Is it smart to minor in a foreign language or is it a waste?

<p>I can already speak SPANISH pretty well and I'm starting to learn FRENCH now. Is it even a good idea to minor in one of these? I've heard that minoring in a foreign language can be a waste of money because you can learn it on your own and know it for free. Either way, you can speak the language. I'm not really interested in the history behind the languages, mainly just the grammar, slang, and vocab and being able to speak them.</p>

<p>You cannot really use a language professionally until you reach near-native fluency, which requires significantly more work than a minor. (Think: extended periods of time abroad.) Are you interested in a career where foreign language skills are useful or necessary? (I am thinking about social workers, for example.)</p>

<p>If you want to learn a language for personal enrichment and/or travel, have fun and learn whatever you want to learn! You can go pretty much anywhere and get around with English only, but it can be fun to converse in the language of the country you are in.</p>

<p>I'm not really sure a minor could get you to the level of fluency that you desire.</p>