Princeton in Asia (PiA)

The mission of Princeton in Asia is to promote goodwill and understanding and facilitate exchange between the US and Asia. PiA fosters mutual appreciation and cultural understanding by connecting service-minded graduates and partner organizations in Asia through immersive work experiences that transform perspectives, cultivate long-lasting relationships and benefit local and global communities. 

Founded in 1898, Princeton in Asia (PiA) has been building bridges between the U.S. and Asia for over a century. PiA’s original mission is as meaningful and urgent today as it was 124 years ago. The need to educate Americans about Asia and to help Asian communities better understand the United States has never been higher.

PiA is the oldest and largest organization of its kind, unique in its scope, size, century-long expertise and emphasis on service. The essence of PiA is to provide transformative, experiences for talented, service-oriented graduates and to serve the needs of our host organizations in Asia. PiA arranges fellowships and internships with Asian host organizations that contribute to important global issues at the local level: education, public health, environmental sustainability, economic development and peace, justice, and access to information. Fellowships are the means of fostering person-to-person diplomacy, enhancing mutual understanding, contributing to communities with unmet needs and providing transformative experiences for fellows and host communities. We are currently developing new programs in sports, arts and culture, and STEM fields. 

PiA is supported by a notably engaged Board of Trustees, host organizations in Asia and an active base of alumni and friends numbering over 4,000. PiA is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with Princeton University.