When I first realized that I was no longer translating every single word from Portuguese to English as she spoke, it finally registered that I was well on my way to knowing another language. It was that same second-grade feeling of speaking to my friends in Pig Latin during recess. I now know that taking two years of a foreign language in college was one of the best decisions I ever have made.

As a junior in high school, I decided to take Latin because I needed an elective and it seemed like a useful class for the impending college entry tests and applications. Then, when I enrolled in classes at MSU, I thought it would be interesting and fun to learn a foreign language. But by the time I had my orientation, all of the standard romance language classes were full. So, I took a chance and enrolled in Portuguese 101.

Now at the end of my second year of Portuguese classes, I have learned so much more than just a language. Learning Portuguese has improved my English grammar, made me more aware of another culture, increased my interest in international travel and, among other things, it was fun.

After this experience, I believe everyone should be educated in a foreign language. Countless studies have shown that learning a second language, especially early in childhood, has many practical benefits.

Learners show improved English skills as a result of learning extensive grammar and vocabulary in both English and the second language. It also improves test-taking skills by improving overall linguistic ability.

Adding the ability to speak another language to résumés is another bonus, especially because international career opportunities are very common. Being able to communicate with a variety of business partners and clients can reap many benefits and make a candidate stand out from the crowd.

International travel and careers are more viable than ever. Being able to travel to a country whose native language with which you are at least familiar provides an opportunity for a richer experience. I have previously traveled in Europe without any knowledge of a foreign language and wanted nothing more than to be able to speak the language of the people by which I was surrounded. I know that English is commonly spoken in many parts of the world, but I find it arrogant and rude to expect people to know my language when I am visiting their homeland.

If the U.S. wants to improve its international education standings, then there needs to be more emphasis on foreign language learning. When Americans are competing for jobs on a global scale, being fluent in more than one language is a huge bonus that just isn’t built in to our society.

As I prepare to study abroad in Spain this summer, I am looking forward to testing out my Portuguese on a side trip to Portugal and really connect with the country. Also, I can use my foundation in Portuguese to more easily learn Spanish.

Although learning a language has many practical benefits for tests, employers and traveling, perhaps my favorite part of my experience in a language class has been learning about the people.

Both of my Portuguese professors were native speakers — one from Portugal and the other from Brazil. Not only did this improve my learning of pronunciation and accent, it also added the ability for them to share personal knowledge of their own culture, letting students hear firsthand accounts of holidays and food.

Having professors who not only brought a language with them to MSU, but also their own life experiences, was instrumental in my education. I learned about other cultures in depth and it truly expanded my view of the world.

Now is the time to make learning a foreign language a priority. International borders are diminishing day by day and there are so many ways to learn languages. My professors and peers have shared so much of themselves with me through the process.

Learning a language is more than conjugating verbs and vocabulary on flash cards. It’s developing a connection to the world around you one strange syllable at a time.

Alanna Thiede is a State News intern. Reach her at thiedea1@msu.edu.