Center for Southeast Asian Studies

The Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) at NIU is dedicated to increasing the world's knowledge and understanding of Southeast Asia's 11 countries through academic endeavor and public outreach.

Your donations support the Center for Southeast Asian Studies Scholarship Excellence Fund, providing financial aid as well as academic and programmatic resources for students.

Established in 1963, CSEAS grew out of one of the country’s first Peace Corps training programs for volunteers headed to Southeast Asia. Since then, CSEAS has established a legacy of teaching the languages, history and cultures of Southeast Asia to thousands of undergraduate and graduate students at NIU. Today’s CSEAS students represent 26 majors across six colleges. Alumni are Southeast Asia specialists working in academia, diplomacy, intelligence, multinational corporations, performing arts and non-governmental organizations. Many Southeast Asian graduate alumni have returned to their home countries in key leadership roles. Faculty, building on years of in-country research, have briefed U.S. ambassadors, monitored elections in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, and trained young leaders to build peace in the Philippines.

Your generosity supports cultural activities, intensive language study, faculty research and K–14 teacher workshops, helping NIU’s Southeast Asian Studies program continue to thrive.

Why Give During Huskies United

Your support sustains one of the nation’s premier Southeast Asian studies programs, ensuring students gain global perspectives, language proficiency and international experiences that prepare them for impactful careers.

How Your Gift Makes an Impact

• Scholarships and financial support for students
• Cultural programming and public outreach
  
• Faculty research and global engagement
• Intensive language study opportunities

Support Through the Excellence Fund

Additionally, unrestricted gifts provide sustainable, flexible funding for the areas of greatest need. This ensures the Center for Southeast Asian Studies can continue to develop niche educational programs, training, and research to meet ever-changing needs through its Excellence Fund.

Additional Information

Thai Teaching and Research Endowment supports student and faculty research, language study and travel related to Thailand.