Recently Updated
My Dragons West Africa semester program in 2013 inspired me to go to grad school and pursue a Masters in Anthropology at SOAS University of London with a focus on the history of colonization. But when I look back on the program, the thing that mattered most was the human connections. I'm still in touch with people from our group, and with our drum teacher and homestay families. There was always room for magic on this program. I'll never forget one sleepy night in a small village in southern Senegal with no electricity, someone in our group started playing guitar and two of the homestay moms started dancing. Out of nowhere, some drummers showed up. Soon there were like 70 people (old and young) dancing in the compound. The impromptu party kept going until 2 in the morning!
Where There Be Dragons really and truly changed my life. I gained a sense of independence, a strength of character, and a feeling that I could conquer any obstacles that came in my way. I met a truly exceptional group of people, people who I was able to get to know in such a deep and personal way due to our shared experiences. Going to India was by far the most interesting, scary, and amazing experience, and without this program, I would never have been able to experience it the way that I did. Our instructors definitely did an amazing job, for they not only provided help when we needed it, but also allowed us to truly grow in this strange environment. The times I remember most are the times when I or other members in the group had to step up, assume responsibility, and lead the group on. This program is not for those who are not willing to open their hearts and their eyes, and to this day I think of this trip as one of the more difficult things I have ever done. However, it was by far the most amazing thing. I learned to open my eyes in a way I did not dream was possible, I learned to accept things about myself that before I could barely acknowledge, and, above all else, I came back a better person, a better citizen of this world. I cannot do Dragons justice just with these 5 stars and this jumbled review, but to anyone reading this, i beg of you, take a leap of faith, just as I did. You will be changed forever.
Founded in 1993, Where There Be Dragons is the leader in cross-cultural education. Dragons offers 2, 4, and 6-week immersive and responsible international and domestic summer abroad programs in Asia (including India), Latin America, Africa, and the USA..(more)
Immerse yourself in the language and culture of the Andes and Amazon regions: trek along glaciated peaks, connect with indigenous communities, and build Spanish proficiency in a range of beautiful settings. For students interested in deepening their language confidence, hiking through breathtaking landscapes, engaging with Indigenous movements, and exploring pre-colonial civilizations...(more)
Adventure to a remote Himalayan kingdom and explore inspiring conservation projects , sacred cliffside monasteries, and how happiness can be a national measure of success. This 10-day travel intensive program is for students interested in hands-on exposure to Buddhist practices and long-held Himalayan traditions...(more)
Join one of our most adventurous and diverse programs that treks through the heart of the Andes, visits the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and explores the Amazon River basin. For students who are interested in exploring some of the most majestic environments on the planet, honing their leadership skills, and gaining knowledge of pressing environmental issues. Note: Participants receive Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification...(more)
Delve into a selected area of interest within Asia’s professional landscape, gaining firsthand experience in how organizations operate in this dynamic region. For students interested in practical experience, adding to their career portfolio, and broadening their global perspective...(more)
Join one of our most adventurous and diverse programs in Asia. Experience living with a nomadic sea-faring community, explore traditional Javanese arts and crafts and gain insight into complex climate change issues in the world’s most diverse archipelago. For students interested in grassroots environmental initiatives, meaningful community engagement, and exploring Indonesia’s diverse cultural traditions...(more)
Experience one of the most vibrant and welcoming countries in the world. Connect with inspiring artists, local youth movements, and diverse community members. For students interested in exploring an artistic craft or skill, working with Senegalese youth, and gaining exposure to complex social and environmental challenges and solutions...(more)
Build Spanish language fluency: learn from grassroots activists, and engage with diverse Mesoamerican communities, cultures, and territories throughout Guatemala and southern Mexico. For students interested in exploring grassroots activism, sustainable agriculture, Latin American colonial history, and dramatically improving their Spanish-speaking skills through classes and cultural immersion...(more)
Improve your Spanish language skills through daily small group classes, carefully selected homestays, and community engagement while experiencing the rich Mayan cultural traditions that thrive in Guatemala. This language-intensive program is for students excited to improve their Spanish in a welcoming and immersive context. Students 16-18 attending this two, four, or six week summer program offered by Where There Be Dragons...(more)
Explore the idea of reciprocity by participating in a Buddhist Theravada meditation retreat, live with marginalized hill tribe communities, and spend time learning about grassroots environmental initiatives. For students interested in community-driven service projects, personal well-being techniques, and sustainable living...(more)
Experience the enchantment of the Himalayas: trek on the roof of the world, study traditional arts with local masters, and sit for a Buddhist meditation retreat. For students interested in high-mountain exploration, eastern spiritual and artistic traditions, and connecting with the kindness of Nepali hospitality...(more)
From forested mountains to the Sahara desert, study the languages, faiths, and diversity of culture that make up the western-most outpost of the Arab world. Suggested for ages 17-22, with college credit available...(more)
Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich arts and traditions through a series of hands-on experiences with the support of language lessons...(more)
Gain insight into Theravada Buddhism, engage with grassroots youth movements, and unpack how Cambodia can serve as a model of optimism and resilience. For students interested in understanding the nuances of international development, engaging in ethical service work, and applying Buddhist principles to daily life...(more)
Explore Japan’s unique art, culture, and food through workshops, cultural activities, and language lessons. For students drawn to the region and interested in topics such as Japanese cuisine, contemporary and traditional art forms, and an overall immersive experience in Japan...(more)
Gain essential travel skills, cross-cultural competencies, and broad exposure to pressing contemporary topics while traveling across Southeast Asia and southern China. For students interested in a comprehensive travel experience that strengthens leadership skills, travel savvy, and understanding of the region...(more)
Join one of our most adventurous and diverse programs in Asia. Experience living with a nomadic sea community, explore a traditional Javanese skill or trade, and gain insight into complex climate change issues in the world’s most diverse archipelago. For students interested in grassroots environmental initiatives, marine conservation efforts, and exploring Indonesia’s rich cultural traditions...(more)
Gain exposure to the different languages, faiths, and cultures that create the living history across the Straits of Gibraltar from Morocco to Spain. For students interested in exploring contemporary ties between North Africa and Europe while gaining valuable insights into Islam, migration, and Arabic language...(more)
Experience one of the most vibrant and welcoming countries in the world. Connect with inspiring artists, local youth movements, and diverse community members. For students interested in exploring an artistic craft or skill, working with Senegalese youth, and gaining exposure to complex social and environmental challenges and solutions...(more)
Improve your Mandarin language skills through small group classes, carefully selected homestays, and community engagement while experiencing the rich cultural traditions that thrive in Taiwan. For students excited to explore their Mandarin in a new context while enjoying amazing food and culture...(more)
Drastically improve your Mandarin language skills and cultural understanding through daily small group classes, carefully selected homestays, and immersing yourself in day-to-day life in China. For students of all language levels who are excited to hone their Mandarin and build skills for future studies, work, and travel in the region...(more)
Gain exposure to the different languages, faiths, and cultures that create the living history across the Straits of Gibraltar from Morocco to Spain. For students interested in exploring contemporary ties between North Africa and Europe while gaining valuable insights into Islam, migration, and Arabic language...(more)
Trek in the Himalayas, witness the immediate impacts of climate change from the mountains to the delta, and access the vast diversity of India’s people, cultures, and landscapes. For students interested in engaging with environmental issues, experiencing the incredible diversity of India, and moving through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes...(more)
Immerse yourself in stunning Andean landscapes while deepening your Spanish language skills through intensive daily practice, interactions with homestay families, and hands-on Independent Study Projects. For students interested in becoming more confident Spanish speakers, building trekking skills, and gaining knowledge about Indigenous social movements...(more)
Improve your Mandarin through intensive daily practice, immerse yourself in a diversity of Chinese cultural traditions and communities, and gain valuable insights into contemporary China. For students interested in Mandarin language study, cultural immersion, and a broad exposure to daily life in China...(more)
Gain insight into Buddhist & Hindu teachings, learn basic meditation techniques, and explore a traditional Nepali skill or trade with expert mentors. For students interested in discovering the beauty of the Himalayas, experiencing life in remote mountain communities, participating in a meditation retreat, and experiencing the warmth of Nepali culture. Note: This program may offer multiple sessions (same dates, separate groups). TBD sessions open based on demand...(more)
Join us for a trekking intensive program that explores environmental and rural community resiliency among one of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. For students interested in engaging in environmental and cultural preservation, honing their trekking skills*, and learning about Tibetan Buddhism. Note: Participants receive Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification...(more)
We’re here to help you find teen-centered academic and enrichment opportunities that you never knew existed. By creating an account, you will be able to save your favorites, request information via pre-populated contact forms, and submit reviews. We will also be able to tailor our communications to your stated interests and preferences.
"*" indicates required fields
On my Dragons gap semester, I was sexually harassed by another student. I learned that two other participants on the program experienced the same harassment I did, so we all came forward together to the female leader on our trip. I was pretty traumatized by the experience and expressed this to the leader, but she did not seem to take it seriously and ultimately nothing was done for the remainder of the program. I followed up with Dragons after to inquire about why nothing was done and Christy Sommers (south Asia program coordinator) response was "We didn't want to upset you by bringing up the situation because we know that serious things like this can be hard to talk about." If they knew how serious it was, why was nothing done? They still have not been able to acknowledge that they mishandled the situation. I genuinely believe that they mean well and just have not sought out the training or support to navigate situations like this. I reached out directly to Reed Harwood about how Dragons has updated their response to sexual harassment and his response was that they take gender violence seriously AKA they haven't made any changed. I unfortunately don't recommend their programs for anyone who doesn't feel like a full adult who can take care of themself. I really wanted to love my time in Nepal but instead left traumatized. No one can learn in an environment they don't feel safe in.