VIA Programs

VIA (formerly Volunteers in Asia and Trans-Pacific Exchange) is a United States-based independent, non-sectarian, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes cross-cultural understanding and education between the United States and countries in Asia.^[1] Founded in 1963 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, VIA facilitates exchange and volunteer programs for participants from both regions.^[2][3]

VIA was established in 1963 during a period of heightened interest in global engagement and international service. Inspired by the founding of organizations such as the Peace Corps and the East–West Center,^[4][5] VIA was formed to provide educational and volunteer opportunities in Asia without governmental or religious affiliation.

The organization originated at Stanford University, where students began traveling to Hong Kong for volunteer projects.^[1] These initiatives were later formalized under the name Volunteers in Asia in 1966.^[1] During the Vietnam War, VIA also arranged alternative service placements for conscientious objectors in countries such as Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines.

Over subsequent decades, VIA expanded its programming to include undergraduate and graduate participants from across the United States, offering placements in countries such as Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In the 1970s, VIA introduced programs aimed at bringing Asian students to the United States to participate in cultural and academic exchanges. Initially managed under the name Trans-Pacific Exchange, these programs later became known as VIA’s Stanford Programs, reflecting their affiliation with Stanford University.

Although VIA began as a Stanford University initiative and maintained offices on the Stanford campus for over 40 years, the organization has always operated independently. In 2006, VIA moved its headquarters to San Francisco but continued to use Stanford as a venue for hosting inbound student programs and recruiting volunteers.

VIA has operated under several names throughout its history:

VIA offers a range of service and educational programs for both U.S.-based and Asia-based participants.

For American residents, the organization provides one- and two-year volunteer placements, as well as shorter summer cultural immersion experiences, in countries including Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.^[2] VIA also offers fellowships such as the CJ Huang Fellowship (focused on service in China) and the Vietnam Community Fellowship (focused on social work in Vietnam).^[6]

For students from Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and China, VIA organizes spring and summer programs in the United States. These programs, often hosted at Stanford University, focus on themes such as American language and culture, health care systems, social innovation, and community service.^[6]

• List of non-governmental organizations in the People's Republic of China
• List of non-governmental organizations in Vietnam
• List of social and non-governmental organisations in Myanmar
• List of non-governmental organizations in Thailand

• Official website