Spain has a fascinating, unique history, but the language can be difficult… so, why study Spanish?
If you’re as enamored with Spanish culture, food, and history as we are, then you’ll find a long list of reasons to learn the language!
If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, there’s no reason to ask yourself, “why study Spanish language?”
Instead, we’ll help you out with our very own list of 9 reasons to study Spanish!
Why Study Spanish?
Although it can be scary to begin, learning a new language in a new country can also be an exciting journey, filled with many unexpected surprises!
If you’re pondering study abroad destinations and wondering, “Why study Spanish?” this list will hopefully help you feel a little more at ease beginning your Spanish studies.
First up…
1. It’s Spoken All Over the World!
You’ll quickly see from the list of Spanish-speaking countries that Spanish is spoken in many countries around the world.
In fact, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world.
According to the Cervantes Institute, nearly 500 million people list their mother tongue as Spanish.
That’s 6.2% of the global population!
2. Opens Up Opportunities
With so many Spanish speakers around the world, learning Spanish is something that can help open up a whole host of opportunities for you!
By learning the local language, you’ll be able to connect with others more easily during your travels.
Widening your international network can lead to employment opportunities and friendship opportunities alike!
Trying to find a new roommate for your study abroad year in Spain? Hoping to land a bilingual position at a new company?
Studying Spanish can help open up new pathways in unexpected places.
3. You’ll Be Able to Understand Spanish Music and Films
One of the best reasons to start studying Spanish is the doors it will open to a new cultural heritage.
Music, films, books… you name it! There is a global world of art just out there waiting to be enjoyed.
Maybe you’d like to watch a movie in Spanish without the subtitles on? Or maybe you have a favorite song in Spanish that you’ve been dying to belt out!
By studying Spanish, you will be able to further understand and enjoy artwork from a new perspective.
4. Helps With English
How does learning Spanish help with English?
You might be surprised to find out that many words and phrases we use every day are borrowed from Spanish!
For example, did you know allegator stems from el lagarto or “the lizard”?
Or that mosquito stems from the Spanish for “little fly”?
Many major city names are also Spanish!
Cities like Los Angeles, San Jose, and Amarillo in the US are all Spanish words or phrases:
Los Angeles = The angels
San Jose = Saint Joseph
Amarillo = Yellow
Understanding Spanish will help you understand everyday words and phrases that you already use!
5. Further Appreciate Spanish Culture
Spain is an excellent travel and study abroad destination – large number of visitors and international students flock to the country each year.
In fact, Spain is the third most popular country for international studies in the world!
That means that you’ll always have a sizable community of people to meet and befriend.
And what better way to practice your Spanish than with others who will be doing the same?
Learning a language can help engender solidarity, empathy, and foster a feeling of connection.
It’s the perfect pathway to further understand and learn how to communicate on a new level with a culture different than your own.
Language is a huge part of cultural expression, and learning Spanish will help you learn and better appreciate Spanish culture as a whole!
Three More Reasons Why It’s Important to Learn Spanish…
6. Resources Are Endless
A straightforward reason to study Spanish is that Spanish courses are accessible for everyone!
There are numerous courses available depending on your skill level, your location, whether you want to take online courses or prefer in person learning.
You can take Spanish courses through a university, through a private tutor, via online apps, or by simply reading and listening to Spanish!
The opportunities to learn Spanish are endless – why not dive in?
7. It Trains Your Brain
One of the most straightforward benefits to studying another language is that the learning process is good for the brain!
Learning Spanish (at any age!) can help the brain develop new neural pathways.
Studying a language can help the brain focus on tasks, improve working memory, and improve general cognition.
8. Opens Up Your Friendships
Studying Spanish can help you widen your social circle.
As we’ve mentioned, Spanish is widely spoken the world over.
Spanish people are very receptive to foreigner travelers or students – as long as they’re polite and respecting of their customs.
Adding a friendly Spanish greeting can also help you make friends.
You might even get a free Spanish lesson or two if you ask politely!
Learning the language allows you to connect and find common ground with those who already speak Spanish.
Forming new bonds with people you wouldn’t have otherwise is easily one of our top reasons to study Spanish.
9. You’ll Be Able Fully Experience Spain
The last reason to study Spanish is obvious: if you don’t learn Spanish, how can you fully appreciate Spain?
Studying Spanish will give your experiences here more depth.
When you’re looking at the artworks of Spanish painters, you’ll be able to read more about their inspirations!
When you’re learning a new Spanish recipe, you’ll be able to ask for cooking tips from locals.
When you’re trying to find directions to your house from the airport, you’ll be able to do so with confidence and a smile.
Is everything better in Spanish? We might just tend to agree…
Rather than asking yourself “Why learn the Spanish language?” the better question might be “How soon can I start?”
Why should I study Spanish?
There are a myriad of reasons to study the Spanish language! You can learn to appreciate your favorite movies and songs, understand Spanish culture on a deeper level, and even train your brain to develop new neural pathways! The list goes on!
How many people speak Spanish?
The number continues to grow each year, with nearly 500 million that list the language as their mother tongue.
Do I need to be fluent to study in Spain?
No! Many study abroad programs and universities offer language courses to help you with your Spanish as part of your coursework. Not to mention, you’ll be able to pick the language up more quickly being surrounded by it everyday.
