College options for Mandarin speakers

[Anonymous]

Assuming they can maintain a decent level of Mandarin through the years - which requires a significant amount of dedication - it would probably be better for them to major in something other than Chinese/Asian studies. International relations is good, but I feel even more opportunities would be available to them with business or tech skills. A minor in Chinese would be good, but if they're already fluent by that time, maybe I'd replace it with something else. You won't learn too much beyond the elementary stuff with a minor in Chinese.

I don't believe there are any programs (that I know of) catered towards fluent Mandarin speakers. Even international students from China are required to use English in their classes. It's cool you've introduced them to the language at an early age, but I honestly think it's way too early for any other type of planning or advising outside of trying to keep them interested in the language/culture.

[Anonymous]

Chinese is not very useful unless you are going to live and work in China. Period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are billions of people who speak mandarin fluently. I've read a couple of articles on the topic and there are generally two revelations after spending so much time in mastering the language. One is that the education is at such a high level that actually conversing with common speakers is frustrating. Second is that the language is but a portion of the culture and it will only take you so far. My DD has spent years studying the language and has loved visiting the country but she would never pick a college based on this because the Chinese all want to come here and speak English. Sure it's nice to be able to whip out true proficiency on occasion but how often is that necessary? If you are not Asian and your child cannot look the part then there is no chance of a state department job. Other jobs in China are very much dependent on a network to procure. In a way it's like practicing the flute. At age eight you dream of playing in a world famous orchestra but by age 15 you realize how much time you've wasted on something that almost everyone around you can claim. If you want to secure a future then get your kid into programming and/or engineering now.

This is nonsense. I'm not even sure what your point is. Are you saying that only people of Asian descent get hired by the State Dept to work in Asia? Are you suggesting that State hires people who look Chinese to trick the Chinese - like some sort of intel operation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chinese is not very useful unless you are going to live and work in China. Period.

False.