How to Choose Which Foreign Language to Study

Learning a foreign language opens the door to a new culture and way of life. It can be a grounding and life changing experience. Whether learning a foreign language is a requirement for school or a goal you've always dreamed of achieving, choosing the language you will study is a very important first step. The following are things to consider when choosing a foreign language.

1. What cultures are you passionate about? Learning a language is a lengthy and time consuming process, so it's important to pick a language you can be passionate about learning. Have you always wanted to watch anime in it's original language? Study Japanese! Have you always loved Irish culture? Learn Gaelic! Your language choice should be something you can get passionate about.

2. What language will benefit your career? If you're in business, learning Chinese could help you communicate with important company partners. If you work in the fashion industry, a romantic language like French or Italian could open up new possibilities. It may help to talk to someone at your place of work, sometimes companies will offer free language classes to employees who are willing to learn. In many industries, speaking a second language can get you a promotion or opportunities for travel.

3. Is there a country you've always wanted to visit? If so, choose its native language. The goal of traveling to another country can be a huge motivator when learning a new language. Surround your study space with pictures of the country you want to visit. The promise of someday immersing yourself in the culture will help keep you excited about your language study.

4. What language resources do you have access to? If there's a strong Spanish speaking community where you live, it may be easier to choose Spanish. Look into what clubs are available at local universities or libraries. If you have friends who speak a foreign language, choosing the language they already speak can give you someone to practice with.

If you still can't choose a language to study than just go with your gut. Pick a language you think is the most interesting and read about the culture of the countries where it's spoken. This will help you gain enthusiasm for the language you are beginning to study.