So I’ve been studying Japanese for about 4 years at a class I go to once a week, while I’ve been going to a Mandarin Chinese college class for about 2 semesters, in which I go to twice a week. I would say my Japanese is at least on the low intermediate level, while my Chinese is probably on the high beginner level, especially since I studied a good about before ever taking a class for it. I’m currently saving money to go abroad and, based on the estimated money I’ll have, I have a choice between 4.5-5 months in Japan, or about 9 months in Taiwan. I still have about 8 months (until January 2017) to improve my language skills, but I’m trying to decide which choice would be a better decision. Which ever one I go to, I’ll go to the other when I transfer into a 4 year college. But do you think it would be smarter for me to spend a semester in Japan because I know a lot more of the language already, or would it be better to go to Taiwan for 9 months since I’ll have about double the amount of time to learn the local language. I do wish I started with Chinese in the first place, as it helps a lot with onyomi readings, but it’s too late for that. I’m just worried that a semester in Japan won’t be enough to get my language on a good level (I would like to reach a solid high intermediate level). I know it’s my decision, but I’m curious which choice you guys think is better(4.5-5 months in Japan or 9-10 months in Taiwan). Thank you.
It’s so hard for me to not give a biased answer because I study Japanese and plan to study in Japan during college. However, I think that the time in Taiwan would simply be more valuable due to the duration of the trip. In college, it will probably be easier for you to find funding for your trip or to possibly participate in an exchange program which will greatly reduce the cost of studying in Japan. Good luck either way and enjoy your trip!
Thanks for replying. Yeah, I’ve decided to go to Taiwan first, especially since I recently figured out that the program in Japan requires me to have a bank balance of around $7,500 about 4-5 months before the program starts, which I can’t do.