What should I do about school issues?

Question

I have wanted to go to Boston University for a long time to major in Japanese and then go to graduate school for International Management (essentially international business). I really like the location and it has everything I want (the website says they are increasing the japanese program faculty and they are creating a house for japanese students who want to speak japanese 24/7!)

However, I have read that University of michigan, u of washington, and u of wisconsin's japanese programs are more well regarded. I am a little hesitant to join those because the locations do not interest me as much and most of them have a program of east asian studies with a concentration in japanese rather than a japanese major, and east asian studies is very general and not marketable (or so I have read)

What should I do? Follow Boston or think about somewhere else? I have been set on Boston for a while...

Answer 1

My experience with many colleges and universities is that you will get the most out of your education if you are happy where you are.  You can get a good education anywhere if you're willing to invest your time in it.  I say go to Boston if that's what you want.

If you're planning on graduate school in business, then the decision of which school to go to for that is more important.  There are some fields where the school you attend is important and some where it doesn't matter so much.  Overall, your effort and experiences are far more important than the name of your school.

(By the way, Boston is a wonderful city.  I always enjoy it when I'm there.)

Answer 2

if Boston is where you want to be then go there.  it sounds like they already have a decent Japanese program and that they are trying to make it better.  look into the other schools and visit them if you have the opportunity and your decision might be made for you.  one thing you might want to look into is which school offers the best programs for studying abroad.  this is very important because it is hands on experience in the culture that you want to work in.  i'm currently in college and have many friends that were abroad last year.  one of them is a business and chinese major and just got back from china with and is more determined than ever to pursue that path.  other friends went to spain and south africa and came to the same conclusion.  with such a narrow area of study it would be a good idea to actually study there and be sure its what you want to do.