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Job security
According to a recent
National Survey of College Graduates, 81.5% of recent graduates who
majored in foreign languages were employed (and 85.8% of them were
employed full time). Moreover, employees are often paid more if they can
speak another language.
Demand in business and government
One third of all the corporations in the United States are either owned or based abroad. In a
2003 survey of U.S. firms, 80% of firms said their sales would increase
if their staff had more international experience. By studying a foreign
language, you can gain a high degree of cultural competence, equipping
you to work more effectively with people from different cultures both in
the United States and abroad. The U.S. government is also always looking for
qualified speakers of foreign languages and has scholarships for
students who plan on going into foreign service.
Demand in translation/interpretation
The
translation/interpretation field is projected to grow 20% from
2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Cognitive development
Over
30 studies prove that there is a positive correlation between language
learning and cognitive development, as evidenced by the overall higher
academic performance of all students who have taken foreign languages.
Students who have studied foreign languages tend to perform better in
other subjects like math and English, as well as score higher on
standardized tests. Not to mention that studies show that the
process of learning a foreign language (and not even necessarily having
to master it) is known to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Study abroad
Many
foreign language students study abroad. These international programs
not only enrich your academic experience but also positively influence
the rest of your life. A recent large-scale survey confirms this, with
respondents indicating that their study abroad experience positively and
unequivocally influenced their career path, world-view and
self-confidence. Learning to communicate in the language of your host
country allows you to develop intercultural understanding and the
ability to view world issues from a variety of perspectives—qualities
essential to future global leaders.
