Benefits of learning a second language

Students may not be fully aware of the value of learning a second language, but more and more parents are recognizing that knowing a second language will give their children many advantages in the future.
Learning a second language at an early age...
• Has a positive effect on intellectual growth.
• Enriches and enhances a child's mental development.
• Leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening.
• Improves a child's understanding of his/her native language.
• Gives a child the ability to communicate with people s/he would otherwise not have the chance to know.
• Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other countries.
• Gives a student a head start in language requirements for college.
• Increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.
(From: http://www.discoverlanguages.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3651 & http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/french/FSL/whatsnew/FSL_handbook/default.html)