Our goal is to promote an enhanced understanding of the nations of East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Academics

South Asia Studies

The South Asia Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is dedicated to promoting knowledge about the history, society, and culture of the countries of South Asia, one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. To that end it provides training in some of the languages of that part of the world and in area studies through a variety of courses. The South Asia Studies Center encourages multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, and facilitates the exchange of ideas and information through seminars, conferences, and outreach activities for members of both the academic and local communities. The Asian Studies Center (ASC) at Pitt, part of the University Center for International Studies, directs these activities.

One of the most valuable resources for the continued growth of South Asia Studies at Pitt is the Pittsburgh Indian community. The Pittsburgh area is home to the ninth-largest Indian population in the U.S. The Western Pennsylvania region has five temples to serve this community: the Jain-Hindu Temple; the Sri Venkatesh-wara Temple; the Sikh Gurdwara Temple; the Sri Sai Baba Temple; and the ISKCON (Hari Krishna) Commune in nearby West Virginia. There is a South Asian Muslim center in the area, as well as a Mosque constructed for families of South Asian descent.

The newest Nationality Room in the Cathedral of Learning, honoring the culture and heritage of India, was dedicated in early 2000. The Indian Nationality Classroom is modeled after a typical instructional courtyard at Nalanda University in central India, which was a center of learning that flourished between the third and ninth centuries C.E., the time of India’s Golden Age.

Each summer the Pitt in India study abroad center introduces students to the fascinating country of India. Each summer the University of Pittsburgh sponsors a study abroad center at the University of Hyderabad in India. Nine credits are given in an intensive 10-week period that includes field trips, ethnographic opportunities, directed study, and course offerings from the University of Hyderabad’s Study India curriculum.

Scholarships such as Study Abroad scholarships, Provost’s Scholarships for Study Abroad, and Nationality Room scholarships are applicable to the Pitt in India Center, as well as state and federal financial aid and most Pitt scholarships.

The University of Hyderbad is a strong research and teaching university with a computerized library and an internationally connected faculty. It is situated on a large campus outside the city of Hyderabad, the fifth-largest city in India. Hyderabad’s history dates from the 14th century. University guesthouses are available for all students, who are assigned to double rooms with private bath.