East Asian Studies Heidelberg University

Overview

The combination of approaches adopted from cultural and social studies enables students to study East Asia against the background of its long history and tradition as well as from the perspective of its current importance as a gravitational centre for the global economy and international politics.  

The academic programme includes the acquisition of sound knowledge of Chinese or Japanese. Students can select a specialisation in either Chinese studies, Japanese studies or East Asian art history (with a focus on either China or Japan).

Career

Graduates of the East Asian Studies programme from Heidelberg University who have substantial knowledge of historical developments, current trends and appropriate linguistic knowledge in at least one East Asian language have numerous career options. These include in:  

• banks and enterprises with subsidiaries in Asia and around the globe  
• cultural institutions such as, e.g., publishing houses, museums, radio, foundations
• tourism
• the creative industry  
• ministries and public authorities at the state, federal and EU level  
• national and international chambers of commerce  
• the diplomatic service and international organisations
• translation and interpreting agencies  
• school education

Regular information events organised by the institute and alumni associations highlight potential career options. In addition, the institute provides information about related internships around the world.