Should I Transfer to the University of Arkansas or to the University of Missouri?

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hi guys!</p>

<p>I am currently a freshman majoring in finance at a small public university in southwestern Missouri. Last semester I got a job tutoring international students (I help them with their English). After tutoring 13 Saudi students, I decided that I wanted to learn Arabic. </p>

<p>My current college doesn't offer Arabic, due to the lack of funding and interest. I plan to complete two years there. </p>

<p>Ideally I would like to attend the University of Oklahoma. It has a flagship program in Arabic and even offers courses in Egyptian and Levantine dialects. Unfortunately, I would be an out-of-state student and there aren't any scholarships that I would be eligible for. The cost per year is $30,000. </p>

<p>The cost of attending the University of Arkansas (for me) would be $23,000; whereas, the cost of attending Mizzou would only be $15,000. </p>

<p>Arkansas offers a minor in Arabic (courses go up the advanced level) and several courses in Arabic literature and culture. </p>

<p>Mizzou only offers elementary Arabic I and II, and intermediate Arabic I. </p>

<p>When I visited the University of Arkansas, I didn't like it. My tour guide wasn't able to answer any of my questions and the campus was not very attractive. </p>

<p>On the other hand, Mizzou was amazing. The people were so welcoming and I felt like I belonged there. </p>

<p>I realize that studying abroad would increase my understanding of the language, but it's not the same as having the certification. </p>

<p>I feel like finance is a practical major, so if I am unable to learn the language, I still have that to fall back on. </p>

<p>If I am admitted and can afford it, I would like to obtain a Master's in Foreign Service from Georgetown. </p>

<p>I apologize for the length of this post, but I would greatly appreciate any feedback. </p>

<p>Thanks so much!</p>

2

<p>You should choose Mizzou. If you start Arabic as a junior, when you have 4 semesters left, there is no point in trying to minor in it because it will take time to get to the upper level courses. At mizzou, you will take elementary arabic your first year, Intermediate arabic the fall of your second year, and then you could probably find a way to take it with the professor as an independent study in your last semester. Mizzou is the best choice because it is cheapest for you and you are happiest there,</p>

<p>Try for Oklahoma though, if worst comes to worst you apply for aid and scholarship and they dont give you any, you could get lucky!</p>

3

<p>Since you are majoring in finance I would recommend transferring to the best school with that program. I would recommend taking Arabic over the summer at a language institute such as the Monterey Institute of International Studies’ summer intensive language program. I have had friends participate in this program and found it much more helpful than actually Arabic courses in college.</p>