Saint Mary's

Learn the Asian Studies Program Requirements (major, minor, honours, certificates). Consider taking two of the three required first-year courses in History and Religious Studies as well as an introductory language class.

Take up to six credits of other first-year courses listed in the Asian Studies Core Courses list, but no more than six credits will be eligible for the ASNT Major.

Complete the Basic Arts Requirements.

Explore your options for majors and minors by attending the Programs Day across faculties in February.

Register for classes as soon as registration opens. Classes fill early!

Visit your Academic Advisor to be sure you have the right courses.

Gather information on Cooperative Education opportunities.

Learn introductory language skills and be introduced to general surveys of Asian religion or history.

Improve your writing skills at the Writing Centre. Get expert feedback and incorporate it into your work.

Develop research skills by navigating online databases and the stacks at the Patrick Power Library. Take a .

Build a résumé at a Résumé Seminar, to prepare for internships, scholarships, and summer jobs.

Start your Co-Curricular Record. Document your acquired skills from on- and off-campus activities and volunteer work.

Attend Welcome Week. Make friends. Meet classmates, faculty, and advisors at academic orientation. Attend a session about a culture of safety and respect at Saint Mary's.

Introduce yourself to your professors after class or during office hours.

Seek out relevant student clubs (such as the SMU Japanese Canadian Cultural Exchange Society) and language exchange partners at the Language Centre.

Consider participating in one of the Japanese cultural events on campus (Japanesque or Koshogatsu) or in one of the Chinese or Japanese speech competitions.

Visit the Societies Fair. Explore student societies, including those culturally-based, before deciding which to join. Relevant societies could include the SMU Chinese Students’ Association Society or the SMU International Society.

 Try , an opportunity where international students practice speaking English.

Stay Active. Explore SMUfit, campus sports, exercise, and recreation opportunities.

Apply for a scholarship. There are more than 260 available!

Need help with time management, organizational, or presentation skills? Book an Academic & Life Skills Coaching session.

Learn to budget your money. Attend a Financial Literacy workshop or get advice from Financial Aid and Awards.

Check in with Career Services to start discussing your career goals, related to your program. Experiment with different classes to see what you like.

When facing a personal crisis, get help from the Counselling Centre.

Consider courses with global themes for your electives.

Volunteer with local organizations such as the (ISANS).

Need a job? Create a HireSMU account to find available jobs.

Not from Halifax? all our cultural opportunities and have fun.

Keep current with local events. Read Pride in Your Shared Neighbourhood newsletter.

Travel while studying after 1st year. Investigate travel options beyond Canada at International Activities.

Obtain or update your passport in preparation for possible international travel.

Not from Canada? Browse Services for International Students for available support.

Attend International Night—an annual banquet showcasing SMU’s many cultures.

Following the Asian Studies Program Requirements (major, minor, honours, certificates)— consider taking an intermediate language class and second-year courses listed in the Asian Studies Core Courses list, insuring you have courses in at least two different disciplines.

Second-year Asian Studies Core Courses includes courses in Anthropology, Asian Studies, History, and Religious Studies.

Thinking of changing majors or minors? Attend Programs Day for help.

Visit your Academic Advisor to be sure you have the right courses and to declare your major in this year.

Learn intermediate language skills and begin considering Asian societies in an interdisciplinary fashion.

Upgrade your writing with at the Writing Centre or through online resources.

Learn advanced researching techniques at the Library.

Update your Co-Curricular Record to keep track of your accomplishments and set new goals.

Apply your classroom learning and improve soft skills by joining some student societies.

Participate in intramurals. Demonstrate your team skills and character to future employers and admissions officers.

Browse the Scholarship List and modify your cover letter to match the criteria. Apply between February and May.

Need more academic support? Contact Personal Counselling or Academic & Life Skills Coaching.

Seek Career Counselling. Explore the core competencies of your Major, and career possibilities related to your strengths, interests, and values.

Discover ways to give back to your community, from local to global. Come to the Volunteer Fair held every September, or speak to a Career and Employment Coach at Career Services.

Get involved with activities outside of your major and minor. Employers like well-rounded candidates.

Visit the International Activities office to learn about applying for study abroad programs in 2nd - 4th years, as well as adding a relevant Minor or second Major degree.

Attend a LinkedIn photo shoot and a LinkedIn Seminar with Career Services. Put your best (and most professional) face forward!

Keep your HireSMU Account updated with accurate contact information and most recent résumés.

Consider applying for the Co-op Program at the beginning of 2nd year (30+ credits). Gain work experience over three terms.

Explore options for international internships in your area of study.

Take second- and third-year courses listed in the Asian Studies Core Courses list, insuring you have courses in at least two different disciplines.

Take third-year language classes.

Complete the Basic Arts Requirements.

Visit your Academic Advisor to be sure you’re on the right track to meet graduation requirements.

Meet your Faculty Mentor/Department Chair for help with course selection, career advice, certifications, or selecting a thesis supervisor for the Honours Program.

Thinking about graduate school? Contact Career Services for options and admission procedures, and begin planning for applications with your Faculty Mentor/Department Chair.

Develop your cultural knowledge, written and verbal language skills, problem solving skills, critical thinking, and research skills.

Improve your research skills and grades by visiting the Library and using the Research-by-Appointment service for one-on-one help.

Visit the Writing Centre for workshops on .

Update your Co-Curricular Record.

Get to know your professors. They are excellent contacts for reference letters. Chat about your future plans for 4th year and beyond.

Attend the Research Expo. Learn from the research and critical analysis of peers and professors. Also, showcase your own research project.

Seek out relevant student clubs and find language exchange partners at the Language Centre.

Join campus societies in your field. These provide opportunities to network with the industry and professionals.

Run for a leadership position in a campus group.

Apply for over 200 scholarship and bursary awards.

Focus on summer or internship jobs within your Major or career field of interest to gain specific experience and build credentials.

Visit the Career Development Centre for help with tactical job searches, including using social media, information interview, fine-tuning your résumé and cover letter, and practicing interview skills.

Attend the in September and March. Discover career opportunities and employer expectations.

Let your networks know your Major. Seek out potential employers for information and interviews.

For those who do not travel overseas, get involved with relevant student groups or the Language Centre.

Explore new designed to help international graduates gain experience in Nova Scotia.

Take ASNT 3300 and ASNT 4400, as well as other courses necessary from the Asian Studies Core Courses list to complete the requirements of the Major.

Complete the Basic Arts Requirements.

Is it too late to do an Honours degree? Speak to the Department Chair about your idea.

Complete a CAPP Degree Evaluation in Banner.

Visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Discuss SMU graduate opportunities.

Contact your Academic Advisor and Faculty Mentor/Department Chair to ensure you are on track for graduation requirements and post-graduation plan.

Apply to graduate. Fill out an application for graduation form and submit it to the Service Centre. Get your picture taken for the yearbook.

Consider graduate schools or professional programs. Start early, and ask your professors and the Writing Centre to review your personal statement, cover letter, and applications.

Request transcripts, if required.

Develop further on cultural knowledge and skill sets, including communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and research.

Before you graduate, do a final update of your Co-Curricular Record, and request an official copy.

Visit Career Services to prepare to clearly and persuasively articulate all you have learned at Saint Mary’s (in and out of class) to an employer.

Serve as Department Student Rep. Speak to your Department Chair.

Enter your best research paper for the Academic Writing Awards.

Get recognized for your involvement in the classroom and in the Saint Mary’s community. Apply for the Student Leadership Award.

Apply for other awards, including the SMUFU scholarship.

Brush up on your Financial Literacy. Receive guidance for a successful and healthy financial future, including student loan repayment.

Your degree can open the door to many types of careers. Use Career Counselling to discover where you want to go and how best to get there.

Plan to attend Career Services’ 4-week Job Search Seminar Series before or after graduation.

Connect with the Asian Studies Coordinator and past graduates of the program.

Be prepared to apply, interview, and network when school begins, to maximize your chance of receiving some job offers before graduation.

In addition to the , attend some career fairs specific to your program. Bring your résumé. Prepare in advance to speak with recruiters and potential employers.

Apply for the program. Meet with a Halifax professional in a field of your interest.

If you are a co-op student, arrange for your final work term placement early.

Are you an international student interested in staying in Canada and receiving permanent resident status? Contact the International Centre.

Get in contact with the SMU Young Alumni Association to begin your next phase as a Santamarian.

Remember, you have access to Career Services for three years post-graduation. Use these services to help you continue to get the most out of your degree.