Torn on which path to take-- languages? job prospects? Help!

[husky4ever]

Hello everyone,

I have posted on a political science board but have since changed my major- why I was ever in political science, I will never know. I'm looking into summer research and will most likely delve into the subject of imperialism in Asia, specifically with the coming of the Portuguese. I do not know these languages as of now, so I may end up spending the summer on a topic within the Roman time period, either focusing on religion or the spread of Roman culture. I do know Latin, so the primary research aspect would be less of an issue. I am currently a junior and that is my background on what has led me to my current questions. I intend to attend a graduate program, hopefully through the doctoral level. I am fluent in Latin; beginning Portuguese next year, and Chinese most likely during graduate school (if I go into that field). If others are required, I am willing to take those as well.

1. Which type of programs would I look into for studying the first topic. Is that European or Asian history? I'm honestly not sure and feel that it fits into both categories and looking into grad programs, it seems to be one or the other.

2. Which field has more potential for job growth, particularly within academia-- classics/ancient history or European imperialism/trans-national relations/Asian history?

3. I've never taken Chinese before and have no clue how I will do with it-- should I even consider a graduate program in imperialism in Asia if I do not know an Asian language?

Now, before people start telling me that I should not even consider applying to a phd (or masters?) program within the next couple of years because I lack focus, let me explain my side. I have truly split interests and I have read deeply into both fields. I have heard very negative stories about the job market for those in classical/ancient history (Greek/Roman/etc) and I'm wondering if anyone knows what the demand really is, if anything, in that field of history. On the other hand, I've heard very positive stories about the job market for those in Asian-related history, although I am still hesitant to place myself as a potential in that category because my interests are rather trans-national/worldly.

I could spend the rest of my life reading and writing on either area of history, and I would not regret going either way.

Any advice on the advantages or disadvantages of either side (particularly as I go to choose one for summer research), taking current language knowledge into account? Thanks everyone, I'm sorry this was long but I adore both subjects and I want to set myself on the right path in terms of language-courses and grad-program searching. My first interest, since early high school, was ancient history and that would be the easier path as for requirements, but it seems that it is an over-studied subject, whereas much more is to be learned in Asian history.

*Edit: I also already have a professor willing to be my advisor for the summer research grant on the topic of imperialism/relations in Asia via the Portuguese. He will be my Modern China professor next semester. My academic advisor told me that finding professors that are willing to do such a thing can be difficult and I can still do research in this field even if I intend to apply for something else. As she said, a wide breadth of knowledge makes a great historian.

Edited November 27, 2012 by husky4ever

[pudewen]

To start with your three questions:

1. It could go either way. If you frame your interests as Portuguese empire, you might be able to apply as a Europeanist. But, particularly if you want to focus on East Asia (China/Japan/Korea), you are likely better off applying as an Asian historian, as that will probably put you on a better track in terms of picking up the right languages (see my answer to your third question for more on this).

2. This isn't even close. If you want a job someday, you're far better off working on Asia, you're far better off doing a transnational topic, and you're far better off staying as far away from Classics as possible.

3. No. At least, not a PhD program. If you were to apply as a Europeanist, you could get in to a PhD program with no East Asian language background (obviously assuming everything else is up to snuff). But, once you're in, you won't have the time to learn Chinese (which it sounds like is what you want to do), at least, not well. It's a major commitment of time, and if you really are interested in pursuing a topic of that sort, you need to start learning it ASAP. At the very least, you'll need 4-5 years of coursework (or equivalent, through intensive summer courses, study in China/Taiwan, etc) in Modern Chinese and 1-2 years of Literary Chinese to work on the topic you're discussing. Frankly, if you want to work on Portugal in East Asia, you should probably learn Japanese (including Classical Japanese/Kanbun) as well (and a lot of programs in East Asian history will require you to learn Modern Japanese, regardless of what you work on).

My advice, if you want to go the Asia route:

1. Shift your focus a bit to work on the Jesuits in China, or something of that sort. That way, your Latin can actually be of some use, even working on East Asia. And this obviously doesn't necessarily take you away from the Portugal angle. (This is purely optional advice, if it doesn't interest you, ignore it, but it's good not to have throw away a language that could be useful if you choose the right topic)

2. Start learning Chinese now. Your lack of Chinese is the overriding deficiency in your preparation, which nothing can trump. Don't worry about doing research this summer; get yourself to China and do an intensive Chinese program. If you have time in your schedule, you can take Portuguese too, but if you have to choose, it's more important to work on the Chinese now; Portuguese is easy (especially since you know Latin), Chinese isn't.

3. Keep taking Chinese for the rest of your college career (one more year after this, I assume). When you graduate, try to find a way to spend a year in China or Taiwan doing language study; there's various sorts of funding available for that if you look around. Barring that, apply to Masters programs (look for ones that last two years, rather than one). You may well be able to be admitted to an East Asian studies masters program without much language background; I have a friend in the MA program here working on Japan who entered never having studied Japanese. If you can't, then do a Masters in something else (Early Modern Europe being the obvious choice) and take Chinese while doing it.

4. Once you're done with all that, you can reassess where you are language-wise, and if your Chinese is good enough, apply to PhD programs. But waiting until the PhD to start learning Chinese is not an option if you want to go this way topic wise.

If all that sounds like too much, maybe you should stick to Classics; though note that even for that you have a lot of language work ahead of you (Ancient Greek, German, and French, if nothing else). Anyhow, best of luck!

[husky4ever]

Thank you so so much for your detailed reply, I really appreciate the advice and how quickly you got back to me!

1. I agree that the Asian route would set me on a better path toward the languages, though I suppose I could apply both ways depending on where I'm at by the time I apply, which would be the Fall *after* I graduate, giving myself a gap year for more language training.

2. I had a feeling that would be the case! I'll try my best to stay away from the classics then, other than meeting my requirement for ancient history. I think in the long-run I'd prefer to being doing transnational topics related to Asia anyway, much more diversity in my opinion.

3. Well, it's a good thing I didn't start looking deeply into those so soon, I'll definitely get started on languages as soon as I can. I realize classics would be a lot as well but the European languages seem to come to me very easily, so the one hurdle would be Greek-- which is why I viewed classics as the "easier" way out, in a sense.

I think I will order Rosetta Stone as a supplement, as well as some books, while I have no other language training options over the next six months. There is a program called CET which offers an eight-week summer program for all levels. I figure if I study hard enough up until the program, I'd be able to start off in advanced beginner, which is like having a semester done basically, and then be able to take Intermediate Chinese 1 and 2 over my senior year-- that's the highest they offer at my university. The summer program is equivalent to a full year of Chinese according to their website. With the plane ticket and everything it would come up to about $10,000, so this is going to take a lot of convincing toward my parents since I have literally just enough to graduate next year with about $3,000 left saved for additional courses. I'm hoping the trip will be worth the price, though I'm sure it will be. I don't think I would be able to afford much beyond that; are there other alternatives for studying literary Chinese independent of a study abroad program of which I could do during my gap year? I'm definitely willing to go the masters route first, in either direction-- probably applying to both Early Modern Europe and East Asian programs.

In a way, it does sound like too much, but I'm in love with learning and as long as I'm not living on the streets, I'll do whatever it takes to have adequate preparation. Portuguese shouldn't be too much trouble for me, and I believe that I could be fluent in it within a year if I tried. Their grammar is elementary compared to Latin, and that makes me a bit jealous of all of the work I put in!

You mentioned Japanese-- should I also have that covered before applying to/starting a PhD program; or would Chinese and Portuguese be enough? I mean, of course it is always better to have as much language preparation as possible, but I don't know what I'll be doing in terms of income for all of these years in between and how long I will take on a PhD, etc.

Thanks for all of the advice, I'll mention some of this to my advisor when I see her next week and I'm sure she will be delighted that someone has been able to give me some insight on what I need to do. The department at my university does not even offer Asian or World History in their graduate program, so they aren't always helpful in terms of specific preparation-- though they would be glad to guide me into US/European/Latin American History!

[pudewen]

You mentioned Japanese-- should I also have that covered before applying to/starting a PhD program; or would Chinese and Portuguese be enough? I mean, of course it is always better to have as much language preparation as possible, but I don't know what I'll be doing in terms of income for all of these years in between and how long I will take on a PhD, etc.

You wouldn't need to know Japanese prior to starting a PhD program (unless, of course, you were focusing on Japan). Also, departments won't really be looking for Portuguese out of an applicant in East Asian History, but if that's what you want to work on, you probably should have it down when you apply.

As for continuing language study, if you can manage to finish two years worth of Chinese by the time you graduate, you become eligible for a Fullbright (and an accompanying Critical Language Enhancement Award), which is the most obvious option for spending more time studying in China, and having someone else pay for it. You should search for other possibilities too, though; there are a variety of sources of funding for language study in China out there.

CET is a solid program; not the absolute best, but it may be the best in China that will take you without prior training. The other obvious option would be the Middlebury Language Program. It's in the US, rather than China, and will cost you at least as much, but it has a quite good reputation. You could also look for intensive first-year Chinese courses offered over the summer by other universities in the US; there may be cheaper options. Harvard, for instance, has a first-year course offered over the summer for around $5,500 (plus living expenses), which should prepare you well enough to take a second year course next academic year. Other places probably have similar things, though you'll want to make sure whatever you do is sufficiently intensive.

In the end, you probably will want to do a Masters degree as well, since it sounds like your current institution will make it tough to be adequately prepared for a PhD program, given its relative lack of offerings in Asian history and languages. I think an MA in East Asian studies would be preferable, since its requirements will be in line with the preparation you need. Plus, you're more likely to find funding, and more likely to find a good program; many more of the best universities offer stand-alone MAs in East Asian Studies than in anything tied to Western European History.

Edited November 27, 2012 by pudewen

[husky4ever]

Okay, that's good. I'd probably do Japanese during the program then since it wouldn't be my primary, or even secondary, source language.

I may just try to do everything possible, inside and outside of classes, to learn as much Chinese as I can- probably hire a tutor in addition; and then, find an immersion program such as the Fullbright that you mentioned. It would be a very large expense right now and I believe that I have enough self-discipline to get myself rather far in the beginning stages and I think it would be more beneficial for my particular learning style to immerse myself after gaining the bare necessities of the language. As in, learn a good two years or so worth and then develop more advanced skills in a program rather than risk not having the opportunity to go again in advanced learning stages because I paid 10k for a program overseas to learn the first year, if that makes sense.

I'll definitely start looking into East Asian studies programs as a starting point rather than spending so much of my time browsing PhD programs. Funding would be nice too, at least partial. What is usually the cost of a masters degree in East Asian studies, for a typical decent two-year program, with partial funding. I'm just curious as to where I could be indebted in the future and have some idea of how much I need to save going in. I plan on working almost full-time in a low-stress job (say, as a receptionist) during my gap year to save money while I continue my studies in language. If you don't know, that's fine, I'll end up figuring it out at some point as I do more research.

As for ways to go about successfully learning a few years of Chinese for a program, there was a post on another topic, different forum, where someone suggested ways to go about self-studying.

First of all, as long as the person has the drive and motivation to learn Chinese they can do this almost anywhere in the USA.

1. Sign up for the advanced beginner Chinese classes at your local community college. Many community colleges have them and since you only have a semester or a year, most community colleges teach up to 2 years of Chinese, finishing up the intermediate level.

2. Talk to the instructor and tell them that you will be spending 100% of your time on learning Chinese and have them give you some extra work outside of the classroom work.

3. You need to get textbooks from various sources as one set will never cover everything. My suggestion:

a.) Beijing Language and Culture University Press - (i.e. New Practical Chinese series 1-3) (Always get a textbook set that is directly from China or Taiwan)

b.) Princeton University Press Chinese books: http://press.princet...ries/plpmc.html

c.) Cheng and Tsui books: http://www.cheng-tsu...nguage_learning

4. Hire a tutor to meet with you at least twice a week to go over how to study the books you bought

5. Download free podcasts and audio from the Internet and listen in your spare time

6. Join meetup groups or start one on your own to meet others who are learning Chinese

Would that be a good way to go about it if I were to start summer courses next year after preparing on my own with a tutor throughout the winter and spring semesters? Then, of course, I would continue to the intermediate levels, the highest at my university, for my senior year.

Also, UConn does have "self-instruction" options in "critical languages" where they set you up with a tutor and necessary technology when you reach a point beyond what they offer as a traditional course, even after I graduate. The timeline I was thinking would be to continue via self instruction (@ UConn) through the Fall/Winter/Spring semesters while working, then attending a full immersion summer program, the very best I can find at whatever price, at their more advanced levels the summer prior to entering a masters program. From the little research that I have done, programs will admit students with 3-4 years worth of language instruction even if they continue it during the program (particularly looked at Columbia Univ)-- so I could get in before doing the immersion aspect. I don't know if I'm starting to sound confusing, this isn't all quite worked out in my mind yet, but I'm getting there! I've ordered Rosetta Stone level 1 for Chinese and a few books to start with over this winter break.

So I apologize for my rant/confusing statements/plans/etc, and feel free to answer only what you feel is necessary-- or, of course, if anyone else pops in, that would be great too!

Thanks again, you are a wonderful person for being so helpful!

[pudewen]

I think you're right that the immersion experience is more useful once you already have some background in the language. As for your language learning plan, anything that can get you through two years of Chinese by the time you graduate is a good bet (2 years is a critical level; it not only makes you eligible for Fullbright, but also makes you eligible for FLAS grants, which are one of the best possible ways to fund an MA). Having an instructor working with you from the beginning is crucial; some aspects of Chinese can be studied independently, but you aren't going to learn to speak well without someone correcting you; tones especially are different from anything you will have experienced in any other language.

As for funding, it can vary widely, even more for MAs than for PhDs. It's possible to get full funding and a stipend, for instance through a FLAS grant (from the federal government, but only available at certain institutions, you can find the list here, just scroll down to East Asia). Some institutions also offer their own funding, in varying amounts. It's really hard to give you a figure you can expect to pay, it all depends on how successfully your applications go (but apply broadly, and look especially for places that offer funding to MA students).

You can definitely get in to an MA program with only 3-4 years of Chinese; programs understand the amount of time needed to pick up the language, and recognize that many people don't have the opportunity to do that as an undergrad; it's part of the reason that MAs are a lot more common for admits to Asian history PhD programs than they are for people doing US History, or even European.

[Riotbeard]

Ditto on Chinese now, portuguese later (if ever).

I think Asian history is definitely the way to go as your primary interest, but if you are interested in imperial history as well, you should look at departments that at least have an Euro-Imperial historian of some stripe for your committee. I have friend who works on British Imperial East Africa, and I think he would tell you his work is vastly improved by having both British and Africanist historians on his diss committee. The approaches in these two historiographies are vastly different, so being able to work with both would probably allow you to get better sense of how both sides look at Imperialism in Asia. Also start gearing your coursework in college towards this stuff, so you have a strong writing sample, general knowledge of the historiography, and things to talk about in your S.O.P. Knowing prominant works in the field will also help you figure out where to apply.

That's my two cents.

[rising_star]

I may just try to do everything possible, inside and outside of classes, to learn as much Chinese as I can- probably hire a tutor in addition; and then, find an immersion program such as the Fullbright that you mentioned. It would be a very large expense right now and I believe that I have enough self-discipline to get myself rather far in the beginning stages and I think it would be more beneficial for my particular learning style to immerse myself after gaining the bare necessities of the language. As in, learn a good two years or so worth and then develop more advanced skills in a program rather than risk not having the opportunity to go again in advanced learning stages because I paid 10k for a program overseas to learn the first year, if that makes sense.

Here's the thing. Even lots of discipline will make it difficult to learn a language like Chinese on your own. While it's a good idea to begin studying on your own now, you should check to see if there are any schools in your area that offer a beginning Chinese class that you could begin in the spring semester. The rigor of learning in the classroom is really difficult to replicate on your own, even with something like Rosetta Stone.

I think your idea of looking for an East Asian Studies MA is a good one. But, don't worry about the cost. Focus on identifying and applying to 2-year MA programs that offer funding to their grad students (typically as a TA for an intro level course)

Also, UConn does have "self-instruction" options in "critical languages" where they set you up with a tutor and necessary technology when you reach a point beyond what they offer as a traditional course, even after I graduate. The timeline I was thinking would be to continue via self instruction (@ UConn) through the Fall/Winter/Spring semesters while working, then attending a full immersion summer program, the very best I can find at whatever price, at their more advanced levels the summer prior to entering a masters program.

Please don't take this approach. As I said before, there's a lot to be said for learning in an immersive classroom environment, which is difficult to replicate. You should be around and with other students that you can learn from as that will help you master the language. So will spending time immersed in it, though only once you reach a certain level. If I were you, I would make an appointment with your university's study abroad office to review all of your options for studying abroad. It's possible that they'll identify even more options if you say you aren't concerned about getting credit from your current university.

Another idea I haven't seen mentioned yet. Have you considered signing up to teach English in China for a year or two? Several advantages. First, income. Second, you'll be (or can be) surrounded by people speaking Chinese and you'll have invaluable everyday experiences with the language that will help your skills grow by leaps and bounds. During school breaks, you could enroll in local, intensive language learning programs to learn even more. And you could do it all without going into debt. Just a thought...

[husky4ever]

Ditto on Chinese now, portuguese later (if ever).

I think Asian history is definitely the way to go as your primary interest, but if you are interested in imperial history as well, you should look at departments that at least have an Euro-Imperial historian of some stripe for your committee. I have friend who works on British Imperial East Africa, and I think he would tell you his work is vastly improved by having both British and Africanist historians on his diss committee. The approaches in these two historiographies are vastly different, so being able to work with both would probably allow you to get better sense of how both sides look at Imperialism in Asia. Also start gearing your coursework in college towards this stuff, so you have a strong writing sample, general knowledge of the historiography, and things to talk about in your S.O.P. Knowing prominant works in the field will also help you figure out where to apply.

That's my two cents.

Thank you! I'll definitely keep that in mind when I look at programs.

As for pudewen and rising_star, I looked at local community colleges and the other state university one town over, but in the spring it seems that Elem. Chinese II is the only option, with the first half coming up again in the Fall. The only Chinese 1 course is an hour away and I don't think that would be do-able with gas and time combined. I'm not really sure what to do over the next semester about it, although I definitely intend to take two summer courses in Chinese (two six-week intensive courses) and continue it into the Fall semester at the next level.

I was thinking of finding a tutor over the next semester to help me with the tones and pronunciation if I were to do some on my own without the option of finding a class-- which seems it may be the case. I know quite a few international students and I'm sure I could find one willing to help me out. My roommate last year is from Hong Kong, so I heard a mix of Cantonese and Mandarin throughout the entire year (she talked on the phone A LOT) and did teach me a bit-- definitely made me aware of the importance of tones.

I'm extremely worried about the fact that I've waited till this semester, but I hadn't really found my place as a transfer student yet. Tight spot right now, eh? I want to avoid self-study at all costs, don't get me wrong, I'm just lost on options this semester and where I'll be in my gap year at this point. It's difficult to just get up and move away from someone I'm living with for a full year abroad, which is why I was looking at summers. My fiancee' graduates a year after me (I'm graduating in 3yr) so that complicates things further! We aren't attached at the hip or anything, but moving out and in can get tricky. He's already willing to move with me throughout various stages of education, and I'm VERY thankful for that!

The teaching thing sounds like a great idea actually. That is something that I would love to do-- part of the attractiveness of the PhD to me is the ability to teach others. I'd have to talk about moving with my fiancee' though, he isn't exactly great at languages so I'm afraid of how that might work out for him, unless he gets a job in computer science that can be done overseas (which is an option)-- and I think he'd be willing to do that as he really does not care where he lives at all. So actually, that may be a good option-- likely in place of a masters degree? Or that then the masters, THEN the PhD (as in the masters/PhD at the same school kind of deal)?

Edited November 29, 2012 by husky4ever

[Lustforlife]

When you start thinking about places to which you might go, don't forget about Taiwan. I know at least one person who had their MA funded by the Taiwanese government. I am not sure what level of language proficiency would be required for the program, but it is at least another option that you might explore.

[husky4ever]

I just met/talked to my new research advisor, a former professor at Brown who moved here a few years ago, whom apparently has quite a few connections with other academics with similar interests to mine. He told me that he will definitely introduce me to many of those people to help me as I advance through the field. I thought of Lustforlife during that conversation, having read the reply before the meeting, as he highly recommended finding programs in or teaching English in Taiwan, or both. He recommended a couple specific programs that would be a good place to consider applying to. I'm already in love with this man, he is SO helpful and I am so excited to take his course on Modern China next semester. Between him and the career counselor here, it seems that the best route would to find a way to get myself over to Taiwan, specifically, for a couple years to put me in a good position to apply for East Asian Studies.

I will be doing undergrad research under him *in addition to* finding a decent intensive program, either in the US or China for language training. The research pays $3,500 so that will help balance off some of the cost of such programs. Many people seem to suggest Middlebury, but for the same price I can go to China for a similar program-- so why would one want to stay in the US if that is the case?? Alternatively, I could just find a college that offers intensive Chinese, but I can't find much around here. My university offers the typical European languages over the summer, but not Chinese, which is very disappointing!

Thanks for everyone's advice. This is going to be a REALLY long commitment-- like nine years probably? I think I'm ready to dive into the process though. I'm already starting to practice Chinese at home-- podcasts and such learning tones, as well as learning basic grammar. Hopefully this will put me in a decent position for whichever intensive program/course I get myself into!

[rising_star]

Well, if you're studying in China, you'll also need to include the cost of the flight, visa, vaccinations, and health insurance, which definitely add to the cost of a program. Were it me, I'd google around for universities that offer intensive Chinese programs. Even if you can't get campus housing, you can probably find a summer sublet from another college student. See here for some ideas. Hope that helps.

[Lustforlife]

I just met/talked to my new research advisor, a former professor at Brown who moved here a few years ago, whom apparently has quite a few connections with other academics with similar interests to mine. He told me that he will definitely introduce me to many of those people to help me as I advance through the field. I thought of Lustforlife during that conversation, having read the reply before the meeting, as he highly recommended finding programs in or teaching English in Taiwan, or both. He recommended a couple specific programs that would be a good place to consider applying to. I'm already in love with this man, he is SO helpful and I am so excited to take his course on Modern China next semester. Between him and the career counselor here, it seems that the best route would to find a way to get myself over to Taiwan, specifically, for a couple years to put me in a good position to apply for East Asian Studies.

I will be doing undergrad research under him *in addition to* finding a decent intensive program, either in the US or China for language training. The research pays $3,500 so that will help balance off some of the cost of such programs. Many people seem to suggest Middlebury, but for the same price I can go to China for a similar program-- so why would one want to stay in the US if that is the case?? Alternatively, I could just find a college that offers intensive Chinese, but I can't find much around here. My university offers the typical European languages over the summer, but not Chinese, which is very disappointing!

Thanks for everyone's advice. This is going to be a REALLY long commitment-- like nine years probably? I think I'm ready to dive into the process though. I'm already starting to practice Chinese at home-- podcasts and such learning tones, as well as learning basic grammar. Hopefully this will put me in a decent position for whichever intensive program/course I get myself into!

At this point, it is possible that a summer at Middlebury would be more beneficial than a summer in China. Middlebury's curriculum is quite rigorous and they push you very hard over the summer. I have never studied Chinese and cannot comment on the quality of any of the language programs in China or Taiwan. As someone just starting out with the language, however, you are likely to speak more Chinese at Middlebury than you would in China. While at Middlebury, you live in a dorm and eat together in the cafeteria. You sign a pledge to only speak your target language for the entire time that you spend at Middlebury. If you study in China/Taiwan, it is quite likely that you will spend a lot of your time out of class speaking English to the other students in your program. Middlebury is very expensive, but they do offer financial aid/scholarships (on a first come/first served basis, I believe). On the other hand, by studying in China, you will start gaining some of the cultural competence that will be helpful down the road if study/do research in China or Taiwan.

[husky4ever]

I'm definitely looking into that. I'm weary of the investment though because I have just enough savings to get me moved onto graduate school smoothly, and who knows if I would get financial aid because my parents make enough to not qualify for anything at my current university-- although this isn't to say they can afford something like Middlebury, I'd be on my own with that one. I would much rather go to China/Taiwan after I graduate for awhile, but with that my main concern is healthcare, which I am dependent on via parents. I think I'm just going to do all that I can this (academic) year and figure it out over the summer as I look at graduate programs with my advisor. I'll have a better idea of where I am with the language by then. I'm already learning bits and pieces between grammar books, dictionaries, a textbook, podcasts, and my former roommate from Hong Kong (she speaks Mandarin in addition to Cantonese)-- we'll see where that gets me by the Fall semester. I'm not in a rush to get to a PhD program and working for awhile, with language training at the same time, wouldn't hurt my finances. Is it harmful not to go to graduate school immediately? It seems as though a lot of undergrads aim for that, yet I see average age for PhD programs at like 25. My main concern is recommendations, but I think if I keep in touch, and continue taking classes part-time post-graduation, I'll be in a decent position.

Thanks for everyone's advice! I'm weighing all of my options and trying to go about this in the most logical fashion, without rushing into something that may or may not be worth the investment. If there's one thing I can do, it's study on my own with a large amount of self-discipline. I mean, I wouldn't be so set on academia otherwise!

Also, thanks for the list rising_star, I was just surprised at the lack of programs in New England-- with so many colleges in Boston, Providence, and New York, I thought I might be able to get away with one of those without being too far away since I have summer commitments at home, but not those of which would require more than a weekend home every few weeks. I'll keep searching though! The chinese forum website has A LOT of good information!

[virmundi]

There is no inherent disadvantage to not entering a Ph.D. program immediately. There are plenty of students who don't do so until later (including myself). In fact, one clear advantage is that you'll have the chance to do a couple of other things with your life and check those out. If you like them, you may find yourself happy and you haven't really lost anything. If you don't like doing those things, you'll have those experiences to reference during the tough times of your graduate career (and they are myriad and many ) which will, hopefully, help you put the hardships into perspective.

[husky4ever]

That's good to know

I'm looking at east Asian studies programs and sticking to my research plan while learning Chinese. Between the grant and a master's, I can avoid the Phd commitment right out of undergrad and explore options. I know much more about European history, but I find Asia fascinating from the experiences I have with it...so going straight out to a Phd would probably leave me questioning what I may have missed in the pure academic rush. I think I will try a little bit of everything on this forum and I am so grateful!

[husky4ever]

Okay, I have my advisor set and such. I'm cramming in six courses next semester and taking extra history courses in the summer; beginning Mandarin next academic year, continuing that into the following gap year where I'm staying around here. Taiwan would be the next step teaching English, as I've always wanted to be a teacher. We'll see where that leads me-- hopefully to a PhD one day when I'm ready. I love you all!