The Benefits of Learning English as a Second Language!

Learning a second language can boost your confidence and transform your ability to communicate, but which language should you choose? To help you decide, take a look at these eight reasons why you should learn English as a second language:

1. It’s a Global Language

English is the most widely used language in the world, with more than 1.5 billion speakers around the globe. When you learn English as a second language, you’ll be joining a global community and be able to communicate effectively in every continent. Out of the 1.5 billion global English speakers, it’s estimated that only 0.5 billion are native speakers. With 1 billion people choosing to learn English as a second language, there are clearly some benefits on offer!

2. Increase Your Employability

English isn’t just the most prevalent language in the world; it’s also spoken in the most powerful and influential countries. If you want to climb the career ladder, being able to speak English fluently is certainly advantageous. Whether you’re interested in business and finance, health and medicine, technology, or anything else, being an English speaker will open up new job opportunities and give you the chance to realise your potential.

3. Boost Your Brain Power

Learning a second language means you’ll be using a wide array of cognitive function. From deconstructing words to figure out their meaning to memorising sentence structure and vocabulary, learning English as a second language is certainly great exercise for your brain! Studies have shown that learning a second language or communicating in a second language keeps your brain active. Whatever age you are, having the ability to use a second language will help you to keep your brain healthy and active.

4. Get a World-Class Education

Many of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions are situated in English-speaking countries. More importantly, the courses they offer are predominantly delivered in English. If you want to get the most out of higher education, knowing English as a second language and being able to prove your abilities will stand you in good stead when it comes to securing a place at top colleges and universities. Regardless of your academic achievements, non-native speakers will typically be asked to reach a certain proficiency in English and pass a related test before being admitted to a university course in an English-speaking country. For aspiring students, learning English as a second language can be just as important as performing well on subject-specific tests and examinations.

5. Enjoy More Entertainment

When you can understand the English language, you’ll find that a whole new world of entertainment opens up to you. The world’s most popular movies, television shows and music generally use the English language, which can be frustrating for non-English speakers. If you want to binge watch the latest cult classics or enjoy tunes from your favourite artists, learning English as a second language will give you a richer and more satisfying experience.

6. Be a Better Communicator

As you learn English, you’ll obviously become a better communicator in your newly acquired second language. However, this isn’t the only way that learning English can boost your communication skills. In fact, learning a second language can enhance your communication skills in your native language too. When you learn English, you’ll develop cognitive and verbal skills that will enable you to articulate yourself more effectively. These same skills will come more naturally when you’re using your native language too, which means you’ll become a better communicator whatever language you’re speaking or whatever setting you’re in.

7. Prepare for a Digital Future

The internet has become part of our day-to-day lives and we use it constantly for work, school and socialising. You’ll find virtually every language in the world present on the internet, but the vast majority of online content is published in English. It’s estimated that over half of the websites online use English, which highlights just how much online content is reserved for English speakers. If you’re planning to work in tech or you simply want to be able to use the most popular websites when you’re surfing the web, learning English as a second language is essential.

8. It’s Fun!

There are many practical reasons why you should learn English as a second language, but don’t overlook how fun it can be too! When you enrol on an English language course with the ABC School, you’ll get the opportunity to live in London while you’re developing your language skills. Immersing yourself in the culture and surroundings of this great city, making new friends and seeing the sights is a great way to enhance your knowledge and have fun while you’re learning English.

Enrol on a Course with ABC School

To find out more about learning English as a second language or to enrol on a course today, get in touch with our friendly team now!