As Pierre Corneille rightly quoted, “A vaincre sans peril, on triomphe sans gloire”, which means, ‘To win without risk is a triumph without glory’. As globalization seeps through India, foreign objects and words are widespread. Foreign influence is everywhere, ranging from Airbus aircrafts and Louis Vuitton bags to BMW cars and Adidas sneakers. And this is reflected in education as well. The number of Indian students studying abroad in France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Japan has been rising every decade. The state-of-the-art institutions, high quality of teaching and vast job opportunities make these countries a perfect location for attaining a foreign education.

But what prevents capable students from studying in these countries is the lack of knowledge of the native language. Nearly all universities in these countries have a strict language proficiency requirement, often of a high level. Keeping the eligibility requirement aside, it is difficult to survive in a nation without knowing the native language, especially where English is not widely spoken.

There are numerous benefits of learning a foreign language. Adding fluency in a second language to your resume would mean increased chances of employment compared to unilingual job-seekers. As companies venture into new markets, companies look for employees possessing the ability to communicate with a diverse group of people. Proficiency in a foreign language adds volumes to a resume, be it for higher education or for employment.

Studies have proven that acquiring a second language improves memory and increases attention span. The process of becoming bilingual exercises the brain, enhances concentration and boosts problem-solving skills.

Universities in France, Germany, Japan, etc. require proficiency in their respective native language as a primary eligibility criterion, usually at a minimum of B2 level. Various foreign language institutes have emerged all over India. These serve as gateways to new cultures, all while conducting official language examinations ranging from A1(beginner) to C1(advanced). The students here are of all ages, each with a different purpose. While the conventional students wish to upgrade their resume, some students learn a new language as a hobby, which makes the entire experience extremely enjoyable.

So, don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to begin learning a foreign language, begin today! Or as the Spanish say it, “No dejes para mañana lo que puedas hacer hoy.”