Many high school students study foreign languages to better their understanding of other cultures and improve their academic abilities.

Most high schools offer multiple foreign language choices for students to choose from and recommend that students take a study for a specific number of years to appeal to colleges. They are also educated about the cultures of the native speakers of the language. Students may even start to learn a second language as early as elementary school.

If a student wishes to go into a profession in which he or she will not need to speak in another language, should they still have to study one in high school?

Studying a foreign language can give one a competitive edge in the business world and in school. Washington State University states that research has shown that those who study foreign languages perform better in the math and English classes and dramatically improve their scores on the math and verbal portions of the SAT and other entrance exams such as the ACT. Also, a Penn State University study shows that those who study multiple languages prioritize and multitask better than those who only speak one language. Also, it is essential to know how to speak a foreign language if one plans to study abroad or travel. Many believe that one should study a foreign language just to increase his or her awareness of other cultures.

On the other hand, some people do not think that studying a foreign language is necessary for everyone. If one does not commit him or herself to daily usage of the language then he or she would soon forget everything he or she studied all throughout school. Some believe that it is more than enough to know just English, but knowing multiple languages can dramatically improve one’s academic skills.

Not only is it important to know a foreign language to improve in school, but it is also important to understand the cultures and people of other countries to be more aware and become a more open minded person. It is important for the study of a foreign language to be enforced as it proves to be a huge benefit for students later whether it is for a career or just throughout life in general.