The world is full of Languages. English is not sufficient for all communications around the world. On a global level, monolinguals (those who speak only one language) are a minority. The majority of the inhabitants of our "global village" speak more than one language. The consequences of a mostly monolingual American society undermine our economic, political and social well-being. In our current "global village," knowledge of more than one language has become a vital tool in understanding and communicating with people from other cultures.

Learning a foreign language is one of the most enriching experiences in anybody's education. It is not only about how to order a beer or food in a restaurant. It entails exploring a way of life, a different culture and the traditions of another country. Think about how many more newspapers and books you could read, movies and TV programs you could understand, Web sites you could visit, people and places you could really get to know with another language!

Visit entirely new worlds! Languages have the power to promote cultural understanding between people of different backgrounds. Get an insider's view of another culture and a new view of your own. Whatever language you choose, learning it will make a difference in how you see the world and in how the world sees you. Knowledge of other cultures will help you expand your personal horizons and become a more responsible citizen. Your ability to talk to others and gather information beyond the world of English will contribute to your community and your country. Students who are competent in at least two languages will dramatically increase the US capabilities in diplomacy, in world trade, and in human understanding.

Depending on how long you study, you can gain different levels of fluency. Language learning takes time; it doesn't happen overnight. You will probably not sound like a native speaker, but you're not expected to. To a greater or lesser degree you will, however, be understood, get where you want to go, and meet and talk with a whole new group of people. What a great experience that can be!

IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH . Learning a second language can help students understand their own language and culture better, through comparison and contrast with the foreign language.

IMPROVE OTHER SKILLS. By studying a second language you can improve your skills and grades in math and improve entrance exam scores, SATs, GREs, MCATs, and LSATs.

DEVELOP YOUR INTELLECT. Knowledge of more than one language can improve your analytic and interpretive capacities, and can improve your cognitive flexibility. Learning a second language can also increase your problem-solving skills and can improve your memory, self-discipline and self-esteem.

2. FINANCIAL GAINS. Give Yourself a Competitive Edge

A foreign language may be your most important tool! Substantial personal and economic benefits can flow to the individual who is multilingual. From higher salaries and promotions to easier access to jobs and increased mobility, individuals who are proficient in more than one language are offered more choices

More and more businesses work closely with companies in other countries. To be competitive on a global scale, the business world of tomorrow needs individuals with strong skills in a second language, who can work within a culturally diverse environment.

Knowledge of a second language is essential in this country, as well, in many areas such as government, business, medicine and health care, law enforcement, teaching, technology, the military, communications industry, social service, and marketing. An employer will see you as a bridge to new clients or customers if you know a second language.

Monolingualism can be cured. Take the first step today.