English is spoken by 322 million native speakers and therefore is the third most popular language after Chinese and Spanish. Furthermore, there are 300 million people worldwide who use English as a second language and further 100 million who use it as a foreign language. It is the most important language in the science, aviation, computing, diplomatic and tourism fields.

I think that film, television, music, school and business all greatly help you to learn to speak English. But would it not be interesting to learn another language besides English? Speaking a modern foreign language today is incredibly beneficial in both social and work life. Because of this, Abroadlanguages.com offers you language schools in countries such as: France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Russia, Germany, Switzerland, Egypt, China and Japan.

It could be that you feel frightened to visit a foreign country where they speak a language you never heard or spoken before. Or perhaps the country has different cultural habits that are unknown to you: If this is the case, I would recommend you to go to a country close to home. It also could be that you do not want to lose your friends from home. If so, I am telling you: if these friends are really your best friends, they will support your life choices, not abandon you!

In the case that you have no fears but had simply never thought of doing a language course before, I have listed some reasons why you should learn a new, non-English language. Whilst the time is apt, I dare you to give it a try!

Foreign languages broaden your horizon!

• Learning a language opens your eyes to completely new worlds – there are already so many films/television shows that show American/UK culture; by learning a different language you will expose yourself to a culture outside of these limits.

• It might be difficult at first sight to do a course like this in a country where you do not speak the language yet. However, this can also be a motivator as you learn so much each week and everyone (including you) will notice amazing improvement in your language skill as soon as you start.

• If you are a travel fan, speaking the native language of the country – not just intermediary English – will greatly help you to integrate yourself in the local lifestyle. You will also convey to the locals that you are willing to adapt and have a respect for their culture, something which reflects incredibly well and can open doors to new opportunities.

• Most languages have a long history and many have been derived from other languages (for example Italian and Portuguese from Latin). It is interesting to learn about this process and it makes you understand the culture of the country better.

• You can travel without any language difficulties throughout the country.

• You can even live and work in the country where the language you learnt is spoken.

Positively expand your curriculum!

• Learning a language other than English looks impressive on any type of job application and it will always help you to stand out – for certain, there will never be many applicants fluent in Polish…

• Many employees consider a second foreign language as a Standard when applying for a job.

• Speaking an exotic language or a language that has been recently highlighted in the news can be a competitive advantage for you, in the media business, for example.

• English is known by almost everyone. However, if you know a language which is not English, this makes you “special” among your friends, family, school and work.

• In places such as England, foreign languages are not studied a lot. It would be easier for someone who speaks a language which is not English, to get a job where languages are required.

• As well as helping you to get great jobs in your own country, by speaking a different language, you will be able to work throughout the world in your chosen career. Furthermore, there maybe new types of careers which you could love yet only exist in the specific country you have learnt the language; you give yourself so much choice by learning a new language!

• Not only will you make friends learning this language, you may also make contacts for your future career – a head start on anyone else and much more fun than career fairs!

• If you already speak some English, learning another language can open up career options in translation – a career which you take you into any business field, in any country.

• You can decide to become a language teacher yourself after your experiences abroad once you reach the required language level and achieve your diploma.

Develop more skills in life!

• Learning a language helps you to gain a better understanding of your own language – the origins of words, its grammatical structure, perhaps even new vocabulary. Each of these factors will help you to develop an all round better style of speaking and writing.

• Not every country of the world has English as its second language such as China. You can differentiate yourself from others by learning a new, less common language and avoid communication problems.

• In countries such as Egypt, France and Spain, it is not so common to speak and understand English. In order to still be able to communicate in social environments and in business, speaking and understanding the local language comes across as a nice touch and demonstrates a desire to learn about local culture.

• Learning foreign languages increases listening comprehension, creativity, critical thinking and capacity for remembering.

• You will develop a whole host of new skills – from structural analysis to problem solving, these new skills will not only give you more confidence in the working world but also demonstrate to employers that you have an ability to learn things from outside of the norm.

• Communicating with foreign persons is easier so you can learn a lot about other opinions, customs.

• You will be able to enjoy watching a movie and reading a book or a newspaper it in its original language.

You get to know more friends!

• You will make international friends and networks which are completely different from those you had before. These friends will serve to educate you about the real culture of the country and help you understand the language in more depth.

• You do not have to be alone in class. Students who do a language course in a foreign country are in the same position as you and also look for friends and educational support. They will have similar interests and are willing to learn, like you. You can study together, have interactive discussions, but also enjoy the local culture, food, nightlife etcetera.

Go for a fun experience!

Above all else, language learning is fun! Learning a language other than English is usually done from scratch as there is little influence from TV, cinema or celebrity culture as with English media. The fact that the class will all be at a beginner’s level helps create a bond – everyone is in it together and it is always with the first stages you see such a rapid change in language level – a great motivator!

Good Luck!

My best regards,

Lisette Croese