Minor or Learn a Language?

College Majors
1

<p>Hey. So I'm planning out my schedule for the next 4 years. I plan on double majoring in Computer Science and Economics. I have room left for either a language or a minor. I can:
1. take 2 courses in Chinese (which is 1.5 years of Chinese) and minor in Public Policy or International Studies
2. take 5 courses in Chinese (a full 2 years including a study abroad experience) and couple of courses in public policy/international studies/government</p>

<p>I want to learn about international relations, but I also want to learn my native language (plus studying abroad is cool and directly immerses me in the language), but I feel I will forget the Chinese soon afterward as I will most likely not use it often (plus I only get 0.5 years more of Chinese as 2 of the courses involve Chinese culture, which I'm neutral about). Public policy/international studies I feel I can pick up from reading books/magazines/newspapers whereas Chinese is not quite as accessible, but would it be worth having an extra minor? Any suggestions? How would you pick if you were in my position and why? Thanks!</p>

2

<p>The minor is pretty much irrelevant, as far as jobs go. At that point, your goals would seem to be:</p>

<p>1) Learn the Chinese language
2) Learn about public policy and international studies</p>

<p>I would probably do this:</p>

<p>Study abroad in China. Don’t declare your minor, just leave it open for the moment. Take a class or two in each area, and figure out which one you like more.</p>

<p>I assure you that your original plan as a freshman will not stay intact. Just stick to some guidelines, not specific courses.</p>