Study a language or a culture?

College Majors
1

<p>I am a freshman at U of Rochester studying Economics and either Applied Math or Statistics. I am also participating in NROTC. My main strength academically is in the social sciences and I am pretty confident I could get an A in most polisci/IR classes at UR; I might have double majored in it if it weren’t for technical requirements for ROTC.</p>

<p>Wondering if it would be more valuable to gain proficiency in a language (probably arabic) or take classes on international affairs/regional studies/middle eastern studies. My GPA would definitely be lower if I choose the language route, but those skills might also be more valuable… I’m not completely sure what I want to do after the military, but one of my potential career plans is to get a masters at a top IR program and work on developmental econ/international business/international affairs/something of that nature.</p>

2

<p>Personal opinion albeit from some experience. It is difficult to apply international relations without other language skills. Pick one but as any multilingual, multicultural person can tell you, it is the translation that is all important. With some language skills you can better learn the culture which can only come from experience/immersion. Smiling, bowing, shaking hands are greetings; not relations.</p>

3

<p>Ambos a los.</p>