KU Area Studies Centers

KU's five area studies centers bring together researchers and visitors to better understand and engage with the world. CEAS, CLACS, CREES and KASC are funded through Title VI grants to serve as a National Resource Center to increase knowledge of their region's histories, languages, cultures, and current events.

Center for East Asian Studies

Founded in 1959, the Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS) is the major academic hub and premiere outreach network in the Great Plains region, collaborating effectively with partners to disseminate knowledge about East Asian languages and cultures to build global competencies in the 21st century.

Dragon at KU Tradition's Night

Center for Global & International Studies

Opened in 2009, the Center for Global & International Studies (CGIS) enhances and develops cross-regional and interdisciplinary academic, research and outreach programs with local, regional and national impact. It houses the undergraduate and master's programs in Global & International Studies and European Studies and Middle Eastern Studies undergraduate programs.

students pointing at map taken at International Jayhawk Festival

Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies

Established in 1961, the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) is home to KU's interdisciplinary academic programs on Latin America, facilitates graduate research at home and abroad, sponsors events related to the region, and develops outreach resources for area educators.

Image of Machu Picchu

Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Stud.

Since 1965, the Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies (CREES) has been a national leader for the study of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. The center is a degree-granting program and serves as a resource for teachers, post-secondary educators, business, media, government and military.

St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow

Kansas African Studies Center

Established in 1992, the Kansas African Studies Center (KASC) serves as the premier resource for African Studies in the Mid-America region. It coordinates and develops interdisciplinary interests in all areas of African Studies across KU, and promotes an understanding of Africa and its diaspora.

Students in Tanzania