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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!

Globe with an airplane and the letters 'EN' for EnglishImage courtesy of Canva

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.

Did you know?

By 2050, the total number of English speakers is anticipated to grow to 2 billion people.

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.

Four graduating students and their teacher celebrating.

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!

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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.

A street sign in Nanjing China, cautioning pedestrians to be careful.  Photo by the author.

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.

Did you know?

English is an official language in 67 countries, including Pakistan, Malta, and Nigeria.

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.

People from different countries/continents connecting together.

Image courtesy of Canva

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

Did you know?

Having strong English language skills can lead to an 80% increase in salary!

4. English is a Passport

Even if you don't decide to study, travel, or work internationally, having solid English skills is a passport!

A woman's hand holding a purple passport with globe on it.

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!

Take Action

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License:

This Byte has been authored by

AW

Adria Winfield

Digital Learning Coach

English

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