<p>Haha so I've decided to return to CC after a bit of an absence. Anyway, I am of course ever planning, so any advice from current/past students. How did you fulfill your language requirement? I've taken 2 years of Spanish, but did not enjoy the language at all and want to start with something new. I'm considering both Japanese and Italian.
Japanese seems interesting, but the scheduling is rigid (must be a fall,winter,spring progression) and that would put me doing an LSA+ my freshman summer. I'm also concerned it would be a huge time commitment (I've read the reviews on the SA website, and they all seem to mention alot of time required)
Italian also interests me, and I think I'd enjoy the LSA to Rome (though probably not as much as the Tokyo one). It's also much more flexible in Scheduling, with level 1 classes offered all 3 terms. It also seems it might be easier to pick up on than an eastern language. </p>
<p>So I guess basically what I'm asking is what did you do for your language requirement, and how was the experience? (I'd also like to hear from someone who went on an LSA/LSA+ but eh, beggars can't be choosers)</p>
<p>Japanese is very difficult at Dartmouth. I think your Spanish will help you a lot with Italian. Also, I have friends who speak very highly of the Rome LSA (its not very hard to get into and its a lot of fun!).</p>
<p>Go Italian for enjoyment - Japanese will look better on your resume / be more useful probably (are you trying to go into business?)</p>
<p>but eastern languages are fun! (says a Korean. :D)
I think you should go for wichever is more convenient for you – if you are willing to make the commitment, Japanese. If you are not sure Japanese is worth the sacrifice of your other time during which you can do more interesting things, then take Italian. As the poster above me said, Spanish will help you with Italian a lot – they’re really similar. (although I did once have a problem of confusing some Spanish words with Italian words lol)</p>
<p>Thanks NN it’s nice to know Italian would still be enjoyable if I go that route. As a side question, How hard are the LSA’s to get into in general? I mean I know it has to vary hugely by department, but if I decide to go another route I would want to steer clear of one with a hugely competitive LSA list. </p>
<p>And haha ‘limetime’ you still hanging around these parts? You’ve seemed to disappear from another website since you left the country :P. Are you just going to test out of the lang requirement with Korean?</p>
<p>Tell you what. If Anna Minardi is teaching Italian 1, take it. No buts. No further considerations. Just take it with her. It will be a life-changing experience.</p>