Why+study+Spanish?

====The truth is, there are a lot of excellent reasons to study a foreign language, and Spanish in particular. Here are just a few to start…You may want to read over this list the next time you consider putting off your studying or skipping you homework – it may change your mind! ====

Top Ten Reasons to Study Spanish

 * 1) ====**Learning a second language boosts your brain power. ** [[image:http://www.angelfire.com/spaun/graduate.gif width="279" height="274" align="right"]] Learning a new language exercises certain parts of your brain, which translates (no pun intended!) to better mental flexibility, creativity, and problem solving skills. ====
 * 2) ====**Increase your options for college**. Many colleges look for candidates with at least 2-3 years of a foreign language. Why? First of all, most colleges want well rounded students, which means taking a variety of subjects. Also, taking a language for several years shows that you are committed and willing to go above and beyond requirements in your studies, which is a major plus for you.====
 * 3) ====**Spanish is the second most common language in the United States. **Whether you are ordering food at a corner market, making new friends or asking for directions, knowing some Spanish can be a great help in your everyday life.[[image:http://www.angelfire.com/spaun/plane.gif align="left"]]====
 * 4) ====**Travel! ** Spanish is the official language of 21 different countries, and is estimated to be the 4th most commonly spoken language in the world. Avoid the I’m-an-ignorant-tourist-please-take-my-money shtick by learning the language before you go. In many places, even a few words in the native language will instantly endear you to the locals and give you access to authentic experiences outside of standard tourist traps. ====
 * 5) ====**Studying Spanish boosts SAT scores. **Most words in Spanish have Latin or Greek roots. As you learn new words in Spanish, you will learn the roots that are used in lots of English words – especially the kind that show up on the SATs. In general, knowing one Latin root will clue you in on the meaning of 10-20 words in English. ====
 * 6) ====**Speaking a second language expands your job opportunities**.[[image:http://www.angelfire.com/spaun/idea.gif width="233" height="234" align="right"]] More and more of the U.S. population speaks languages other than English, and jobs in social services, business, communications, and the government all use people with language skills. Language skills set you apart from other workers, making you more likely to get hired and promoted. Bilingual workers are often paid more, too. Beyond that, there are many jobs that require that you speak a second language, such as working in the Foreign Service, serving a translator and/or interpreter for the Government or the private sector, working at international institutions like the UN or UNICEF, teaching foreign languages, and working for transnational business corporations. ====
 * 7) ====**Expand your intellect. ** Speaking a second language will open the doors to a new world of literature, music, poetry, and movies. Translations are never as good as the original.[[image:http://www.angelfire.com/spaun/flamenco.gif align="left"]] ====
 * 8) ====**Learn about other cultures**.  Your Spanish classes will also teach you about the history, traditions, and perspectives of other cultures in the world. This will also help you to… ====
 * 9) ====**<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Reflect on your own language and culture. **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> By seeing other perspectives, you can re-examine your own culture and understand how our culture fits into the global community. ====
 * 10) ====**<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Increase global understanding. **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">In today’s world, no country can survive in isolation. The food we eat, the products on store shelves, the jobs we can find and even the value of our money all depend on a complex web of international relations. As Gandhi wisely said, "No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive." Do your part to learn about other cultures to increase global prosperity. ====

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