Founded by Stanford alumni in 2000, Abbey Road summer study abroad programs have built a legacy of excellence, offering life-changing experiences for students worldwide. Our mission is to deliver high-quality academic programs that foster cross-cultural understanding, experiential learning, personal development, and academic enrichment. Abbey Road was born from a unique collaboration of top educators and professionals from world-renowned institutions. Our faculty and curriculum developers hail from prestigious organizations and universities such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Duke, Cambridge, La Sorbonne, the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Parliament, and the U.S. State Department, among many others.
The Founder
Dr. Arthur Kian, Director of Abbey Road, earned his Ph.D. in International Relations from Stanford University, where he also served as an instructor for the Stanford Program for Gifted Youth and the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education. e developed and taught courses in International Politics and Foreign Languages for both college and high school students at Stanford and UCLA. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Kian has been actively involved in consulting for various international organizations, focusing on diplomacy, conflict resolution, and cross-cultural communication. He has published extensively on topics related to global governance and has been a guest speaker at numerous international conferences. Dr. Kian continues to mentor young professionals and students through Abbey Road’s global education programs.
Our Vision
As one parent described us, Abbey Road is “simply a cut above the rest.” Our academic credentials, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to our students set us apart as leaders in summer study abroad programs and pre-college preparation. We provide our students with the sophisticated experience of a seasoned traveler, not just a tourist. Thanks to our strong connections with host communities, small group sizes, and flexible scheduling, our students enjoy authentic cultural and language immersion abroad, as well as top tier pre-college preparation in the U.S. At Abbey Road, we believe that true education extends beyond the classroom. Our programs are designed to foster independence, critical thinking, and global awareness, giving students the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. Whether exploring the arts, languages, or sciences, our students gain valuable life skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Abbey Road’s staff consists of exceptional professionals who treat teenagers with respect and understanding. They are not only leaders in their fields but also mentors who inspire students to expand their minds, ignite their intellectual curiosity, and, most importantly, build confidence in the language they are striving to master. Our team is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where students feel empowered to grow academically and personally. We believe that education goes beyond the classroom, so our staff focuses on teaching skills that will serve students for life. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a passion for learning, we ensure that students are not only prepared for exams but also for future challenges. The Abbey Road team strives to make every student feel valued and supported as they navigate their educational journey.
Our Staff