Not only will learning Spanish help students connect with the Spanish speaking population in the United States, learning Spanish is also a great way to sharpen cognitive skills, increase job opportunities, and make traveling in South America more fun! 

The positive effects on brain health from bilingualism have been well studied in cognitive science. Research shows that bilingual speakers generally have higher executive functioning skills, denser gray matter in the brain, and have more protection against the onset of dementia later in life (Anderson et al., 2017). Executive functioning skills help you manage your attention and ability to plan. For example, self-control, working memory, time management, and organization all fall under executive functioning skills. When you learn a second language, not only are you rewarded with linguistic capabilities, but you are also exercising your brain in ways that will benefit you for a lifetime. 

Bilinguals Have More Job Opportunities 

Adding a second language to your resume gives you a competitive edge in the job market. As businesses become increasingly globalized, companies look for people who can speak more than one language. Companies might need interpreters, translators, or employees who are willing to relocate to overseas offices. Speaking English and Spanish is a huge plus in the eyes of employers who recognize the need to connect with Spanish speaking consumers who make up a large percent of US citizens. 

Going abroad helps you develop a global perspective, experience different cultures, and build empathy for others. Many Americans enjoy traveling to Mexico and countries in South America due to their proximity to the US. Although it’s possible to get around without speaking Spanish, you’ll certainly have a richer experience if you can communicate with the local residents. Spanish skills will also be especially helpful in case of an emergency! 

Lastly, learning Spanish offers new perspectives on US history. Before the Spanish Empire was annexed from the southwestern US states, Spanish was spoken more widely than English. We can see this in the names of counties and roads, especially in California (Fresno, Salinas, Chula Vista). It’s not just in California that we find Spanish roots; Florida translates to “flowery,” and Nevada translates to “snowy,” to name a few others. When students study Spanish, they also learn the rich history of the United States and the Spanish Empire. 

Club Z! Tutoring recognizes the importance of studying Spanish and offers expert tutors to help students learn the language. Working with a Club Z tutor helps students progress faster with personalized lesson plans and direct feedback. If you want your child to work on developing skills that will translate to improved grades and self-esteem, contact us today at: bbalatsos@clubztutoring.com. You can also book your FREE 30 minute consultation here.