Your degree in Asian Studies

During your Asian Studies degree, you can choose to focus on Asian Language and Culture or Asian Area Studies. Asian Language and Culture combines advanced language study with a concentration in one of five areas: China, Chinese Literature, Japan, Korea, or South Asia. Asian Area Studies offers a comparative approach to studying traditional and contemporary Asian societies with less emphasis on advanced language study.

You’ll develop important skills while studying history, literary and religious traditions, gender relations, and languages.

These skills may include:

• Critical thinking and analysis of concepts related to major political, cultural, literary, historical, and/or religious movements in one or more Asian communities
• Applying problem solving to the examination of Asian-related topics considering multiple perspectives
• Intercultural understanding and competency
• Reflecting on and analyzing self-identity, influences, assumptions, and values
• Understanding and translating a wide range of texts, and recognizing implicit meanings
• Expressing ideas fluently and spontaneously in a foreign language
• Persuasive public speaking and reasoning abilities that are evidence-based 
• Ability to perceive the influence different perspectives can have on facts
• Written and verbal communication skills used to identify and examine the historical, social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of Canada’s relationship with Asia and the place of Asian communities in the history of North America and other regions of the world

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and accessing job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Find UBC Asian Studies graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.