Welcome to the University at Buffalo's
Asian Studies Program

The strength of UB's Asian Studies Program is built on the diverse interests of forty-eight affiliated faculty members from a dozen departments across the university whose teaching and research are devoted primarily to Asia. The program offers both a major and minor in Asian Studies, and several courses each semester in Asian American Studies. Asian Studies provides an array of special lectures, artistic presentations, and luncheon seminars enriching a community of students and scholars energized by Asia.

Click here to view our Spring 2013 Newsletter!

Why Study Asia?

We live in an age in which major cultures, formerly confined to particular geographical regions of the world, have a truly global reach. North America is no longer an outpost of Europe, but an invigorating composite of Asian, African, Latin, and European ingredients. Asian economies have world-wide presence, and political issues in that part of the world affect us profoundly at home. In art, theater, cinema, religion, and cuisine, Asia is here. By studying Asian civilizations and contemporary societies, we come to understand a significant part of humanity and acquire insight into ourselves.

Career Options

Students who major in Asian Studies find job opportunities in international business, government service, nongovernmental organizations, and the arts. Some go on to professional schools in such fields as management, finance, diplomacy, and law. Others pursue graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines and enter Asia-related academic careers. A recent report by Nightly Business News on PBS stated that Asia-related careers will be in high demand over the next century.

The Asian Studies Program in conjunction with Career Services, and International Education Week recently organized a forum to acquaint students with Asia-related career opportunities. To view the recording of this event, please visit mms://mediastream.buffalo.edu/Content/as/WorkingInAsia.wmv

Asian Studies News and Announcements

APEC Study Center Announces Research Fund for Junior Faculty and Graduate Students

The APEC Study Center at the University at Buffalo, in conjunction with the Department of Geography and Asian Studies Program, announces the establishment of the Nila T. Gnamm Junior Faculty Research Fund. Small grants up to $2,000 will be awarded for research expenses or for scholarly activity at UB that is related to the research of a faculty member or graduate student. Preference for funding will be given to: (1) initiatives conducted in or related to Southeast Asia; (2) proposals from untenured faculty; (3) proposals from UB graduate students from Southeast Asia whose dissertation research focuses on their home countries; and (4) research related to quality-of-life issues in the region. Proposals from tenured faculty or those not specifically focused on Southeast Asia or quality-of-life issues may be considered, depending on available funding. Next application deadline: October 15, 2013.

View the complete announcement.

View the request for proposals.

For a list of upcoming Asia-related events, visit the Events page of our website.