A professor leading students in a Chinese class
Academics
East Asian Languages and Cultures

Study Abroad

Studying in Asia is highly encouraged if you plan to major in East Asian Languages and Cultures. Whether you opt for a summer, a semester or a full year, you’ll find cultural immersion an indispensable step toward advanced proficiency in a second language. 

Williams offers the Linen Fellowships for Summer Study in Asia that can help fund your intensive language study or research project. Up to eight courses taken overseas at a program approved by the Dean’s office may be counted toward graduation, and up to four courses taken off campus may be counted toward the major.

Summer study abroad is an excellent option for short-term intensive language study, special programs and individual research. As with semester and year-abroad programs, majors and language students should consult with the department to select a program eligible for credit.

During the Winter Study period, the department faculty sometimes offers subsidized travel courses to Asia. Interested students can apply for the limited spots in these highly popular travel courses. You can also propose your own Independent Study to conduct research abroad.

Study Abroad Funding

The department is fortunate to enjoy the support of a number of loyal and generous alumni. The Linen summer grants for study abroad and other activities in the department are supported by an endowment established by family and friends in memory of James A. Linen III, Class of 1934, Trustee of the College from 1948 to 1953 and from 1963 to 1982. The Joseph G. Tompkins, Jr. ’62 Fund supports departmental activities relating to Japan.

  • The Linen Fund allows the department to offer a certain number of fellowships to assist Williams College undergraduates in traveling to South, Southeast and East Asia during the summer for educational purposes. Proposals may include (but are not limited to) conducting research for an honor’s thesis; pursuing other kinds of independent research under the direction of a member of the Williams College faculty; or participating in an intensive language training program in Asia at the advanced or intermediate level.

    In consultation with sponsoring faculty members, students develop individual study proposals, which are evaluated by the department in the spring. Several awards are given each year, in amounts that vary depending on the specific study proposal and available resources.

  • The Tompkins Award is given to at most one Japanese language student a year, to recognize outstanding work in the third-year Japanese class or above. All advanced Japanese language students are automatically considered, with the final decision made by the Japanese language faculty in consultation with the chair. The prize consists of round-trip transportation to Japan plus up to $1,500 to cover expenses for attending an approved seminar or conference, or to conduct an approved independent study project. The study plan can be developed in consultation with faculty after the award is made.

  • Students who are on financial aid can use their aid package for semester study abroad programs. Many study-away programs also offer financial aid. For summer study abroad, students can apply for the following: