Spain is one of many countries that has Spanish as its national language.
As the global marketplace expands, knowledge of languages has become an asset in many different senses. However, it is difficult to learn more than one language at once. Whether you are contemplating learning a new language yourself or wish to teach your children a language, learning Spanish has many different advantages. Consider the benefits of speaking Spanish when choosing which language to study.
Marketability
When applying for jobs, internships and specialized educational programs, knowing another language can be an asset that sets a candidate apart from the crowd. Other than simply looking impressive, however, knowing Spanish is important on a practical level in today's marketplace: according to the 2010 census, the Hispanic group is the largest minority in the United States today. To help work with this constituency (though many also speak English), employers can benefit by hiring candidates who speak Spanish.
Career Advancement
If you are already in a job that you enjoy, a knowledge of Spanish can help you advance to the next level in your company. Even if there are no positions that directly call for a knowledge of Spanish, making the case for the creation or an adaptation of a higher position that does require this knowledge can demonstrate positive initiative to your boss and superiors at your company and may even land you this position.
New Markets
For small business owners and those who are self-employed, a knowledge of Spanish can open up new marketing opportunities --- even global ones. If you sell goods on the Internet, for example, creating a bilingual website can help you reach customers in Spanish-speaking nations around the world, as well as the significant Spanish-speaking population in the United States.
Educational and Cultural Advantages
Knowing Spanish is not simply an advantage for the work environment, but can also present significant advantages on a personal level. A knowledge of Spanish can qualify you to study abroad in Spain, Latin America and Central America, as well as making your resume more well-rounded and showing a balance of interests. In addition, it opens up the opportunity to visit many countries, while being comfortable speaking the native language (as well as not getting ripped off for being a tourist at local stores!).
