Learning a new language as an Engineering major

<p>How difficult would it be to learn German while majoring in engineering (specifically chemical)? I will be able to test out of intro calc, chem, and a few humanities and possibly English via AP credit, so the courseload will allow some room for German courses. I have absolutely no experience with German, however I really want to learn it and possibly study abroad for a semester in Germany or Austria. My parents have told me that they are perfectly fine with me taking an extra year or even 3 semesters to graduate. And no, I don't want to learn German to pad my resume, I am actually interested in it, I just haven't had to opportunity because my school does not offer German classes, I had to take Spanish.</p>

<p>Take it.</p>

<p>Learning any language to proficiency is not easy, but German is no harder than Spanish. And whatever you do, it is ten times easier if you are interested in it.</p>

<p>You’ve got a great opportunity here to do something cool that you want to do, take it.</p>

<p>thanks modano! i was just worried earlier because people keep saying that majoring in engineering by itself is really difficult, and obviously learning a language too is no small task even though its the smaller of the two, haha :)</p>

<p>anyone with experience or friends whom have successfully done this care to share? thank you for any responses!</p>

<p>Speaking as a Chemical Engineering major, the workload could become difficult. I, too, tested out of all of the intro classes and still find that fitting in just a minor tends to be difficult without overloading yourself. My advice, take maybe one or two German courses, see if you like it, and then go ahead if you still feel the same way (also get a feel for the engineering workload, particularly chemical). In high school, I was considering double majoring in something like music because I was really interested in it, but now I know that there is no way I actually would. Get a feel for college first.</p>

<p>thanks Salve! Yea, I don’t think a minor in German is realistic, but I’m hoping to take a few courses and eventually study abroad in Austria (although I’m fine with Germany and Switzerland too). That would be great.</p>

<p>btw, another question: my father suggested auditing German classes. Do you guys think this is a good idea? Sorry if I sound annoying with all my questions despite only being a high school senior, I just like knowing things like this ahead of time :)</p>