University Troubles

[eilidhrose9]

Hi everyone,

I've recently started my first year at Edinburgh University studying Japanese and Linguistics, and have very quickly realised that it's probably not the right course for me.

I chose this course on a whim, because I love studying about language and have a keen interest in eastern Asia, and am enjoying the Linguistical side of things. I did some research into Japan and its culture before applying, however I'm finding that I really dislike my japanese classes. My classmates all seem to have extensive prior knowledge of the language and I'm starting pretty much from scratch. I have a very heavy workload and am expected to do a lot of self study... which I don't feel very motivated to do. My lecturers aren't very sympathetic and rush through the material not giving me a chance to learn the basics. I still love Japan as a country and want to learn the language, but this course is really giving me problems.

Also, another issue contributing to my lack of motivation is the fact that I had my heart set on a different course. Last year I took a year out teaching English in Thailand and had the best year of my life. I'm very keen to return.. and am even able to think up many career prospects that I would enjoy, but it would require a much more in depth knowledge of the language to do so. I applied to study Thai at Leeds University and even got accepted.. before being told by my parents that they couldn't afford to send me there. Unfortuately there are no courses to study this language at a university of my price range...and I do like my current university and have already paid for a years accomodation.

I've felt conflicted about this for weeks now.. and don't really know what steps to take..
Should I continue with this course and see if it gets better? Or should I stop now before it gets much worse?

[pinacolada]

In my opinion i think you should push a little more few more months . Until you find yourself fed up .. and with no hesitations on leaving. then that's your sign that it's not for you. But until you're still doubting i suggest just give it a try.. Finish the term then you can shift courses. so you wont feel that you've wasted money . look at the brighter side.. even if you dont enjoy it you still learn somethin. (just think for the sake of what you paid)

Dont worry about starting from scratch.. we werent born einstein. hahah!!! (my mind isnt working too much at the moment but im sure you get the point) goodluck

[Hemlock]

Going to college for something you aren't interested in doesn't go anyone good. Better off taking a bunch of debt on yourself and learning what's really important to you at the other college. Or better yet, find a less expensive means towards the knowledge you want. If all you need is extensive Thai language courses, you can probably learn quickest by taking a course in Thailand. If you actually have something else you want that demands going to college you'll want to focus on that now, and maybe grab the Thai language later. Often people end up in college just to be at college and put off what they really want to do to do so. Hopefully you won't be that silly.

[Leesah]

You can study a degree in a language that you have no previous knowledge of? (nobody told me! It sounds ridiculous to be honest but I would have taken advantage of that and probably got a degree in Spanish... I should have looked into that!).

For me, eilidhrose9, it always comes down to what I WANT to do. It's hard to give advice.

I think one thing I would consider, though, is - do I want a degree (better job prospects etc, perhaps - having a degree can look better for ANY job) or do I want to be fluent in a certain language? (so you can go live & work there). If you just want to learn the language I think there are way better ways to do it (go to thailand, study an intensive course, you'll have basic conversation down in a couple of months, fluent in a year), but if you also want the degree then I'd say stick at it. It's for you to say which course you would prefer though. If you only dislike Japanese because you're overwhelmed you should prob stick at it for a while longer, once you get the basics down (it will click soon) you'll be flying.. But if you don't like the language I'd prob say change to Thai if that's your real passion.
Or could you study just the linguistics part and study Thai in your own time?

[st33med]

Do you know that the teachers will not help you understand the topics? Why not going to them during their office hours and asking for help? From what I know, most professors love to help their students. If they didn't, I would question why they are teaching in the first place.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by eilidhrose9

I applied to study Thai at Leeds University and even got accepted

Pssst. Here's a secret.

The best place to learn Thai is in ...... Thailand.

[CoolBee]

If improving your knowledge of spoken Japanese might help you out, try looking out the Michel Thomas method Japanese and dedicate yourself to an hour a day.
I used their Arabic courses and it made a quantum leap difference in my spoken arabic.

There's no writing involved at all.

(But don't get the 'introductory course' because it's the first part of the foundation course so you would be duplicating it).

It's quite expensive, but maybe you can get from a library or google and see if you can get secondhand or whatever.