applying10

Hi all, I am a junior undergrad student considering to apply to soc ph.d. programs next year. It would be extremely helpful if you can answer any of the following (gazillion questions): 1) Are there any courses that are unofficially required or highly recommended? I may go postbacc/ma but in case I don't, are there any courses that I definately want to have under my belt before I graduate? Also, is a math/econ background necessary/recommended? 2) I am interested in regional studies and have taken political science and history courses relevant to the region of my interest, BUT I have yet to study the language of that region. Will this be extremely detrimental to my application? Some programs say that there is funding for summer language study, but that may be for more intermediate or advanced study. 3) Related to question #2. If lack of language skills at time of application is a significant disadvantage, should I forget about ph. d. programs for now, and apply only to M.A. programs? Do masters programs have funding? Is it worth it to pay out of the pocket/take out loans to finance masters? I would love to volunteer or teach in this country, but I don't know if this would necessarily help my language skills. 4) Do all sociology programs (even the lower-ranked ones) have funding? 5) Is research experience necessary for applicants? Any words of wisdom to lend to an undergrad stressed out about the future? I have taken great courses that truly interest me, and I don't regret it. Yet a part of me is worried that not having any technical skills means no job/no school next year!