the top 10 reasons why learning English will be the best decision you ever make.

1. Connect with New People 
The world is a vast place, with over 7.5 billion people.

And of those, data from Ethnologue, 21st edition, English is the most widely-spoken language in the world with over 1,121 million speakers (native & non-native). Now, that’s a lot of new people to meet!

Learning English as a foreign language will allow you to communicate with native speakers and ESL (English as a Second language). You will be able to gain a new perspective of the world, enhance your ability to communicate and understand yourself and others better.

2. The Language of Business 
people having conversation in an office
There’s a reason why many call English the international language of business. Walk into any job interview at a Fortune 500 company, and you’ll quickly understand why.

Almost every large corporation is rooted in strong English communication skills.

“The future of business lies in a global economy, and many employers now require employees to speak English,” CNN Business stated.

3. Enjoy Travel Experiences 
If you work abroad or want to travel the globe, learning English is a great choice. With so many English-speakers worldwide, learning the language can help you communicate with locals along the way.

When traveling, it’s always wise to brush-up on the standard questions, greetings, and phrases the local language. Doing so shows respect for the country you are visiting.

Basic knowledge of English is also needed to communicate with tourism-related businesses. Paying for a hotel, ordering at a restaurant, or asking for directions is a lot easier.

4. Make More Money 
A person writing something on a paper
When you’re bilingual, you open up the opportunity for a higher earnings potential.

Research from Wharton and LECG Europe found that studying a second language is correlated with about 2% more in annual income. And while that may not seem like a lot, the return on investment over many years is much higher.

If you’re a foreign professional that is learning English as a second language, the payoff is even higher. When bilingual English speakers return to their homeland, they often earn higher salaries.

5. Be a Better Student 
Many students around the world study English as a second language. When they do so, it opens up promising academic and career opportunities in the future.

Do you hope to one day attend a prestigious university such as Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, or MIT? Then, being proficient in the native tongue gives you a competitive edge.

6. Increased Brainpower 
Many believe learning a second language increases mental flexibility.

Studies show that learning English as a second language can result in many cognitive benefits. Sharper memory, increased creativity, and complex problem-solving skills, to name a few.

7. Enjoy Classic Literature & Films 
Many of Hollywood’s most celebrated works of film and literature are made in English.

Forget translated copies. Everyone knows that there’s nothing quite like the original masterpiece.

The only way to truly experience a great work in film or literature is to experience it in its native language.

8. Immigration Benefits 
If you can’t speak English as an immigrant, it will put you at a significant disadvantage.

Likewise, if you aren’t fluent in English, it can limit your job opportunities. It can also lead to social isolation.

Why? Because it’s very difficult to immerse yourself into a new culture when you can’t speak the native tongue.

9. Stay Sharper for Longer 
Teach sign
Picking up a new language is an excellent way to keep your mind sharper for longer.

Many attribute an ability to fight off symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to high levels of bilingualism.

This research shows that bilingualism has a somewhat muted effect in adulthood but a larger role in older age, protecting against cognitive decline, a concept known as ‘cognitive reserve.’

10. Easy to Learn 
One of the main reasons people dread learning a new language is the steep learning curve involved.

The good news: You may have an easier time than others if English is your second language.

This is because English is closely related to many other languages due to its European roots. German, Latin, and French speakers, for example, may find English easier to learn.

But, if you’re not a native speaker of those tongues, don’t lose hope! As with mastering, any foreign language—consistent practice is critical.

Take advantage of the many resources and courses available that make learning English a breeze!