8 Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language in High School

High school is a magical place full of opportunities to set yourself up for an amazing, colorful life. It’s a place where you get to learn new things and discover who you are as a person.

One of the best things you can do in high school is take a foreign language class! While we may be a little biased, studies show way more benefits of learning a foreign language in high school compared to disadvantages of learning a foreign language in high school.

We know it sounds like a lot of work, but it’s worth it—especially if you want to travel.

Learning a second, third, or even fourth language not only expands your mind, but it sets the pace for a baller lifestyle. You could score a meaningful position in the workplace, get into the college of your dreams, connect with people abroad, and much more.

It may sound like a lot of work, but do good things ever come easy?

READ MORE: What Languages Can You Learn in High School?

Should foreign language be required in high school?

High school is a great place to explore your interests and dip your toes into fields that may be interesting to you. Once you get to college, you start to get pigeonholed into a “degree”—and you’re paying (or taking out loans) for it. So high school is the perfect testing ground for studying a foreign language.

Most schools in the US require some sort of foreign language study, but it really varies from state to state. In some states, you can actually forgo learning a foreign language by taking non-language classes.

According to the Pew Research Center, “California requires one course in either the arts or a foreign language (including American Sign Language) for all high school students. Oklahomans can opt to take two years of the same foreign language or ‘of computer technology approved for college admission requirements.’” Does that sound like cheating?

If you’re a native English speaker, you have it pretty darn easy. It’s fairly common to get around almost anywhere in the world with English, but that shouldn’t be an excuse not to learn another language.

Your travels will feel a little more authentic if you can speak some of the local language.

But how does the US stack up to other nations? In most of Europe, high schoolers are required to study not one, but two foreign languages.

It also gives you the chance to break out of the not-so-nice stereotypes of people from the US being a little, well, culturally inept.

So, our opinion is: Yes, foreign language should be required in high school. Besides, it gives you a great excuse to study abroad before you even get to college!

Do you have to take a foreign language in high school to go to college?

The benefits of learning a foreign language in high school go beyond simply meeting prereqs, but that’s also not something we can ignore entirely.

While some schools have loopholes with non-language classes, it’s probably a good idea to take at least two years, just in case. Most colleges require a minimum of two years of a foreign language to be considered for admission, along with a high school diploma.

So, depending on your future academic plans, yes—you probably have to take a foreign language in high school in order to be accepted into certain colleges or programs.

Should I take 4 years of foreign language in high school?

Taking a foreign language in high school benefits you in so many ways, so it’s not a surprise that the more you learn, the better you’ll do.

If you’re keen on going above and beyond the standard two-year requirement, you could potentially climb the ranks in college courses, get into a great school, find a job abroad right out of high school…the list could go on forever!

And you’ll gain a ton of confidence to do more things outside of your comfort zone!

Of course, time and other required curricula might get in the way of going gung-ho on learning a foreign language in high school. But if you can squeeze it into your schedule, why not? If you’re interested in learning about other cultures, expanding your worldview, and connecting with people around the world, being bilingual will get you there.

There are tons of benefits of learning a second language in high school, so we’ll start you off with our favorite ones below.

8 benefits of learning a second language in high school

1. Knock out those language requirements

As mentioned above, most high schools straight up require you to take at least two years of foreign language in order to graduate. So one of the most obvious benefits of learning a second language in high school is, well, you have to! If you want to graduate, anyways.

Getting down to business doesn’t have to be boring, though. You can use this mandated language learning as an opportunity to explore the world. Check out high school language programs abroad and have a summer you’ll never forget.

2. Explore a foreign country

Language skills open up so many new opportunities.

If you’re itching to explore the world, consider using your studies of foreign language in high school as an excuse to travel. That’s right, you don’t need to wait until college to study abroad!

There’s nothing like full cultural immersion when trying to learn another language. Your brain really doesn’t have a choice but to soak it all up! And there are so many opportunities to practice. From ordering food to asking for directions, you’ll be bilingual in no time.

3. Make new friends—either at home or abroad!

High school is the perfect time to create lifelong connections and friendships. There’s no doubt that if you choose to take a foreign language class in high school, you’ll make some close friendships.

This is especially true if you continue your studies through all four years of high school. There’s only so many other people learning Spanish, French, or German—you’re bound to see the same classmates over and over!

Not to mention, if you elect to take your foreign language classes abroad, you’ll have a chance to meet all sorts of new people from around the world (and enjoy tons of other benefits as well). There will be kids in your program from back in the States, and people from your host country who you get to connect with in their native tongue.

Taking a foreign language in high school benefits you long-term by helping forge relationships both with people at home, and with people you may never have even been able to understand without it.

You’ll love meeting like minded people while studying at home or abroad.

4. Add a “wow” factor to your college applications

Getting into college isn’t just about your grades. Admissions will look at your experiences and extracurricular activities you were a part of. Learning a foreign language shows them you had a well-rounded high school experience.

It also shows admissions counselors that you can take initiative and risks, challenge yourself, and are curious. It can help you stand out among other applicants who may only have taken the mandatory minimum at their high school.

I mean, come on! You didn’t just take French 101—you went to France.

5. Become smarter

There are all sorts of benefits of learning a foreign language in high school. Studies show there are many cognitive benefits to learning a language, such as increased memory, stronger mental agility, enhanced decision-making, and improved multitasking skills. So, according to science, learning a foreign language is good for your brain.

6. Find a sweet job more easily

Getting a job might not be your number one priority right now as a high schooler, but learning a foreign language now can set you up for future success. Not only does learning a new language make you look pretty snazzy on paper, but it opens opportunities for so many different kinds of jobs.

Maybe you’re interested in marketing, and a position opens up at a company that operates in the US and in Mexico. You’d be the perfect candidate if you took Spanish in high school, and even more attractive if you happened to live Costa Rica while studying. Just a thought.

7. Gain a better understanding of the world

New perspectives are a wonderful thing!

The benefits of learning a foreign language in high school go far beyond the classroom. Cultural appreciation is something we can all dive into deeper because it gives us the tools to be more open-minded and understanding of others.

If you learn another language early on, it lets you understand the people who speak it, the traditions they practice, and the values they hold.

8. Have fun!

Having fun is 100% a legit reason to learn a foreign language. Fun is what makes the world go around! And it’s what keeps your high school experience interesting.

Sure, learning a new language can also be challenging, but the best things in life require a little work. Believe us when we tell you that the work is worth the reward.

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Don’t fear foreign language! Have fun with it

We could go on and on about the benefits of learning a foreign language in high school. It’s a way to explore your interests, meet new people, and set yourself up for future success. And hey, if you play your cards right, it’s an opportunity to go abroad in high school too.

Are there really any disadvantages of learning a foreign language in high school? We don’t think so!

Explore Opportunities to Learn Foreign Language Abroad in High School