Master of Arts in Regional Studies - East Asia

Students' Comments about the MARSEA Program

"The Columbia East Asian faculty is simply outstanding and the whole reason why I chose Columbia."

"The faculty and courses were great."

"[The Program] gave me a good break from my career to build up intellectually, and think of longer term issues. Also deepened my understanding of politics in East Asia. The international environment was a big plus and I made friends from the US as well as other parts of the world."

"I came in expecting to get a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the East Asian region as a whole and I think I got that from the MARSEA program. I had previously studied Japanese history, but taking classes on Chinese and Korean foreign policy really helped me view Japanese history (or parts of it at least) in a very different light. In writing my thesis on US-DPRK relations, I was able to draw on classes on South Korea, China and Japan and examine the role that each of these countries can play to diffuse tension on the Korean Peninsula."

"I think it was a good program, and should be recommended to those on a fast-track to a Ph.D."

"Courses were great, with a truly top-notch faculty, who, generally speaking, would always take the time to meet and work with students. Resources (library, on-line media) are unparalleled."

Current students or alumni wishing to comment on the program may contact: weaistudents@columbia.edu