There is growing evidence that American expat numbers are increasing worldwide as Americans seek out free healthcare systems, lower costs of living, and work-from-anywhere opportunities. So many of our students are going to be needing those meaningful world language skills when they decide to live abroad.

Foreign diplomacy is important, as is evident in our current politics. If you want a career in international relations, knowing how to communicate in a foreign language is key.  If you’re interested in the medical field and helping others, there are medical organizations, such as Doctors without Borders, where you travel to countries in need as a medical professional and knowing the country’s language will help you better serve others. 

Interested in cuisine, cinema, or fashion?  Knowing another language and culture will broaden your design or culinary repertoire and allow you to connect with other great artists and chefs around the world.  Bilingualism has been linked to higher test scores and improved cognitive function; learning a language is good for your brain and your vocabulary on the SATs. 

Most competitive schools (UCs/Ivy League schools) want four-plus years of an A grade in a world language.   It’s cool to know another language and will increase your chances of having meaningful travel experiences and studying abroad. 

Most of the jobs I was hired for – communications intern for an international communications firm, student assistant for Summer English Language Institute for international students at UC Berkeley, and French teacher – were a result of my proficiency in another language.

Alana Scott is a French teacher at California High School.