Rollins

Encompassing traditions stretching from ancient dynasties to modern mega-corporations, the impact of Asian culture is nearly as old and complicated as humanity itself. As an Asian studies major at Rollins, you’ll immerse yourself in this diverse and fascinating region through the study of history, religion, politics, language, business, and economics.

Our interdisciplinary program combines traditional courses in social sciences and the humanities with an emphasis on area study and international experience. More than 75 percent of our students study abroad, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to experience Asia’s global impact firsthand. Our expert faculty members bring decades of experience into the classroom—they’ll serve as your guides and mentors, allowing you to hone your language skills and develop an even greater sense of philosophical and cultural concepts critical to the region.

As an Asian studies major, you’ll develop a sophisticated and reflexive worldview that embodies what it means to be a global citizen, all while preparing for tomorrow’s ever-evolving job market.


Why Study Asian Studies at Rollins

  1. Future-Proof Foundation

    Rollins’ mission of turning out responsible global leaders in everything from human rights to international business is perfectly suited to the study of Asia, one of the most geopolitically consequential regions in the world.

  2. International Opportunity

    Put the language and cultural skills you’re learning in our small, discussion-based classes to the test on immersive field studies or a semester abroad in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, or Japan.

  3. Personalized Mentorship

    Asian studies is a small, tight-knit department, so your professors get to know you well throughout your time in the major, giving you the freedom to explore your specific interests and offering feedback tailored to your needs and goals.

Karina Barbesino

“Throughout my journey at Rollins, I was fortunate to learn in various environments—from independent studies and round-table discussions to hands-on learning and seminars. These learning environments forced me to tackle questions from different angles, both independently and in collaborative teams. I use the critical-thinking and language skills I gained at Rollins in my work every day.”

Karina Barbesino ’19

Research Assistant, Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs



A Rollins professor leads an Asian studies class.

Dive Into Asian Studies

The Asian Studies major provides you with the opportunity to study in depth one of the most important regions in the world. The importance of Asia derives from its large population, long history, complex and diverse societies and cultures, and rising economic significance. As the peoples and nations of the world become increasingly interconnected, successful leaders and citizens will benefit from a mastery of this key region.

See What You Will Learn

Rollins Asian Studies Careers

Rollins’ Asian studies grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s leading companies.

  • Self portrait of Jennifer Jokl

    Jennifer Jokl ’14

    Senior Analyst, JetBlue
  • Self portrait of Nina Houston

    Nina Houston ’16

    Business Development Manager, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
  • Self portrait of Lambrini Kolios

    Lambrini Kolios ’13

    Country Manager, Brazil & the Caribbean, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
  • Self portrait of Rachel Bogdan

    Rachel Bogdan ’14

    Staff Attorney, Office of the Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance
  • Self portrait of Brittany Edwards

    Brittany Edwards ’17

    User Experience Researcher, Yahoo

Real World Experience

From community engagement courses to international research experiences, Asian studies students hone their skills in the real world.

  • Harvard Kennedy School
  • East West Institute
  • U.S. Consulate General
  • Hong Kong Baptist University
  • USTDA
  • U.S. Department of State
A Rollins professor leads a discussion in an outdoor classroom.

See for Yourself

Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.

Take a Closer Look

Popular Courses


Beyond the Classroom

China Goes Global The Rollins Asian studies department is actively involved in the annual China Goes Global Conference, presented in partnership with the Chinese Globalization Association, a nonprofit geared toward advancing research on Chinese globalization through academic scholarship. In addition to hosting the event, Rollins students and faculty frequently attend and present research to an international audience.

Study Abroad Learn about international trade in Xi’an. Hike the Great Wall. Take a manga-inspired art class in Japan. From semester-long programs to summer field studies, Rollins offers a host of study abroad opportunities across Asia to hone your area of study and enhance your language and cultural fluency. Each year, the George and Maeching Kao Fund awards scholarships to up to six superlative students who wish to study abroad in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan.

Real Research You’ll have the opportunity to participate in professional-level research through our Student-Faculty Collaborative Research program. Collaborate with faculty in an exciting on-on-one environment that will help you refine your language skills and give you an edge in a competitive global market.

Students participate in a study abroad summer session in China.

Keep Exploring

Take a deeper dive into Asian studies at Rollins by meeting your future professors, seeing our grads in action, and sitting in on a class.

Rollins student Alexa Macias ’23, CLS Program recipient

Macias ’23 Earns Critical Language Scholarship

Alexa Macias ’23 has earned a Critical Language Scholarship to study Chinese in Taiwan at the National Cheng Kung University.

My Rollins Gateway: Karina Barbesino ’19

Karina Barbesino ’19—who has found the intersection between two seemingly disparate passions—says it all starts with language.

Portraits of Adam Roderick ’19, Karina Barbesino ’19, Ryan Colangelo ’19, Kate Knight ’19, Jonathan Leeper ’19, and Nico Khazzam ’18

7 Rollins Students Named Fulbright Scholars

Karina Barbesino ’19, Ryan Colangelo ’19, Nico Khazzam ’18, Kate Knight ’19, Jonathan Leeper ’19, and Adam Roderick ’19 have earned 2019-20 Fulbright Scholarships.


Expert Faculty

Rollins Asian studies professors take a personal interest in each and every student, getting to know their passions and helping guide them on their personalized paths. This high-touch level of mentorship and expertise across the region help Rollins students succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Department of Asian Studies

1000 Holt Ave. – 2779
Winter Park, FL 32789

Telephone: 407.646.2623

  • Martha Cheng

    Martha Cheng, PhD

    Professor

  • Yudit Greenberg

    Yudit Greenberg, PhD

    George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Chair of Religion; Director of Jewish Studies Program

  • Richard Lewin

    Richard Lewin, PhD

    Associate Professor of Finance

  • Jingyu Liu

    Jingyu Liu, PhD

    Assistant Professor of Religion

  • Jenifer Ruby

    Jenifer Ruby

    Director of International Student & Scholar Services

  • Tonia Warnecke

    Tonia Warnecke, PhD

    George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Chair of Social Entrepreneurship

  • Yusheng Yao

    Yusheng Yao, PhD

    Professor of History

    Research interests: Modern China, modern education reform, and rural reconstruction

  • Jie Yu

    Jie Yu, PhD

    Associate Professor of Education

  • Wenxian Zhang

    Wenxian Zhang

    Professor and Head of Archives & Special Collections