<p>D is entering SIS with 4 yrs of HS Spanish. She is uncertain whether her area of focus will be Latin America or Africa. She is having trouble deciding if she should continue with Spanish (which she doesn’t love) or begin a new language (probably French). If you are undecided about your area of focus, how do you make a decision about which language to study? Do most students focusing on Africa study French?</p>
<p>She’ll be talking (or at least emailing) with her SIS academic advisor this spring. I’m sure this is a question they have dealt with before.</p>
<p>I don’t think anyone can answer how many students focusing on Africa as their area specialization study French. I think it’s safe to say, however, that studying French for the area is a major bonus.</p>
<p>If she chooses Spanish, she can test into Spanish Intermediate II, complete the course, and never think about languages ever again. If she chooses French, she will have to take 2 years of language. Many students have their sights on double majoring or doing something out of the ordinary so I would keep that in mind. </p>
<p>Perhaps she could do some independent study during the summer on French language and see if she might want to continue on that route. </p>
<p>No one can tell you how important the language will be for an Africa focus considering international relations is a major that is very non-linear and interdisciplinary. You can survive without language, but it’s a bonus.</p>