Learning a foreign language is perhaps the greatest insight into another culture. People often experience their world largely based on interpretation and communication. Languages are different in how they describe our world, and how experiences are worded. Learning a new way of interpretation and communication allows individuals to reflect on experiences in more than one perspective, creating greater awareness and appreciation for cultural differences and diversity.
People who speak one or more foreign languages become increasingly more marketable in today's global society. Foreign language skills are desired by multinational and international corporations, as well as most government and international organizations. Certain languages are in higher demand in certain areas of the world, so where the job market will increase for foreign language learners greatly depends on the language learned. Global languages such as French, English and Arabic increase job marketability on most continents. Regional languages such as German, Spanish and Dutch increase an individual's marketability in certain industries and regions where these languages are more common.
Listing a foreign language on an application or resume makes applicants more competitive. While the language might not be a requirement for a job, getting into a school or being accepted into a program, it nonetheless diversifies applicants and demonstrates additional skill that can set an applicant apart from the rest. Knowing a foreign language can also provide additional networking opportunities. People are often interested in getting to know others who speak foreign languages, and are interested in other people who share the same foreign language as they do.
Learning a second language enriches people's lives in many unique ways that are often not known in advance. Knowing a second language increases an individual's opportunity and opens more of the world up to him. Foreign language learners develop enhanced critical thinking skills and improve basic skills, even scoring better on standardized tests. For some people, learning a second language can completely change their lives, or the country they live in. Many students who study a foreign language also study abroad or travel abroad, further increasing their cultural competency.