What are the benefits of learning English?
Here are 10 ways you can benefit in life with learning English, and how BELS Malta can help you start your English-learning journey.
Richer travels, endless career opportunities and feeling at home with anyone, anywhere in the world. Read out the 10 new life opportunities you open yourself up to when you learn English.
1. It’s one of the most widely spoken languages
English is the official language of 53 countries and is spoken as a first language by around 400 million people spread across the world. Then there’s the ex-British colonies, most of which still recognise English as an official language. It adds up to approximately 400 million people who speak English as a first language, and 1,500 million who speak English. That’s a lot of countries to visit, and people to speak to.
2. You get more from travelling
When you need to communicate with someone abroad, the first thing you ask is usually “Do you speak English?”
Travelling in a country where you don’t speak the main language can be limiting. Whether you’re lost and need to be pointed in the right direction, or even if you’d like to have a chat with someone on the train. Apart from that most countries have signages and schedules in English in addition to their main language.
If you learn English, your communication won’t be limited; you could meet new people and learn about new cultures. Most importantly, you’re less likely to get lost or confused.
3. You can connect with more people
There are times when connections are instant – you share a look or a moment with someone and you become quick friends. But without speaking the same language, it’s difficult to have a deep and lasting connection. It’s not easy to share thoughts about intense topics and express yourself freely. At these times, language really does become a barrier between a light friendship and a genuine bond. If you learn English, you’re opening yourself up to millions of people and connections – a long-life friend, or even a soulmate.
4. Opens up a new world of literature, pop culture
Every language has beautiful literature – why limit yourself to one? Translations are never the same. The meaning, and sorry might be retained, but the way authors beautifully craft the language cannot be replicated. It’s also the language of the internet, memes, most commercial songs and Hollywood movies (and Netflix series!).
5. You can feel at home anywhere in the world
Relocating to a country when you’re able to speak English also makes things easier. While you might be able to get around a foreign land without speaking its language, longer stays can get tiresome and tedious if you have no idea what’s going on around you. When you learn English, you can settle down, work or retire anywhere in the world.
6. A new language leads to a new mindset
There’s a Czech idiom that says something along the lines of ‘you have as many personalities as the number of languages you speak’. Languages aren’t just words and grammar – they’re a living representation of the culture and the people. Different languages express the same concept in different ways. New idioms, new metaphors and new associations are all a part of learning a new language. So, when you learn English, you’re absorbing a new way of thinking and communicating. A new layer is added to your personality.
7. It’s the language of business
In today’s global world, any business needs English to survive. Anyone with excellent English skills will have the upper hand in the business environment. Learning English will boost your employment potential or help you get that promotion you’ve been dreaming of. Apart from that, if you learn English, you can apply for jobs internationally. You don’t have to worry about not finding a job related to your studies in your country.
8. And knowledge
Essentially, English is the language of the internet. It gives you access to major news portals, academic journals and publications, and personal blogs on an array of topics. Whether for personal use, studies or work, you’ll have access to more data if you learn English.
9. You can study at any university in the world
Since English is spoken in so many different countries, there are thousands of universities and colleges around the world that offer English study programmes. In addition, most of the world’s renowned universities are in English speaking countries. To join these universities, you usually need an IELTS score of 6 or 7 (which is equivalent to intermediate – upper intermediate level of English). Knowing English increases your chances of finding an appropriate school and course to follow your passion and reach your goals.
10. Learning a language is mentally stimulating
Learning a language is one of the best and practical ways to increase intelligence and keep your mind sharp. You’ll become a better decision-maker, multi-tasker, and generally more focused person. It also keeps your brain from ageing. It’s like a gym membership for your mind.
Start your English learning Journey with BELS Language Schools.
Take your English to the next level and join one of our boutique English schools on the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo. You can learn in an immersive way, on an English speaking island with a rich history and beautiful natural surroundings. As a student in our schools, you will be part of a welcoming student community, allowing you to make international friends and enrich your learning experience. Take our English placement test and we’ll get in touch to learn more about your goals and help map out a persoanlised learning plan just for you.
