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Undergraduate Programs Information

Major or minor in Asian Studies.

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Including: Master of Arts in Asian Studies, Master’s in Asian International Affairs, and Graduate Certificates in Asian Studies.

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Student Testimonials

Christina Geisse

The Asian Studies Program was incredible because most professors were undertaking their own research, passionate about their subject of study, and enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge with students. It felt fresh and profound at the same time. Inspiring! 

Christina Geisse
Kim Sluchansky

I was able to delve deep and focus on the areas of Asian Studies that truly interested me, and therefore gained a much more thorough and developed understanding of my fields of interest, which are applicable to my current career path. Also, the professors are extremely helpful and want their students to succeed. They were very supportive both while I was at UH and after I graduated.

Blog

Student Highlight: Jacob Oster (31 Oct, 2024)

From Northern Virginia to the Indo-Pacific: A Journey of Service and Scholarship

Meet Jacob Oster, known as Jake, a dedicated graduate student in the Master of Asian International Affairs program at the University of Hawaii. Originally from Northern Virginia, Jake earned his BS in Biology and Environmental Studies from the College of Charleston in South Carolina in 2012. It was during his undergraduate studies that he joined the U.S. Army ROTC program at The Citadel, setting the stage for a distinguished military career.

Since commissioning as a U.S. Army Officer in 2012, Jake has served in various capacities within the Infantry and Military Intelligence branches, including a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2020, he was accepted into the Foreign Area Officer branch, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region. This opportunity led him to complete an intensive 18-month Korean language course at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, followed by a transformative year at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea.

During his time in Seoul, Jake didn’t just immerse himself in the culture; he engaged in numerous exercises, internships, and extensive travel across the region, gaining invaluable insights that now inform his academic pursuits. His current research focuses on South Korea’s burgeoning defense industry, particularly under the Yoon administration, which aims to position South Korea as the 4th largest defense exporter by 2027. Specifically, Jake is examining U.S.-ROK defense industrial base cooperation in light of recent shifts in regional strategy. He hopes to uncover potential challenges and opportunities in this dynamic field.

Studying at UH has opened new doors for Jake, introducing him to a diverse community of students and perspectives that enrich his educational experience. “Hearing everyone’s stories has made this journey incredibly valuable,” he reflects.

Jake’s military background, especially his immersion experiences, has profoundly deepened his understanding of the region. “Traveling to these places beforehand has given me a greater appreciation and motivation for my research here,” he shares.

As he continues to explore the complex interplay of defense industries and regional stability, Jacob Oster embodies the spirit of inquiry and dedication that defines our Asian Studies community. Stay tuned for more updates on his impactful journey!

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