Founded In 1961, the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) at the International Institute is one of the oldest centers in the U.S. devoted to the Southeast Asian region. CSEAS seeks to promote a broader and deeper understanding of Southeast Asia, its people, histories, practices, and languages.
As one of eight National Resource Centers for Southeast Asian Studies funded by the Department of Education Title VI grant, the Center is committed to creating a supportive environment where scholars, educators, students and community members have the opportunity to engage in dialogue related to Southeast Asia.
Mission Statement
The center is committed to promoting a broader and deeper understanding of Southeast Asia and its histories, cultures, and peoples by providing resources for faculty, students and the community to learn and disseminate knowledge about the region.
The Center works to obtain this goal by:
- supporting Southeast Asia faculty associates from all U-M departments and professional schools
- producing outstanding Southeast Asia experts through our MA program and with other university degree programs
- consulting for the U.S. government, foundations, media and international agencies
- collaborating on faculty exchanges with Southeast Asian academic institutions
- seeking opportunities for faculty and students to interact with people from the region
- encouraging students to travel to the region for study, service, temporary employment or independent research
- providing support to our faculty to secure grants for research in Southeast Asia
- bringing Southeast Asian scholars from the region and elsewhere in the world to U-M to teach and use our library resources and research facilities
- organizing conferences, lectures and performances
- conducting workshops and institutes for educators in primary, secondary and post-secondary schools
Revised September 2024
