About the Center

The Center for Asian Studies of the Richard L. Walker Institute of International and Area Studies was established in 1994 as a focal point for promoting research, teaching, and service on international and cross-cultural issues and problems in Asia.  It serves as a forum to provide focus for future cooperation and exchanges between South Carolina, the United States, and East Asian nations.  Over the years, the Center for Asian Studies has made itself an increasingly important factor in matters concerning that region of the world by encouraging wide-ranging research, sponsoring conferences, inviting distinguished scholars, arranging and sponsoring field trips, and recruiting talented students.  It has also initiated and sustained a number of important collaborative research and exchange agreements with academic centers throughout the East Asia region. 

The Center is a self-supporting unit.  Thanks to the generosity of supporters in the United States, Taiwan, the Republic of Korea, and elsewhere, the Center is establishing significant endowments for operational expenses and fellowships.  The Center supports students from the United States, China, Taiwan, Korea, and other Asian countries working toward graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines.  It also offers a minor in Asian studies for Arts and Sciences students.  A large number of the Center's graduates have returned to their home countries and have become very active in local and national politics and academic activities.

Center for Asian Studies
University of South Carolina
408 Gambrell Hall,

Columbia, SC 29208
Office: (803) 777-0437 

Fax: (803)777-0568

E-mail: brownpo@sc.edu