A traditional red Chinese building in foreground and skyscrapers in background

Chinese and Japanese

Immerse yourself in the languages and cultures of the Far East.

Embrace the cultures of China and Japan. Learn to speak their languages and develop your global awareness through a carefully constructed curriculum that includes four years of Chinese study and three years of Japanese study, culminating in a major in Chinese or East Asian Studies concentration. Explore Chinese and Japanese history, literature, film, art, and religion and then study abroad to fully develop your language skills and cultural awareness and respect. You’ll learn to thrive in settings around the world and prepare yourself for graduate study or a career in international business, government, education, and more. 

Why Study Chinese and Japanese?

  • Students visit China

    Cultural Awareness

    Develop your language skills and global awareness.

    As you immerse yourself in the cultures of China and Japan, you’ll learn to speak the languages while developing global awareness through a carefully constructed curriculum. You’ll study Chinese for four years or Japanese for three, culminating in a major in Chinese or a concentration in East Asian Studies.

  • Grinnell umbrella on street in China

    Study Abroad

    Learn to thrive in settings around the world.

    You’ll explore Chinese and Japanese history, literature, film, art, and religion. You’ll have the opportunity to study abroad and experience the cultures of these countries firsthand. You’ll learn to thrive in settings around the world while preparing yourself for graduate study or a career in international business, government, education, and more. 

  • Students visit China

    Expert Faculty

    Gain knowledge from expert faculty and conduct independent research.

    You’ll engage with and learn from faculty who possess an in-depth understanding of the cultures and traditions of the region. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct individual research projects with faculty support and guidance throughout the process.

Student Stories

Table set for a meal at a restaurant in China

A Conversation About Chinese Foodways

4 students discuss how Chinese food developed in places they know well.
stir-fried beef on a plate at a restaurant

A Grinnell Student’s Guide to Chinese Cooking

“While we can’t promise authenticity or perfection, we believe these recipes will satisfy any curiosity or craving that the typical Grinnell student will have in regards to exploring Chinese cooking.”
Lana Katai ’21

One Chinese Language Learner’s Path to Valuable Career Skills

From study abroad project to independent study to publication
  • A student using chopsticks at a restaurant in China

    Faculty Research and Teaching

    Food as a Prism

    Professor Jin Feng’s interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research helps students develop creative and critical thinking skills.

Studying and Living Abroad

Building from Nanzan University in Japan

Fascinated by Japan

A computer science major takes advantage of global learning opportunities on campus, and off, to embrace cultural differences and shape his Grinnell experience.

Street in Shanghai at night

From Chinese Major to E-Sports Producer

Pursuing rich study abroad and global learning activities has allowed Stephen Craig '11 to thrive in China where he pursues his passions.

Tue
Jan. 28

Faculty/Staff Research Series

Burling 1st Floor Lounge
Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 4:15 – 5:30pm
Thu
Jan. 30

Chinese Table

Rosenfield Center 224A - Day Dining Room
Thursday, January 30, 2025, 12 – 1pm
Fri
Jan. 31

Japanese Table

Rosenfield Center 224A - Day Dining Room
Friday, January 31, 2025, 12 – 1pm
Thu
Feb. 6

Chinese Table

Rosenfield Center 224A - Day Dining Room
Thursday, February 6, 2025, 12 – 1pm

Chinese Career Outcomes

First Destinations

  • 50% Employment
  • 17% Graduate School
  • 0% Post-Graduate Service
  • 17% Fellowships
  • 0% Continuing Education
  • 17% Other

Employment

100%
Positions related to Career Goals

Positions Related to Career Goals

This graph illustrates the extent to which our graduates' first job is aligned with their career goals. It's one thing to find a job; it's an entirely different thing to land the job you want!

Employer

  • Epic
  • HESS Education
  • NERA Economic Consulting

Graduate Schools

Insufficient data to calculate

Graduate School Acceptance Info

Of those who applied to and were accepted to at least one program, this chart illustrates the percentage of admitted students who were accepted to either their first or second choice program and institution.

Institutions

  • Georgia Institute of Technology
Explore More Graduate Outcomes

Department Chair

Mariko Shigeta Schimmel

Contact Information

Phone
641-269-3070
Fax
641-269-9942

Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC)
1226 Park St.
Grinnell, IA 50112
United States

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