Academic Advantages

• Foreign language students score statistically higher on standardized tests (from a publication by ERIC: 1992 report, College Board Seniors: The 1992 Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers.  The College Entrance Exam Board reported that students who averaged four or more years of foreign language study scored higher on the verbal section of the SAT than those who had studied four or more years in any other subject area. 
• There is a window of opportunity for second language learning that begins when a child is one year of age. (Lach, 1997)  Research presented in TIME magazine suggested that foreign languages should be taught to children as early as possible. (Nash, 1997)
• Young students who received daily instruction in a foreign language (taught as a separate subject) out-performed those who did not receive such instruction on the third-, fourth- and fifth grade language arts sections of Louisiana's Basic Skills Tests (Rafferty, 1986)
• Numerous other studies have also shown a positive relationship between foreign language study and English language arts achievement (Barik and Swain, 1975; Genesee, 1987; Swain, 1981)
• Recent brain research has generated media interest in how early learning experiences--including first and second language acquisition--promote cognitive development.

(From ERIC Review-Volume 6: Issue 1, Fall 1998)

Students of foreign languages:

• can improve their skills and grades in math and English because language learning improves analytic and interpretative skills
• learn alternative ways of expression
• have access to a greater number of career possibilities
• develop a deeper understanding of their own culture 
• have a greater depth of understanding human experience by fostering appreciation of customs and different cultures.

Professional Advantages

• Professionals who know other languages are called on to travel and exchange information with people in other countries throughout their careers. 
• Knowing more than one language enhances opportunities in government, business, medicine and health care, law enforcement, teaching, technology, the military, communications, industry, social service and marketing. 
• Americans fluent in other languages enhance our economic competitiveness abroad, improve global communication, and maintain our political and security interests.
• Knowledge of a foreign language improves access to information in today’s world where the Internet provides an open door to countries around the world.
• As demonstrated by the 2000 U.S. Census, the American population is growing in diversity, demonstrating a need for provision of services to individuals who speak many different languages.