<p>Would anyone recommend double majoring in EAS and IS, or would it be too much? I mean, I want to be able to experience university life without burying my nose in books and studying 24/7.</p>
<p>IR won’t take your time.</p>
<p>EAS will be a horrendous time drain, or nothing, depending in how serious you take your studies. If you want to become a professional translator, then you will have to spend alot of time, almost as much as hard science and engineering majors, on studying. On the other hand if you don’t care and just need the piece of paper…</p>
<p>You could easily combine those two majors, In fact, some international studies programs offer or require a subspecialty option in area studies. The most difficult part of East Asian Studies is attaining language proficiency, which can require significant study time and practice. Many programs require only two years of an Asian language, which is not enough to become proficient. If you want to become proficient, plan on 4 years of language study, including at least a year in the country where your chosen language is spoken.</p>
<p>^ I come from a Vietnamese family, so I already have another language besides English under my belt. One of the reason I chose EAS is because I want to explore my racial heritage more. I have 3 years of formal Japanese classroom study experience, and I plan on studying abroad in Japan to strengthen my Japanese speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.</p>
<p>Will you work as a professional translator after graduation?</p>
<p>I don’t know what I want to do yet. I’m thinking of becoming a TEFL teacher in East Asia. I know someone who was an EAS major and became a TEFL teacher in Japan. At the same time, I’m looking for other options I can do as well.</p>
<p>Well, that’s a good plan, but do try to keep up your GPA. Who knows if you will become a professional translator some day? Then your GPA, especially in the hardcore language classes, will be very important.</p>