Should I even consider a second undergraduate degree?
I'm considering doing a second Chinese-taught undergrad degree in Japanese (in China).
Considerations:
(1) My experience studying Chinese has been so meaningful to me that I'm interested in learning Japanese now. If I can get funding through a Chinese government scholarship, I'll (A) obviously gain funding and (B) gain structure.
(2) I would get an opportunity to deepen my Chinese fluency on the ground.
(3) I don't care if it's basically a useless degree. I'm more interested in the learning experience and cultural exploration/immersion.
(4) Upon completion, I'd probably look into certification to teach Chinese in the US (fast-track in a couple of months). So I think the stronger Chinese fluency I'd gain through a Chinese undergrad degree is a plus.
(5) I'm really not that interested in any other undergrad degree. I feel like a Japanese Major would be good: language courses with classmates would even the playing field and less stress overall.
(6) I don't plan to live on-campus. If it's required, then I could probably deal. I also don't plan to become BFFs with my younger classmates but definitely wouldn't mind learning with them.
(7) Personally, I believe learning experiences can only benefit from a diverse student body. I've had older classmates during my first Bachelor's degree and I never felt that there was any issue (it was a top US school too).
(8) I don't mind the challenge of a language barrier. I don't even mind falling behind a bit. As long as I learn something, I'll consider it worth it.
(9) The alternative would be doing a Master's program in Teaching Chinese and then going back to the US (no Japanese :(). Either way, I want to spend some years in China before I start working for real.
I would be 24 when I start and 28 when I finish.
I'm still very much in the speculation stage. If I decide to go through with this, I would have to get serious about prepping for the CSCA Math and Chinese exams.