<p>the Dept of Defense has classified languages based on how long it takes for a committed, gifted (native-english-speaker) learner to become fluent. Asian languages are the most difficult on that scale. I think Italian was an example of an “easy” language for English speakers, French and Spanish next, then German or Romanian, then Russian, etc. I can try to look it up if you want.
Anyway, it takes longer to reach the benchmarks in Chinese; after 4 years you wouldn’t be anywhere near C1, you’d be around B1. After a major including a semester of study abroad,you’d be B2. However since Chinese requires such commitment to achieve even A2 level, reaching that level puts you ahead of the pack. At the minimum, having basic Chinese AND notions in Chinese culture/history would be an advantage.
With French, Portuguese, Spanish, you should be able to reach B1 in 3-4 semesters. However reaching C1 level is quite difficult and not that common - it typically means you’d start with B1-level classes freshman year and be ready to take C1 level senior year after a junior year abroad. At many colleges, a majority of language majors never get above B2. This of course depends on the college’s level. Emory’s French program is excellent and it’s assumed everyone graduates with a C1 level (B2 at the worst).
(If they’re selling and you’re buying, they’ll speak whatever language you want them to speak; if they’re buying and you’re selling, you better speak their language and know their way of thinking and of doing things.)
French actually isn’t so impractical if you want to do business with Canada, and in particular if you intend to sell anything to Qu</p>