Why study English

Seven reasons to study English

It’s no secret that English is the most widely spoken language in the world. In fact an estimated 1.5 billion people speak English globally.

But perhaps more interesting is the fact it’s the native language of only 400 million people. That’s right, for the vast majority of English speakers, it is not their native language.

Instead, they have learned to speak English as a second language, with English the most popular language to study.

But why is that the case? Well there are a host of reasons people choose to study English, and here are the top seven…

Global language

English is an official language in 88 countries, and also ranks as the most taught foreign language in the world.

Because it is so widely spoken, English has become known as a global language and is the official language for a host of different international activities, including aviation and maritime operations.

English is one of the official languages of the United Nations, and also the International Olympic Committee, and is also commonly used in science, computing, diplomacy, tourism, and business.

Job opportunities

The ability to speak English opens up an array of job opportunities across the globe. Not only does English proficiency allow you to work in English speaking countries, it also allows you to take advantage of opportunities in multinational companies.

In fact, the ability to speak English can help advance your career, particularly in fields such as business, computing, aviation, and science where English is either commonly spoken or the official language.

Travel and tourism

If you’re looking to travel, the ability to speak English can be a major advantage. An understanding of English can help when it comes to navigating foreign countries and interacting with local residents, even if English isn’t the native language.

Study options

Just as English can open doors when it comes to career opportunities, it can also allow you to enjoy different study options, including studying and experiencing the student lifestyle in an English speaking country.

Cultural exposure

There’s nothing quite like engaging with the culture of another country and experiencing their customs, traditions and nuances.

As it’s so widely spoken, English helps facilitate this, allowing you to communicate with people from a diverse array of backgrounds and cultures.

Entertainment & information

Think of the blockbuster TV shows and movies out there. That’s right, most of them are in English. And it’s not just popular culture where English tends to be the language of choice.

Classic literature is often either written in or translated into English, while mainstream music and media is often in English as well.

Meanwhile, scientific research, medical journals and a whole host of other information is often presented in English in the interests of wider distribution.

Personal fulfillment

And finally, adding an extra language to your skillset is a personally fulfilling experience. It’s also one that can have extra benefits in terms of cognitive abilities by increasing your memory and learning skills.

Ready to study English?

If you’re considering studying English, Australia boasts an array of English language courses at locations across the country.

You can start your search here or learn more about the different types of English courses here.