Future Students
English is spoken by 350 million people worldwide, only about 5% of the population. Four out of five new jobs in the U.S. are created as a result of foreign trade. Global job opportunities offer bi/multi-lingual students more interesting and rewarding lives at home and abroad.
"The truth is, in today’s increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, proficiency in other languages is a vital skill that gives you the opportunity to engage with the world in a more immediate and meaningful way—whether in your neighborhood or thousands of miles away—while better preparing you to compete and succeed in the global economy."
Languages are a fantastic complement to all areas of study, and many of our language programs are even developing courses that integrate the functional use of languages into other disciplines such as business, health, engineering, and social services so that students are better prepared to apply language skills in their future careers.
And while you certainly don’t need to major or minor in a language to reap the benefits of learning one, it’s something to consider. Particularly as, Language skills offer job candidates a serious competitive edge over their monolingual peers, and are among the top eight skills required of all occupations—no matter the sector or skill level. Knowing another language exponentially broadens the range of potential career paths you can follow—in everything from the tech sector, law enforcement, business, engineering, health care, national security, finance, sports, and beyond. Language skills can be a significant competitive advantage that sets you apart from your monolingual peers. They are among the top eight skills required of all occupations—no matter your sector or skill level—and the demand for bilingual professionals is rising exponentially. In fact, between 2010 and 2015, the number of U.S. job postings specifically geared toward bilingual candidates more than doubled.1 Employers are seeking professionals who can communicate seamlessly with customers in new and expanding overseas markets, as well as serve and sell to a large foreign-born population here at home. With more than 60 million U.S. residents who speak a language other than English at home, you don’t need to get on a plane to put your language skills to work.2 As an added incentive, in many instances, language skills also lead to hiring bonuses and increased salaries. Whatever your career aspiration—with language skills added to the mix, you’re ahead of the crowd!
Additionally, the study and intern abroad destinations—and associated scholarships—open to students with language skills vastly outnumber English-only programs. Language students are in a position to take advantage of any and all opportunities as they arise: The world is their oyster! Traveling as a speaker of the local language can revolutionize a trip abroad. While monolingual travelers are capable of visiting the same places, travelers who know more than one language are more easily able to navigate outside the tourist bubble and connect and interact with the place and its people in a way that is often inaccessible to those without the language. Learning a second language also opens additional doors to opportunities for studying or working abroad. Language is the most direct connection to other cultures. Being able to communicate in another language exposes us to and fosters an appreciation for the traditions, religions, arts, and history of the people associated with that language. Greater understanding, in turn, promotes greater tolerance, empathy, and acceptance of others—with studies showing that children who have studied another language are more open toward and express more positive attitudes toward the culture associated with that language. If you would like to learn more please click on the following link:
https://www.leadwithlanguages.org/why-learn-languages/top-ten-reasons-to-learn-languages/