Did anyone took Japanese in college before?

[Rollergirl2001]

I would like to know because I might take Japanese in school next semester. When do you lear the symbols and is Japanese hard?

[IvySpice]

I took two years of Japanese in college.

If it's a good, well-taught course, it's likely to be the hardest course you ever take, but it is SO worth it! I worked very hard to keep up, but I found it so interesting and rewarding that I didn't mind. You learn the alphabets the very first day -- we had a quiz the next day. Kanji (characters) are introduced at different rates in different curricula; you're likely to encounter 100-300 during the first year. (You need to know 2000 to read a newspaper.)

Do you mind if I ask where you're in school?

[Intense1920]

I took two years of it as well. I enjoyed the classes and actually would like to take some more advanced classes.

[TPARose]

I've taken four years of Japanese and studied abroad in Japan for a semester. Aside from my bias, I think taking any language is a good idea. It strengthens the brain to undertake complex thought. I would prepare to put a good amount of time into studying. Most languages require this, but I think Japanese espiecally requires dissapline. I would study anywhere between one to two hours a day.

In regards to the characters, it really depends on the program. The book that I used waited about half-way through the first semester to introduce Kana and Kanji. However, Ive heard of some that require it sooner.

Whatever you choose, have fun in college and study hard!