<p>Java, imo, is the best first language to learn.</p>
<p>Chinese (10 char)</p>
<p>Comp Language: C++</p>
<p>I'd say that you should learn a language on your own time. As an engineer, you don't really need to know another language, but if you did, you wouldn't need to have a degree in it... a working knowledge of the language should be good enough, and then you can pick the rest of it up on your own.
I think the best way to learn a language is not in the classroom but rather by speaking with others, and living in a place where you are immersed in the language and culture... believe me, it is far far easier to learn a language this way. So you're not really at a disadvantage if you don't take a language in school... you won't really have the time anyway.</p>
<p>You don't have to if you don't care about it. Don't take a language because someone says you have to or because someone spews bs about global economy, etc, etc. Chances are you won't ever use it. </p>
<p>I'd recomment Latin.</p>