<p>I am thinking anthropology.</p>
<p>I can't do science or engineering because both require you to be up to date,l especially in this economy.</p>
<p>Why you may ask?</p>
<p>Well it has to do with my dream to travel to a Tibetan monk temple or Shaolin monastery and live for a few years. That's my dream, but I also have other things I want to do that would put me out of touch with technology and modern conveniences. I would be unable to stay up to date with scientific practices and technological innovations. At least I think I would be unable to.</p>
<p>I am considering anthropology because that would give me a degree I can sell. I can use it to gain the money I need to get where I want and have a decent chance at another job when I get back.</p>
<p>Also wanted to add that I'm looking at language degrees... mostly Chinese right now. If you have any suggestions...</p>
<p>Maybe someone here can offer some insight? Thanks!</p>
<p>If you need more info, don't hesitate to ask.</p>
<p>Um, you could look at things such as plumber or auto mechanic. Those don’t need you to keep up with the latest in materials chemistry or fluid mechanics.</p>
<p>If you are not willing to keep up with new advances, Chinese is not for you.</p>
<p>Just do nursing then. Nurses don’t need to be at the forefront of science, technology and finance. They make mad money for blue collar level work. Also consider petroleum engineering.</p>
<p>Anthropology isn’t marketable.</p>
<p>Before you fall too far in love with those dreams…</p>
<p>I’d write off Tibet entirely for now except as a (very expensive) tourist destination. The political situation (at least from this distance) seems to be just too dangerous and anything to do with Tibetan Buddhism is going to be under official scrutiny.</p>
<p>As far as Dengfeng, I assume you are reasonably up-to-date on the conditions there - IMHO, the days when a westerner could have the Matthew Polly type experience seem to be long gone (i.e. training available to westerners is a pay as you go proposition these days). </p>
<p>So… if it was me, I’d shoot for a combined Cultural Anthropology/Chinese language major with maybe a finance minor thrown in if you have time. If you then manage to spend a few years in China, you’ll be golden as far as State Department, three letter agencies, and international business type jobs. Your goal (besides personal growth) obviously should be to become utterly fluent and literate in the language(s). Talk to the locals, travel as much as possible, etc. </p>
<p>I’m sure you’re not the first to want to do this so start Googling, follow links, go out and meet some Chinese at your local Buddhist temple(s) and…</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>^ Actually, PhDs in anthropology tend to get special permission to study in normally restricted areas. Last summer a professor of mine was in Myanmar (formally Burma) aka a media/Western/political/religious madness that is normally very restricted. She had no phone or internet during her time there, but she got in because she is an expert on temple culture.</p>
<p>If you are interested in eastern religions and anthropology and actually want to do that for a living, be prepared for the long haul. 4 years undergrad, possibly 2 years getting a masters, 6 to 9 years getting a PhD. Then possibly a few years doing post-doct or lecturer-level teaching before getting a tenure track position. Also be prepared for snide comments about how you are wasting your time, should be a doctor/lawyer/engineer/accountant, and 90% of people not understanding your passions. </p>
<p>Also, I agree with the previous post on what you should study. Specifically look for schools that have study-abroad in China (that number is growing every year), an east-asian focus within their anthropology department (go to the faculty page and see what regions the professors study) and preferably a focus on religion within anthropology.</p>