Why+learn+Spanish?


 * 1) Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world (Chinese is 1st, English is 2nd).
 * 2) Knowing Spanish allows you to travel to more places. While the highly tourist cities in Spanish-speaking countries have plenty of English speakers, it is hard to find English speakers in many of the more remote and interesting places.
 * 3) Your Spanish abilities can get you **free college credits** (credits are VERY expensive in college). The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey averages approximately $15,000 for the 2009-2010 school year (assuming 24-36 credits for the year, 12-18 per semester). There are two tests you can take to get credit for what you learn in high school. To score well on these tests it is recommended that you take Spanish all 4 years.
 * 4) **Placement tests**  - many colleges require you to take a placement exam in English, math, and the language you studied in high school (Placement tests vary from school to school, it is always best to check into specific schools you are interested in). The results of the placement test places you in a certain level. In most schools if you get a B or better in that level you get credit for all the previous levels. So say you place into the 3rd semester of Spanish and get a B in that class. You would get the credits for that class (usually 4) plus the credits for the 1st semester (usually 4) and the credits for 2nd semester (usually 4). That is 12 credits for the price of 4!!!! Plus that means you can register earlier for your next semester (and more easily get into the courses you want/need).
 * 5) [|**CLEP**] - This is a test you can take for about $70. From this test you get 3-12 college credits (check with the college you are interested in - not all colleges accept CLEP credits). This allows you to register earlier than your classmates for your freshman year and gives you college credits for only $70.
 * 6) Learning a language helps you better learn English grammar.
 * 7) Learning a language also helps reorganize how your brain works so that you are more successful in math and science as well.
 * 8) It is so cool to be able to walk down the hall and speak with your friend a "secret language" that other students can't understand.
 * 9) So many jobs require or recommend being able to speak Spanish. It is extremely helpful in the medical field as well as government jobs, retail, human resources, management, and many more. I have even seen an engineering job that was asking for a bilingual speaker! And the CIA almost automatically takes any candidate who can speak another language regardless of that candidates experience or other skills. It often is what will separate you from other candidates and get you the job you want! For some jobs in the area asking for Spanish speakers go to Indeed.com.
 * 10) Learning a language gives you the opportunity to communicate with people around the world.
 * 11) It will help you communicate better (with your friends, parents, teachers, etc.).
 * 12) Spanish is FUN!! [[image:http://sites.google.com/site/srtaaugustine/_/rsrc/1232419097130/Home/why-learn-spanish-1/spanish_brainstorming_poster.jpg link="http://sites.google.com/site/srtaaugustine/Home/why-learn-spanish-1/spanish_brainstorming_poster.jpg?attredirects=0"]]