<p>Hey everybody</p>
<p>I'm a college freshmen right trying to decide between taking Arabic and Russian. This summer I plan on beginning a foreign language and continuing with it throughout the rest of my college years. I've found great programs for both languages this summer- an introductory program in Haifa, Israel for Arabic and UChicago offers a summer language intensive program for Russian. I think I'm slightly more interested in the Middle East and it's a hot language right now for jobs in the government, etc. but I'm nervous that I will have difficulty living and working in the Middle East as a woman. Russian is also a critical language and I'm sure there are just as many opportunities for speakers. I've heard from several people that Russian's economy is just beginning to take off and in the next 15-20 years Russian will become more and more useful. However, Arabic is spoken in more places and I know that the need for Arabic speakers will not decrease. Any input would be helpful, thanks!</p>
<p>Either language will provide a long term, interesting investment. However, the standard you’ll get to in 4 years in either language, even if you did a year study abroad isn’t going to be fluent so you wouldn’t be able to work in translation/interpretation. But a good level of conversational ability would be an asset and make you stand out in any job application even if your eventual job didn’t require it. NB Arabic is spoken in a variety of dialects which are quite different. You need to find out if the dialect you’ll be learning matches the area you’re interested in.</p>
<p>The middle east- Yes, there is massive sexism. Much legally enshrined. There are, however, many educated local women out there pushing the boundaries. Things can change alot over 10 years. And different countries/regions vary greatly. Do you like the food? Have an interest in Islam even if you don’t subscribe or agree with the teachings? Like the family orientated culture? The diversity of tribes and cultures? </p>
<p>There’s also plenty of sexism in Russia as well as the well publicised racism and homophobia. It’s a more homogenous culture (for the main), rich in music and literature. Maybe better if you are happy in colder climates due to the long winters. A very interesting history. And the Orthodox Church matters greatly there.</p>
<p>But no country is perfect and sexism/racism/homophobia are things we still need to fight in North America and Europe. We just happened to be born here rather than make a conscious decision to try and join in with a country/culture so we’re less critical. </p>
<p>In jobs, you won’t be able to compete with a native speaker who also speaks great English but you’ll be valuable working for an American company expanding globally or working with visitors to the US. You might also find yourself able to work in other English speaking countries using your language there. </p>
<p>Make sure you have marketable skills through your major(s). You need to have value for a company beyond simple language work e.g. accounting, nursing, law</p>
<p>If you feel really comfortable with the idea of doing military work, go with Arabic. Financially, I think Arabic would be a better option. I will say this about the sexism: it’s really not as bad as Western media plays it up to be. </p>
<p>Russian is closer to Romance/Germanic languages than it seems on the surface, and although I don’t have a lot of Arabic experience to speak of, my brief dabbling in it has given me the impression that Russian is less “foreign” to English than is Arabic. There are also broader opportunities (from what I’ve heard of both sides) with Russian. </p>
<p>Best of luck! (PM me if you want to practice Russian with someone)</p>