Many people wonder if learning a second language is worth the time, money and effort. Well I'm here to tell you that it is! There are so many benefits that come with learning a second language. I should know, I studied Chinese for over 8 years (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006)! I even went to the Chinese Australian Preschool in Canberra! My mother was actually studying to be a Chinese teacher in my early childhood years so I guess she has been the one to encourage me from day one. Too bad my brothers weren't as interested - they're missing out big time! Anyway, time for me to explain some of the many benefits of learning a second language!

#1: Opportunities - When I say opportunities, I mean good ones. For example, when I was studying Chinese I had the opportunity to study in China for 2 weeks. 2 weeks isn't that long but it was well worth it! I got to travel to BeiJing and ShangHai as well as some provinces in between. It was an amazing experience as I got to live with a Chinese family for about 4 days and even go to school with the children! We even got in the newspaper and I was actually interviewed (in Chinese of course... man was I lucky I could actually speak proper Chinese...). It was the trip of a lifetime and best of all, I got to do it with all my best mates by my side.

#2: Careers - If you can speak a second language, so many more doors open up for you career-wise. You could be a translator, get into politics, study to be a teacher of a second language, and so much more! Being able to speak Chinese myself, I can use these skills wherever I go. If there is a Chinese tourist in desperate need of some help, I can help them. It's all about the added possibilities.

#3: Discipline - Learning a second language is a good form of discipline. Sounds strange, doesn't it? Well it's not. To learn a second language takes great concentration and a lot of commitment. You have to actually try. No matter how you decide to learn a second language, it will always take discipline. Discipline comes with all forms of learning and sometimes we don't even realise it.

#4: Knowledge - Well this is obvious. With anything we learn comes knowledge. We learn more and more each day and we will never stop learning until the day that we die (and who know, we may still be learning after that). Even having basic skills in a second language such a writing, asking for directions, calling for a cab, asking for the nearest hotel etc are great forms of knowledge to have. We all need knowledge to succeed and excell - why not build on that?

I think I have pretty much covered the main benefits of learning a second language. Think about it, you can act smarter than all your friends... who doesn't wanna be able to do that? Anyway, at least give learning a second language a go. Choose one that you have an interest in, even if your interest lies within the culture. I did and I succeeded and I'll never look back - either will you.