I started Chinese language at college in 1972. I got my BA in Chinese, and then worked in Taiwan for 10 years and China 15 years. Fortunately when I went to Taiwan in 1973-1977, China was closed due to the Cultural Revolution, so I spent my first decade plus in Taiwan, a really great country. My Chinese was also extremely useful in Burma, Thailand, Pakistan and Greece. I encourage all young students to start early.