Learning a foregin language has been one of the best choices I made in my life because it opened up a whole new world to me.
1. Better Job Opportunities
Everyone wants to be as marketable as possible. Learning a language is one of the most effective ways to do this. If you walk into an interview for your dream job and share a lot in common with who interviewed before you, but you can speak more than one language, there’s a much higher chance of landing the position. Being bi- or multi-lingual is a skill that’s coveted in our ever increasingly global world.
2. Becoming a World Traveler
Learning a language enables you to be independent in places around the world. Wouldn’t it be so nice to go to Spain, and be able to find a great local café? Imagine what it would be like to talk to locals and find out about a beautiful spot to view the sunset you can only get to if you leave the city and visit a small town where no one speaks English. You can get away from tourist traps, explore cities and towns and learn them in a way not many can and truly experience another culture. Find untold treasures while also feeling like you belong.
3. Instant Connections
Have you ever met someone new and had an instant friendship? Learning a new language has done that for me. I once met a girl who took German in high school, and through that we had such a great conversation. To this day I count her as one of my closest friends.
4. Class Diversity
Language classes are not set up the way you think they are; it isn’t just listen and repeat. You are actually having a conversation. From my experience of being in dry, monotonous lectures, it is such a relief to go to your language course and actually have an impact on what you are learning. Many language professors want students to be engaged and are willing to take suggestions for topics.
5. Better Perspective of Your Own Culture
When you immerse yourself in another culture through language you start to see your own culture in different way. It is a fantastic way to gain appreciation for customs and traditions you might have taken for granted before. You could even learn that something you thought was from your culture actually comes from a completely different one.
6. Fun
Probably the best part of all of the work that went into learning a new language is that it was just plain fun! Yes, it was hard and you have to be dedicated to the learning, but the payoff is so gratifying. It is something you look forward to every day and studying can be done in so many ways from watching TV, to listening to music, or reading a new favorite book. Nothing can really compare.