In many countries students learn a second language as standard, whereas we seem to do things differently – and not for the better. If we learn a language it is often as part of our degree or further education and we study the language and little else - while it is interesting it does not equip us for the outside world except as a translator or interpreter.
There is a growing trend, however, to learn a second or even third language in conjunction with whatever we are studying for and this does help us in our career.
If we are into logistics, we never know when we might have to talk to International shipping removals germany and if we are in the business world we may need to communicate with people from China, Russia or other countries influential in business and commerce.
Some universities now recognise that we cannot study a language just for itself, we have to combine it with some area of expertise such as IT, business, law or finance and there are now many dual degree courses which allow students to develop both their linguistic talent with another subject.
Another approach offered by some universities is to offer a non degree language course alongside whatever degree the student is taking – there is no qualification at the end of it but it is a head start for the students.