Spanish – a language of opportunities

Having a foreign language opens up doors to experiences, places, people and job offers.

This is particularly true of Spanish, which has more native Spanish speakers than English. It’s spoken by more than 400 million people in more than 20 countries. It’s predicted that by 2050 the largest Spanish-speaking country will be the US and that Spanish will be the second most spoken language after Chinese. It’s both useful now and an investment for the future.

Travel freely

Having a language gives you the tools to travel independently. The calm confidence of knowing you can handle situations by yourself will take the stress out of being somewhere different and let you enjoy it. You’ll be able to ask for directions and order food, progressing to discussions about culture and the lives of the people you meet. Learning in the native country is becoming increasingly popular, and taking Spanish classes in Seville allows you to really appreciate and learn about the spellbinding culture.

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Speaking the language lets you inside the country, showing that you’ve invested in understanding its heritage and that you respect the people who live there.

Meet new people

Languages reveal the path to friendships, encounters, and secrets. You can join in on conversations, understand when they’re talking about you and most importantly, have a connection with the millions of Spanish speakers who don’t speak English.

With English alone, you’re more likely to meet the people who deal with tourists and the ones who’ve had opportunities to travel. If you speak Spanish, there’s a whole new world of people, places and experiences open to you.

Get ahead at work

Ever more jobs require working with foreign partners. Seventy four percent of UK companies seek employees who have a second language and in some cases they get paid more. Even if you’re not going on business trips, you’ll probably find yourself meeting people from other countries. Jobs like human resources, social work, medical care, receptionists and shop assistants, all benefit from a second language. Some even require it. Speaking an international language such as Spanish will give you the competitive edge.

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Think differently

A language is more than words. It’s a different way of thinking. Take such words as “disfrutar” and “aprovechar”.  Aprovechar is a verb meaning “to take advantage of” as well as to benefit, exploit, harness, size. Disfrutar is also a verb, meaning more directly to enjoy. These words can be said to someone before they go somewhere, eat a meal or try something new. Hearing and using these expressions invite you to see the moments in your day as ones to seize and enjoy. You’ll find yourself encouraging others to do the same.

Spanish is also a language that carries affection. One example of this might be people changing your name by adding an “ita” or “ito”. The new name will be just part of the package of a newer, warmer you.

It won’t leave you once you leave the country, either. A language is deeply tied to the place and people it comes from and the ones you share it with. If you use a language while travelling and enjoying new places, it’s likely to conjure up those memories when you use it afterwards.