"I'm never going to use this language in my life," "I'm never going to this country." We've all said these sentences once or twice in a foreign language class. We have our eyes roll to the back of our heads, some people falling asleep (while drooling) and some even eating snacks in the back of the room. I am a language-lover and have had the opportunity to expand my language barriers. Many adults, along with students, believe that there is no need for Spanish or French simply because we live in the United States and speak English. But what would happen if middle/high school students took those language classes more seriously and not consider them an annoyance? There are 5 benefits that stand-out to me, as to why learning a second-language is beneficial.
1. Chances of university admissions grows:
Universities like unique. They want students who will be able to offer something, something that would help the university rise in numbers. Specifically degrees that mesh well together with languages (political science, international relations, etc). In today's society, everything is that much more competitive. If it is between you and one more student getting into a program, and you both are similar in academic abilities and extracurricular activities, if they know a language and you do not, chances are they'll take the bi-lingual.
2. Study Abroad Options:
The one thing that makes my heart so happy is travel and learning about new cultures. When I was 6 months old, I got my first passport and have been travelling ever since. 19 countries later and I still have the itch to travel every chance I get. There is an entire world outside of your neighborhood, one that can help you grow into a new person. So many opportunities open up for students because professors meet you, see you, learn about you and your capability in your specific area of study. Because of that, you can be offered internships overseas, involvement in research, etc. Hey, you may even make some life-long friends in those classes.
3. Again, Career Opportunities.
Now I know this may seem pretty far away, the real adult world. But it's never to late to start planning, right? Don't limit yourself from future opportunities by skipping out on language credits. The need for languages are coming to a boiling point, specifically in Texas or any other southern state (immigration for example). Nurses, lawyers, journalist, pharmacist, professors, they all have needs for a second language now.
4. Improve English Skills.
Did you know that learning a foreign language actually reinforces your native language, English? It even helps improve reading scores on standardized test. Research has shown that the more years a foreign language is taken, the higher the standardized test scores rises. Even in academics in general, a study conducted with third grade students being taught Spanish for 30 minutes, 3 times a week, scored higher in math and language on the Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT) than students with no Spanish lesson.
5. Gain a Global Perspective.
With school about to start, some of you will be headed off to University. You may be surprised that, not everyone in your class have had the same upbringing. Especially your professors, some of them may be from a foreign country. People's beliefs and perspectives vary significantly from your own and it's good to know those differences. That kind of exposure will help you transition from high school to college to the real world.
Wake up, listen, and soak up all the language knowledge you learn in that classroom. It's a doorway to future opportunities, and maybe your dream job.
