Studying Japanese whilst doing a degree...

[Jericho Desu]

Ok I need some opinions on this, I'm in the month of my final exams for my foundation year and so I'm doing the actual degree this september. I've decided to go for BSc Honours Computing as in just a general computing degree with no specifics, however I love Japanese and have been self-teaching for the past 4 months. I really want to do a course in Japanese or just carry on studying by myself (even though I know I won't get as far) whilst doing my comp degree, however my module leader (of my uni) said that its a bad idea.
He said he tried learning French at the same time as his degree and that he regretted it, because it distracted him alot and didn't help with his French either and suggested I do Japanese after my degree (basically in 3 years time which is too long for me). He said its not impossible to do both during my first year, but when it comes to the 2nd/3rd year it'll be next to impossible.
Ok, so you might ask why don't I go for a Japanese degree instead? Well from what I've already read from most of you that might not be a good idea, that there is not much benefit from it for getting a job and that even if I did want to be a translator, teacher or whatever that I'd need extra qualifications and that getting work as a teacher in Japan is getting difficult due to its popularity. Oh and I forgot to mention that I would like to live in Japan for some time, maybe not permanently but I definitely want to be there for a couple of years.
I don't know what to do, the sensible thing would be to stick with the comp degree and minimize the Japanese but apart of me really doesn't want that, however I also like computer work and would like to be like a web designer or something similar.

Help

 

[Ryuk]

I'm studying for a post-grad which finishes this year (thank fk) and I also study Japanese. It just means I have to spend evenings studying Japanese, reading textbook on the bus to uni, and pretty much spending a lot of my free time studying Japanese. It gets quite hard when you want a break from learning something, but if you keep at it and stick to your study plan then I don't see why would shouldn't be able to do both.
In regards to your comp degree, I'd definitely stick with that. You will get a good, well paid job. If you do Japanese at uni, sure you will really enjoy it but at the end you might think "Maybe I could have just done this in my spare time if I was really into it".

My advice - stick with the computing degree, try to immerse yourself in Japanese study outside of uni hours (even if it means missing the odd pint or 2). At the end of your degree if you really want to persue Japanese further, do a 6 month/1 year course or a year abroad or something like that. At least by that point you should hopefully have a good degree under your belt and you'll be able to relax and enjoy studying Japanese knowing that you can take some time out after your degree. Best of luck!

 

[Jericho Desu]

I guess that was just my module leader's experience. I think your right, I can just do it in my spare time or whenever I get the chance, but theres also another problem I forgot to add, I also have a job which is about 20 hours a week and is making things quite tough, I can't give that up really otherwise I'd be relying on my mum for money which I definitely don't want to do. I guess I'll just have to see if I can take it, but I agree with you that I should stick to the comp degree and carry on with self study, I just needed someone else to confirm its ok.

Thanks alot

 

[Ryuk]

No problem. It will be tough - but maybe you can take some night classes once or twice a week so you get some intensive exposure to learning?

 

[Jericho Desu]

Possibly, but I have to know what the timetable for the degree I'm choosing is going to be, I asked today and they said it won't be made up until like a week before it starts (how dumb is that?)

 

[Charles Barkley]

Computer skills are highly valued in japan. For jobs such as webmaster, etc, I believe there is a shortage of skilled labor in Japan because a lot of the newest, most advanced computer programs/etc (I dont really know what I am talking about here, just heard this from others in the profession) are written in English. If you want to make money in Japan, having computer skills is the easiest way (aside from teaching English, which to be honest kind of sucks if that's not going to be your 'career.' For career teachers, more power to ya).

Study when you have time. But realize that you will improve ridiculously fast once you move to Japan, so any time you spend studying back home wont be nearly as effective as time spent in Japan, especially if you dont have a regular course/tutor.

 

[Jericho Desu]

Wow thats pretty cool, that was one thing that concerned me, that if I wanted to do web work in Japan I'd have to code in Japanese, so that's a quite a relief really.

Yeah I'm unfortunately aware of that, but all I can do is try as much as I can so I can at least get to a good basic - intermediate level before going to Japan after my degree course has finished.

Thanks CB

 

[Kirakira1232]

Yeah pretty much if you want a well paid job then continue with the computing degree A language in itself really just requires a lot of persistence and there is plenty in the way of online help that can get you through tough spots. So long as you enjoy computing theres nothing to prevent you from learning Japanese on the side so long as you are dedicated.

 

[gRimmDesu]

This is what im considering as well!
Im in my final year of high school and I want to do a Bachelor in Computer Science and a Diploma in Japanese. My mum said it would be a HUGE workload (she learnt a language at uni) and i must admit in the past i havent had the best work ethic atm but im really trying hard this year. I figure ill try it out and see how i handle it XD. Good luck with your plans.

 

[dreamer]

Well from experience I can tell you that it can be done.
I learned most of my English while going for a BSc (HONS) in computer science and I didn't feel like it was particularly hard (despite having 30-35hours of class per week), and as I am about to graduate from a Masters-eq., I will start with a 4th language.

By the way...some of my friends are working in Japanese companies as developers...and it really is hellish with the code containing japanese variables, comments and so...hearing them complaining all day long