East Asian Languages and Cultures

The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers six EALC B.A. degrees and two minors, as well as a MA and a J.D./M.A. These majors learn about the languages, literatures, and cultures of three of the oldest continuous civilizations in the world: China, Japan, and Korea. Japan and mainland China are the world’s largest economies, after the United States, and South Korea and Taiwan are key U.S. trading partners. The economic and political relationship between the U.S. and East Asia will be among the most important for the U.S. in the 21st century. With an EALC B.A. or minor, students can pursue a range of careers in business, government, education, or nonprofit organizations or continue on to graduate study in East Asian languages and literatures.

East Asian Languages & Studies Department website

Sample of Related Skills 

  • Understand major issues and paradigms in the field of East Asian studies    
  • Interpret foreign cultural texts in various media from a historically informed and situated perspective  
  • Apply the foregoing language skills, knowledge, and habits or critical thinking in a practical context that can include completing an internship or designing and completing a special project  
  • Speak an east Asian language, having the ability to communicate in an effective and culturally appropriate manner 
  • Demonstrate and understanding of East Asian cultures through multiple disciplines  

Popular Career Paths 

Business, Commerce, Trade: Uses foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to work with international partners in all aspects of global business, management, banking, and trade.  

Communications & Media: Utilizes foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to work for domestic or international employers in the areas of journalism, broadcasting media, communications, public relations, and advertising.  

Foreign Relations: Works with US government agencies and international non-profit organizations to inform and enhance relations between countries through foreign diplomacy, intelligence, policy, and law. 

International Development & Human Services: Works with US government agencies and non-profit organizations to develop and advocate for economic, political, and social quality-of-life issues on behalf of those living abroad and those immigrating to the US.

Research: Involves conducting research to inform educational programs, policy development, and other educational or political interests.

Teaching/Education Administration: Utilizes foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to build educational systems in developing countries, oversee educational exchange programs for students and educators, and teach language skills domestically or abroad. 

Jobs to Consider 

Places to Seek Employment 

  • Consulting Firms
  • Domestic/Foreign Banking and Financial Institutions
  • Domestic/Foreign Corporations
  • International Trade Firms
  • Multilateral Organizations (e.g. United Nations)
  • Newspaper, Magazine, and Book Publishers
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • US Federal Government and Military
  • US State and Local Governments
  • Museums
  • Research Institutes and Foundations
  • Public/Private Schools
  • Travel and Hospitality Providers
  • TV Networks and Film Studios 

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EPIK: English Program in Korea - teach English abroad in Korea; must have completed a bachelor's degree 

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Foreign Policy Research Institute - non-profit devoted to research and public education on international affairs; includes jobs, internships, and a think tank directory 

Government & Non-Profit Resources - more from the KU career site

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Internships USA - internships in international affairs, law & policy, and human rights 

JET: Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme - cultural exchange program with positions in teaching, international relations, and sports 

Korean Horizons - opportunities to teach English in South Korean public schools - does not require certification and they assist you with placement as well as training, securing documentation and continued support throughout your time there 

KU Office of Study Abroad - internships in Shanghai as well as London, Dublin, Madrid 

GoGovernment.org - job profiles of education jobs in the federal government including available positions and number of positions by region and governmental agency  

NAFSA: Association of International Educators - career information and job listings for international educators 

PeaceCorps - federal service program that currently sends US volunteers to serve abroad in over 75 countries 

RAND Corporation - think tank that offers jobs, internships, and fellowships in international affairs and national security 

United Nations - explore UN career paths and current job and internship opening 

US Citizenship & Immigration Services - explore career paths and current job and internship openings with the USCIS

Working Abroad Resources - more from career.ku.edu