<p>I'm still "shopping around" for a college major, and lately, I've been thinking about perhaps majoring in a foreign language (French). I know it'd be a lot of work, so I'm looking for some advice from those who've done it/have kids that are doing it/teach it. Thanks in advance. </p>
<p>I initially had some difficulties with my French 201 class this semester, but I'm getting a lot better. I've been taking it more seriously and doing my work more religiously, and I've also been trying to apply it in different ways, like by having a French planner and by writing notes to myself in French. I've also started listening to French radio, and I actually really like the unique sound of it. Even though I can only understand some of the words, it's very chill, and I know it's probably good for training my ear to French. </p>
<p>However, as much as I've been focusing on it, I don't know if I'm up-to-par with the French majors. They've all been studying it since high school (I had a few years but nothing as intensive and thorough as theirs), and they're all talking about how they're going to France next year or how they went last summer. Their accents are perfect and they have no problem spitting stuff out on-the-fly whereas I really have to think about stuff before I chime in. </p>
<p>I have a good amount of money saved up and I have a steady income now, but I don't know if I can swing/qualify for studying abroad. I try hard, and I've been told I'm good at French, but so many others are way better. THEY deserve to go to France, and I feel like I'd just be clinging on for dear life trying to keep up. Or that I'd be "forcing" myself to get better at it and shine, which seems kind of dreary for something that should be "your love" or "passion." </p>
<p>To get to the point where I graduate with a BA in French Language and Literature and am marketable in it, what do I have to do? What does it take? I'm a good student, but I have a tendency to put things off sometimes and to do "just enough" to get by. I work a lot and am often tired, but I take pride in my studies and usually DO want to do my best. I'm hoping that if I finally find my major I'll be able to finally fully apply myself in it. </p>
<p>Thanks again for reading, and I'm sorry that it's a bit wordy.</p>
<p>I’m a French major, and the one thing I have learned is that you can’t constantly compare yourself to others. I actually started college with no background in French, so I know exactly how you feel regarding everyone else having taken French since high school and being able to just spit stuf out. If you always compare yourself to them, you’ll get discouraged. Foreign language study requires time.</p>
<p>But never settle for good enoug either - that won’t get you very far. </p>
<p>Might I recommend listening to Disney music in French? YouTube has a lot of French Disney music, and it’s usually easier to understand because you are already familiar with the subject. I would also say to consider double majoring. French mails usually don’t take mch time class-wise, and pairing that major with something else may help ensure marketability.</p>
<p>You don’t have to study abroad in France to get better in your language skills. France is an expensive country! I’m doing my study abroad in Senegal; you should look at French West Africa and Madagascar and see if study abroad there would be more feasible.</p>
<p>One last recommendation: put your phone language as French. It sounds silly, but it puts your brain in the mode and you actually get some new vocabulary!</p>
<p>It will be harder to totally immerse yourself in French in Canada, but I still think it would be a worthwhile venture if it is your best option. You may also be able to pay your home institution’s tuition and that will pay for your tuition abroad if your school is affiliated with the program - at least, that’s how my University does things. </p>
<p>You can also apply for the Gilman scholarship to help with study abroad, and look into the Boren Awards. They will pay for you to go abroad and study a “critical need” language for national security. While French is not one of those languages, Wolof (one of the official languages of Senegal) is. So, for example, if you study Wolof in Senegal you would also be exposed to French. This may be true for other African-Francophone languages, but I’m not quite sure.</p>