faculty-led study abroad programs
We partner with universities to design customized faculty-led study abroad programs across Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan, combining academic learning with authentic local experiences that connect students with people, places and ideas.
Education Beyond the Classroom
Study abroad programs help students connect academic theory with real-world experience, develop greater cultural awareness, and build the confidence to navigate an increasingly global world.
Our strongest experience is in hospitality, tourism, and business education, but we work with faculty across a wide range of academic disciplines to create programs tailored to their learning objectives.
Whatever subject you teach, carefully designed international experiences can help students connect classroom learning with the people, businesses, and cultures that bring it to life.
Our Approach
Every program we design is guided by a small number of principles that shape the way we work with faculty and students.
01
Faculty Partnership
We work closely with faculty to design programs that support their teaching goals while creating an enjoyable experience for students.
02
Small Group Experiences
Smaller groups encourage discussion, participation, and meaningful interaction throughout the program.
03
Story-Led Learning
Our guides use stories, local knowledge, and conversation to bring destinations to life.
04
Authentic Local Connections
Students meet local people, businesses, and communities, gaining insights that go beyond traditional sightseeing.
05
Three Destinations, One Partner
Plan programs across Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore with one experienced team and one point of contact.
06
Learning That Students Enjoy
The most memorable learning often happens when students are actively engaged, curious and enjoying the experience.
Our Destinations
japan
Known for its unique blend of tradition, innovation and world-renowned hospitality, Japan provides an ideal setting for exploring hospitality, business and culture through diverse accommodation styles, authentic local experiences, traditional craftsmanship and timeless traditions.
hong kong
A dynamic international city where East meets West, Hong Kong provides an ideal setting for exploring entrepreneurship, hospitality, heritage and urban development through its vibrant food culture, authentic local experiences and cultural discovery.
SINGAPORE
Known for its innovation, multicultural society and world-class visitor experiences, Singapore offers an exceptional environment for exploring hospitality, tourism, sustainability and business through iconic attractions, diverse food cultures and industry-leading service.
Learning Themes
Every program is designed around your learning objectives. Below are some of the themes we regularly incorporate into faculty-led study abroad programs across Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.
Heritage & Identity: Explore the traditions, stories and cultural heritage that continue to shape each destination today.
Modern History: Understand the events that transformed modern Asia, from colonial rule and independence to war, reconstruction and rapid economic development.
Food Culture: Discover a destination through its food, from family-run restaurants and local markets to hands-on culinary experiences.
Architecture & Design: Explore how architecture, gardens and public spaces reflect a destination's history, culture and values, from historic temples to contemporary urban design.
Society & Contemporary Issues: Discuss the social, demographic and economic forces shaping modern Asian societies, from ageing populations to urban development and changing lifestyles.
Business & Work Culture: Understand how business practices, workplace culture and professional expectations differ across destinations, from traditional customs to modern corporate environments.
Entrepreneurship: Meet the people behind local businesses and discover the ideas, innovation, and entrepreneurship shaping today's destinations.
Hospitality: Examine service culture, accommodation, food and beverage, and the many different expressions of hospitality.
Iconic Attractions & Visitor Experiences: Explore the attractions, experiences and destinations that have become global benchmarks for tourism, hospitality and visitor engagement.
Sustainable Tourism: Discover how destinations balance tourism, local communities and environmental responsibility. Discussions and experiences may explore overtourism, destination management, lesser-known neighbourhoods, local initiatives, and sustainable development.
Featured Study Abroad Programs
Every program we design is tailored to each university's academic objectives, faculty, and learning outcomes. The examples below showcase genuine programs created for university partners and illustrate the breadth of what is possible.
12-Day Japan Study Abroad Program
Hospitality • Tourism • Business
Tokyo • Gunma • Kyoto
11-Day Hong Kong, Macau & Singapore Study Abroad Program
Hospitality • Tourism • Business
Hong Kong • Macau • Singapore
How We Work
Every university is different, but every successful study abroad program has the same goal: creating an experience that meets academic objectives, excites students and is straightforward for faculty to organise. Our role is to guide you through each stage of the process, making planning as simple as possible.
1. Initial Conversation
We begin by learning about you, your course, your learning objectives, the type of experiences you'd like to include, your preferred destination or destinations, and your expected group size.
2. Program Design
We prepare a draft itinerary and quotation, recommending experiences that support your curriculum while creating a memorable and engaging experience for your students.
3. Refine Together
We'll make any adjustments needed to the itinerary until you're happy that it meets your teaching objectives and the experience you want to create for your students.
4. Student Enrollment & Program Confirmation
Once your program is approved, your university begins promoting it to students while we work closely with the relevant faculty and administrative teams to coordinate the next steps. Once enrollment is confirmed, we prepare everything needed for a smooth and successful program delivery.
5. Program Delivery
From the moment your group arrives until they depart, we take care of the on-the-ground arrangements, allowing you to focus on your students while we manage the logistics and deliver an engaging educational experience.
Meet Laura
Laura Blackhall founded Hello! Tours with a passion for creating meaningful travel experiences that bring destinations to life through their people, stories and culture. Today, she works directly with faculty to create study abroad programs that are academically meaningful, straightforward to organize and genuinely enjoyable for students.
Let's Start the Conversation
Whether you're planning your first study abroad program or looking for a new partner in Hong Kong, Singapore or Japan, I'd love to learn more about your course, your students and your learning objectives.
Every successful program begins with a conversation. Together, we'll explore your ideas, discuss the experiences you'd like to include, and create a program that supports your teaching goals while inspiring and engaging your students.
Whether you already have a clear vision or are simply exploring what's possible, I'd be delighted to help you take the next step.
Prefer email?
laura@hellotours.com