7 Reasons for English Speakers to Learn Spanish

Up until just a few years ago, Spanish was rarely offered as a foreign language to study at schools, but now there are several Spanish courses on offer, and there is a reason for this!

If you do not have the chance to study Spanish at school, you should definitely take the opportunity to do a Spanish course!

Why?

1. Spanish is an international language

With 523 million native speakers, Spanish is one of the world's most widely spoken languages after Mandarin and English, and has official status in more than 20 countries.

2. Not only important for Latin America

Since Spanish is the main foreign language taught at American schools and universities, those of us living in the Northern hemisphere have a good reason to learn Spanish. There also happens to be an entire country in Europe where Spanish is spoken – Spain!

3. No matter what dialect is spoken, everyone can understand each other

Although Spanish is spoken in different parts of the world, speakers of various Spanish dialects are usually able to understand each other well. Therefore, you don't need to specialise in a Spanish dialect. Languages such as Portuguese and Italian are also very similar to Spanish.

4. Spanish is an up-and-coming language for the job market

Many Latin American countries are currently experiencing sudden growth. If you learn Spanish now, you are likely to be in great demand when it comes to job hunting in a few years' time.

5. Sunbathing and travelling

If the reason to study Spanish for future job opportunities does not convince you, then this one probably will! Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations, particularly for the English, so knowing Spanish is always useful when travelling. Popular drinks like mojitos or piña coladas taste much better when ordered in Spanish!

6. There's more than just tapas and paella

What do you know about Spanish cuisine? Probably not a lot, because Spanish cuisine in itself does not exist, but there are numerous regional dishes with a wide variety of food. Outside Spain, there are also many other dishes that originate from Spain, especially in Latin America. These will certainly taste better if you try them with your new Spanish-speaking friends.

7. Spanish art and culture

Many innovative artists, writers, architects and sculptors speak Spanish or have spoken Spanish. If you want to immerse yourself in the world of Miguel de Cervantes, Gabriel García Márquez or Pablo Picasso, knowing how to speak Spanish is definitely an advantage. The Spanish film scene should also not be underrated, as it is very dynamic. For example, the Spanish original to Vanilla Sky (2001), Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes, 1997).

So here at the Instituto Hemingway we invite you to come and study Spanish with us! You will also be able to enjoy many fun activities with other students which are all included in the price of our courses.

We look forward to welcoming you here in Bilbao!