Testimonials | Department of Asian & Asian American Studies

Ever since I switched my major and joined the AAAS Department not only I have met wonderful lifelong friends, but also I have met one of the most welcoming, caring, and passionate faculties in SBU. I will forever remember dearly the professors that were so understanding and caring to me while I went through one of the most hard and painful moments in my life. 교수님들께 정말 감사합니다!

~ Adamaris P.
AAS Major
KOR Minor

The Department of Asian/Asian American Studies here at Stony Brook is filled with so many passionate, kind and knowledgeable faculty. The classes I took have been some of my favorites here and I often found myself coming away from them with more understanding, compassion and pride for my community. Not only have I felt more empowered with the knowledge I have gained, but it has fueled creativity and hope in my life as I enter the next chapter in my life.

~ Christina M.
AAS Major
CNS Minor

Taking Chinese language and culture classes here at Stony Brook has completely changed my life for the better, and I am forever grateful to the amazing teachers and staff here who helped transform me into the person I am today. With the help of the Chinese teachers at Stony Brook, I was able to go from a beginner in Mandarin to an advanced speaker of the language. The teachers here are passionate about what they teach and fully supported me on my language learning journey. I would recommend this program to any student who has an interest in China and the Chinese language.

~ Noah B.
CNS Minor

I really enjoyed every class I took in the AAS and JNH departments, and I think choosing these two as my Minors was one of the best choices I made at Stony Brook. Every professor in both departments was friendly and responsible, and I learned a lot of new things in my classes. I am very thankful to each of them for teaching me and helping me to gain a deeper understanding and interest in areas that I had not been exposed to in the limited time I had. Fujita Sensei has been a very rewarding professor for me as my first introduction to the Japanese language course, and I was fortunate enough to be able to practice my own skills as her TA for a semester. Although I was only able to attend Nakamura Sensei's class for one semester, I am grateful to have been able to gain a more detailed understanding of grammar from it. Oyama Sensei is a very kind and gentle professor, and I have had plenty of opportunities to practice in her 311 and 312 classes, as well as outside of the classroom, which has been a great help in my schoolwork. Nagase Sensei's classes have been very enriching and I have been able to learn a lot and practice my presentation skills every time. Also, Professor Mimura's classes have provided me with the opportunity to understand history itself in a more holistic way, and Professor Wang's and Professor Murata's classes have been very rewarding as well. Professor Ruf and Assistant Foerster have also been a great help to me in my studies. I am very happy to have met so many nice professors and I would like to express my sincere gratitude.

~ Yuqi Y.
AAS Minor
JNH Minor

I really enjoyed being a China Studies minor, it gave me an opportunity to study something related to me culturally while being academically satisfying as well. Not only that, I was able to meet people from all different studies throughout the different courses I took.

~ Leon C.
CNS Minor

I didn't know what to expect when I chose this major, but I am so glad I went through with my decision. Being a part of AAAS has allowed me to learn and unlearn, broaden my perspectives on U.S. and global relationships, deepen my understanding of other cultures and countries, and most of all has given me the opportunity to learn more about myself as an Asian American woman. I've had my share of trials and tribulations during my time here, but through it all the professors and AAAS department have always been so encouraging and kind—and for that I will always be grateful. To the passionate professors and lovely people I've connected with along the way 정말 감사합니다 / どうもありがとうございました。

~ Nicole M.
AAS Major
JPN Minor
KOR Minor

I enjoyed every moment I spent as a student in my Japanese language and culture courses. The Professors were all incredibly passionate and eager to share their knowledge with the class. They are compassionate and understanding and always make sure every student is doing well, including me. They went out of their way to create a warm and friendly aura in the class. Thanks to them, I was able to make friends and looked forward to attending class. The knowledge I gained will stay with me in life. It also allows me to better appreciate and understand Japanese media. I am incredibly grateful that I met the wonderful faculty members from the Japanese Department. Thank you, to the wonderful professors who I had the joy of learning from!

~ Ariana R.
JNH Minor

This is the best department to have seen me through my 4 years at Stony Brook! Thank you to all the wonderful people who work hard to make the AAS major was it is.

~ Anonymous
AAS Major
KOR Minor

Chinese Studies have, without a doubt, been the highlight of my time at Stony Brook. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to study such a fascinating subject and to have had such amazing professors along the way. Regardless of where my life leads me after graduation, I am confident that the knowledge and experience I gained studying Chinese history, language, and culture will serve me for the rest of my life.

~ Maximilian K
CNS Minor

My Korean classes were some of the most enjoyable classes I took at Stony Brook. Over the years, I could feel my passion and energy for learning the language and culture grow as all the students improved together and I am so proud of how we all became more confident at expressing ourselves in Korean. This is largely due to all of the efforts by the professors and TAs. Shout out to the professors and TAs for being so helpful and for making the process of learning another language and culture fun!

~ Sabrina B.
KOR Minor

I was born in Sri Lanka but raised in America and because of this I started to lose touch with my South Asian culture. But declaring a minor in South Asian studies was one of the best things I have done for myself! Not only I rediscovered my culture but I also grew to show so much appreciation and love towards being South Asian as well! The course offered for the SOA studies minor allowed me to dive deep into the history of South Asian and learn about the diverse and rich traditions and cultures present. I hope that instead of being a minor, South Asian studies can have its own major sometime in the future!

~ Himeshi M.
SOA Minor

Completing a minor in Korean studies has broadened my view of the world in ways far beyond my understanding of Korean language and culture. I am more aware of inequalities in America and abroad. I have gained a strong understanding of history and culture which I can use to frame future knowledge as I continue to learn.

~ Anonymous
KOR Minor

The faculty of AAAS Department are some of the nicest professors I've had at Stony Brook. They're all so genuinely interested in what they're teaching and it inspired me to work harder too. I enjoyed all of the classes I had and only wish I could have had this as a second major instead. YOU'RE THE BEST, NAGASE-SENSEI!! #notapaidactor

~ Anonymous
JNH Minor

Pursuing Asian & Asian American Studies as a major was the first time that I truly felt excited about my studies in college. Just after my first day of taking courses for my newly declared AAS major I knew I had made the right decision. I was passionate about what I was learning and my professors were all passionate about what they were teaching. I was surprised by how much I learned about myself, the United States, and the world at large through this major, despite not being of Asian descent. Learning about another culture’s language, history, and literature has led to me becoming a more global citizen that is able to understand different perspectives and be more adaptable to different environments. I have been able to apply many concepts I have learned to my personal life and further my development as an individual living in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. While navigating college, I have encountered many tribulations but the AAAS department has truly been like a family to me. They have consistently supported me, cared for me and guided me in the right direction and for this I will be eternally grateful.

~ Martin K.
AAS 2nd Major
JPN Minor
KOR Minor

As a Japanese lover, I have benefited a lot from the four-year study in the Department of Japanese. During this period, I obtained my N1 score and got a valuable opportunity to work part-time in a Japanese library. These knowledge and experiences will become my lifetime wealth and encourage me to climb higher peaks.

~ Weichen Z.
JPN Minor

Choosing China Study Minor was one of the wise choices I made during my undergraduate years. I enjoy the CHI and AAS courses every semester, I have learned so much interesting and useful knowledge. I feel lucky and honored that I have also met many knowledgeable and friendly professors and staff here. They are not only my advisors in my academic career, but also my mentors in life. I really like the AAS department. Studying and working with every professor in the AAS department is the most unforgettable experience."

~ Jirui L.
CNS Minor

Choosing to take a South Asian Studies minor was one of the best decisions I have made during my undergraduate. Professor Sridhar has been a great mentor and guide. The Mattoo center for India studies has become a second home for me. I have always felt welcome and have made many great memories from all the events associated with the center. All the AAS classes I have taken were very interesting. I was also able to TA for a couple of the classes as well. Not only have I been able to learn more about my culture, but I have also been able to connect with like minded people.

~ Rachel J.
SOA minor

My time spent in the Korean department was nothing short of phenomenal! Every single professor and student I met had an impact on my life, and thoroughly strengthened my love for the Korean culture. I am so sad to leave this department behind on the journey to my next step (Korea!), but I will always hold on to the lessons and memories that I experienced in this program.

~ Kaylee H.
KOR minor

I am very happy to study AAS, in this major I really learned a lot of things I am interested in, such as Asian history, religion, literature, etc.

~ Anonymous
AAS Major, CNS Minor

The AAS department helped guide my way throughout college. The whole department is so warm and thoughtful, and without them and the opportunities they’ve offered, my experience at Stony Brook wouldn’t be nearly as fruitful. The faculty, whether they’re teaching language classes or Asian societal ones, are always so willing to help students and see them flourish. In my opinion, this department is a gem of Stony Brook.

~ Braeden B.
AAS minor

The Korean Studies minor has amazing professors that are always willing to help in any way possible. The opportunity to get involved are great and it allows you to experience a different perspective on history, culture and society that typically isn’t focused on.

~ Gabriella R.
KOR minor

The experiences that I had as a student of the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies are some of the most important and treasured memories that I have from my undergraduate experience here at Stony Brook. I will carry all that I learned into my future academic career and I am grateful for all that I've learned.

~ Anonymous
KOR minor

It has been a pleasure studying in the Asian and Asian American Studies department. The students and faculty of this department has opened my mind to knowledge and perspectives I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. My only complaint is with the university itself and is not at the fault of the department. It has been becoming increasingly more difficult to enroll in classes as the semesters went on since I started here. It seems that every semester, less and less AAS courses are available. Furthermore, certain classes are only offered every other year and I was locked out of or missed the chance to enroll in a decent amount of courses. I know this is not the decision of the department but I wish the higher ups at the university would allow for more AAS courses so that more students may have the opportunity to learn with this wonderful department. Thanks.

~ Aidan W.
AAS Major/CNS Minor

Being a part of the KOR Minor was one of the highlights of my college career and I was happy to learn so much about Korea during my time here. I also thoroughly enjoyed being an intern for the Center of Korean studies this year and being able to help with organizing the speech contest! I learned a lot from the experience and was able to make friends along the way as well.

~ Tawhida O.
KOR Minor

When I first arrived at Stony Brook, I knew that I wanted to immerse myself in East Asian culture and history. Much of my time with the AAS department was spent getting to know the various faculty like Professors Tan, Sato, Nagase, and Sohn, among many others. I greatly enjoyed my time with the Department, as each of the different faculty members were not only very knowledgeable but also creative, inspired, and friendly. I will always carry around my experience with the department, as I head off into graduate school.

~ Kyle O.
JNH Minor

The AAS department at Stony Brook has always been home to me. I've learned so much thanks to all the professors, especially from Professor Sato! Between the rigorous language courses to the classes on various components of East Asian society and culture, my time with the department shall always be something I hold dear. Thank you for everything, and I look forward to keeping in touch.

~ Claudia M.
AAS Major

I have had an incredible experience in pursuing my RLS minor. I've thoroughly enjoyed taking RLS/AAS classes with Professor Chittick and Professor Murata in particular. Their classes have been incredible and have helped me to broaden my perspectives and reflect inwardly. I will miss my times as an undergrad in my RLS/AAS classes and I'm so thankful for being able to learn under this department. I hope to take more classes with some of the faculty during the MA program in the History of Philosophies East and West (HPEW) that I'm pursuing here at Stony Brook! All of the faculty of the department that I've had the pleasure of meeting have been very warm and welcoming, so my sincerest thank you to the department for fostering such an encouraging environment for learning and growth.

~ Sailesh S.
RLS Minor

I think it was a really good idea for me to minor in Korean Studies. I was able to learn more about the Korean history and culture. In addition, the talks and events held by the department were interesting. From topics such as the Unification of North Korea and South Korea and SPAM and its history in Asian countries, it was all fascinating to hear.

~ Suebeen A.
KOR Minor

As China Studies was my minor I only participated in a handful on non-language classes. For the language courses I enjoyed the strucutre of the assignments as it allowed me to anticipate them. I also enjoyed the skits that we performed and looking back it made speaking an instinctive process. I only wish that I had the chance to have participated in the non-language courses as much as the language courses. Each profesor was unique, admirable, they really helped me grow as a student and a person. My time in the program will always be remembered and reflected upon.

~ Anthony O.
CNS Minor

Love how passionate professors are about the topic they teach.

~ Lexin C.
CNS Minor

Most of my interaction with the AAS Department has been through my Chinese courses; however, I have had nothing but superb experiences with all of the professors I have met in the department. Prof. Zeng, Sato, and Kim have especially left profound marks on my academic and career interests - making me want to inquire deeper and feel fondness for topics I previously had no interest in. Outside of class, I am grateful for the range of diverse special lectures offered or collaborated on, and have personally grown from all the unique viewpoints and life experiences shared in those lectures. For my #GivingDay contribution, I dedicated my donation to the AAS Scholarships for Study Abroad in Asia fund because studying abroad in Wuhan, China was an unforgettable experience that will follow and guide me for life. I cannot be more thankful for all of the work that the AAS Department does. The Class of 2021 thanks you!

~ Justin U.
CNS Minor

The best experiences and professors that I had are from the Korean Studies department. I really enjoyed the time being part of the events and the knowledge that I gain with the professors. I felt welcomed all the time and made great memories with my classmates and professors. If I could repeat this experience I will do it again without a doubt. I’m very happy to have been part of the community. Thank you so much for everything.

~ Paula S.
KOR Minor

After transferring to Stony Brook University in the Fall of 2018, I was not sure what my major would be. However, I quickly declared an AAS major with JNH minor before my first semester ended. Being a part of the AAS department has been an amazing experience. I am so grateful for having had the opportunity and the incredible experience of studying abroad in Japan. My studies from the AAS department continue to motivate me to be a lifetime learner. I hope for continued success of the faculty and staff so that other students can receive the education I was fortunate enough to receive at Stony Brook University's Asian and Asian American studies department.

~ Christopher S.
AAS Major/JNH Minor

I first started taking courses in AAS out of interest, before joining the program - there are so many options offered, and they cover topics that are genuinely useful to understanding Asian perspectives and worldviews. Eventually I had enough credit to try for the major, so with the help of Professor Sato, I joined the AAS program. It has been an exciting journey, and I've studied in many topics, including language, history, philosophy, religion, and politics. The breadth of topics covered and the quality of the professors makes it a really valuable course overall! I certainly know a lot more about Asia now, covering so many different areas of thought and interest that it really deepens your perspective on life and people.

~ Jade N.
AAS 2nd Major/CNS Minor

I have had the privilege to be one of the last Religious Studies majors in Stony Brook. Declaring Religious Studies as my second major during my sophomore year was, truthfully, the best decision I have made in my four years here. My courses have helped me develop a deeper understanding of my own spirituality, which I will carry with me for a lifetime. And of course, I am grateful to all of my professors for making the classes so enjoyable!

~ Rumana R
AAS Major

I have enjoyed a great experience as an AAS minor, learning about the culture, language, and lifestyle of people in an area of the world I previously had little to no experience with. I am grateful for the many great professors in the department who contributed to my education, and I hope to carry the knowledge I've gained from my time in the department into my work as a young professional in law.

~ Andrew B.
AAS Minor

As an Asian and Asian American Studies undergraduate student at Stony Brook University, I have had the opportunity to learn from so many amazing professors and have met so many great peers over the last several semesters. I have learned so much during my time as an Asian and Asian American Studies major and have come to realize that there is still so much more to learn. My professors and fellow classmates have inspired me to want to continue my studies and dive deeper into the material which I was introduced to during my time at Stony Brook University. When I reflect back on the past several semesters, I am so glad to have been an Asian and Asian American Studies major.

~ Alana W.
AAS Major/JNH Minor/RLS Minor

I've enjoyed working with Professor Sohn, Professor Kang, and Professor Jiwon Hwang. I don't think I completed my minor, but I am so happy nonetheless that I got to know all of you. I had so much fun, especially at the speech contest. Thank you for creating an amazing experience at Stony Brook. I loved talking with all of you!!! And I hope I bump into you all sometime in the future.

~ Alec W.
AAS Minor

The Center for Korean Studies really improved and enriched my college career, in classes taught, in events had, in the community that they fostered. It was extremely fun and enjoyable community, and everyone was tight knit and knew each other. The Korean pal program gave me two of my really good friends so I’m very thankful!! The hanbok event was also one of my favorite events I’ve taken part in, college or not.

~ Amanda C.
KOR Minor

I joined the Asian American Studies Department a bit late, and my one regret is that I wish I had known about it sooner. The Asian American Studies Department was the best department to work with on campus. Everyone including professors and faculty were incredibly understanding and helpful. Whenever I had questions to be answered via email, in-office hours or in the department office; one thing that struck me about the AAS Department was that everyone was so kind. I always felt welcome in every office or in every conversation with someone in the department. Every department should strive to have the morale that I saw in the AAS Department. The AAS Department wants their students to succeed and will do anything they can to ensure student success. I am so grateful for my time in AAS and wish I had gotten to know more professors. One of my favorite memories was going into the roundtable discussion that AAS held monthly. I found out about it my senior year and was only able to go twice, but in this discussion, I met professors and their genuine interest in students blew me away!

Thank you AAS! If you ever need my help in the future please feel free to get in touch with me! I hope to one day go into the U.S. Department of State and if/when I am working with Asia in my field I would love to come back and share my experiences with AAS students!

Thank you again!

~ Emily C.
AAS Major

Being an SOA minor has transformed my undergraduate career as a BIO major. I have been exposed to amazing professors, had a chance to be an Undergraduate TA for a 300 level course, and made strong relationships with my fellow students. Amidst my science and math courses, it was refreshing to have creative writing assignments, read The Mahabharata and Ramayana, and discuss the politics and history of contemporary India. I want to especially thank the Sridhar’s and Ambassador Bhasin for their unwavering support throughout my journey as an SOA minor. Thank you!

~ Nidhi P.
SOA Minor

Declaring my minor in Korean studies allowed me to learn more about my culture. I've met the most wonderful professors and found new appreciation for Korea. The AAS courses I've taken through my Korean studies have further sparked my interest in going to South Korea and I was able to do that through the TaLK program.

~ Sharon K.
KOR Minor

The AAAS department and professors have been nothing less of phenomenal. Whenever I needed any assistance or needed any questions answered, someone would be around to help. I am very appreciative of the guidance and knowledge the AAAS department has given me.

~ Corey H.
AAS Major

Learned a lot! I have become more and more interested in Asian studies. Thanks all the professors and staff in the AAS department!

~ Yidan X.
AAS Major/JNH Minor

I am so grateful and proud to be a part of the AAS department! While working as a teaching assistant in the office, I've built close relationships with my students, which provided me a sense of belonging. Also, those casual, small chats I had with professors and staff in the hallway really connected me to this community. Most importantly, in AAS classes, I've obtained new insights into my own culture as an Asian student. I want to say thank you to Professor Nagase, Professor Nakamura, Professor Murata, and Lynne! It's my pleasure to work with you!

~ Aijia Y.
JNH Minor

Being a student in the Asian Studies Department has helped me grow in more ways than I can describe. I was very blessed to have had the opportunity to travel to Japan in the Mishima study abroad program in 2018. While I was in Japan I made friends and lived with my loving host family; we still keep in touch with today. The Japanese history classes in the Asian Studies department gave me a more in-depth perspective of the history of Japan; I learned much more about Japanese politics and history than I did in high school. I’m thankful that I was able to study Japanese language and history at Stony Brook. I will take all the experiences and lessons I have learned with me into the next chapter of my life.

~ Timra T.
JNH Minor

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to minor in Japanese studies here at Stony Brook University. The courses I’ve taken have allowed me to connect to my heritage and build a deep appreciation for Japanese history and culture. In an increasingly smaller world, it is important to cultivate a greater understanding of and sensitivity toward disparate cultures. I think having such an education allows one to develop a more multi-dimensional worldview.

~ Kenneth K.
JNH Minor

I met and learned from a professor that taught me much. Despite all of the hardships that happened and those that have yet to happen, being gifted with the many stories, lessons, and ideas Professor Murata taught me will see me through them. It is my wish that other students can follow suit under a department that allowed this to happen.

~ Brandon T.
JNH Minor

I'm very glad I had the opportunity to study Japanese culture in the AAS department. I was able to learn a completely new language, and even visit a different country where I formed many lasting connections. I've always been interested in Japanese culture, and got learn many valuable skills and knowledge. My experience here has pushed me to potentially pursue furthering my education in Japan if the opportunity arises. I would really like to thank the department and Eva Nagase for giving me such a wonderful and memorable experience.

~ Claudette C.
JNH Minor

As a minor in Japanese studies I've learned that Stony Brook especially has faculty that really cares about the students and I see that the relationship has been much different than what I've experienced even with other departments. Coming to SBU I had no prior knowledge of Japanese but I've come to be involved, educated, and guided into things that I never thought possible.

~ Jason B.
JNH Minor

Despite the circumstances of today’s world, I can genuinely say the time I spent at Stony Brook was one I will never forget because of all of the wonderful sensei’s I have had the pleasure to learn from. I never thought this day would come and although I could not say goodbye the way I wanted, Nagase Senei, I need to say thank you for being so kind, understanding and an overall wonderful person. I learned so much and because of you, I was able to go to Japan, a dream of mine I’ve had since the 7th grade. Thank you Murata sensei for the wisdom and knowledge you shared, and last, but definitely not least, Thank you Oyama Sensei, you took so much time into ensuring I understood Japanese, I am forever grateful having been able to learn from such inspiring and intelligent women.

~ Alaysia F-H.
JNH Minor

Without the kindness and support of this department, I would never have made it to this point in my life. When I began my time at SBU, I was lost and had no real direction or purpose in life. I felt no support from the history department and had no clue what to do. The best thing that they ever did for me was to cross list Dr. Ruf's Environmental History of China course. After meeting Dr. Ruf I began to take more of his courses because he is such a passionate and intelligent lecturer. Beyond that, he was the first person to take any true interest in trying to help me improve. My time spent with Dr. Ruf during his office hours, my AAAS 447, numerous other AAAS courses, and as his TA has shown allowed me to find something more than just a passion for history. I began to see things in a new way, culture and perspective began to matter in ways it never had. I could say so much more and share similar relationships with almost every faculty and staff member of this department. Dr. Zeng, Dr. Balce, Dr. Sato, Dr. He, Dr. Sridhar (both), Lynne Foerster, and many many more have done so much to help me reach this point and it would take me hours to truly describe the ways in which these wonderful people have helped me reach a goal that I was afraid to even admit to anyone. I was nothing but just another student in the eyes of the History department and felt no real support or guidance. My first two semesters I had no advising from the department and was verbally abused by Susan Grumet any time I would even step foot in the department offices. It was only after I added AAAS as a major and was able to speak with the undergrad director at the time Dr. Balce that I truly began to thrive and found a new path. I no cared about the classes I took at all times and wanted to do my absolute best. In short, the kindness, support, and assistance I was provided by numerous members of the AAAS department is a main reason I am now going to be able to begin Hofstra Law this coming fall. I plan to do whatever it takes to find a job with a multinational corporation with whom I can use the knowledge and tools I have attained at SBU. I will work hard to make the department proud and to show others that it is a field that not only matters, but also provides students with the same career opportunities at the highest levels of any social science. Thank you all and I am really going to miss you all. I hope they will reach out to me in the future and stay in touch!

~ Joshua G.
AAS Major/CNS Minor