What do FIFA World Cup, international airline pilots, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have in common?
They all use English as their official language!
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English is currently spoken by 1 out of every 5 people around the world. Not all are native speakers. In fact, most aren't!
Improving your English language skills can lead to new educational and employment opportunities, travel adventures, and new friendships.
1. English is the Language of International Education
Let's say you grew up in Indonesia and your first language is Bahasa Indonesia. You'd like to earn an undergraduate degree at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. You don't speak Dutch (the official language of the Netherlands) and the faculty and students of Maastricht University don't speak Bahasa Indonesia.
Not to worry! Maastricht University is one of many universities around the world that uses English as a medium of instruction (EMI). There are several EMI universities located in countries where English isn't an official language.
Improving your English language skills will enable you to study with teachers and students from a range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It won't matter if you don't speak the language of your teachers and classmates or if they don't speak yours.
English will connect you!
Quiz
Whatare the benefits of studying at an EMI (English as a medium of instruction) university? Check all that apply!
2. English is the Language of International Travel
Now let's say while you're a student at Maastricht University, you decide to travel during your holidays. Your English will come in handy not only in the United Kingdom and Ireland, but also in other countries in Europe, in Africa, and in Asia.
Street signs, travel announcements, menus, and cultural sites (e.g. museums) are often written in English.
As well, you're likely to use your English when you go through customs and immigration at a border crossing or airport, when you check into a hotel or hostel, and when you socialize with fellow travelers at a bar or restaurant.
3. English is the International Language of Work
International organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and Amnesty International use English as an official language.
So do everyday jobs in education, human resources, and business. Many employers prefer (and even require) proficiency in English.
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Even if English isn't commonly used in your home country, your job may require you to communicate with people from English-speaking countries in North America, Australia, or the United Kingdom.
You may also have to communicate with people from South America or Africa. Strong English skills will help you to do this!
Situations in which you may use your English:
Meeting with your multinational colleagues on a conference call/Zoom meeting
Working on a project with multinational participants
Presenting at a conference/convention
4. English is a Passport
Even if you don't decide to study, travel, or work internationally, having solid English skills is a passport!
Benefits of learning English well:
You can make friends around the world. English is a lingua franca — a language that is used between speakers whose native languages are different. If your native language is Spanish, you can use English to communicate with a native speaker of Arabic.
You can enjoy films, books, songs, and plays written in English without relying on subtitles or a dictionary!
Quiz
What is a benefit of learning English? Check all that apply!
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