer two short-term spring programs and three longer summer programs for students focused on a variety of themes, including language and culture, service learning, and healthc are.

We provide U.S. Citizens and U.S. Residents (between the ages of 18 and 75) volunteer opportunities and fellowships in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, where volunteers may teach English or work with a local non-profit. On the U.S. side, we bring Asian students from top universities in Japan, Taiwan, Korea and China to Stanford where they learn about American culture, public service, and healthcare. So the exchange comes full circle.

While these programs enhance cross-cultural understanding through the exchange of people, our publications share ideas through the distribution of written materials. We are supported by a combination of individual contributions, corporate and foundation grants, and income from services. Over the years VIA has also been involved in various other cross-cultural endeavors, including an appropriate technology project and a travel company.