Major in Chinese, and need serious help

[ithelps]

Hello everyone,

 

I am hoping you guys could provide me with some advice, I seriously need help and am going crazy! I am a University student with 56 credits (6 credits were not obtain because I failed Algebra and Calculus) in my 3rd academic year (I took one year to study Mandarin in China under the Confucius institute scholarship, this didn't go towards an academic year) and still have enter the business program I want. It will take me at least another semester, if I don't fail my classes. I am 22 years old, and if I do this business program, I won't be graduating until I am at least 25 years old, that's 3 more years!!!!!!!!! Is it worth it? I want to do international business, but I am not even sure. 

 

Just recently, I found out that another school near where I live offer a Chinese flagship program and I was considering joining it. It is a very intensive honors program and you have to double major. I was thinking of double majoring in Chinese and Economics. If I go to this school and get into the flagship program, I can enter into the Economic program right away. I just need 24 credits from each program. However, I've looked into the Economic program and it's a lot of work. If I go here, it will take me at least 5 semester, I semester (4 if I am lucky).

 

I've been researching a lot if it is worth majoring in Chinese, and most people say if you do not have any skill set, then the language won't get you a good job. So I was considering maybe it's not worth getting an Economics degree if I don't even listen in class anyways, and don't remember what I learn. I was thinking of just majoring in Chinese (it won't get me into the flagship program) while doing internships at the same time. I am sure if I major in Chinese, I should be able to graduate within no more than 4 semesters. And doing internships will get me a lot of skills. I don't really know what to do, and have no future plan or career, so maybe you guys can advise me on this. 

 

My other plan if I go this route (the just majoring in Chinese) is  applying for the CSC scholarship and doing my Masters in China. I don't know what (what do you guys recommend) but I am not sure if I can apply for it after graduation and not being a student. Do anyone know how I can apply for the CSC master program? Is there any requirements I need? What do you think about this route?

 

I am totally stressed trying to meet all the requirement to get into the business school, and I am so tired of school. I do not learn anything in class, I do not remember in class, I am so not interested that I don't even listen to the teacher. What is the point of getting a degree, if I am learning nothing. However, I do listen in my Chinese classes (I guess I am interested to learn) but I am so stressed from my other classes, that I don't give 100%, maybe less than half effort. 

 

I need help, someone help me!!!

[tysond]

Maybe take a step back and tell us what you want to do with your life?  

What are you passionate about? 

Why are you considering doing a business program?

 

Hard to give you advice based on points and credits.  But if you are stressed and not enjoying all your schooling, it might be a good idea to change direction.  

[Lu]

To my knowledge, people who get a degree like an MBA often do so after they get a few years of work experience under their belt. Even if you end up doing something different than business, in many countries you can go back to university after working for a few years. Since you sound like you're pretty tired of studying, perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to finish your current program and then find a job, or a series of internships, in a field you're interested in.

Tysond's questions are relevant. Also, can you tell us which country you're in? Different countries have different systems for higher education.

[Basil]

Reading your post, I wonder if you're in the right place to be making major decisions like this at the moment. You seem really distressed. 

 

I recommend a long walk somewhere nice with friends/family. Talk through your choices with them.

 

Then ask us for specific advice like "how long is a Chinese ball of string..."

 

From my own experience, I am not disciplined enough to study something that doesn't interest me, and it would be pretty foolish for me to keep at it once I'd realised that...

[gato]

Are you having trouble concentrating or sleeping? Is it possible that you are suffering from depression?

[Demonic_Duck]

Being unmotivated isn't the same as depression (I mean, depression causes a drop in motivation, but a lack of motivation doesn't necessarily signal depression).

[JustinJJ]

I am so tired of school. I do not learn anything in class, I do not remember in class, I am so not interested that I don't even listen to the teacher. What is the point of getting a degree, if I am learning nothing. 

 

I think you might be answering your own question.

[Flickserve]

The answer is complete what you are doing now and take some time out to reassess what you are interested in.

Taking some time off and working in the real world is a really great way to find out what you do not want to do for the future.

You could also be suffering from some burnout so a bit of time off would help.

[ChTTay]

From what you've said, i'd definitely not sign up for another course after this current one is finished. If you are hating studying and feel like you aren't learning then why sign up for more study??

I'd take some time, do some internships or find an entry level job for some experience. You could continue exploring Chinese in your free time while you did so. Look into some part time Chinese courses too. After a while, re-evaluate.

If you've got the money, take a holiday. Come to China and sign up for a month of classes somewhere. A short term course in a new and interesting place might be fun.

[LiMo]

gato makes a good point though. There's no harm in bringing it up as the OP seems pretty distressed and it sounds like it could be a long term problem. At least this might allow the OP to realise if that is really the case, this may be the first time s/he's even considered it. If it's not depression then that's OK and no harm done. Better safe than sorry. 

Back onto the main topic. I also suggest taking a break and getting experience. I am in a similar situation. I'm definitely going to finish my current course but the likelihood of more education following hot on its heels is slim to none. Time to get out and see the world! Or the stock rooms at McDonalds, whichever pays better.