Picking up a second language is one of the smartest and most exciting things students can do during their school years.
Learning a new language while at school has countless benefits, from building more meaningful connections and improving memory skills to expanding further education and future career prospects.
Below, the team at online language learning platform Preply highlights the key reasons why students will benefit from learning a foreign language throughout their school years:
Opportunity to explore a foreign country
Secondary schools, in particular, often offer travel opportunities abroad for students studying a foreign language. This gives them the chance to practise their skills and broaden their cultural horizons. It’s a fun and immersive way to enhance their language abilities beyond the classroom.
These trips allow students to bring their lessons to life, offering new experiences and practical challenges. Successfully navigating real-life conversations in the local language boosts students’ confidence and gives them a genuine sense of achievement, all while sharpening their linguistic skills.
Make further education applications stronger
Learning a foreign language throughout school can significantly enhance students’ college or university applications. It shows admissions officers that they have intellectual curiosity, dedication, and the willingness to step outside their comfort zone – qualities that make any applicant stand out.
Universities are also particularly impressed by the hands-on experience gained from school trips abroad, as it demonstrates independence, adaptability, and a genuine interest in the wider world.\
Improves career opportunities
Learning a second language can give students a competitive edge when entering the job market, opening the door to a wider range of career opportunities. Recent research highlights the demand for multilingual workers across various industries, with 25% of multilingual job postings in the UK requiring German, 24% requiring French, and 15% requiring Spanish.
Additionally, a study by Preply reveals that multilingual employees earn 19% more on average than their monolingual counterparts, demonstrating that speaking a second language boosts employability and increases earning potential.
Build deeper connections with people
Being able to communicate in another language helps students form deeper and more meaningful relationships, whether it’s with classmates, exchange students, or locals during a trip abroad. Experiencing a new culture firsthand makes conversations richer and fosters confidence in social settings.
The ability to connect with people from around the world is not only personally enriching but also a valuable skill that will benefit students throughout their personal and professional lives.
Boost confidence
When learning a second language, it’s natural to make mistakes. However, overcoming these challenges helps students build resilience and boosts their confidence as they become more proficient speakers.
Language learning encourages students to take risks and embrace new, unfamiliar experiences, offering valuable opportunities for personal growth and maturity.
Cognitive benefits
Learning a new language isn’t just about memorising words – it actually strengthens brainpower. Research shows that bilingual students often develop sharper thinking skills, such as improved problem-solving abilities, enhanced focus, and greater mental flexibility.
Additionally, language learning has been linked to stronger academic performance across various subjects, particularly in areas like English literacy, mathematics, and science.
