Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world (Chinese is 1st, English is 2nd).
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.
Your Spanish abilities can get you free college credits (credits are VERY expensive in college). UW-Madison costs $7,570 for the 2008-2009 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.
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).
It will help you communicate better (with your friends, parents, teachers, etc.).
Learning a language helps you better learn English grammar.
Learning a language also helps reorganize how your brain works so that you are more successful in math and science as well.
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.
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 toIndeed.com.
Learning a language gives you the opportunity to communicate with people around the world.
Spanish is FUN!!
http://www.actfl.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=4524
Maryellen Weimer's list of seven characteristics of good learners.
Good learners are curious
Good learners pursue understanding diligently
Good learners recognize that a lot of learning isn’t fun.
Failure frightens good learners, but they know it’s beneficial.
Good learners make knowledge their own.
Good learners never run out of questions.
Good learners share what they’ve learned.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LANGUAGE LEARNER
1. Good language learners find a style of learning that suits them.
2. Good language learners are actively involved in the language learning process.
3. Good language learners try to figure out how the language works.
4. Good language learners know that language is used to communicate.
5. Good language learners are like good detectives. They are always looking for clues that will help them understand how the language works. They ask questions, seek help, record what they have learned, and monitor themselves.
6. Good language learners learn to think in the language.
7. Good language learners realize that language learning is not easy.
8. Good language learners are also good culture learners aware of the
very close relationship between language and culture.
9. Good language learners have a long term commitment to language
learning. They are realistic in realising that it takes time and practice.
Read the original document downloaded from montgomeryschoolsmd.org