It’s extremely beneficial, now more than ever, to learn a world language in high school. Languages allow us to connect with one another, understand each other’s cultures, and communicate effectively in business and personal settings. In an increasingly interconnected world, becoming a global citizen (especially as a young adult) requires being able to speak with people from other walks of life and parts of the world.
Having language skills will open up the world to you!
That being said, do you know that there are more native Spanish speakers throughout the world than there are native English speakers? Additionally, Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the U.S. By learning a second language like Spanish in middle and high school, you’ll be making yourself more “marketable” to potential colleges, organizations, and employers.
It’s important to learn Spanish in high school to set yourself up for success and be better prepared to take advantage of travel opportunities later on!
Do you have to take Spanish in high school?
Most likely you’ll be required to take a world language in high school, so why not make it a language that is culturally interesting, widely spoken, and makes traveling easier? If you’re American, you’re probably already familiar with many Spanish words, phrases, songs, and shows.
Learning Spanish as a teenager in a high school Spanish course may be much easier than learning when you’re older, and you’ll have more opportunity to practice in a classroom setting. High school Spanish class activities are often engaging and enjoyable; plus, you’ll have the support of classmates and teachers.
Can you take online Spanish courses for high school credit?
Many high schools will offer credit for taking online Spanish courses. Whether it’s a local college class or another virtual opportunity or program, your school guidance counselor and Spanish instructor can most likely help you ensure you get credit that counts toward your world language requirement for graduation.
These classes are incredibly helpful for any student who wishes to take their learning to the next level. Consider taking online Spanish courses for high school credit to jump ahead of your classmates or get a more tailored experience!
READ: 8 Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language in High School
7 reasons to take Spanish in high school
Language learning might not be your top priority in high school, but it should be up there!
1. Communication
By taking Spanish in high school, you’ll improve your communication skills in any language. Learning one language can provide information about general language structure and make it easier to learn others. Additionally, it will help you to connect with people from around the world and become an ambassador for your country and culture.
2. Mental benefits
A great reason to take Spanish in high school includes improving your memory and critical thinking skills. It’s as good for your brain as mental math...but much more fun! Keeping your brain sharp for SAT prep with foreign language classes is a great way to get ready for the workload in college.
3. Travel
What better way to prepare for study abroad or your international internship than learning Spanish in high school? Knowing another language makes it much easier to prepare for travel, get around once you get where you’re going, and make the most of your international experience (not to mention you’ll look very cool!).
4. Resume building
Knowing another language makes you stand out from your peers! Colleges and employers increasingly value applicants with Spanish language skills, especially in the United States. Being able to read, write, and speak in Spanish are incredibly beneficial skills to have in today’s job market, and will make you a competitive contender for any opportunity.
5. Perspective
Studying a foreign language exposes you to different world views before college.
Every good explorer, scientist, and globetrotter knows that knowing the local language is the best way to get to know the people and culture of a place. You’ll only truly see others' worldviews by comprehending their language.
6. Enhance your vocabulary
Spanish may also improve your grades in other classes, like English. Many words in both Spanish and English stem from Latin (although English is a Germanic language and Spanish is a Romance language); by learning Spanish vocabulary, you can deduce the meaning of an English (or even French or Portuguese) word with the same root (or vice versa).
7. Meet new people
Spanish is spoken in about 20 countries around the globe and is even one of the 6 official languages of the United Nations. By learning Spanish, you’ll be able to communicate with the over 440 million native Spanish speakers around the world, many of whom are in the United States. Plus, you’ll be able to say hello to that cute person in your class when you study abroad, or be the translator when you take a family trip!
READ: Can You Study Abroad in High School?
5 tips to ace your high school Spanish class
There are a few things you can do to improve your Spanish language skills and really ace your classes:
1. Practice makes perfect
Taking Spanish with a friend can make study sessions more fun.
The more you actually practice speaking a language, even if you don’t get every single word or tense correct, the faster you will improve. The goal is to understand and be understood, and you can only figure out how you rate on this scale by speaking out loud to another person! Practice with your peers, your teacher, and at home. Most will be happy to help and may also be looking to improve their skills.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
If you’re unsure of something, it’s important to ask, and ask again, and ask again if you still don’t understand. The process of learning, especially a language, involves a lot of unknowns. You won’t solve anything by not seeking answers!
3. Learn about Spanish cultures
You may already know a lot of Spanish through music, television, and famous Spanish-speaking celebrities. Spanish is present in US popular culture, which has contributed to many learning the basics. Expand on this by learning more about the many Spanish-speaking cultures! Not only will it help you learn the language, it will inspire you to do so.
4. Utilize all resources available to you
There are many resources outside of a classroom setting that will help you learn Spanish. Memorizing Spanish songs, downloading apps like DuoLingo, and even finding a job at a Mexican restaurant or other place of business where people may be speaking Spanish will speed up your learning journey.
5. Travel
Want to study abroad now or later on? Spanish will help!
Potentially the best resource to learn a language is traveling. If there’s an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in a place where Spanish is the primary language spoken, speak it whenever and wherever possible! Traveling may force you out of your comfort zone, but if you stick with it you’ll learn quickly and be greatly rewarded.
How to do Spanish study abroad for high school students
1. Greenheart Travel: Teen Language Camp in Salamanca, Spain
- Highlights: Why learn Spanish in high school? Because you could travel to places like Salamanca! Known to Spaniards as La Dorada or “The Golden City”, so known because of how the light plays off of the limestone buildings, Salamanca is also known for its cultural activities, university, historical buildings, and incredible beauty.
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site, learning Spanish in the Castilian style while staying with a local host family is about as authentic an experience as you can get! Spend free time taking in art at the many museums or going on an extensive food tour. You’ll learn Spanish in a flash in Salamanca.
- Where? Salamanca, Spain
- Who? Ages 13-18
- Read Greenheart Travel reviews
2. AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Spain
- Highlights: Fully immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture by living with a host family and going to high school for a semester or year! Develop Spanish fluency while sampling the rich cuisine, music, and dance of a country known for historic plazas, paella, siestas, friendly rural villages, and charming cities.
- With AFS, you could stay in a variety of locations around Spain; you might even end up in the Canary or Balearic Islands!
- Where? A rural or urban community within Spain
- Who? Ages 15-17
- Read AFS-USA reviews
3. TFT: Spain - Spanish Language Immersion
- Highlights: Travel for Teens offers shorter-term Spanish immersion programs that are perfect for students seeking to experience and see a lot in a little time. You’ll also gain a different perspective by visiting Barcelona, a city of Spain that has its own unique history and language: Catalan. Spanish study abroad programs in high school are an optimal way to learn the language.
- Where? Multiple locations in Spain
- Who? Students finishing grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
- Read Travel For Teens reviews
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Start your future travels by learning Spanish in high school!
You won’t regret taking the time to learn Spanish in high school.
It’s time to learn Español! Do you have to take Spanish in high school? It may not be a school requirement, but you’ll be giving yourself an invaluable gift by starting to learn Spanish right now.
By being fluent, or even intermediate in Spanish, doors will fly open for you. Start in your Spanish classroom, or explore Spanish immersion programs for high schoolers. Whichever way you decide to improve your Spanish language skills, you’re sure to reap the rewards!
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