Language Requirement

To satisfy the RSEA language requirement, students must either satisfactorily complete at least a third-year level East Asian language course at Harvard or demonstrate the equivalent proficiency through a language placement exam administered by the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations (EALC) before the beginning of classes each semester.  

All students entering the RSEA program with some East Asian language knowledge, who have not previously taken language courses at Harvard, must take a language placement exam. These placement exams are designed to assist the teachers of the language programs in placing students in the most appropriate course level. Students who qualify to take courses at the fourth-year level or above may use the placement exam to demonstrate fulfillment of the RSEA language requirement. 

Students without prior background in an East Asian language would devote six courses over three academic years to mastering the East Asian language to complete the program-required third-year level. Or, the student may take an intensive second-year summer program between their first and second year in an approved language program.

Current students should refer to the RSEA Sharepoint site for additional details and specific policies.