Why Should I Study a Foreign Language?
Wall Street Journal 2014:
Foreign Languages and Literatures: The Liberal Arts Majors That Pay the Most
"South Carolina ranks 16th in the nation in terms of the number of workers employed by U.S. subsidiaries of foreign firms..."
Organization for International Investment, 25 September 2007
"South Carolina's foreign-born population has grown by 47% since 2000, more than any other state...."
Associated Press, 15 August 2006
"In the wake of a changing security environment and the increasing globalization of the U.S. economy, the need for personnel with foreign language proficiency has grown significantly... Along with benefits to local and national interests, substantial personal and economic benefits can flow to the individual who is multilingual. From higher salaries and promotions, easier access to jobs and increased mobility, individuals who are proficient in more than one language are offered more choices."
NCELA, January 2003
"Not surprisingly, job seekers have found that knowledge of a foreign language can make an average candidate an extraordinary one. ...evidence suggests that a U.S. college graduate who speaks another language fluently can add up to id="mce_marker"5,000 to his take-home pay."
The Post and Courier, 6 April 1998
Knowledge of a foreign language is now recognized as an essential element of a liberal arts education, as well as a vital asset in a global society. The importance of being able to communicate effectively with the millions of non-English speakers in the areas of commerce, government, science and the arts cannot be over-emphasized.
Why Learn a Second Language?
- Compete in the global economy
- Increase job opportunities and salary potential
- Increase possibilites for acceptance to graduate schools
- Build critical, analytical and creative thinking skills
- Develop and enhance a sensitivity to other cultures
- Improve vocabulary and language proficiency in English
- Enhance opportunities and experiences in travel and study abroad
- Increase sensitivity to people in your own country
- Experience and enjoy cinematographic, literary and musical masterpieces in their original language