With the economy being more globalized than ever and the constant need to address competition through innovation, one important aspect of education has not received enough attention: the study of foreign languages.
There are the obvious advantages of learning a foreign language, such as enhancing the appreciation of other people and cultures, finding employment in businesses and organization with international exposure, and improving travel experience and dating opportunities.
However, as to improving business climate and opportunity, learning a foreign language offers several significant advantages to individuals and businesses. It can:
Increase memory power and lengthen one’s span of attention
Demonstrate perseverance and ability to do challenging work
Enhance decision-making abilities and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate ability to tolerate risk and criticism
Enhance general communication skills
Improve self-confidence
Boost creativity
Suggestion:
To improve their pool of innovative prospective employees, ask employers to add “Two years of college-level foreign language education required” as a required qualification.