Foreign language learning requires time and effort. The reasons below will help to convince you to take the plunge, if such persuasion is needed.

- When you move to a different country, learning the local language will help you to communicate and integrate with the local society. Even if many of the locals speak your language, for example if your native language is English and you move to the Netherlands, it still matters learning the local language. Doing so will demonstrate your deep interest in and commitment to the new country.

- If your partner, relatives or friends speak a different language, learning that language will help you to communicate with them. It will also give you a better understanding of their culture and way of thinking.

- If your work involves regular contact with foreign language speakers, being able to talk to them in their own languages will help you to communicate with them. Foreign languages knowledge may also increase your chances of finding a new job, getting a promotion or a transfer overseas, or of going on foreign business trips. Many English-speaking business people don't bother to learn foreign languages because they believe that most of the people they do business with in foreign countries can speak English, but if they don't speak English, interpreters can be used. The lack of foreign language knowledge puts the English speakers at a disadvantage. In meetings for example, the people on the other side can discuss things amongst themselves in their own language without the English speakers understanding, and using interpreters slows everything down.

- You may find that necessary information about subjects you're interested in is published mainly in a foreign language. Learning that language will give you access to the material and enable you to communicate with fellow students and researchers in the field.

- Many English speakers seem to believe that wherever you go on a vacation you can get by speaking English, so there's no point in learning any other languages. If people don't understand you all you have to do is speak slowly and turn up the volume. You can more or less get away with this, as long as you stick to popular tourist resorts and hotels where you can usually find someone who speaks English. However, if you want to venture beyond such places, to get to know the locals, to read signs, menus, etc, knowing the local language is really necessary. A basic ability in a foreign language will help you to order food and drink, find your way around, buy tickets, etc. If you have a more advanced knowledge of the language, you can have real conversations with the people you meet, which can be very interesting and will add a new dimension to your vacation.

- If you plan to study at a foreign educational establishment, you'll need a good knowledge of the local language, unless the course you want to study is taught through the medium of your native language. Your institution will probably provide preparatory courses to improve your language skills and continuing support throughout your main course.

- Maybe you're interested in the literature, poetry, films, TV programs, music or some other aspect of the culture of people who speak a particular language and want to learn their language in order to gain a better understanding of their culture.