Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language

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Foreign language study is being added to graduation requirements in more and more school districts. You know that learning a foreign language is valuable to your student’s education. But what do you say when they question why they should bother to study French or Spanish?

Many people find it difficult to learn another language. It doesn’t come overnight, but with perserverance, most students will achieve a minimum proficiency. Students usually prefer to pick a language that interests them. Most U.S. students learn French, Spanish or Latin, but some other choices can include German, Russian or Chinese.

So, what are the advantages of studying a foreign language?

Improved Overall School Performance

Did you know that learning a second language can improve your English language skills? That may not be surprising, but this might - it also results in better mathematical abilities. Students also exhibit better communication and listening ability, sharper memory, more creativity, and better complex problem solving skills.

Perform Better on Standardized Tests

There are many studies which show that foreign language learners consistently outperform others on standardized tests. According to the College Board, which administers the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), students who take a minimum of four years of a foreign language scored more than 100 points higher on each section of the SAT compared to students studying a half year or less.

Other studies relate bilingual proficiency with higher scores on tests of both verbal and nonverbal intelligence.

Second language students improve their college admissions rate. Students are generally more successful during college and less likely to drop out.

Learning a Second Language Improves Career Opportunities

Ability in a second language can open many employment opportunities for you. A growing number of businesses work closely with people in different countries, whether inside their own company, or with other organizations or governments. They need employees who can communicate in different languages and comprehend different customs.

Increasing numbers of of people living in the U.S. speak languages other than English. In order to interact with a wide range of people, many professionals will find it useful to understand another language. Here is a list of some of these jobs: government, military, translators and interpreters, medical personnel, social workers, teachers, police, firefighters, marketing, hospitality and many more.

Develop Understanding Of Different Cultures

Globalization is a fact of life. It’s obvious, even here at home in the U.S., the effect of different cultures and lifestyles.

Learning another language teaches respect for other cultures. Researchers have discovered that foreign language learners are more tolerant of the differences among people. The ability to exchange ideas with people from other backgrounds benefits all countries and improves global security.

Whether you learn to speak French, Spanish or some other language, you now understand why its a such a good idea.

If you would like an easy, inexpensive way to learn or improve your french, try the Rocket French program.

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