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Why is it Important to Learn a Foreign Language?

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What kind of question is that?! Either way, we have the answer. Here's why it's so important to learn a foreign language.

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We live in a hyper-connected, fast-paced world, and things aren't changing anytime soon.
How can you keep your head above water?
You need to be hyper-awesome to survive.

That means you'll have to develop some special advantages to get a boost, help yourself stand out and make you better fit for survival in this crazy, modern world.

As our world becomes more and more connected through technological advances, it's becoming increasingly obvious that learning another language is beneficial for many reasons.

Here we present just a few of the many positive side effects of becoming bilingual (or multilingual).

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere.Click here to get a copy. (Download)

1. Meet new people

One of the most phenomenal benefits of learning a new language? Doors are opened to you around the world. If you're learning in a group setting, you immediately have new friends to share your new language with. If not, then once you go somewhere and are actually able to employ what you've learned, you'll be surprised how open people are when you speak their mother tongue.

2. Employers love it (and they'll love you more)

If your C.V. accolades include fluency in a second language, your chances of employment in today's economy are much greater for you than for those who speak only one language.

Multilingual people are able to communicate and interact within multiple communities. Potential employers consider this a valuable asset in an employee's skill set, as they're able to connect with a broader range of people. In this new age of start-ups, companies are increasingly breaking into new markets. You up your personal and professional value if you're able to negotiate with manufacturers in another country or communicate with customers who don't speak your native language.

Not to mention, your ability to speak a second language conveys that you're motivated and driven to learn new skills, and this also gives you a competitive edge over those who haven't yet become bilingual.

3. It's becoming essential

Many would argue that bilingualism is becoming a progressively necessary and essential skill for anyone who wants to keep up with today's rapidly increasing global economy. As more and more people recognize the importance of learning an additional language, those who only speak one language will begin to get left behind in our shift towards a more integrated and connected global society.

4. It's great for traveling

Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein is credited with saying that "the limits of your language are the limits of your world," and he was right.

Knowing more than one language opens up your vacation destination possibilities. Traveling through a foreign country becomes much easier if you can speak the language of that country. Fluency isn't required. Locals anywhere appreciate that you've taken the time to at least attempt to learn and communicate in their tongue. It shows a greater level of respect and is an easy way to meet new people.

Also, getting to a comfortable speaking level in a foreign language is a great motivator to get you out there and practicing your new language in a new country.

Not ready to rush off to a foreign land just yet? Not a problem. You can start exploring the everyday cultures of the countries where your target language is spoken with FluentU right now. FluentU takes real-world videos-like movie trailers, music videos and inspiring talks-and turns them into personalized language lessons.

5. After learning one, it's 1000x easier to learn another

As you begin to learn a second language, you'll find that the acquisition techniques you're using can be applied to learning additional languages as well.

The positive cognitive effects of learning to speak a second language can train the brain to analyze and process different linguistic structures. It's not specific to your first target language - it's a skill that can be applied to learning any language.

You're increasing your ability to replicate the process with multiple languages. This is called "metalinguistic awareness," where your brain learns to identify the techniques of learning a language and break them down into a series of steps. After learning one language, you retain the muscle memory. Your brain will intrinsically understand how to learn a language and how different languages are structured, through increased awareness of syntax, grammar and sentence structure.

6. You become smarter

Acquiring a second language improves your memory and increases your attention span. The process of becoming bilingual exercises your brain, challenges you to concentrate and boosts your problem solving skills.

Bilingual students tend to score higher on standardized tests than monolingual students, especially in the areas of vocabulary, reading and math. As you learn to toggle from one language to another, you improve your multitasking abilities. Bilingual individuals have also been shown to be more logical and rational, have better decision-making skills and be more perceptive and aware of their surroundings.

Learning a second language also improves your native language, as it teaches you the mechanics and structure behind any language - not just new languages.

7. You'll stay smarter for longer

Recent research has shown that bilingualism can stave off the effects of Alzheimer's and dementia by years. Regardless of their education level, gender or occupation, bilingual subjects in the linked study experienced the onset of Alzheimer's, on average, 4 1/2 years later than monolingual subjects did.

Study results out of the American Academy of Neurology are showing that speaking more than one language increases the amount of neural pathways in the brain, allowing information to be processed through a greater variety of channels. They've also begun to demonstrate that multilingualism improves development in the brain's areas of executive function and attention, no matter what age the language learner is.

8. It boosts your creativity

Researchers are also concluding that multilingual speakers are more creative than monolingual speakers. Learning a foreign language improves not only your ability to solve problems and to think more logically, it also makes you experiment with new words and phrases.

Leveling up your second language skills forces you to reach for alternate words when you can't quite remember the original one you wanted to use. It improves your skills in divergent thinking, which is the ability to identify multiple solutions to a single problem.

9. It builds up your self-confidence

You're about to teach yourself to believe, "yes, I can." It'll become your new personal mantra.

Confidence increases when a new skill is mastered, and learning a foreign language is no different. It increases your self-confidence. And let's face it: confident people are more interesting than those who are unsure of themselves. The techniques you use to develop a second tongue result in a greater sense of open-mindedness.

In order to master a new language, conversations with native and fluent speakers are essential. If you're shy but want to meet new people, using the excuse that you want to practice your speaking skills is a great opener and a doorway to making new friends, expanding your horizons and broadening your life experiences. Plus, who doesn't want to be more interesting?

So, How Do I Get Started?

Fortunately, gone are the days where the only way to learn a second language was to either become stranded in a foreign country or go back to high school language classes (and be honest, did you actually learn all that much in there?) There are now many different online lessons and tutorials to help you become proficient in the language of your choice.

FluentU stands out amongst language learning websites thanks to the huge range of interactive learning opportunities it provides.

FluentU makes it possible to learn languages from music videos, commercials, news and inspiring talks. It's all stuff that native speakers actually watch.

With FluentU, you learn real languages-the same way that natives speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:

FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.

Didn't catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.

You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentU's "learn mode." Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you're learning.

And FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you're learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.

Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store.

Aside from FluentU, Duolingo is a really popular way to learn a language on-the-go. They provide a handy app that you can take with you anywhere!

No matter which tools you use when you decide to learn a language, just decide to learn one! You won't regret it.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere.Click here to get a copy. (Download)

If you liked this post, something tells me that you'll love FluentU, the best way to learn languages with real-world videos.
Sign up for free!

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9 Big Advantages of Learning a Foreign Language

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We live in a hyper-connected, fast-paced world, and things aren't changing anytime soon. How can you keep your head above water? You need to be hyper-awesome to survive. That means you'll have to develop some special advantages to get a boost, help yourself stand out and make you better fit

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When you were preparing to go to high school, your counselor probably mentioned taking a world language class in high school as a good way to earn an elective credit. I know mine did. While learning a second language may seem like a hassle, it is incredibly beneficial to all students no matter the age.

The U.S. is known as a melting pot, where people from all different countries, ethnicities and backgrounds can come together to create a large, successful and peaceful union. With the numerous different backgrounds comes numerous different languages. English is obviously the most common language, but many people come speaking languages such as Spanish or French. Mill Valley offers courses for both of these languages, allowing students to study the language for all four years of high school.

Learning another language can be especially helpful to build communication skills. Lots of professional careers like business and sales managers involve speaking to people from not only America, but to people around the world. Making an effort to learn another language so you can speak to others will truly benefit you in the long run.

The U.S. does not have an official language, but most states offer scholarships to students who have pursued at least two years of world language classes. The Kansas Scholars Curriculum requires two years of the same foreign language to qualify as a member. Numerous colleges across the United States require at least two years of the same world language to be admitted to their school. If students aren't required to take a second language class, they could struggle in the future when it comes to college. In conclusion, learning a second language should be required. A second language can help anyone broaden their horizons, widen their communication skills and help admit them into colleges or earn scholarships. At least two years of a language will benefit anyone more than none at all.

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Learning a second language should be required

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When you were preparing to go to high school, your counselor probably mentioned taking a world language class in high school as a good way to earn an elective credit. I know mine did. While learning a second language may seem like a hassle, it is incredibly beneficial to all students no matter the age....

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Maria told us that she turned down her dream job because they wanted her to learn a new language. We asked her why she did this. Maria crossed her arms, her smile disappeared from her face, and she looked out of the window. Her voice faltered as she answered the question reluctantly.

She said that she got poor marks in English at school. She told us that, during her Erasmus, her friends laughed at her when she spoke in English or Italian. At first, she said, she didn't mind.

Maria would love to be able to speak other languages, but it seems impossible to her. She has lost all confidence in her ability to learn a new language. Maria says that she has low self-confidence.

What determines our self-confidence?

Throughout our lives we face many challenges. Some of them we overcome, and others we don't.

The experiences we have determine our self-confidence. When we manage to do well, and we are given recognition for this, our self-confidence improves. When things don't turn out as we would have liked, our self-confidence suffers.

The reality is that, as human beings, we can't control everything that happens to us in life. There are times when we have complete control and things don't turn out as we had hoped. But just because we don't get the results we want, it's not a reason to think that we are worthless or no good; it's not a reason to get discouraged.

We know that it's difficult to change our thoughts and perceptions. But we can't let them define us and rob us of our dreams.

Maria shouldn't have to feel bad just because she doesn't think she's any good at languages. She shouldn't have to turn down a job she really wanted because she can't speak any other languages. Nobody should.

How can we improve our confidence?

By learning a language!

How? Why?

Other people appreciate your efforts

Learning a new language means you can meet new people. Your life is enriched by making new friends from other countries who appreciate your efforts to speak their language and learn about their culture. Nobody will judge your level because what's important is that you're making an effort to communicate with them. You're making an effort to learn about new cultures and different ways of seeing life.

You reach goals

Reaching goals gives you confidence and self-assurance. When you set a goal and reach it, you gain confidence and discover new talents you didn't know you had. Nobody can tell you otherwise because you have solid proof. You've reached your goals!

You feel yourself making progress

When you are learning a language, you make progress every day. Some days your progress is slower than others. To begin with, you progress quickly; you can really notice when you move from a basic level to an intermediate level. When you move from an intermediate level to an advanced level, your progress is less noticeable. But what's important is that you are making progress. And if you're making progress, you must be doing something right! You're making progress in your life; you're closer to reaching your dreams.

Making an effort. Setting goals. Making progress. These are the values that we instil in our video games to learn languages like . This empathetic approach to teaching means creating whole worlds for players to inhabit and build confidence within.

Maria, everybody - including you - has the right to feel confident. And everybody can learn a new language. So let's do it! Let's learn languages and improve our confidence together!
By Jonay Suárez, Head of Marketing at Wibbu.

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Learning A Language Can Improve Your Confidence

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Maria told us that she turned down her dream job because they wanted her to learn a new language. We asked her why she did this. Maria crossed her arms, her smile disappeared from her face, and she looked out of the window. Her voice faltered as she answered the question reluctantly.

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Learning a language from a native speaker: advantages and disadvantages

Many language schools today offer courses with a native speaker. These are often presented in variou forms, such as private lessons conducted via Skype, or group lessons organized as a conversation club. These lessons seem very appealing, as they promise to improve students' comprehension and speaking skills and to help delve deeper into the intricacies of language usage. However, courses with a native speaker may not be as effective as they seem. What defines a native speaker? What level of language proficiency is sufficient for students to feel comfortable at a lesson with a native speaker? What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a practice?
Defining a native speaker
When talking about native speakers, it is important to define this term. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a native speaker is "a person who learned to speak the language of the place where he or she born as a child rather than learning it as a foreign language." Native speakers are able to innately understand the language, speak it fluently and without an accent, and make out distorted and background speech. They think, communicate, read, and write using their mother tongue throughout their entire life. If a person was born into a multilingual family or put into an environment that uses several languages, they may have two or more native languages. Any language that is mastered later with additional effort is classified as a second language. An immigrant that moved to another country after early childhood cannot be defined as a native speaker as they can only strive to reach this level of language proficiency.

When choosing a course, it is important to find a tutor with a degree in education. Even the most literate native speaker will not be able to explain grammar rules as well as an experienced teacher. A native speaker that does not have a degree in education may help boost your comprehension abilities and break the language barrier, but they might not teach you proper grammar.
Advantages of courses with a native speaker

Learning a modern language. A native speaker will teach a language that is actually spoken in their homeland. This is essential for those who are planning to travel or move abroad. Lessons with a native speaker will be a sort of immersion that will help you learn more about pronunciation, idioms, abbreviations etc.

Overcoming the language barrier. If a native speaking teacher does not speak your language, this can be both an advantage and a difficulty. However, you will have to talk to them anyway and this is a big challenge, as the temptation to make yourself understood in your mother tongue will be met with complete incomprehension. You will have to do your best and recollect all the vocabulary you have ever learned. At the same time, during the process of communication, the teacher will correct the pronunciation and help you form phrases and sentences correctly.

Understanding spoken language. Classes with a native speaker will help get used to spontaneous foreign speech. The teacher can explain the lesson material in simple words, but communication with the students is not rehearsed, which means that it can take them by surprise and make them listen. Moreover, a teacher may speak in a dialect: this will help you understand not only the standard language, but also learn more about its varieties.

Getting familiar with the culture. A foreign teacher is a representative of a culture different from that in which the students live. They can share information on traditions, holidays, habits of their compatriots, and their opinions on certain events. This insight into the culture where the language is spoken will help you understand it and its peculiarities better.

Disadvantages of courses with a native speaker

Difficulties in explaining the grammar. The grammatical rules of foreign languages (e.g. German) are difficult to understand even in your mother tongue. Students do not always catch what their teacher is talking about, because the structure of a language can be completely different from their mother tongue. Due to the difference between the languages, a native speaking teacher ​​may not notice when students are getting confused.

Misunderstanding the teacher. Even a teacher with good articulation can sometimes speak too quickly, mispronounce words, or use unfamiliar vocabulary that cannot be replaced with simple words. This can be an overwhelming issue for beginner students.

Classes being too intensive. A course given only in a foreign language requires constant concentration: once you are distracted, you can easily miss the point of the lesson. Such intensive work is not for everyone, therefore, it is worthwhile to objectively evaluate your abilities before starting a course.

A language course with a native speaker is unsuitable for beginners: first, they need to enrich their everyday vocabulary, learn how to use basic grammar and talk about everyday topics, and understand a little by ear. In some cases, it is not recommended to study a language with a native speaker before attaining an average level of language proficiency or B1 - B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). It is possible to learn a foreign language at a lower level with a native speaking teacher individually, so the teacher will be able to spend more time on explaining, but in this case it is recommended they speak the student's native language.

Before taking a language course with a native speaker, you should find out:

whether the teacher is a real native speaker;

whether a native speaker is a qualified teacher;

whether your language proficiency level is sufficient to take classes with a native speaker.

Learning a foreign language with a native speaker can be both a rewarding and a disappointing experience. The result depends on your vigilance and the objective assessment of your own abilities.

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Learning a language from a native speaker: advantages and disadvantages

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Many language schools today offer courses with a native speaker. These are often presented in variou forms, such as private lessons conducted via Skype, or group lessons organized as a conversation club. These lessons seem very appealing, as they promise to improve students' comprehension and speaking skills and to help delve deeper into the intricacies of language usage.

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We always hear adults learning languages complain about not learning the language as a child. This is because it is easier to learn a language when one is a kid rather than when he or she is a teen or adult.

Why do kids become bilingual so easily? For young children, learning language is a part of their brain chemistry. Children are built to absorb information; they do this in an unconscious state of mind, like they're learning, and they don't even know it. Adults and older children, on the other hand, have to consciously learn the information. This makes it harder because when we learn consciously, information sometimes gets lost or disassociated.

Babies can learn 2 languages as fast as one, according to NBC News. "It is remarkable that babies being raised bilingual - by simply speaking to them in two languages - can learn both in the time it takes most babies to learn one. On average, monolingual and bilingual babies start talking around age 1 and can say about 50 words by 18 months."

Studies show that the best time to learn a new language is between birth and age 7, in what is referred as "the window of opportunity." While we can all learn a new language, research shows it is easier for young children to learn a second language, and, as a bonus, boosts multiple cognitive benefits for the child.

According to Dr. Patricia Kuhl ( Unraveling How Kids Become Bilingual So Easily, Associate Press), the brain is more plastic and ready to create new circuits before than after puberty. As an adult, "it's a totally different process. You won't learn it in the same way. You won't become (as good as) a native speaker."

Babies and young children learn foreign languages best by interacting with people rather than passively through a video, DVD or audio recording.

Spanish Workshop for Children's approach to learning Spanish ensures that children learn the language by direct interaction with the teacher. During playful interaction, children are learning so much from the teacher. Spending time with a child is important. Our native speaking teachers keep them engaged, interacting with them - that is what helps them learn language.

Spanish Workshop for Children ensures that kids learn in classroom settings that mimic natural situations to produce a longer-lasting effect. When deciding which program is right for your child, be sure to select the one that is appropriate for your child's age. Interacting and playing with children of his or her same age range is important to a child's development. The curriculum, teaching strategies, and environment reflect research-based knowledge about the way children develop and learn. Teachers consider the strengths, interests, and needs, as well as the culture and home language, of each child in the group. It is amazing how much children learn when they hear the language regularly and are in the right class.

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Why Is Learning a Second Language Easier for Children?

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We always hear adults learning languages complain about not learning the language as a child. This is because it is easier to learn a language when one is a kid rather than when he or she is a teen or adult. Why do kids become bilingual so easily?

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Published on June 24, 2019

Competitions play a role in motivating students to perform and excel and offer a lot more reward than just the winning prize. Competitions offer a chance for participants to gain substantial experience, showcase skills, analyze and evaluate outcomes and uncover personal aptitude. Competitions also encourage students to adopt innovative techniques and develop their ideas and skills.

Substantial Experience Gain

Very few opportunities in the average student life provide such exposure and realistic outlook towards the competitive nature of real life in such a short span of time as competitions provide. Students recurrently go through a series of brainstorming sessions, rapid problem solving sequences and experience a totally diverse form of learning, which they usually don't practice in their schools or colleges.

Brighten up your Resume (Click here for top CV making sites)

Achievements through competitions can leave great imprints on your resume. They provide proof of your outstanding skills and distinguish you from your classmates. They will put you at an advantage when applying for higher studies or competing in the job market. Hence, they can offer enduring recompenses for students.

Make new friends

Competitions offer you a chance to meet new people and make friends from other disciplines and geographic locations. These intellectuals can help you learn more about the diverse fields they belong to and countries they live.

Showcase your Skills (Click here to showcase your work!)

Competitions provide a great platform to display the knowledge and skills you have amassed over the years. The experienced panel of jury can provide a critical analysis and feedback of your performance. In this way, competitions can prove to be a great source of self-evaluation for students and help nurture their experience and skills further.

Financial Benefits (Click here to compete for your scholarship!)

Competitions generally offer generous financial benefits to the winners, with some awards reaching over hundreds of thousands of dollars. It surely requires an immense amount of hard work from the students but the results are cherishing. A good amount of money can provide you a kick start for your future business plans or other constructive ideas.

Competitions offer many more relishing rewards for students and the chance of winning competitions can only be improved by honing skills and competing in more and more competitions.

This article is written by Chrisitina from Docsity, an online learning platform for students all around the world.

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How Participating In Competitions Can Benefit Your Student Life

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Competitions play a role in motivating students to perform and excel and offer a lot more reward than just the winning prize. Competitions offer a chance for participants to gain substantial experience, showcase skills, analyze and evaluate outcomes and uncover personal aptitude. Competitions also encourage students to adopt innovative techniques and develop their ideas and skills.

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Foreign language requirements vary from school to school, and the exact requirement is often not clear for any individual school. For example, is the "minimum" requirement really adequate? Do language classes in middle school count? If a college requires 4 years of a language, does a high score on the AP fulfill the requirement?

How Much Language Do You Need?

Requirements vs. Recommendations

In general, competitive colleges require at least two years of foreign language classes in high school. As you'll see below, Stanford University would like to see three or more years, and Harvard University urges applicants to take four years. These classes should be in the same language-colleges would much prefer to see proficiency in one language than a superficial smattering of several languages.

When a college recommends "two or more" years of a language, they are clearly signaling that language study beyond two years would strengthen your application. Indeed, no matter where you apply for college, a demonstrated proficiency in a second language will improve your chances of being admitted. Life in college and after college is becoming increasingly globalized, so strength in a second language carries a lot of weight with admissions counselors.

That said, students who have just the minimum can win admission if their applications demonstrate strengths in other areas. Some less competitive schools don't even have a high school language requirement and assume some students will simply study a language once they get to college.

If you score a 4 or 5 on an AP language exam, most colleges will consider that evidence of adequate high school foreign language preparation (and you're likely to get course credit in college). Check with the schools to which you apply to find out exactly what their Advanced Placement policies are.

Which Foreign Language Is Best

In general, colleges want to see foreign language proficiency, and they don't really care which language you study. Most students, in fact, have few choices. Many schools offer just a couple of languages such as French and Spanish.

That said, it can be a plus if your study of a foreign language aligns with your career goals. German and Chinese are both valuable languages for students interested in business, and strong French skills would be ideal for someone who wants to teach English or work in public health in Francophone Africa.

In 2018, when Harvard University's Dean of Admissions testified in court about the school's admissions policies, he revealed that students who studied Greek and Latin and showed an interest in the ancient classics had a slight edge over many other applicants.

On the whole, however, study the language that you are most interested in learning. Let your passions guide you. Where would you be most interested in traveling? What language is most likely to intersect with your future plans? If you might study abroad, where would you go?

Examples of Foreign Language Requirements

The table below shows the foreign language requirement at several competitive colleges.

Keep in mind that 2 years truly is a minimum, and you will be a stronger applicant at places like MIT and the University of Illinois if you take three or four years. Also, it's important to understand what a "year" means in the context of college admissions. If you began a language in 7th grade, typically 7th and 8th grade will count as a single year, and they should show up on your high school transcript as a unit of a foreign language.

If you take a true college class at a college, a single semester of a language will typically be the equivalent of a year of high school language (and those credits are likely to transfer to your college). If you take a dual enrollment class through a collaboration between your high school and a college, those classes are often a single-semester college class spread out over the course of a full year of high school.

Strategies if Your High School Doesn't Offer Adequate Language Classes

If you're a high achiever and want to graduate from high school with three or four years of language classes but your high school offers only introductory-level classes, you still have options.

First of all, when colleges evaluate your high school academic record, they want to see that you have taken the most challenging classes available to you. They recognize the significant disparity between schools. If upper-level and AP language classes simply aren't an option at your school, colleges shouldn't penalize you for not taking classes that don't exist.

That said, colleges want to enroll students who are well prepared for college, for these students are much more likely to persist and succeed if admitted. The reality is that some high schools do a much better job at college preparation than others. If you're at a school that struggles to deliver anything beyond remedial education, your best bet may be to take matters into your own hands. Talk to your guidance counselor to see what opportunities exist in your region. Typical options include

Taking language classes at a local community college. You are likely to find evening or weekend courses that work with your high school schedule, or you may be able to take an early morning or late afternoon college class during a high school class period.

Taking online language classes. If there is no college in your area, you can find many options for online college language classes. You may even be able to get high school credit for an online college course. Ideally, you'll want a course that includes audio or video conferencing so that you can develop the listening and conversational skills that are so important to language learning. Be forewarned that many colleges will not transfer language credits earned online.

Self-studying to take an AP language exam. There are lots of programs out there such as Rosetta Stone, Rocket Languages, and Babbel that can help you learn speaking, reading, and writing skills. An AP study guide can help guide your self-study so that you are targeting material that is likely to be on the exam. Travel that immerses you in a foreign language can also be extremely beneficial. Ideally, you'd want to take the AP exam your junior year so that you'll have the score in hand when you apply to colleges. Earning a 4 or 5 on the exam (and perhaps a 3) is a convincing way to demonstrate your language knowledge. Note that this option is only good for self-motivated students.

Languages and International Students

If English is not your first language, you most likely won't need to worry about foreign language courses as part of your college education. When a student from China takes the AP Chinese exam or a student from Argentina takes AP Spanish, the exam results aren't going to impress anyone in a significant way.

For non-native English speakers, the much bigger issue will be demonstrating strong English language skills. A high score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or a similar exam will be an important part of a successful application to colleges in the U.S.

A Final Word About Foreign Language Requirements

As you consider whether or not to take a foreign language in your junior and senior years of high school, keep in mind that your academic record is almost always the most important part of your college application. Colleges will want to see that you have taken the most challenging courses available to you. If you choose a study hall or an elective course over a language, the admissions folks at highly selective colleges won't view that decision positively.

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What Colleges Say About Their Second Language Requirements

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Learn how many years of a foreign language are required for admission to different types of colleges.

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6 Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language for Career Growth - Bilingua

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National Imperative for Language Learning _ Asia Society

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The Career Advantages of Being Bilingual