Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies – Cambridge Interview Questions

“How can I prepare when the interviewer could ask me absolutely anything about Asian and Middle Eastern Studies?”

By understanding how the interview works and, crucially, what it is that the interviewer is looking for. The interviewer is not looking to catch you out, but rather for you to demonstrate your curiosity, knowledge and passion for Asian and Middle Eastern Studiess.

“How am I able to do that?”

Demonstrate your enthusiasm and personality

You might be asked general interview questions so that the interviewer can learn more about you – review our list of General Interview questions to prepare.

Show that you enjoy studying Asian and Middle Eastern Studies independently
The easiest way to demonstrate your enthusiasm for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is to show that you are self-motivated and have studied the subject in your free-time for enjoyment – for example through online lectures and independent reading. If you don’t know where to start, review our suggested reading list below.

Demonstrate your subject knowledge about and passion for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
The key to answering these questions is to always demonstrate your thought process aloud. The interviewer does not expect you to be able to answer every question immediately, but rather wants to determine that you are able to think about and work on unknown topics with confidence, intelligence and clarity – and they won’t be able to do that if you sit in silence! Use the list of questions below to prepare. Perhaps you can have a friend or relative ask you these questions so that you can develop your skills of thinking under time pressure and speaking out loud.

Suggested Reading for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Interview Questions

Do you think Chairman Mao would be proud of the China of today?
Why does the word ‘God’ and ‘I’ have a capital letter?
Give me a brief case study of an area of Middle Eastern politics that has interested you?
How many cultures are grouped together under the label “China?”
What is your favourite dictionary?
What can we learn from Pompeian excavations as to the quality of their life, especially their dietary habits?