by establishing programs designed to expose Asian students to American culture. Originally operating under the name Trans-Pacific Exchange, these opportunities are now called VIA Stanford Programs. The longest-running of these is the American Language and Culture program, which hosts over 150 students each summer. Participants have come from Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Mainland China. VIA Stanford Programs have taken a variety of themes, but they all strive to give participants the linguistic and cultural skills to excel as global citizens. Connection with Stanford University Throughout its history, VIA has had logistical and cooperative ties with Stanford University in California. Although never a university program, VIA began as a Stanford student project and for its first years was only available to Stanford University students. For over four decades, VIA's home office was located on Stanford's campus. Although VIA's main office moved to San Francisco in 2006, VIA continues to use Stanford facilities to host its Stanford Programs, recruits participants from Stanford's student body and maintains a satellite office on campus. Nonetheless, VIA has always and continues to operate as an entirely independent entity. Confusion about name Whereas the core programs and mission of VIA have not changed, there is often confusion about the name of the organization, currently in its 5th decade. Current programs For US residents, VIA continues to offer one- and two-year volunteer opportunities in Asia. Countries include Cambodia, People's Republic of China, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. In addition, summer cultural immersion programs are offered in China, Indonesia and Vietnam. Additionally, Stanford students can participate in VIA's Stanford Programs as hosts or student coordinators. VIA offers six fellowships, two CJ Huang fellowships for Stanford students interested in service in China and four Vietnam Community fellowships for students interested in social work in Vietnam. For residents of Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Mainland China, VIA Stanford Programs offers the following opportunities in the spring: Exploring Health Care and Serving American Community. Summer programs include: American Language and Culture, Exploring Social Innovation, and Asia-US Service Learning. See also 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 References International volunteer organizations Charities based in California Foreign charities operating in Vietnam Foreign charities operating in China Foreign charities operating in Thailand Foreign charities operating in Japan Organizations