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Parents want their children to have the best education possible and part of that is gaining skills
that can be used in the future workplace environment. As we become more of a global economy it is
becoming increasingly common to interact with colleagues and customers that do not speak English as
their first language. Obviously there is some give and take in the amount of time you have
available to learn any subject as a youth. In the past learning Spanish may have taken a back seat
to computer skills, physical education, art, or another elective course that is not part of the
typical core subject taught on a daily basis.
We have certainly seen the importance and the growth involved with learning computer skills over
the past 20 years, as at one time a computer class may have consisted of playing Oregon trail for
an hour. Clearly this wasn't an effective use of time. The school day has not grown, however we
have seen these subjects gaining importance in the amount of time focused in learning the essential
skills. It seems clear that if there is the impetus and a growing importance in a community for a
school to give more emphasis on language studies that the school's curriculum will be altered
likewise to give more focus on developing a students ability to speak a second language.
This particular subject was given close attention by Rosetta Stone as released by Market Watch,
conducted a study to determine the needs for learning foreign language. They determined that
parents felt it was extremely important for their children to learn a second language in order to
stay competitive in today's marketplace and that it is a deciding factor in the overall
intelligence of a person. It is no longer thought of just another "culture" course. Clearly this
study gives credence to the use of their language courses to build your resume and utilize your
time efficiently by fitting in their lessons when time is available. Spanish Abroad has seen the
ability of Rosetta Stone's courses to provide a means of learning a language and has offered one
month of free online Spanish courses prior to the start of any of your Spanish Immersion programs
for several years now.
Many people feel that a true Spanish immersion course abroad is the best way to learn Spanish fast
as you actually think in Spanish rather than simply translate it your mind. You are forced to speak
the language with locals and carry actual conversations in real life scenarios. The formal
classroom setting gives you a forum to go back to on a daily basis to build the necessary grammar,
vocabulary, and structure needed to carry a smooth and understandable conversation. You can also
fit an Spanish immersion course into a week long vacation, as well a month to 3 month winter or
summer break.
In addition to accommodations your host family will provide you a home base where you know you will
have someone who will help you practice Spanish. Host parents and their children are accustomed to
having foreigners in their home who are learning Spanish and are better at giving you the time to
construct your thoughts while communicating. They also are great at correcting you when you are
wrong, so that you have constant reinforcement to build your Spanish ability and confidence in
speaking.
By learning Spanish in an immersed environment you can go into any work situation and effectively
speak with clients and co-workers who speak in Spanish on a daily basis. They will see that you
have taken the time in life to learn this skill which you can use in your every day work life. You
will become part of the global community and open yourself up to being able to communicate with
millions of additional people in this world.
Jesse W. A. Smith - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
By Jesse W. A. Smith
September 14,
2010
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jesse_W._A._Smith
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