Uni courses

[butterfly2]

I need to start looking at University courses and I'm very indecisive about what i'd like to do. I was thinking along the lines of Spanish or a joint degree with Spanish. Do you think it's still very useful to have a language and can anyone recommend any universities that are good for languages?
Cheers.

[Eve]

I think it very much depends on what you want to do with it.

Languages are limited unless you have another skill to go with them and especially considering that there is a huge amount of competition from native Spanish speakers who probably speak English far better than Spanish is taught over here.

You should also consider whether you want to have the year abroad as part of your course as is standard with degrees which include languages.

I started off doing a degree in French, German and Italian after doing GCSE and A Level French, German and Spanish. I changed to law after the first year when it no longer became the challenge I wanted and I realised that I would still need another skill for most language jobs.

I went on to become a lawyer and as I didn't want to go into international law in the city, I can honestly say that the only language I've ever used is some sign language.

I would have had far more use with Indian languages, oriental languages or ones like polish.

[boxtops]

I agree with Jenna - don't do a degree just for the sake of it, you need to know what you want it FOR. Having a degree in anything is not these days a guarantee of a better job, but for some jobs you must have a degree in the specialist subject even to be considered. I agree with you that it is very useful to have a foreign language, I am learning all the time, but it doesn't need to be degree level unless you are going to specialise. What career are you thinking of? It is better to decide on that than to just study for another three years and then start looking for something to do with it. Bear in mind how much it will cost you in terms of student loans etc - don't go to uni just because everyone else is.

[Eve]

I have to say it was very common for people not to realise the limitations of their degree until it dawned on them the reality of requirements of the working world when they were close to finishing.

I remember some of them realising that all they could really do with their degree was to go on to further study and research and/or teach which was something they didn't really want to do.

I know a fair few graduates who ended up working in places like fast food restaurants, supermarkets etc... to make ends meet while deciding what to do next which many people of similar age who had got out and worked had already worked their way up to getting a decent job, foot on the property ladder etc... by then, without the significant debt to pay back for their studies.

It was a fantastic experience for me and got me a long way but I'd recommend thinking very carefully about what you decide to do as it make a big difference at the end of your studies.

[Greedyfly]

I am in the same boat I am nearly 27 now and I still don't know what I want to do/be. I have been looking online tonight at courses for the next student year - there are soo many to choose from, then you have to see what you can do with it. Its a minefield.