A language is not just a structured system of communication, but an important part of any culture. Though more than 6000 languages are being spoken in the world, students usually understand only one or two. Students going to English medium schools rarely consider learning another language. But learning a foreign language has numerous benefits for high school students. Learning a foreign language not only bolsters a student’s academic progress, but also helps them in their career prospects and understanding other cultures. Take a look at the benefits of learning a foreign language.
Learning a Foreign Language Increases Your Chances of Getting Admission to Prestigious Institutes
Having a foreign language certificate on your credentials gives an added advantage to enrolling in prestigious colleges. Many colleges have a foreign language requirement for admission. If a student has cleared a foreign language level in high school, it boosts their application and chances of getting admission to reputed colleges.
Sharpens the Memory
Mastering an altogether new language is no easy feat. It requires intense training, practice, and memory to remember the spellings, pronunciations, expressions, and correct delivery. It is one of the best memory-boosting activities for students. It serves as an exercise for the brain, something that is a must in the growing-up years to enhance productivity.
Boosts Career Prospects
There is competition in the job market – no matter the sector. If you are bilingual or multilingual, you have a higher chance of getting selected. It makes you more marketable in the field. This is because languages are among the top eight skills required in all occupations. If you know a foreign language, you can deal with clients who speak that language. Hence, having command over a foreign language gives you a clear edge over your competitors.
Helps You Understand Other Cultures
We are living in an extremely diverse world, parts of which we are still very much unaware. There are few countries where one language is dominant. Other countries like India have many spoken languages. When a student learns a language, he gets a peek into that particular culture. For example, Learning Japanese/Chinese also requires one to learn how to write the script and understand what the symbols mean and express. Hence, learning a foreign language helps you understand a new culture. Understanding a foreign language also removes prejudice toward people who are different.
Makes It Easier to Study Abroad
Having command over a foreign language makes it easier for you to study in the country where that language is spoken. For example, if you can speak Chinese, you will have an easier time living and studying in China. If you know Arabic, you can adjust yourself easily in Middle Eastern countries. And when you know how to speak the language of a foreign country, it is easier to get along instead of feeling like an outsider.
Makes Travel More Joyful
If a student wants to make a career in the travel industry, knowing multiple languages is a major plus point. It’s easier to travel when you know the local language of that country. It makes your stay and journey more joyful as you can get along with the locals instead of having to rely on a translator.
Expands Your Social Circle
Learning a foreign language allows you to socially connect with different people. It expands your social circle and lets you connect with other people and get a peek into their culture.
Boosts Confidence
When you learn a new language, you can talk about it with pride. And the more fluent you get, it gives you a confidence boost in your own capabilities. Can it even be encouraging to attempt higher levels and probably start teaching the language one day?
Makes You Empathetic
As mentioned above, learning a foreign language makes it easier for you to understand a different culture and people. When you know the language, you directly connect with the culture associated with it. This widens your vision and gives you deep insights into how other people see the world. Overall, it makes you more empathetic toward people of different cultures and communities.
A student requires extra time and effort to learn a language. It doesn’t mean learning a language is a boring task. It is an art and a valuable skill that every student should take as an experience. When you are better at learning languages, you stand out among your classmates, friends, and the people you interact with. Students who invest in a language during the high school years boost their prospects for success marginally. So if you have always wanted to learn a foreign language, it is a good time to start now!
