While 20 years ago Utah students would have attended other universities for instruction in Asian languages, many are now pursuing studies at the U. A strong Asian Studies program not only provides opportunities for domestic students' involvement with foreign students, it forges significant links between student communities, adding to Utah's strength in diversity. And Utah will soon offer more opportunities for the foreign study essential to learning a new language. These several means of studying in Asia range from summer fellowships to field studies, and from semesters abroad to internship opportunities. During the next few years, these opportunities will expand to include research fellowships and relationships with universities in Korea, in addition to already established programs in China and Japan. Currently, the U offers exchange programs with Kansai Gaidai University, Shinshu University, and Gifu University in Japan, and several options in China as well.
Negotiations are also under way for similar opportunities in Korea.
Part of Asian Studies' uniqueness is that it attracts students from across campus. Students want to explore and experience the richness and variety of Asian civilizations. Currently, students must combine Asian Studies with another major so they can apply the language, research, and professional skills they develop in their studies to their chosen occupations. The difficulty of combining three or more years of intensive language study with all the prerequisites of another major program demands that students be highly motivated. But it is this motivation that fuels the growing demand for the program.