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Real Asia, 17875 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 150, Irvine, CA (2025)

01/21/2025

2025 not only brings about a brand new year, but also a very special time for us here at Real Asia. On January 25th, we are celebrating our 20 year anniversary as a company! We have grown over the past two decades, both leading our valued educators and learning from them to bring students to the heart of experiential education in Asia.

Whether you have known us for 2 months or 20 years, we thank you for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to many more years of international academic excellence together.

12/13/2024

Experiential education in Asia is only possible with good local opportunities, and recently Real Asia Associate Ann-Mare traveled back to Korea in search of more great activities to offer to our teachers and students.

Partnered with the Seoul Tourism Organization, Ann-Marie embarked on a 'FAM' tour, or 'Familiarization' tour this November, where the group was taken to various hot spots in Seoul for educational travel. She was able to take a closer look at existing and new activities for Real Asia trips, such as the Seoul Upcycle Plaza, Tongin Market, Seoul Tourism Plaza, the Tteok Museum, and much more.

Additionally, the tour included a valuable networking opportunity at the 'Travel Mart', where Real Asia was able to connect with even more resources for local operations and a wider network of trained local guides.

If you would like to know more about the new opportunities for experiential education in Korea or beyond, please reach out to us! We continue to seek out the best activities and destinations for your students and are excited to bring you more ideas for the upcoming year.

10/31/2024

Many schools have found that working directly with local tour operators in Asia can seem like a budget-friendly choice at first but often leaves gaps in both support and logistics, making it harder for educators to focus on their students’ experience. Schools report feeling burdened by last-minute surprise tasks, unforeseen fees for basic support, or working with guides not understanding the characteristics of American students or their learning objectives. Real Asia is designed to alleviate that, offering transparent, full-service support so you’re never left scrambling.

Our service reflects the level of care and structure we bring, backed by a vast network of resources and comprehensive safety protocols to make sure students and faculty are in good hands. Additionally, you can plan your trip with the peace of mind that you have connections right here in the US to help you every step of the way. Our value beyond a guide includes international airfare, visas, and travel insurance, as well as liability coverage. Meanwhile, our U.S.-based team is available to support teachers and parents, providing expertise in American education goals paired with expertise in Asia, and flexible payment options through familiar U.S.-based systems.

Ultimately, when schools travel with Real Asia, you get more than a local guide—you’re securing peace of mind and a depth of experience in curating trips that inspire and educate. Our approach is tailored to schools’ unique needs, ensuring teachers and students get the best from every location, while fully supported by people who specialize in delivering safe, enriching trips every time.

10/23/2024

Experiential education truly thrives when students are immersed in the local life of the destination, forming meaningful connections with the people who live there. Homestays and school visits provide opportunities for students to engage beyond the surface of a culture, allowing them to apply their language and cultural knowledge in real-time, all while developing a deeper understanding of local traditions.

During a homestay, students become part of a local family, sharing meals, participating in daily routines, and experiencing firsthand how locals live. The bond that often forms between students and their host families is invaluable—it not only gives students a personal perspective on the culture but also fosters a sense of global friendship and community.

School visits are another fantastic opportunity for students to connect. These visits often include shared lessons, group activities, and cultural exchanges, where students can make friends, gain fresh insights, and broaden their educational horizons. These interactions promote values like empathy, cooperation, and global citizenship, enriching the learning experience.

Both homestays and school visits elevate the travel experience by introducing an essential interpersonal component. They encourage students to move beyond observation and become active participants in the communities they visit, creating memories and relationships that last long after the trip ends.

10/16/2024

Some are asking the question: Is it safe to travel to China?

It's understandable to have concerns about traveling to China, especially given the ever-changing impressions we see when we tune into global news networks. However, based on our extensive experience, we believe that travel to China remains safe. We share this expertise and build trust with our teachers, parents, and students. In 2024, nearly 20 schools traveled with us, and over 30 schools have planned trips for 2025. Due to our knowledge and this aforementioned trust and experience, many top schools and universities continue to choose China as a destination with us.

Beyond our knowledge of the area, we take travel safety in every country very seriously. To ensure the safety of every trip, Real Asia has developed detailed emergency protocols. Our staff are trained in crisis management, are familiar with local customs, and can communicate in the language. In the unlikely event of an emergency, we have evacuation routes and secondary meeting locations ready. Our team continuously monitors the situation on the ground and maintains open communication throughout the trip.

Additionally, for those seeking more protection, we highly recommend purchasing supplementary travel insurance, such as through our partner Allianz. This can include emergency evacuation coverage to provide added security, ensuring your students are well cared for no matter the circumstance. With Real Asia’s comprehensive safety measures, expert local knowledge, and insurance resources, we are confident that your students will have a safe, enriching, and well-supported experience in China.

10/08/2024

As trips develop and we chat with more and more of you, it's important to us that we take the "Education" in Experiential Education to heart. Our approach is designed to create rewarding, transformative journeys for K-16 students and MBA participants alike. By blending immersive travel with tailored educational experiences, we ensure that each trip is more than just an adventure—it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop lasting global perspectives. This commitment to authentic cultural engagement is what truly sets Real Asia apart, making every experience meaningful for both students and educators.

Our core focuses are the backbone of what makes our K-16 educational travel and MBA programs exceptional. With deep local expertise, we provide unique access to the destinations, cultures, and languages of Asia. Each associate at Real Asia has extensive experience living and working in these areas, which you may know from past newsletters introducing them in depth. We want you to know who we are and who you are working with, as our personable service ensures that we understand the needs of our teachers and students, whether they’re high school students or MBA candidates. We also have custom-designed educational activities like our team-building scavenger hunts and reflection projects that take students beyond sightseeing. All the while, our proactive guidance keeps students, teachers, and administrators supported every step of the way.

A mission in education is nothing without core values to serve as a foundation that shapes our every action. Accountability and ownership ensure we deliver on our promises; adaptability and a passion for learning allow us to improve and innovate trip after trip. Inclusive collaboration with educators and local communities is essential, while our passion for what we do inspires every itinerary we create. These values not only support but strengthen our relationships with teachers and leaders, ensuring a partnership that fosters trust and success. This means you will chat with us through every step of planning and ex*****on, from promoting with complementary posters and flyers to guiding the students on the ground throughout Asia.

Educational travel goes far beyond tourism, and cherishing that is what we consider to be the Real Asia difference. We create deeply immersive educational experiences, allowing students to engage with Asian culture in authentic, enriching ways. Whether it’s through cultural exploration or business learning, we are committed to developing globally-minded citizens who return home with a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.

09/30/2024

What do unique activities do for Asia immersion for K-16 trips?

Experiential education transforms travel into immersive learning opportunities, and Real Asia’s K-16 trips are designed to offer just that. Beyond typical sightseeing, our activities foster personal growth, cultural understanding, and hands-on learning, making these trips a far cry from standard travel. By engaging students in local traditions and active participation, these trips become powerful learning experiences that ignite curiosity and global awareness.

One aspect of our activities is keeping students engaged via a physical component. From hiking to a scenic temple to busting a move in a K-Pop dance class, we ensure that bodies and minds stay active. A popular activity at Real Asia is the opportunity to learn Chinese yo-yo (Diabolo) with locals in China. This dynamic and physical activity teaches students not only the art of diabolo but also the importance of patience, persistence, and the value of learning from mistakes. Through interacting with locals while practicing, students also develop teamwork skills and cross-cultural understanding, making the experience both fun and educational.

Our creative activities are just as impactful. Students can participate in many artistic endeavors, such as fan painting, clay crafting, and even our traditional paper-making workshop in Taiwan. During this workshop, students learn the ancient art of crafting paper by hand, giving them a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and environmental sustainability. The experience highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage while also fostering creativity and collaboration.

Finally, our trips incorporate fine arts and cultural activities such as cooking classes, attending performances, and more recently, traditional music lessons in Southeast Asia. Students learn to play native instruments, immersing themselves in local rhythms and traditions. These activities allow students to connect more deeply with the culture, understanding how music reflects the values, stories, and emotions of the people. Through these enriching activities, students gain a holistic understanding of the region’s culture, history, and daily life.

Whether through active, creative, or cultural activities, students gain invaluable skills and insights that last a lifetime. Now is the perfect time to plan a transformative educational journey for your students. Contact us today to discuss how we can craft an unforgettable experience tailored to your group’s curriculum and goals. Let’s work together to turn your next trip into an extraordinary learning adventure!

09/30/2024

How do you take an MBA trip beyond business?

At Real Asia, we believe MBA trips should be more than just business visits—they’re opportunities for personal and cultural growth. While networking and professional development are key aspects, we also ensure students leave with a deeper understanding of the cultures they visit. It’s this blend of business and elevated cultural exploration that makes these trips so memorable and transformative.

One dimension of this goal is the immersive experiences we arrange, from guided tours of significant landmarks to hands-on activities like watching traditional performances, visiting tea farms, religious immersions, attending a martial arts or dance class, cooking, crafting, and more. These experiences not only teach cultural competency but also provide students with a richer perspective on global business environments. The personal connections formed through these activities often last beyond the trip, creating a deeper bond between students and their host cultures.

On the formal side, we’ve had the pleasure of expertly organizing events like banquets, cruise parties, and alumni gatherings. Our 2024 Harvard China Trek events, such as the Great Wall banquet and thrilling culture night dinner, are prime examples of how group bonding and professional networking go hand in hand. Students can interact with both their colleagues as well as locals from the area, building a sense of cross-cultural community. These gatherings foster both personal and professional growth, ensuring students return home with more than just new business insights.

We’re here to take the stress out of planning for professors and student leaders. By handling logistics and offering tailored cultural activities, we ensure that every trip is not only seamless but filled with meaningful moments that make lasting impressions. Whether you’re looking to build team dynamics or broaden cultural perspectives, we’re excited to help you plan your next MBA adventure.

09/19/2024

At Real Asia, we have seen a rise in MBA travel over the past year, highlighted by our massive Harvard Business School trek to China, where over 140 participants visited the hottest companies in the global domain and took on cultural activities, including a formal banquet on the Great Wall of China.

Other trends in MBA travel for our 2024 season indicate that while China is still the top destination, other countries like Taiwan, Korea, and Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam) also saw multiple successful MBA trips. Real Asia, despite our name, even led trips through Europe this past season, with trips exploring the best that Italy and Scandinavia had to offer. The trust that our clients have in us has allowed for this exploration to new destinations and opportunities.

What exactly does an MBA trip entail? Contrary to K-16 trips, MBA trips provide a unique focus on the personal and organizational development of MBA students and their program overall. This is not just an educational tour, but rather an opportunity to network with powerful global companies in person and utilize their knowledge and resources. Real Asia's expertise in supporting professors, directors, and student leaders makes this possible. With student leadership from each MBA program involved, these trips are elevated to a level that creates a custom, multi-dimensional experience for students and their program that proves invaluable for experience and future growth.

Looking forward to 2025, we are already seeing a new diversification in popular destinations for MBA programs, including trips on the horizon for South Korea and Japan. As Asia continues to explode on the world’s stage, many universities and global companies are recognizing the value of exploring these countries and regions and discovering what their cultures and business domains have to offer. If you're looking to explore the hottest destinations and MBA travel opportunities, contact us today to start imagining your next trip!

09/19/2024

At Real Asia, we’ve noticed exciting shifts in K-16 educational travel in 2024, with Taiwan emerging as one of our hottest destinations this year. Known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant street life, and focus on sustainability, Taiwan offers students an immersive experience in both tradition and modernity. From exploring night markets, tea plantations, and aboriginal villages, to visiting top-tier technology companies, Taiwan provides a diverse range of learning opportunities that resonate with educators and students alike. One additional key component to the value of Taiwan as a destination is the success of our homestay and school visit opportunities, as students are able to go beyond standard immersion and connect with locals to truly understand the beauty of the country.

China continues to be a popular destination, especially for language immersion programs. Mandarin learning has become an essential skill, and our trips to China offer students the opportunity to engage with local schools, practice their language skills, and experience China's cultural and historical wonders. With hands-on activities like calligraphy, martial arts classes, and homestays, students gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and language, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition to Taiwan and China, we’re seeing a surge of interest in trips to Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Korea and Japan are attracting students with their unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation, while Southeast Asia offers an incredible mix of cultural diversity and natural beauty. Whether it’s exploring bustling cities, learning about technology, or engaging in conservation projects, these regions are becoming top choices for educators seeking transformative educational experiences.

Looking forward to 2025, we plan to have an equally significant amount of trips to mainland China and Taiwan, if not more, and more trips to other Asian countries than we've ever seen before. If you're looking to explore the hottest destinations and elevated activities that you can introduce your students to, contact us today to start imagining your next trip!

09/10/2024

Meet Real People: Introducing Trip Expert Tai Mesches

As this school year kicks off and trips are underway, we would like to introduce another one of our amazing trip experts, Tai Mesches!

Born in New York, Tai grew up immersed in a culturally diverse environment and has always maintained a strong connection to his Chinese heritage, discovering that he wants to share it with others. One of his most cherished memories is a 3-generational trip across China, sparking his love for travel and its transformative power, and establishing his mantra that “travel is the wisest teacher”. He was inspired to later earn his master’s in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management, specializing in program design and cross-cultural education, and is now dedicated to creating impactful educational journeys for students.

Tai developed a deep love for both education and the greater Asian region, leading him to teach in China for almost five years and many years spent living there, as well as time spent living in Taiwan and Southeast Asia. This time well acquainted him with major cities like Xi'an, Beijing, Kunming, Haikou, Taipei, Phnom Penh, and understanding the study abroad process across the continent overall. His work often combines his two passions: education and travel. "My calling has always been bridging cultures via experiential education and travel. Real Asia is at the heart of my two regions, and providing students and educators the same life-changing opportunity to grow, expand, and fall in love with Asia as I experienced when I was younger speaks volumes to me."

Tai also believes that food plays a vital role in travel, saying, "Food is one of the greatest bridges for cross-cultural connection and one of the easiest ways to access authentic stories of the people living there." Some of Tai's favorite foods to eat and share with others include a lot of the mouth-numbing spices in Sichuan, and he’s obsessed with 羊肉串儿 from Xinjiang and 烧烤 from Yunnan. Tai is able to bring his experiences and beliefs to our students and fellow travelers through many program activities, including bringing them to visit night markets to taste the cultural delicacies of the region and connect with the local vendors, often in their native language.

In addition to his professional work, Tai is an artist and a family man. He says, both in his personal and profession life, that “in the end, it's relationship-based, and cultivating these connections and finding common ground with people all over the world deepens my reason to continue this work and purpose.”

If you are looking to take your students to Asia for a rich, immersive trip beyond a typical itinerary, contact Tai today!

E: [email protected]
T: +1 (720) 266-4666 x 811

05/30/2024

School Year in Review & Summer Planning

This past school year we have been back in the full swing of travel and education all around the globe! From the local school visits in Taiwan to the skyscrapers in Singapore to the mosque in Malacca to the Daoist mountain in Chengdu, to the companies in Bangkok, to Angel Island in San Francisco- we have been so glad to take your students on these amazing trips!

If these trips are something you have been thinking about planning for your class, it is not too late to make 2025 plans! Summer is a great time to start discussing a potential itinerary with us so that you can introduce the trip to your students at the start of the next school year. Reach out to us and let's plan your educational trip!

E: [email protected]
W: https://www.realasia.travel/

05/16/2024

Meet Real People: Introducing Trip Expert Ann-Marie Villarose

We would like to introduce you to one of the newest editions of our team! Ann-Marie Villarose is our South Korean trip specialist.

Born and raised in Texas, Ann-Marie has a passion for education, travel, and culture. She attributes these passions to her influential role models and mentors – her parents. Despite growing up in the US, Ann-Marie knew she would have to live abroad to truly pursue her love of travel. She studied abroad in South Korea at Yonsei University to receive her master's in Korean Studies. She tells us, “I took a leap of faith moving to Korea for my graduate studies, and it was one of the best choices I’ve made. The skills and hard work required to execute these experiences came easily to me as I have a passion for research, planning, and organization. This has inspired me to orchestrate travel for myself and others to maximize one's time abroad.”

While pursuing her master's degree, Ann-Marie also spent time guiding others through South Korea. She emphasizes that she has “developed a keen sense of the most rewarding locations and adventures one can find.” One of her favorite memories on her trips was visiting the massive Seoul Illustration Fair in Korea. She loved immersing herself in local art and culture, practicing Korean by chatting with artists, and supporting small creators and businesses. Additionally, in her last year of study, she received a behind-the-scenes tour of The Blue House, an institution that was previously closed to the public. Ann-Marie looks to incorporate this tour into future Real Asia itineraries as an educational activity to teach students more about Korea’s past and present.

When going abroad, Ann-Marie emphasizes the importance of how travel challenges oneself in ways you can not imagine. She fully credits her ability to adapt and understand the world around her to years spent abroad – telling us she is inspired to help students everywhere discover these lessons as well.

Ann-Marie is currently creating many fresh and dynamic itinerary activities in South Korea for students to participate in. She is working to fine-tune travel to Korea, creating a plethora of themes, activities, and customizations that will ensure a successful trip matched to any goals an educator might have in mind. She tells us, “You truly gain so much more when digging deeper below the surface of a country or a typical itinerary. It allows you to explore the richness of traditional history and daily life, and educate yourself on what’s behind that picture you took of a major landmark or local district.”

If you are looking to take your students to South Korea for a rich, immersive trip beyond a typical itinerary, contact Ann-Marie today!

E: [email protected]
T: +1 (720) 266-4666 x 810

05/02/2024

Art in Asia

Looking to learn more about the influence of art in Asia? When you travel with Real Asia, we can make it part of your itinerary to study prominent cultural destinations and activities that have a deep connection with art history. From calligraphy to temple architecture, we will connect you with local masters for in-depth lessons.

One of our itinerary designs could take your students to China on a deep dive journey into calligraphy, studying and practicing different scripts, and participating in in-depth tours at museums, like the National Art Museum of China and the Museum of Han and Tang Stone Carvings. Not only would your group be learning about calligraphy on paper, but also visit places like the Stele Forest to study stone tablets and ancient lifestyles.

By visiting historical sites all over Asia, your students can study the different architecture of temples, focusing on topics such as Chinese architecture in temples in Malaysia and the role it has played in history to the Great Wall in China, and its role in protection and art. While the history of East Asia goes back millennia, current art and architecture play a vital role as well. Our students going to Singapore even visit the Singapore City Gallery to learn about urban design and creating a sustainable future through our cities and architecture.

The opportunities for curricula design focused on art and architecture are endless. Let our trip experts guide your educational journey through Asia as the ancient and modern world is revealed to your students.

https://nut.sh/ell/ed/307247/VvK2UW

04/11/2024

Explore the Indigenous Culture of Taiwan With Us

An important aspect of our Taiwan trips that we are always sure to incorporate is education on indigenous groups in Taiwan. Within Taiwan, there are many indigenous groups that protect their way of life and traditions.

At the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village in Nantou, your students can learn about 9 different groups and their lifestyles, including ancestral ceremonies, housing, fishing, and tools that were used. From exploring traditional buildings in 9 different communities to watching and participating in traditional dances and performances, students are given a comprehensive view of the historical lifestyle of many aboriginal groups.

In Hualien, students will attend the Malasang Hunter School 馬拉桑獵人學
where they will participate in hands-on cooking lessons to make traditional bamboo rice and learn more about the daily life of the Amis. The Hanxi group is mainly located in Yilan, here students will get to watch performances and learn about Atayal cuisine, dress, and other aspects of their daily life.

Visiting these indigenous groups not only educates students on aboriginal ways of life but also allows them to bring home authentic experiences that will nurture empathy and lead them to become better global citizens. If you are looking to learn more about ethnic Taiwanese culture, contact us to learn more about where you can take your students!

04/04/2024

Meet Real People: Introducing Trip Expert Nina LaFerla

Allow us to introduce Nina LaFerla! An award-winning classroom teacher and travel guide since 2001, Nina’s passion for sharing global history, art, and culture has taken her around the world. She’s practiced her craft as an educator in many places, from kindergarten playrooms, high school classrooms, 600-seat university lecture halls, and even the slopes of the Himalayas. She tells us: "I am a teacher and a guide. My life’s work has been to help people connect to the world around them, but also to the world within them.”

After guiding numerous challenging tours in remote parts of China, Nina knows that travel has a special educational value: “When all of your familiar context is removed and you find yourself having to navigate in a completely new context, you learn a lot about who you really are."

Born and raised in North Carolina, Nina has traveled around the world and even spent seven years living in China. While North Carolina will always be her home, Sichuan holds a special place in Nina's heart. She spent most of her time while in China in Sichuan, teaching, traveling, and researching for her MA thesis on the history of Daoism.

While working as a guide in China, Nina also helped facilitate projects and expeditions in remote areas. She has assisted remote schools and villages in maintenance projects, curriculum creation and teacher training, and even farming and harvesting. Nina knows that effective service learning takes special care and sensitivity to bring about, and takes the needs of both the local community and international learner into account. She says, “Done well, service learning can unite people like nothing else, and can give everyone involved a chance to break down their existing beliefs about the world and improve themselves as they become more aware global citizens."

Nina’s unique itineraries are designed to help travelers see the world from a different perspective, while building in time to learn from and reflect on what they are experiencing. She shares that in the past one of her favorite itineraries was a trip to explore the meaning of modern Chinese identity by visiting Chinese minority groups across China. “It’s all about authenticity and empathy,” Nina tells us, “No matter what, I want my students to understand different perspectives by putting themselves in others' shoes, so they can gain a broader view of themselves and the world.”

Nina learned to speak Chinese by going to China and immersing herself in life there. A final point Nina wants to share is: "To anyone who wants to go to Asia to improve their language skills: don’t be shy, the only way you’re going to get good at it is by putting yourself out there."

Nina will be attending GEBG on April 11th - 13th, so come on over to our Real Asia booth and meet her in person!

Nina LaFerla | Associate
Meet Real People, See Real Asia
E: [email protected]
T: +1 (720) 266-4666 x 809

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Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 6pm
Wednesday	10am - 6pm
Thursday	10am - 6pm
Friday	8am - 4pm