<p>Hello all- </p>
<p>I have a strong interest and passion for languages and I would love to become fluent in Arabic. This is a particularly challenging language, which is part of the appeal. Furthermore, and more importantly, it is a critically important language as designated by various national security organizations, notably the CIA and FBI.
What I'm planning is to double major in college in Arabic and linguistics, with a minor in something like French. The plan is to become fluent through rigorous study and studying abroad. After graduation, I'd apply to one of the said national security organizations.</p>
<p>However, I've recently been told that majoring in a language isn't wise; that it would be better to major in something else, a more marketable skill or something, and just minor in Arabic. But can you really be fluent through a minor? And with a major in something else, the CIA/FBI might not look at me as favorably; I'd like to dedicate my life to languages. </p>
<p>So what do you think, CC? Will I be able to launch careers, in national security or private sector, with a major in Arabic?</p>
<p>There is no guarantee that your application to a government agency will be successful, or that you will like that sort of work. Therefore, it is a good idea to supplement your language studies with a major in a traditional discipline as well, e.g., economics, etc. Education in another substantive area would enhance your credentials, and possibly give you more options. I would not necessarily recommend that a second major be in an interdisciplinary field like international relations since I think it’s more important to get a solid background in a the theory and methods of a single discipline. However, you could do a major interdisciplinary major in Middle Eastern Studies, including a substantial Arabic component, and combine this with a major in a traditional discipline. I don’t know about linguistics, unless you acquired background in areas like machine translation which you probably wouldn’t with just an undergrad degree. </p>
<p>Studying French is good, too, not only because it will give you access to French publications on the Arab world, but also because of French political and business interests in the region and continued use of French in former colonial areas such as Lebanon and areas of north Africa. </p>
<p>A minor in Arabic might or might not be sufficient; it depends on how much actual language training you get, including study abroad. You also could just study Arabic without a formal major or minor. I think a major will give you the cultural context, however, that would be important for verbal and written proficiency. </p>
<p>You definitely should consider a school well-known for Arabic studies, e.g., Georgetown, or one of the Arabic Flagship programs, e.g., [Domestic</a> | Arabic Flagship Programs](<a href=“http://flagship.americancouncils.org/arabic/?q=content/domestic]Domestic”>http://flagship.americancouncils.org/arabic/?q=content/domestic). IIRC, the Arabic flagship programs require you to complete a second major.</p>
<p>The school I’m looking at for Arabic has a certificate program in Middle Eastern and North African Studies; my hopes are that this will help.</p>
<p>I continue to read that our Foreign Services, Government security agencies are behind in interpreting a lot of intelligence information because of the lack of qualified Arabic interpreters. I believe your degree, especially at this juncture in Middle East politics and world affairs should give you a Huge advantage in getting a great job. Good luck-and don’t forget to look at 'think tanks" for internships and positions.</p>
<p>This isn’t a smart move.</p>
<p>You have no idea if you will get hired by the FBI/CIA, and if you ever do, it won’t be straight out of college. You will need some work experience first, especially with the FBI.</p>
<p>You have no control if you are hired. You could tank a poly, have something in your background that disqualifies you, interview poorly (which is very likely if you have no previous law enforcement or intel experience) or just not be a competitive candidate.</p>
<p>Being fluid in a critical language only makes you eligible, not competitive. After you move forward in the process you will be compared with the other candidates who will be much more experienced than yourself. </p>
<p>So if you can’t get into those agencies, and few do - then what? </p>
<p>Go to school for something practical and then join the military as an interpreter. That will open more doors for you in Intel/LE than a college degree in Arabic.</p>
<p>If you want to dedicate your life to languages, fine, but don’t do it because you think it’s an easy pathway to the CIA/FBI - it’s not and would most likely explode in your face.</p>
<p>You need to remember that you will not get anywhere near fluent in Arabics after 4 years of studying it. This language is quite impossible.</p>