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East Asian Studies



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Major Related
Resources

East Asian
Studies Center

Memorial Hall West 207
Phone: (812)855-3765

Career Related
Resources

Career Resource
Library

625 North Jordan Avenue
Phone: (812)855-0576
Career Development Center
Arts and Sciences
Career Services

625 North Jordan Avenue
Phone: (812)855-0576

IUB Libraries Career Resources
Foreign Languages Careers
Liberal Arts Careers
10th Street & Jordan Avenue
Phone: 812-855-0100



Description of Major

The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural department, seeks to develop students' understanding of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages and cultures. Two majors and two minors are offered. The major in East Asian Studies includes two years of language training in one of the three East Asian languages, in addition to course work in aspects of East Asian society and culture. It has been designed as a flexible program for students who want basic language training as well as the opportunity to study a variety of topics and approaches to the culture and history of East Asian countries. This major is suitable for students pursuing careers in business, international relations, cultural exchanges, and other occupations with a focus on East Asia.

Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of Study

Knowledge of the history, literature, social sciences and culture related to China, Japan and Korea; reading, writing, speaking and comprehension of the Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages.

Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this Major

Business, computer science, education, history, international studies, journalism, political science, various sciences.

Career Options

Careers Specific to the Bachelor's Degree

International business, international relations, positions in the travel and communications industries, government service.

Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's Degree

East Asia today is synonymous with economic growth. Japan is the second largest trading partner of the United States, and Korea is the eighth. China is now achieving double digit industrial growth rates as well. Americans who have mastered the languages and understand the cultures of these countries are in demand in consulting, translation, journalism, and high school teaching.

Careers that Normally Require a Graduate Degree

International law, foreign service, college and university teaching.

Employment Opportunities

Job Outlook

With the growing global interest in East Asia, the job outlook for people who are knowledgeable about Asian cultures and history and fluent in the language looks very promising. Specific areas such as foreign service, government service, business, journalism and education have seen increases in the opportunities available to people with experience in East Asian studies.

Salary Information

Starting salaries are in the range of $20,000-$30,000.

Potential Career Growth

Excellent due to the demand in the world economy for people with East Asian language and cultural knowledge and experience.

Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this Major

According to the East Asian languages and cultures department, 65 percent of its graduates obtain jobs in related career fields upon graduation.

High School Preparation

No previous background in Asian studies or language is required. Beginning to advanced courses are offered in every area.

Special Opportunities

Students have opportunities on campus to immerse themselves in East Asian languages and culture. Japan House and China House are student run organizations that meet regularly for conversation and cultural activities.

Noted Alumni

IU alumni with a major from the EALC Department are currently working in international relations, government, international business, and education both in the United States and overseas.
Majors and Careers Series Spring 2000

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Comments: explore@indiana.edu
Created by Brian Smith, Dawn Bourbina, Ben Tesnar, and Stephen Grogg
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