10 Benefits of Learning English as a Second Language

English is spoken by well over a billion people and is the main shared language of international business, science, travel and the internet. Whether you are just starting or already intermediate, here are 10 real benefits of learning English as a second language.

1. More job opportunities

Many international companies use English every day. Good English opens doors to jobs in multinational businesses, tourism, technology and remote work, and can help you move into higher-level roles.

2. Study abroad

English lets you study at universities and colleges in the UK and around the world. Many international courses are taught in English, and an IELTS or Cambridge certificate is often part of the entry requirements.

3. Travel with confidence

English is widely used in airports, hotels and tourist areas around the world, so you can ask for help, order food and meet people wherever you go.

4. Access to information

A huge share of online content, research, courses and news is published in English. With good English you can learn from the best sources directly, without waiting for a translation.

5. Films, music and books

Enjoy films, series, songs, podcasts and books in their original language and understand the humour and cultural references that translations often miss.

6. Friends from around the world

English is the common language for people from different countries. In an English class you meet students from all over the world and keep those friendships for life.

7. A deeper understanding of other cultures

Learning a language means learning how people think, joke and live. English gives you a window into British culture and many others.

8. A sharper mind

Research suggests that learning another language exercises your memory, attention and problem-solving skills, and many learners find it keeps their mind active as they get older.

9. More confidence

Every conversation you manage in English is an achievement. Over time, speaking another language builds real self-confidence that carries into other parts of your life.

10. Easier to learn other languages

Once you know how to learn one language, with grammar, vocabulary and listening strategies, learning a third language becomes easier.

Start learning English in the UK

The fastest way to improve is to learn English where it is spoken every day. Take our free English level test, then explore our English courses in the UK in Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Colchester and Portsmouth.