<p>Hello, I’m going to be a 3rd year illustration student who’s really interested in studying animation abroad once done with undergrad. I know French, Japanese, or Korean would be most beneficial since the most prevalent animation industries outside the US speak those languages but I’d like to figure out which one to study/become proficient in first. If anyone has been/currently is in the same position as me, please let me know your opinion! Is there another language I should study instead or should I just stick to the US for grad school and not bother with learning a new language?</p>
<p>If you don’t already have a basis in any of these languages then French is the easier to get to a comparable level of fluency than Japanese or Korean. But you’re still looking at the equivalent of a couple of years living in-country to get to the point of being able to hang on to the coat tails of the other students. Which could be pricey depending on your nationality and where you study. These are also just the ‘now’ languages for animation- what are the long term trends?</p>
<p>To be honest, unless you’ve got a real interest in a country/culture that will help you over the innumerable bumps in the road, put it on the back burner and work on your drawing, animation skills and gaining experience in projects. This’ll help you far more in getting a job within the industry.</p>