East Asian Studies

If language structures thought, then learning a language like Chinese — with its distinct perspective on meaning and communication — can help you gain a whole new way of understanding the East, the West, and the world (especially if you’re a coming from an Indo-European language background). By mastering the rhythmic tones of Chinese pronunciation, communicating through pictographic written characters, and grasping the ins and outs of a grammar without verb conjugations or plural & gender forms, you can challenge yourself intellectually while redefining your memory, creative, and problem-solving skills.

Two languages in the world give you the opportunity to converse with, learn from, and befriend over a billion people: Chinese is one (and the other is English). This also means a wealth of career opportunities, from roles in translation, academic research, teaching, international business, trade, finance, and countless more. On the personal side, you can enrich your life with an appreciation for the intricate nuances of Chinese arts, such as calligraphy and cooking, or immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Chinese-language entertainment, from songs like “Tong Hua” to movies like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (or even “Everything Everywhere All at Once”).

The world is still rapidly globalizing, day by day we face international challenges that call for cooperative solutions, and Chinese-speaking countries continue to play critical roles in the world stage— which means a mindset of cross-cultural understanding is more important than ever. By broadening your horizons and gaining insight into the diverse lives and thoughts of others, you’ll position yourself to help build a future grounded in a collaborative ethos and mutual interest in the well-being of future generations.

With over 5,000 years of history, Chinese is one of the oldest languages still in use. You won’t just trace the development of Chinese civilization, from ancient times to the present. You’ll also be entering into a tradition of philosophical, literary, artistic and political thought that has shaped and influenced societies in East Asia and beyond for thousands of years.