You may be required or encouraged to spend some time living, working, or studying abroad. This gives you a total immersion experience in South and Southeast Asian culture. It also gives you the chance to practice your second language skills in the native setting.

Colleges that do not have complete programs in South and Southeast Asian languages and literature may offer elective courses as part of a major in interdisciplinary studies or liberal arts.

Some programs only focus on select South and Southeast Asian countries.

Very few people who receive a bachelor's degree in South and Southeast Asian languages and literature ever get a job directly related to the field. Even so, this program provides a solid background for many careers that require a four-year degree. Some common career routes include journalism and teaching.