by Emily Monaco

Created on: March 12, 2009   Last Updated: March 13, 2009

The most important decision I ever made in my life was to learn French: I now live in France and have a French boyfriend, so perhaps I am an extreme example. However, as a bilingual person who was not raised bilingual, I can definitely say that there are certain benefits to learning a foreign language that no other course of study provide.

1. Travel

Perhaps the most obvious of all, learning a foreign language opens up your ability to travel. Of course, anyone with the money and the time can jet off to another country, but living in Paris has shown me that many tourists who do not speak the language also do not stray from the beaten path. They don't head into tiny family-owned restaurants or take walks in some of the shadier areas because they wouldn't know how to ask for things or find directions. Knowing even just a few words of another language not only opens up possibilities for traveling in that country: my French has been indispensable in Spain and Italy because of the similarities amongst the three languages. A desire to visit a foreign country is a great motivator to start you on your path to bilingualism.

2. Logic

Studies have shown that bilingual people have stronger logic skills than those who speak only one language. Knowing that two words can exist for the same concept and accepting this fact subconsciously allows your puzzle-solving and logic skills to be optimized.

3. Job Opportunities

There are always jobs for translators, even in a time of financial crisis. Translating into English and from English is a very common job offer because of English's role in the international business community. Translators charge about 8 cents a word for translation, which can be a great source of extra income.

Alternately, tour guides, hotel concierges and other people in these tourism industries are well-served by being bilingual. Speaking the language of the people you are helping puts a smile on their face and can up your tips as well.

Learning a foreign language as an adult is usually a different experience from learning one in school. As an adult, there is no time to go to a foreign language class every day, which is far more effective than once a week. We don't usually have the ability to leave home for months at a time to become fully immersed. However, just from beginning to learn another language, you can start to reap the benefits. And who knows? Maybe someday you will have the time to become fully bilingual.

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