Asia has a population of over three billion people, and in our age of globalization, the continent is increasingly relevant to Western life. The Program in Asian Languages and Literature, housed within the University of Vermont’s School of World Languages and Cultures, offers language instruction in Chinese and Japanese, the languages of the two biggest economies in Asia. Our goal is to provide the best possible instruction in the languages and literatures of these two countries, helping students gain greater understanding of Asian culture and the capacity to thrive in environments where these languages are spoken.

Knowledge of the language and culture of China and Japan opens the door to a world of opportunity in business, government, education, the arts, and many other sectors.

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Opening New Worlds

Our Chinese and Japanese language, literature, and culture classes provide you with the skills to read, write, speak, and understand the two major languages of Asia. The rewards include an appreciation of rich literary heritage of Asian civilizations and access to a range of career opportunities.
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Inspired Teachers, Expert Mentors

Faculty members in both the Chinese and Japanese programs are experts in Chinese and Japanese languages and literatures and knowledgeable about Chinese and Japanese cultures. They are also specialists in teaching Chinese and Japanese languages to American college students.
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Going Places

You'll have access to a number of study abroad programs to sharpen your language skills and deepen your understanding of Asian cultures. And, when you graduate, you'll join many other UVM alumni who are making their mark in the world.
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Undergraduate Programs

One fifth of the world speaks Chinese, and Japan has the fourth-largest economy. These facts highlight the abundant opportunities for those who study Chinese or Japanese. Our programs immerse you in the languages, cultures, and histories, preparing you for global career opportunities.

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