Pacific and Asian Studies

Customize your degree

Tailor your degree to match your interests and career goals. Choose one of three concentrations:

• Experiential learning - Gain practical experience through research, study abroad and field programs.
• Language and culture - Focus on cultural studies alongside language learning.
• Language intensive - Develop advanced proficiency in Chinese, Japanese or Indonesian/Malay.

Each pathway allows you to combine regional knowledge with communication skills that are valuable in global careers.

Hands-on learning

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

• Through UVic’s Co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
• Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
• On average, 70 percent of UVic Co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
• Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.

Field school in Japan

Travel to Osaka, Japan to study the origins, development and continuing influence of the Japanese empire. You’ll also take day trips to:

• Nara
• Kyoto
• Hiroshima

No Japanese language experience is required to participate.

Field school in China

Improve your Chinese language skills through an intensive field school in the historic city of Chongqing. During the program you will

• Immerse yourself in Chinese culture and history
• Practice language skills daily
• Learn directly from local instructors and communities.

Toyooka City cultural exchange

This field school takes place in a small town in Japan and is offered in partnership with the Toyooka City government. You will

• Practice Japanese in everyday situations
• Engage with local community members
• Experience Japanese culture beyond major cities.

Study abroad

Expand your global perspective through international study opportunities. Examples include:

• Summer Japanese language study at Konan University in Kobe
• A year studying in Shanghai
• Indonesian language and cultural study in Yogyakarta

These experiences help you build confidence, independence and global connections.

Student life & community

Learning about cultures also means experiencing them together. Throughout the year, you can participate in social and cultural activities such as

• Chinese New Year celebrations
• movie nights
• Asian language speech contests
• cultural excursions
• student-led events and gatherings

Inspiring courses

• Digital Asia
• Asian Horror Cinema
• Anti-Colonial Movements in Asia
• Asian Mega-Cities and Urban Regions
• Identity in Animated Japanese Cinema

Career possibilities

Careers for Pacific & Asian Studies graduates are diverse and globally connected. With language skills, cultural expertise and international perspective, you can pursue opportunities across government, business, education and global organizations. Possible career paths include:

• International project coordinator
• Trade officer
• Policy analyst
• Translator or interpreter
• Cultural programs coordinator

Admission

Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.

Alternatively, you can apply to another major and then add this program as a minor after one year of full-time study.

Ready to apply?

We'll walk you through all of the steps in the process, from submitting your online application to accepting your offer of admission.