Language Requirement

To fulfill the RSEA East Asian language requirement students must have proficiency in one modern East Asian Language to the fourth-year level.

To satisfy the language requirement, students must either complete a minimum of a third-year level East Asian language course at Harvard University or demonstrate equivalent proficiency through a language placement exam administered by the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations (EALC).

Ideally, students will enter the program with some East Asian language ability. Students without prior background in an East Asian language will be required to take six courses to master an East Asian language to the required fourth-year level; however, a student may take an intensive second-year summer program between their first and second year in an approved language program to attempt to acquire their language proficiency. 

Current students should refer to the RSEA SharePoint site for additional details and specific policies.