Professors "selling" their courses

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>After my Arabic lecture yesterday, I had about a one hour conversation with my professor about my general frustrations with the language and the course. I earned a 3.7 first semester, and it's looking like I will earn a 3.3 this semester. I am not entirely sure why I chose to study Arabic outside of a general interest in Middle Eastern conflict, politics, and economics. But it has been an enlightening experience to study a non-Indo-European language -- it's an entirely different way of thinking about the structure of language and I recognize the educational benefits of studying it. However, I am unsure whether or not I should continue to the intermediate level next year. I have no interest in working for the federal government or armed forces as a translator; I will likely declare an economics major next spring. </p>

<p>My professor attempted to "sell" me on the language by suggesting that taking two years of the language followed by a study abroad experience in, say, Egypt or Morocco would "look good on my transcript when I apply to professional school." </p>

<p>Forgive me for naivet</p>

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<p>from what I’ve heard and read, law schools care primarily about GPA and LSAT, and a bit about letters of reccommendation/EC’s. But they don’t give a crap what you major in (assuming it’s not some bs major they don’t take seriously) and I doubt they care if you study abroad or something.</p>

<p>Study abroad in Egypt or Morocco if you feel it will be an enriching experience and broaden your horizons or whatever. Don’t do it to impress professional schools because I doubt it will.</p>

<p>And knowing another language is always a good thing to put on a resume, if you’re considering the practicalities of it.</p>

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<p>I imagine it would be more beneficial in your future career than applying to law/med schools. My brother became fluent in Russian while an undergrad, and spent a summer in Moscow. While looking for a job to help pay his way through law school he happened to get a position at his city’s DA’s office specializing in dealing with the Eastern European community. He even wound up getting some sort of detective certification or something of that sort as part of the job.</p>