College options for Mandarin speakers

[Anonymous]

I'm just not finding what I'm looking for anywhere.

My sons are almost through their 3rd year of Mandarin Immersion grade school, and will be fluent by the end of next year (as we're told... I don't speak it, but they sound great to me!) They will continue in Mandarin immersion through middle school, possibly through high school.

They're only 8 now, but I'm a planner and want to know what their options will be in college, so we can guide them in those directions, based on their skills.

Looking at a few local colleges, I see Asian Studies programs where you learn Mandarin, Chinese art and literature, etc. But they'll already speak Mandarin. And I personally don't see as much earning potential in a BA degree, as opposed to a BS. Are there colleges out there with programs geared for fluent Mandarin speakers? I was thinking something along the lines of a Mandarin business school. Or do you have to go for a dual program in Business and Asian studies? Or possibly International Studies? I want them to be able to continue using their Mandarin and earn degrees that will take advantage of this language skill.

[Anonymous]

You are putting your cart waaaaay before the horse. You have no idea if your sons will be the least bit interested in entering a field that uses their language skills. You also have no idea just how fluent they will be, especially after they leave immersion school since the language is not spoken in their home. Chances are, their knowledge of mandarin will be a novelty, not a life skill.

[Anonymous]

It's just a language. First, all the ABCs (American born Chinese) will get preference ahead of him when it comes to getting jobs in China.

I guess he could do business school in China, but the top ones teach in English. I suppose there's highly-ranked Renmin in Beijing, but not much use getting an MBA in Chinese if all the terminology is in English anyway.

I'm a white guy who speaks average Chinese and does business in China, so that's where I'm coming from with my opinions.

[Anonymous]

Totally agree that you are a bit ahead of yourself. Who knows that college will even look like in 15 years?

But if you're just exploring for your own curiousity, look at lists of the world's best schools and look closer at those in China and Singapore. As PP noted, most teach in English now, but your DCs would at least be in an environment where native Mandarin is spoken.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are putting your cart waaaaay before the horse. You have no idea if your sons will be the least bit interested in entering a field that uses their language skills. You also have no idea just how fluent they will be, especially after they leave immersion school since the language is not spoken in their home. Chances are, their knowledge of mandarin will be a novelty, not a life skill.

I'm just trying to avoid what my parents did... never pay attention to me, never take interest in my education, never mentor me, and never discuss finance or career. I had to figure it all out on my own, and paid a price.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are putting your cart waaaaay before the horse. You have no idea if your sons will be the least bit interested in entering a field that uses their language skills. You also have no idea just how fluent they will be, especially after they leave immersion school since the language is not spoken in their home. Chances are, their knowledge of mandarin will be a novelty, not a life skill.

I'm just trying to avoid what my parents did... never pay attention to me, never take interest in my education, never mentor me, and never discuss finance or career. I had to figure it all out on my own, and paid a price.

I, too, don't want to make the mistakes my parents made, and I fear, looking back, that my choices would remind an outsider of a pendulum... In other words, still making mistakes, just the opposite ones, which are still mistakes and still serving the child poorly...

You want to stress out little kids? Worry too much about who they should be instead of embracing who they are.

And if you really want the mandarin to stick, try learning some yourself.

[Anonymous]

My daughter at an immersion school too, though not Mandarian. Whether she ends up pursuing it in college (or even high school) I still think it will be beneficial.

I was talking to one of our neighbors not long ago and their daughter is now a sophomore in college. She took Mandarin from 6th grade through high school. I can't remember her major but she is minoring in Chinese. She has gone to China the last two summers as well. She goes to JMU...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter at an immersion school too, though not Mandarian. Whether she ends up pursuing it in college (or even high school) I still think it will be beneficial.

I was talking to one of our neighbors not long ago and their daughter is now a sophomore in college. She took Mandarin from 6th grade through high school. I can't remember her major but she is minoring in Chinese. She has gone to China the last two summers as well. She goes to JMU...

Thanks.

From what I can figure out, maybe they would do some sort of dual International Studies/Chinese program. Just speaking Chinese and understanding the culture doesn't necessarily get you a paycheck.

[Anonymous]

It's very early in the game but take a look at Middlebury College. They are the gold standard in liberal arts colleges for foreign languages and can give you insight. Also the Middlebury Institute of International Studies should give you some ideas also. http://www.miis.edu/

FWIW, my rising senior has been studying Chinese for 11 years and is quite 'fluent.' DC originally wanted to major in Chinese five years ago. That has changed and now has a passion for math and computer science. But DC enjoys the language so has decided to continue studying Chinese but most likely on Pass/Fail if offered.

[Anonymous]

University of south carolinas program in international business. There is also a new postgrad fellowship schwarzman scholars which is like a rhodes but for china. Also yales campus in singapore.

[Anonymous]

You need to loosen the reins and realize you don't control your son. HE will decide where he wants to go and how he'll do it. He is his own person, you don't control him. He's eight, I can't believe you're thinking now about how to "steer him." I'm sorry if your parents didn't take much interest in you, but any child development expert would tell you that your actions are a huge red flag and are bound to result in your son looking back and parenting the exact opposite of you.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

I don't understand the question - they're also English speakers. Like, English dominant, English speakers. This doesn't mean that they're going to get a 4 year degree in English, or that knowing English is going to give them a competitive edge over other candidates.

Take an Ativan, relax and reevaluate college plans in another 7-8 years. In the meantime, enjoy the age they are and let them develop their own interests.

[Anonymous]

Wow, relax. It is not going to make a huge difference, and honestly , there are tons of people now who speak both especially since many people in China and Taiwan are learning more and more English and coming here for college or graduate school. Learn it because it enriches your life and teaches discipline, but not as a financial investment in the future.

[Anonymous]

Wow, relax. It is not going to make a huge difference, and honestly , there are tons of people now who speak both especially since many people in China and Taiwan are learning more and more English and coming here for college or graduate school. Learn it because it enriches your life and teaches discipline, but not as a financial investment in the future.