| Learning a new language is a gratifying | | | | away from the tourist crowds, getting to know |
| enterprise. I'm not going to tell you that it | | | | the locals and being able to read signs. It |
| is always easy, but if you go down this road | | | | will really add another dimension to your |
| you will not regret it. Motivation often | | | | vacation |
| depends on having a clear purpose. The | | | | |
| reasons below may help you find the | | | | Study abroad. |
| stimulation you need. | | | | |
| | | | Speaking the local tongue will serve you |
| Moving to a new country. | | | | well, even if the courses are in English. |
| | | | Living in a foreign country is the best way |
| Learning the local language will make your | | | | to learn a new language well. Don't let the |
| integration in the local community a whole | | | | opportunity get away. If you spend some time |
| lot easier. Maybe many people in your new | | | | in advance learning the language you can be a |
| country speak English. Don't let that become | | | | part of the social scene from day one. |
| the excuse not to learn the local language. | | | | |
| It will allow you to integrate and connect | | | | Get in touch with your roots. |
| with the local community in a whole other | | | | |
| way. You also demonstrate an involvement and | | | | Your family might have spoken a particular |
| dedication to your new country that will be | | | | language in the past. If you have children |
| noticed. | | | | you can learn it together as a family |
| | | | project. Once you have some proficiency try |
| Relatives and friends. | | | | contacting relatives in the "old country" and |
| | | | plan a vacation. You will be treated like |
| If you are around people who has a different | | | | kings and see parts of the culture that would |
| first language from you learning their | | | | be otherwise closed to you. |
| language will open up a whole new level in | | | | |
| your relationship. Learning a language is | | | | Food. |
| also learning how to think and feel in a | | | | |
| whole different way. Your relationships will | | | | Let say you enjoy the food or wine of a |
| change for the better. | | | | particular region. Speaking the language will |
| | | | make you a priced guest at any restaurant. If |
| At work. | | | | you enjoy making the food yourself all the |
| | | | best cookbooks will be available to you. |
| Being able to speak more languages will | | | | |
| increase your chances of getting a transfer, | | | | Personal development. |
| finding a new job, getting a promotion or | | | | |
| going on business trips. When you work with | | | | Learning a language is a personal challenge. |
| people who from a different culture speaking | | | | It will also show you that there are |
| their language will grease the skids for | | | | different ways to view the world. The |
| partnership and socializing. Maybe you deal | | | | structure of your language determines how you |
| with children and older people in you job. | | | | think. A second language will offer you a |
| Speaking their first language will make their | | | | different way to think about the world. You |
| (and your) day a whole lot better. | | | | will also view you own culture and language |
| | | | through a new lens. |
| Travel. | | | | |
| | | | Whatever reason resonates with you I hope you |
| Even if you can get by with English, speaking | | | | will take on the challenge of learning a new |
| the local language will change your travel | | | | language. It will be rewarding in more ways |
| experiences dramatically. Imagine being able | | | | than you can think of and open up a larger |
| to ask locals for restaurant tips, travel | | | | part of the wold for you. Good luck! |